Fix it, keep it

Repair and protect what you have.

A cracked tooth, a lost filling, a missing tooth. Most of the repair work you need happens right here in Santa Maria, with honest options and a written estimate before we start.

Schedule Online Call (805) 922-4109

Smiling older man relaxing in a dental chair

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS·Last updated October 9, 2026

4.9 out of 5 from 473 Google reviews (as of October 2026). Read them on GoogleCaring for Santa Maria families for more than 40 yearsThree dentists accepting new patients

Our team handles most restorative work in-house: tooth-colored fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, and most implant cases. When a specific case is best handled by a specialist (less common but it happens), we coordinate the referral and stay involved in your care plan.

What we fix.

Tooth-colored fillings

Comfortable, mercury-free, color-matched to your natural tooth. Most are finished in one visit.

Dental crowns

Custom-made caps that protect a tooth too damaged for a filling. Two visits, about two to three weeks apart.

Dental bridges

Replace a missing tooth by anchoring to the neighboring teeth. A classic, well-tested option when an implant isn’t the right fit.

Root canals

When a tooth is infected or deeply decayed, a root canal can save it. We focus on comfort and clear explanations.

Dental implants

Replace a missing tooth from the root up. Most implant cases are planned and completed in our office, with specialist support when a case calls for it.

Emergency repair

A broken tooth, a lost crown, pain that won’t wait. Call us and we triage same-day when we can.

Emergency dentistry

How we plan your repair.

Conservative first, always. If a filling will do, we don’t recommend a crown. If a tooth can be saved with a root canal, we don’t jump to extraction. We explain what we see, show you the images, and let you choose.

Exam and imaging

Comprehensive look at the tooth, surrounding gums, and bite. Low-dose imaging where clinically needed.

Honest options

What the tooth needs now, what can wait, and what each option costs. In plain language.

Written estimate

Before any treatment begins. For bigger plans we recommend a pre-treatment estimate from your insurance.

Treatment at your pace

Phased when it helps. Comfort breaks whenever you need them. Nothing moves forward without your go-ahead.

When we refer to a specialist.

Most restorative care is handled by one of our three doctors right here. Occasionally a case needs skills or equipment outside our office: complex oral surgery, complicated endodontic retreatment, advanced periodontal surgery, or orthodontics. When that is the right path for your tooth, we tell you honestly, coordinate the referral to a trusted specialist, and stay involved in planning and follow-up.

You’ll not be bounced around with no one owning your care. If a specialist visit is needed, we remain your dental home and handle everything that happens before and after.

Who you’ll see.

Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Practicing since 2011, in the practice her father, Dr. Robert Kitto, founded. Full-scope family and restorative care.

Every doctor here sees kids and adults, and you can ask for the same doctor each visit. Meet all three dentists.

Insurance, minus the headache.

Most PPO plans welcome. We check your benefits before your visit, including deductible and remaining yearly maximum.
A written estimate first. For anything beyond a routine preventive visit, you see what insurance is expected to pay and what you owe before we begin.
We file the claim. You don’t need to send anything to your carrier yourself.
No insurance? No problem. We explain costs up front. Our membership plan covers routine care for one yearly fee, and CareCredit or Cherry financing can help with larger treatment.

Not sure what your plan covers?

Call with your carrier name and member ID. We’ll tell you what to expect before you book. Heads up: we don’t participate in most DHMO or Medi-Cal dental plans.

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Insurance and payment details

Common questions

Will I need a referral to see a specialist?

Only when your case specifically calls for one, which is uncommon in general restorative work. Most crowns, bridges, root canals, and implants are planned and completed in our office. When a specialist is the right choice, we coordinate the referral and remain your dental home.

How long does a crown or bridge take?

Usually two visits over two to three weeks: the first for prep and impression (with a temporary in place), the second to fit and bond the final restoration.

Do you do dental implants?

Yes. We plan most implant cases in our office and complete the final crown here. For the surgical placement, we partner with a trusted specialist when the case calls for it. The planning and finishing stay with us so you have one team responsible for the result. See our dental implants page.

What if a tooth can’t be saved?

Sometimes the honest answer is that a tooth needs to come out. When that is the case, we walk you through replacement options (implant, bridge, or doing nothing for now) and the trade-offs of each.

Do you take my insurance?

We work with most PPO dental plans. For larger restorative work (crowns, bridges, implants, root canals), we recommend a pre-treatment estimate. See our insurance and payment page.

How do I know which treatment I need?

It depends on how much healthy tooth is left and whether the nerve is involved. Small cavities usually need a filling. Larger damage may need a crown. Infection inside the tooth may need a root canal. We show you photos and x-rays and explain each option.

Can you fix more than one tooth at a visit?

Often, yes. When it makes sense we treat nearby teeth in one visit to save you time and extra numbing. We plan the order around what is most urgent and what your insurance year allows.

Will I know the cost before treatment, and when do I pay?

Yes. Before any treatment beyond your exam and cleaning, you get a written plan with a cost estimate. If you have insurance, we check your benefits first and file the claim for you. Your portion is due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, major credit cards, and financing through CareCredit or Cherry for larger treatment. See insurance and payment.

Not sure what your tooth needs?

Call us for an exam. We’ll show you what we see and explain your options honestly.

Call (805) 922-4109 Request an Appointment