Restorative Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry refers to the replacement, or restoration of, your teeth. Most typical and straightforward are fillings for the treatment of a cavity, but other solutions to more severe dental problems include implants, bridges & dentures, crowns, and root canal therapy.  We use a variety of materials in our restorations, weighing the advantages of each to aesthetics, functionality, and durability. And always keeping your comfort in mind, we offer sedation for those procedures that are a bit more anxiety provoking. 

Implants
We were among the very first dentists in Boulder County to become skilled in implant surgery and restoration. Implants — artificial roots and teeth — are many times the optimal solution to replacing missing teeth.

Because they mimic an actual tooth, implants help maintain the integrity of the jawbone, are very natural looking, and can be used in place of, or as anchors for, bridges and dentures.

Bridges and Dentures
There are a variety of options for restoring missing or badly deteriorated teeth, including the implants mentioned earlier.  Other possible options include bridges and dentures. 

Over time, a person’s teeth may all deteriorate naturally, and in that case, a full set of dentures is called for. But in many cases, just one or a few teeth may need to be replaced. In those situations, a partial denture or bridge may be the best solution.

Partial dentures have a metal framework with artificial teeth and gum areas; bridges have artificial teeth that are made of metal and/or porcelain.  Both fit between existing teeth and can be anchored with implants, crowns, or healthy existing teeth. We work with each patient to carefully analyze their needs and desires in choosing which options and materials to use.

Crowns 
Crowns, also called caps, partially or entirely encase a tooth so that it is restored to its original shape and size. Crowns protect and strengthen teeth that cannot be restored with a traditional filling. Root canal therapy, broken or decayed teeth and fractured fillings are a few reasons why a crown may be the best restorative option.   

We offer a variety of materials to suit your needs and tastes. That includes gold, something fewer dentists are using these days.  We continue to offer it because of its outstanding durability.

Root Canal Therapy
Years ago, the only solution to a damaged tooth core was the entire tooth’s quick removal. Today, root canal therapy can treat the problems of the core, the living tissue including nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue that extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root in the jawbone. Left untreated, a diseased or injured soft core will create an abscess — a pus pocket that can cause damage to the bone around the tooth.

Root canal therapy saves the tooth, providing a healthier and ultimately less costly solution to extraction.  The procedure involves removing the damaged core and any tooth decay through the top of the tooth. We then fill, clean and seal the area and place a crown over the remaining tooth to protect and fully restore it.

Sedation
Let’s face it, there are times when the thought of a particular dental procedure can produce a feeling of dread. For those procedures that are extremely anxiety provoking and/or long, we offer conscious oral sedation — medication that is swallowed and produces a very deep state of relaxation.

Though relaxed, you are not asleep and can still speak and respond to the requests of others. An added plus for most patients is that even a very long procedure will seem to have taken a very short time and very little, if anything, will be remembered of the procedure.