Welcome back to our blog series in which we’re talking about the most common kinds of dental procedures. Here at our Boulder dental clinic, we’re passionate about making sure that we’re doing everything that we can to improve the look, feel, and health of our patients’ smiles. If you’re ready to schedule your appointment with Dr. Montoya, contact us at Boulder Dental Designs today!
In part one of our blog series, we discussed the three categories of dental work: preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. As we mentioned previously, preventative dentistry includes any procedure that helps to keep a more serious condition from cropping up. Fillings, cleanings, and sealants all fall into this category because they are all dental work that prevents damage or further damage. In today’s blog, we’re going to look at the other two categories of dental work. Continue reading below to learn more.
Restorative Dentistry
This category is often a little bit difficult to clearly define because many procedures that restore your teeth to a healthy place are also used to prevent other issues from worsening. Many restorative procedures can also fit into the cosmetic dentistry category. Let’s discuss some of the most common procedures that are often called restorative dentistry.
Root Canal – A root canal (an endodontics procedure), is, for some reason, many people’s biggest fear when it comes to intimidating dental work. When the pulp or root of a tooth becomes inflamed, it is usually the result of tooth decay that has been allowed to get worse. A root canal involves drilling a tooth out, removing the infected and decayed portions, sanitizing the canal, and then filling it.
Extractions – When a tooth is too far gone to fix with a filling, root canal, or anything else, your Boulder dentist might suggest that it’s time for an extraction. The need for an extraction could be the result of severe gum disease, a severely rotted tooth, or a tooth that’s been broken beyond repair. Thanks to modern dental technology, after you’ve had an extraction, your best Boulder Dentist is able to get your tooth replaced with an implant so that you’re not left with an unsightly and inconvenient gap.
Fillings – Though fillings were listed in our last blog as a preventative dental measure, it is also an important measure in restorative dentistry. Yes, a filling keeps a cavity from getting worse but it also restores a tooth to a healthy state in which the tooth is renewed to be “as good as new.” A filling is a valuable dental procedure and it could be the difference between a tooth that’s eventually lost, and a tooth that is given a second chance.
Crowns – Here is another form of dental procedure which could be placed in more than one category. Crowns are often considered cosmetic dentistry, however, they can also be a form of restorative dentistry. If a tooth is so far gone, either due to an accident or a cavity, and an extraction isn’t the only option left, a crown may be a viable way to save the tooth. A crown is a shell that is bonded to a tooth to reinforce or protect it on all sides.
Restorative dentistry is such an important and valuable part of what we do here at our Boulder dental care office. When people come to us either in pain, with significant dental problems, or with concerns of other dental issues, we consider it our first priority to get everything sorted out. Many people would have no idea of the advanced procedures that we’re capable of performing.
Are you ready to start taking your dental health seriously? Is it time to get that sore tooth looked at? Has it been way too long since you scheduled a check-up or cleaning with your Boulder dentist? If you could answer “yes” to any of these questions, it’s time to give us a call.
Contact The Experts
At Boulder Dental Designs, we specialize in all kinds of dentistry. No matter what kind of dental procedure you’re in need of, Dr. Montoya can help you out. Whether you need a common procedure, preventative care, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, help with gum disease, or anything else, we’re here to help! Call our offices or contact us through our website to schedule an appointment.