Whether caused by decay, gum disease, trauma or age, tooth loss should never be ignored. Fortunately, modern restorative dentistry offers a variety of solutions — including dental implants, bridges and dentures — including implant-supported dentures — that can help restore both your smile and your quality of life.

The hidden toll of missing teeth

So first, let us start with function. Your teeth are designed to work as a team. When even one is missing, the neighboring teeth begin to shift to fill the space. Over time, this movement can lead to misalignment, bite issues and jaw discomfort. Additionally, the opposing tooth — the one that used to make contact with the now-missing tooth — may grow longer in search of resistance, a phenomenon called “supra-eruption.” This can lead to uneven wear, cracks or even further tooth loss.

Then there is the matter of chewing. Every bite you take relies on a full set of teeth to grind food effectively. When teeth are missing, especially molars, digestion begins to suffer. Improperly chewed food can lead to indigestion or nutrient deficiencies, particularly in older adults who already struggle with maintaining a healthy diet.

Speech is another unexpected casualty. Teeth are essential for pronouncing certain sounds. When front teeth are missing, patients often struggle with speaking clearly. This can affect self-esteem, professional confidence and social interactions.

Jawbone health and facial structure

Beyond daily function, tooth loss impacts the structure of your jaw. Natural tooth roots stimulate the jawbone, keeping it strong and healthy. When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone begins to deteriorate — a process called resorption. Over time, this leads to a sunken facial appearance, especially in the cheeks and lips and can make someone appear older than they are.

This bone loss can also make it more difficult to replace missing teeth in the future. That is why early restorative treatment is critical for long-term oral health.

Restoring more than a smile

Restorative dentistry offers several options to help patients reclaim their function, comfort and confidence:

• Dental implants: are often considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. They mimic the natural tooth root and integrate with the jawbone, preserving bone health and offering a stable, long-lasting solution.
• Dental bridges: are a great option for patients missing one or several teeth in a row. Anchored to neighboring teeth or implants, bridges “bridge the gap” and restore chewing and speaking function.
• Dentures: whether full or partial, are a tried-and-true method of restoring larger sections of missing teeth. Today’s dentures are more natural-looking and comfortable than ever, helping patients smile and eat with confidence.
  

A healthy mouth is a healthier you

As you can see, tooth loss affects more than just your appearance — it impacts how you eat, speak and feel and restores your ability to live fully and comfortably. Our prosthodontists at Denver Restorative Dentistry in Broomfield, CO, are experts in restorative dentistry. If you have been putting off replacing a missing tooth, now is the time to talk to our team. Your health — and your happiness — depends on it. Schedule your appointment on our website or by calling 303-586-1019 today!

At our practice, we offer a variety of restorative options to suit your needs, including dentures, crowns, bridges, implants, fillings, inlays and onlays. Since we have talked a lot about dentures already, today we are exploring how each of the rest of our restorative treatments can positively impact your smile and your daily life.

Crowns: Strengthening and Protecting Your Pearly Whites

Dental crowns are custom-made restorations that cover and protect a damaged or weakened tooth. If you have a tooth with significant decay, a large filling, or a crack;  a crown restores its structure and prevents further damage. Crowns are designed to match your natural teeth, providing both durability and an aesthetically pleasing result. With a properly placed crown, you can chew comfortably, speak clearly and smile again with confidence.

Bridges: Replacing Missing Teeth for a Complete Smile

A dental bridge is an effective solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. By anchoring to adjacent teeth or dental implants, a bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance. Missing teeth can lead to shifting, bite misalignment and difficulty chewing. A bridge not only restores your smile’s symmetry but also prevents further dental issues by maintaining the proper positioning of your remaining teeth.

Implants: A Permanent Tooth Replacement Solution

Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth because they function just like natural teeth. A titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as an artificial root that supports a custom-made crown. Implants provide unparalleled stability, preventing bone loss and preserving the structure of your face. Unlike other tooth replacement options, implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. If you want a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for missing teeth, implants may be the perfect choice.

Fillings: Repairing Cavities and Restoring Strength

Cavities are a common dental concern, but they do not have to lead to extensive tooth damage. Dental fillings restore decayed teeth by sealing cavities and preventing further deterioration. We use tooth-colored composite fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural enamel, ensuring a discreet and durable restoration. With a filling in place, your tooth remains strong, functional and free from decay progression.

Inlays and Onlays: A Conservative Approach to Tooth Restoration

For teeth that need more than a filling but do not require a full crown, inlays and onlays offer a conservative yet effective solution. Inlays restore damage within the grooves of a tooth, while onlays extend over one or more of the tooth’s cusps. These restorations are custom-made for a precise fit, strengthening the tooth while preserving as much natural structure as possible. Inlays and onlays are crafted from durable materials like porcelain or composite resin, ensuring long-lasting results.

Transform Your Smile with Restorative Dentistry

No matter the dental challenge you are facing, restorative dentistry can help you reclaim a healthy, functional and beautiful smile. These treatments not only enhance the way your teeth look but also contribute to better oral health, improved speech and greater self-assurance. If you have damaged, decayed or missing teeth, now is the time to explore your options. Contact Denver Restorative Dentistry today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a confident new smile!

Prevent Major Problems Before They Start

Personal preventive dental care allows our prosthodontists to identify and address potential issues before they become significant problems. Cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues often start small and painless, making them easy to overlook. During your visit, our prosthodontists can spot these early warning signs and provide treatment to prevent complications. Early intervention not only saves you time and discomfort but also reduces the likelihood of costly, extensive dental procedures down the road.

Maintain a Healthy, Bright Smile

Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) buildup that brushing and flossing alone simply cannot address. Over time, harmful tartar can accumulate and lead to tooth discoloration or decay. A thorough cleaning helps restore the natural brightness of your teeth and keeps your smile looking its best. Additionally, you will leave our prosthodontist’s office feeling refreshed and confident with a polished, clean smile.

Support Your Overall Health

Did you know that your oral health is closely linked to your overall health? Conditions like gum disease have been associated with systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Regular exams allow our prosthodontists to monitor your gum health and recommend strategies to reduce inflammation and bacteria that could impact your body. As you can see, starting the year with a clean bill of oral health can have ripple effects on your general well-being throughout the year!

Stay on Track with Your Insurance Benefits

For many, dental insurance benefits renew at the beginning of the year. Scheduling your cleaning and exam early ensures you make the most of your benefits before the busyness of the year takes over. If you have delayed preventative care, now is the perfect time to get back on track without worrying about deductibles or benefit limits.

Set the Tone for Healthy Habits

Visiting our prosthodontists at the start of the year is an excellent way to establish a proactive approach to your oral health. Our experienced doctors and team can provide personalized advice for your at-home routine, helping you improve your brushing and flossing techniques or recommending products tailored to your needs. Starting the year with a fresh perspective on oral hygiene can set you up for success in maintaining a healthy mouth all year long.

Protect Your New Year’s Resolutions

If your resolutions include improving your diet or cutting back on sugar, dental cleanings and exams can support these goals! Our team is happy to discuss how your eating habits affect your oral health and offer guidance on foods that promote strong teeth and gums.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

There is no better time of the year to prioritize your dental health. Dental cleanings and exams are an investment in your smile and your overall wellness. Our prosthodontists in Broomfield, Colorado, are here to help you achieve your best smile. Our doctors at Denver Restorative Dentistry are experts in restorative and cosmetic dentistry and have helped hundreds of patients get the smiles they desire. We invite you to schedule your appointment on our website or by calling 303-586-1019 today. Start the year strong by scheduling your appointment now—you will thank yourself for it later!

The Progressive Nature of Dental Problems

One of the primary reasons early intervention is so crucial in restorative dentistry is the progressive nature of dental problems. Many common issues, such as cavities, chipped teeth or gum disease, start small and are relatively manageable. For example, a small cavity may require nothing more than a simple filling to restore the tooth to full function. However, if left untreated, that same cavity can grow, eventually compromising the entire tooth structure. At that point, more extensive treatment, such as a crown or even a root canal, may be necessary. In severe cases, the tooth might be too damaged to save, leading to the need for extraction and replacement with an implant or bridge.

Gum Disease: A Condition Where Timing Matters

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is another condition where early intervention is key. In its early stages, known as gingivitis, gum disease is often reversible with proper treatment and good oral hygiene care. However, if allowed to progress to periodontitis, the condition can cause permanent damage to the gums, teeth, and the bone that supports them. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to other serious health issues, including heart disease and diabetes. By addressing gum disease early, you can avoid the need for more invasive treatments and reduce your risk of systemic health complications.

Financial Benefits of Addressing Dental Issues Early

Beyond the physical aspects of dental health, early intervention also has significant financial benefits. Restorative dental procedures can be expensive, especially when they involve multiple teeth or complex treatments. By addressing issues early, you can often avoid the need for more costly procedures down the road. For example, a filling is far less expensive than a crown, and a crown is less expensive than an implant. Additionally, most dental insurance plans cover preventive care, such as regular cleanings and exams at little to no cost to the patient. Taking advantage of these benefits can save you significant money in the long run.

Patient Comfort: Less Invasive Treatments

Patient comfort is another important consideration. Early intervention typically involves less invasive treatments, which can mean less discomfort during and after the procedure. For instance, treating a small cavity with a filling is a quick and relatively painless process. On the other hand, more extensive procedures, such as root canals or tooth extractions, often require more time in the dental chair, a longer recovery period and may involve some initial level of discomfort. By seeking treatment early, you can often avoid these more invasive procedures.

Our Commitment to Early Intervention and Preventive Care

At Denver Restorative Dentistry in Broomfield, Colorado, we believe in the power of early intervention and preventive care as well as providing you with all your restorative dentistry needs. We encourage our patients to stay on top of their oral health by scheduling regular check-ups and cleanings and addressing any concerns as soon as they arise.

Please contact us at 303-586-1019 to schedule a consultation with one of our talented dentists, Drs. Goggins, Aguirre or Chertok. Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a big one—schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier smile!

The Magic of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are crafted as thin, wafer-like shells designed to boost the front surface of your teeth. They are most commonly crafted from porcelain or resin composite materials. Veneers are an excellent solution for a variety of dental issues, including:

• Discolored Teeth: Teeth that are severely stained or discolored and do not respond well to whitening treatments can benefit from veneers. The material used for veneers is stain-resistant and can provide a natural, bright appearance.
• Worn Down Teeth: Veneers can protect teeth that have been worn down by providing a durable, protective covering.
• Chipped or Broken Teeth: Veneers can cover up chips and cracks, giving your teeth a smooth, consistent and perfect appearance
• Misaligned or Irregularly Shaped Teeth: Veneers can create an even, symmetrical smile by addressing minor misalignments or irregular shapes.

By addressing these issues, dental veneers not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your smile but also contribute to better oral health by protecting damaged teeth.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to the teeth. This material is then hardened with a special light, bonding it to the tooth. Dental bonding can effectively restore the appearance of your smile by:

• Repairing Decayed Teeth: The composite resin used in bonding can fill cavities and restore decayed teeth to their natural appearance.
• Fixing Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Bonding can repair minor chips and cracks, providing a seamless look.
• Improving the Shape of Teeth: Bonding can be used to alter the shape of teeth, making them look longer or closing unsightly gaps between teeth.
• Covering Discoloration: For teeth that are discolored, bonding can cover up the stains, providing a brighter smile.

Dental bonding is a cost-effective and minimally invasive treatment that can make significant improvements to the appearance of your teeth, boosting your confidence and overall oral health.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments. It involves bleaching your teeth to make them look lighter. This treatment can:

• Remove Stains: Teeth can become stained from various foods, drinks and habits like smoking. Professional teeth whitening can effectively remove these stains and restore the natural color of your teeth.
• Enhance Your Smile: A whiter smile can significantly improve your overall appearance, making you look younger and more vibrant.
• Boost Confidence: Having a brighter, whiter smile can increase your confidence and make you feel more comfortable in social and professional settings.

Professional teeth whitening treatments are safe and can produce dramatic results quickly, helping you achieve a dazzling smile to wow the world around you.

Conclusion

Cosmetic dentistry treatments like dental veneers, dental bonding and teeth whitening offer numerous benefits beyond just improving the appearance of your smile. They can restore the functionality and health of your teeth, boost your confidence and enhance your overall quality of life. 

We Can Help

If you are looking to restore or enhance your smile, we welcome you to consult with one of our premier prosthodontists, Drs. Goggins, Aguirre and Chertok, to help you keep your smile looking fabulous.  At Denver Restorative Dentistry in Broomfield, Colorado you will receive the attentive care your smile deserves. Please give us a call to learn more or schedule a Consultation.

Early Intervention

Early intervention is the cornerstone of proactive dental care. Whether it’s decay, fractures or infections, addressing these issues promptly is paramount to preventing their progression. As prosthodontists, our restorative dentistry treatments aim to mend compromised teeth and reinstate their functionality, effectively halting the advancement of dental problems and averting potential serious complications from arising.

Tooth Decay

One of the most common dental issues today is tooth decay. Left untreated, decay can spread deeper into the tooth, leading to pain, infection and eventual tooth loss. Our prosthodontic restorative dentistry treatments such as dental fillings, inlays and onlays and dental crowns allow us to intervene early in the decay process, restoring the tooth’s structure and preventing the need for more invasive treatments like root canals or extractions later.

Tooth Fractures

Similarly, fractures in teeth, whether due to trauma or wear and tear, can weaken the tooth’s integrity and make it more susceptible to further damage. Implementing a restorative procedure like dental veneers can effectively repair minor fractures, strengthening the tooth and preventing cracks from worsening over time.

Dental Infections

Dental infections, such as abscesses or gum disease, are not only painful but can also have systemic health implications if left untreated. Root canal therapy, a common restorative procedure, removes infected tissue from within the tooth, alleviating pain and preventing the spread of infection to surrounding tissues. Our prosthodontists, Drs. Goggins, Aguirre, Pitz, Poineal and Chertok can place a dental crown after you have had a root canal treatment done by your dentist. When it comes to placing a crown, we use only premium materials and take the time to do it right, with our dental crowns expertly crafted by our in-house master lab technicians. 

Holistic Approach

Did you know that preserving natural teeth through restorative interventions contributes to better oral health outcomes and overall well-being? Not only that, but restorative dentistry goes beyond merely repairing damaged teeth; it aims to restore aesthetics and function as well. This holistic approach ensures that you not only regain your smile but can chew and speak comfortably, enhancing your overall quality of life.

Dental Exams and Cleanings

Regular dental exams and dental cleanings are essential for early detection of dental issues, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of further damage. Our skilled prosthodontists are not only trained in restorative techniques but we can assess your oral health, identify potential problems, and recommend appropriate treatments to preserve and restore optimal dental function.

Call Today

Early intervention is the key to a healthy smile. Our prosthodontic team can play a pivotal role in preventing further damage and preserving oral health by addressing common dental problems. Through timely interventions, our restorative treatments not only repair damaged teeth but also help prevent more serious complications later. Because our prosthodontists oversee all lab work, rest assured it will meet the highest standards. If are looking for quality dental care, please call our office at 303-586-1019 to schedule a visit.

Dental Implants

One of the most valuable advancements in restorative dentistry is the dental implant. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically inserted into your jawbone to provide a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth. They not only enhance the look of your smile but also restore normal oral function so you can chew, speak and bite again naturally.

Bridges

Bridges are another important restorative dentistry procedure that can help improve your oral function. A dental bridge is a fixed appliance that replaces one or more spaces left behind by missing teeth. They literally bridge the gap between the remaining natural teeth. The bridge is anchored to the adjacent healthy teeth, offering much needed stability and restoring the ability to chew and speak again properly. By filling the empty spaces, bridges also keep the surrounding teeth from shifting. This helps protect your bite against misalignment.

Dentures

Dentures are available in both partial and complete sets. They have long been a traditional solution for those dealing with multiple missing teeth. In the case of complete dentures, they are great for replacing all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures are effective when some natural teeth are still present. Dentures are adept at enabling proper chewing and speech, while also restoring the natural appearance of the smile. Thanks to modern advancements in dentistry, dentures have become more comfortable, natural-looking, and functional than ever!

Restorative Benefits

If you are struggling with missing or damaged teeth, dental implants, bridges and dentures can restore your oral function and improve your quality of life. By restoring oral function, these procedures help you regain the ability to eat a balanced diet, speak clearly and maintain proper oral hygiene. This often boosts your self-esteem and confidence should!

Missing or damaged teeth can cause social anxiety and make you feel self-conscious about your appearance so you can smile with confidence, interact with others without hesitation and improve your overall self-image.

Call Today

If you’re facing any oral health concerns, consult with one of our qualified prosthodontists, Drs. Goggins, Aguirre, Pitz, Poineal and Chertok, can guide you on the best course of action to restore your oral function and bring back your smile. Our Denver Restorative Dentistry team can be reached at 303-586-1019, and is excited to help you!

Cone Beam 3D imaging technology: Also called CBCT, this tool is an imaging system that provides our prosthodontists with a three-dimensional image reconstruction of your teeth, mouth, jaw, neck, ears, nose and throat. We use it to better diagnose and evaluate your oral issues and to plan effective treatments.

Intraoral Camera: Our intraoral camera gives us a closer look at different areas in your smile. This tool is tiny and easy to maneuver in your mouth while allowing us to see angles that we couldn’t easily view otherwise. It also lets us better diagnose your oral health and pinpoint dental problems, such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, cracked or chipped teeth. An additional advantage offered by this camera is that it provides images so you can better understand your oral health and the potential dental treatments. We can even send these images to other dentists and specialists as needed.

Digital Impressions: To make those important impressions of your teeth for various procedures that are most comfortable for you, we are pleased to be able to use digital impressions. Dr. Goggins, Dr. Aguirre, Dr. Pitz and our team are trained to accurately take various kinds of oral impressions so we can make improvements to your mouth. These impressions are quicker, easier, and more comfortable than their traditional counterparts which were way more invasive. Remember, we try to make your experience as comfortable as possible, and this is an invaluable tool that makes this possible. If you have ever gagged while getting impressions and molds made, you know exactly what we mean! This digital impression technology offers these benefits:

-They are great for creating dental restorations like dental crowns.
-There’s no messy “goop” left behind for you to deal with afterward.
-We can take the scanner out immediately, reposition it more comfortably and stop and start as needed.
-They require far less time than traditional impressions to make, helping us to more minimize time spent during your appointment.

Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing:  Also called CAD/CAM, this state-of-the-art software and equipment is awesome for use in restorative treatments, helping our prosthodontists and master dental lab technicians alike. With it, we can design and create restorations like veneers and crowns, full hybrid arches and bridges. It also facilitates planning more precise and effective treatment tailored to your needs.

We welcome you to reach out to our office if you have any questions about the advanced technology we use for your treatments, or if you have concerns about your smile. We look forward to helping you create a stellar smile in 2022!

And that’s exactly why the dental specialists of Denver Restorative Dentistry, Dr. Taylor Goggins, Dr. Brian Aguirre, Dr. Anna Pitz, and Dr. Ralf Poineal, went through additional years of dental school to become prosthodontics or experts in the restoration of damaged or missing teeth. The field is considered one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

Do you suffer from any of the below conditions?

• Gaps or spaces between teeth
• Teeth that are stained or discolored
• Twisted or curved teeth
• Worn, damaged, or uneven teeth
• Missing teeth

Cosmetic dentistry offers so many creative options to enhance your smile, but not everyone is aware of the variety! You can embrace a beautiful smile with options such as crowns, veneers, or implants—all explained below!

Crowns

 Although crowns are historically a more traditional dental treatment, crowns are also a vital tool in cosmetic dentistry.

 Crowns restore a damaged tooth to pristine form, shape and shaded to perfection. Premium materials (such as zirconia or porcelain) are shaped by laboratory professionals in order to enclose over the entirety of the tooth, thus producing a beautiful tooth that fits your smile perfectly.

 Veneers

 Veneers are a beautiful, seamless solution to misshaped, chipped, discolored teeth. Veneers are smooth shells (usually porcelain or resin) that are bonded to your smile to enhance its natural beauty.

 Implants

An implant is a lasting, stable prosthetic tooth that completely replaces one tooth, several missing teeth, or a complete arch. The entire implant also replaces the tooth root, as well, ensuring a stable solution.

 As well as enhance appearance, implants can restore your smile back to optimal health and function.

“We can do anything and everything that you need us to do related to your oral health,” Dr. Goggins explains in an interview. Equipped with highly trained and experienced staff, an in-house lab, and a broad spectrum of treatment options, Denver Restorative Dentistry wants to make your vision for your smile come to life. The goal is to restore, correct, and perfect patients’ smiles, so they can go on to welcome new friends, opportunities, and experiences with long-lasting, natural-looking, beautiful smiles.

A prosthodontist actually specializes in a range of treatments:

• Dental hybrids
• Dentures
• Dental implants
• Dental restorations
• Dental veneers
• All-on-4® treatment (all teeth supported ‘on four’ dental implants)

Prosthodontics is specifically geared to replacing problem teeth with the best option for your needs to ensure your continued quality of life, whether you need one single tooth replacement, many teeth or all of your teeth (and gums). Tooth replacement is our specialty! When we create a dental treatment plan, we work with general dentists, dental specialists and other health professionals to make sure you get the right answer to your unique dental needs.

Our team is comprised of three exceptional prosthodontists in Broomfield, Colorado, Dr. Taylor Goggins, Dr. Brian Aguirre and Dr. Anna Pitz. With their extensive training and years of experience, they can give you the oral health care your smile deserves. They stay current learning the latest technologies and procedures out there to make sure you get comprehensive dental care that will help your smile thrive. Not only can we provide the right dental treatment to restore missing teeth in your smile, but help you do so as comfortably as possible so your time in the dental chair is relaxing and positive.

Are you currently looking for advanced dental care for issues in your smile? Our prosthodontists are ready to help! We welcome you to contact our team to learn more or to schedule a consultation or appointment. We can be reached at 303-586-1019. We look forward to helping you create a fully functional and appealing smile so you can smile with confidence, looking and feeling your best!