December 1, 2023

Restorative Dentistry: How Pearl Street Dental Can Make Your Smile Whole Again

Restorative dental procedures have revolutionized the way people handle lost or damaged teeth. In the past, people who lost their teeth had no choice but to live with the discomfort and inconvenience it caused. But with advances in dental technology, it is now possible to replace or restore missing or damaged teeth to make them just as effective and aesthetically pleasing as before.

Pearl Street Dental is one of the leading dentists in Boulder and we believe that a confident smile can make all the difference in one's quality of life. We understand that oral health issues or damage to your teeth can impede not only your oral functionality but also your self-esteem. That's why we proudly provide a comprehensive suite of restorative dental procedures aimed at bringing back the natural beauty and full functionality of your precious smile.

What is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on restoring the functionality and appearance of a person's mouth after tooth damage or loss. This field helps patients with a variety of issues, including tooth decay, broken teeth, gum disease, and missing teeth. It encompasses several types of dental treatments, including fillings, crowns, bridges, dental implants, and dentures. 

The primary aim of restorative dentistry is to preserve natural teeth as much as possible. It plays a critical role in maintaining oral health and assisting patients in achieving a healthy, confident smile despite dental challenges. Restorative dentistry offers various solutions designed to fit individual dental needs, ensuring that patients can eat, speak, and smile comfortably. 

Types of Restorative Procedures Offered at Pearl Street Dental

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are the most common type of restorative procedure, used to repair minor to moderate tooth damage such as cavities or small fractures. Made from resin, porcelain, or amalgam, dental fillings are crafted to match the color of your natural teeth to keep your smile looking natural and healthy. 

Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth to adjacent teeth or dental implants. Bridges not only restore the appearance and function of teeth but also prevent them from moving out of position. Typically, using materials such as porcelain, the artificial tooth is created to blend seamlessly with the natural teeth. Dental bridges are a cost-effective solution and less invasive than other treatments like dental implants, and if taken care of properly with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, can last many years.

Crowns

A dental crown is a popular dental restoration used to cover and protect a tooth that has been damaged or decayed. A custom dental cap is designed and fitted so that it covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. Crowns can be used for various reasons including to protect a weakened tooth from further damage, restore a broken or worn tooth, or improve the appearance of a discolored tooth.

Although many Boulder dentists offer crowns as a restorative procedure, at Pearl Street Dental, we’re one of a select few that have the tools and technology to be able to provide same-day crowns. That means you won't have to come back for multiple visits or have to deal with the inconvenience of a temporary crown.

Dentures

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth, improving oral functions such as eating and speaking, and enhancing facial aesthetics. They can be classified into two main types: full dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, are used when all the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw are missing. They can be immediate or conventional. Immediate dentures are prepared ahead of tooth extraction and can be placed in the mouth immediately after, while conventional dentures are designed after the healing of extraction sites and are fitted a few months post-extraction.

Partial dentures, on the other hand, are used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, sometimes connected by a metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. They not only fill in the spaces created by missing teeth but also prevent other teeth from changing position.

In addition to traditional dentures, there are also implant-supported dentures. These are attached to implants surgically fixed in the jawbone providing better stability and retention. These types of dentures are generally used when a person does not have any teeth in the jaw but has enough bone to support implants. The implants provide a secure and stable fit as they are attached to the jawbone similar to the roots of natural teeth. This eliminates issues such as slipping or shifting of the denture, making it a more comfortable and user-friendly alternative. Implant-supported dentures have also been associated with improved oral health, improved speech, and convenience when compared to traditional dentures.

Root Canal

A root canal is a dental procedure designed to treat and save a tooth that has severe decay, infection, or inflammation. The procedure involves the cleaning of the space inside the tooth and roots with a laser and ozone in order to kill any bacteria before sealing it up to allow the tooth to be infection-free. Despite its reputation, getting a root canal should not be a major source of stress or fear. The modern technology employed by Pearl Street Dental ensures that a root canal is painless, but for those with severe anxiety, we also offer oral sedation. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone beneath your gums. Once in position, they allow your dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them. Implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth, or chronic dental problems. Because they fit, feel, and function like natural teeth, dental implants are quickly becoming the new standard in tooth replacement.

To get implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone support. If your bone is too thin or soft and unable to support an implant, you may require a bone graft. Alternatively, if there's not enough bone height in the upper jaw or the sinuses are too close to the jaw, a sinus lift may be required. Dental implants also require a commitment to diligent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, as they need the same care as real teeth — including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. 

Whether you require minor restoration from tooth decay or a comprehensive solution for significant tooth loss, Pearl Street Dental is ready to make your smile whole again. We offer state-of-the-art facilities combined with a dedicated, compassionate team, making us the leading choice for restorative dental procedures in Boulder. Call today to schedule a consultation.