What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays are used to fill damage within the grooves of a tooth, covering the chewing surface without extending over the cusps (the tooth’s outer edges). Onlays, sometimes called partial crowns, extend over one or more cusps, restoring teeth with more extensive damage. Both inlays and onlays are crafted in our dental lab, ensuring a precise fit and a natural match to your tooth color.

When Are They Recommended?

Our prosthodontists may recommend an inlay or onlay in cases such as:

• Moderate Tooth Decay: Too large for a filling but not needing a full crown.
• Cracks or Fractures: Restores and reinforces the tooth’s structure.
• Replacing Old Fillings: Offers a longer-lasting, stronger alternative.
• Conserving Tooth Structure: Repairs only the damaged portion, preserving more of your natural tooth than crowns.

Key Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

1. Durability and Strength

Our inlays and onlays are made from durable materials like porcelain and composite resin, which can withstand daily biting forces. They are much more durable than traditional fillings, often lasting up to 10 to 30 years with good care.

2. Natural Look and Feel

Inlays and onlays are custom-designed to blend with your tooth color, making them virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. This makes them ideal for teeth visible when you smile, creating a seamless look.

3. Conserves Healthy Tooth Structure

Unlike crowns, which cover the entire tooth, inlays and onlays replace only the damaged portion, leaving more of your healthy tooth intact. This is crucial for preserving tooth strength and health over time.

4. Enhanced Fit and Comfort

Custom-crafted for a perfect fit, inlays and onlays restore the tooth’s function without discomfort. Their precise fit also prevents food particles and bacteria from getting trapped, lowering the risk of future decay.

5. Less Sensitivity

The materials used in inlays and onlays, porcelain and composite resin, closely resemble natural enamel, making them less likely to react to hot and cold foods than metal fillings. This reduces sensitivity and keeps you comfortable.

The Treatment Process

Receiving an inlay or onlay usually involves two visits. During the first, our prosthodontists will remove any damaged areas and take an impression for the lab. A temporary filling is placed on the tooth, and, in the second visit, the custom inlay or onlay is bonded permanently, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.

Caring for Inlays and Onlays

Maintaining inlays and onlays involves brushing twice daily, flossing and regular dental checkups. Avoid chewing on hard items like ice or candy to prevent damage, and see our prosthodontists to monitor their condition over time.

Conclusion

Dental inlays and onlays offer a conservative and effective way to restore damaged teeth, combining strength, durability and a natural look. If you are considering this option, talk to our one of our prosthodontists about whether inlays or onlays might be the right solution for achieving a healthier, more radiant smile.

Call to Learn More

Our Denver Restorative Dentistry team in Broomfield, Colorado, encourages you to stay on top of your oral health by scheduling regular check-ups and cleanings and addressing any concerns as soon as they arise. If you would like to know more about how to optimize your smile, please call 303-586-1019 to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled prosthodontists, Drs. Goggins, Aguirre or Chertok.

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.

Preventative Dental Care Tips

1 – Brush your teeth every single day. One of the most important steps you can take to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease is to brush your teeth daily without fail. A good rule of thumb is brushing your teeth twice a day (for at least two minutes each session). Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean your teeth and gums. 

2 – Floss at least once a day. Flossing is yet another essential part of practicing preventive dental care. It helps to clear away dental plaque and food particles between teeth and along your gum line. There are many flossing options available to you, so be sure to find one that works best for you and then do it! 

3 – Limit sweet and acidic foods and beverages. Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities and tooth decay. You want to limit your intake of these items, such as candy, soda, and citrus fruits, take the time to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water afterward to remove any lingering sugar or acid.

4 – See our prosthodontists regularly. Routine dental checkups are essential to maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems. Our skilled prosthodontists can detect early signs of tooth decay and periodontal disease and recommend treatment before the problems worsen. They can also clean your teeth and remove any plaque or tartar buildup, which can otherwise leave you facing tooth decay and gum disease.

5 – Rinse with mouthwash. Mouthwash is another useful tool for preventing tooth decay and gum disease. It can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath to complement your daily flossing and brushing. A good choice of mouthwash is one that contains fluoride and antimicrobial agents and use it as recommended.

6 – Kick the smoking habit. Smoking leads to a host of dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your oral and overall health!. 

Call to Schedule

Practicing preventive dental care is essential to maintaining good oral health and preventing tooth decay and periodontal disease. Our prosthodontists, Drs. Goggins, Aguirre, Pitz, Poineal and Chertok are here to help you learn proper oral health care to implement at home. We actively promote the importance of preventive care in Broomfield, Colorado. Schedule your dental appointment online or at 303-586-1019 today!

Never Ignore a Toothache

A toothache can arise for several reasons including severe infection that has damaged a big area of the tooth and the supportive bone material. Another cause is when tooth decay has ravaged a tooth so much that it can’t be fixed with a dental restoration. Also, our doctors may extract a tooth when there is extensive crowding in the mouth from having too many teeth to fit properly. Don’t worry though, if you have a tooth that needs pulling, our prosthodontists can use sedation dentistry to make sure your tooth extraction is both comfortable and as painless as possible. We understand that your dental experience leaves a lasting impression.

Once one or more teeth are gone, our skilled Denver Restorative Dentistry team can replace missing teeth. We have a variety of tooth replacement choices that we have used to help many satisfied patients smile again with pride by replacing lost teeth with one of our premier dental restorations:

• Dentures
• Bridges
• Implants
• All-on-4® implant-supported dentures
• Full-Mouth Reconstruction
• Fillings
• Crowns
• Inlays and onlays

We are excited to help you do the same for your smile! We can customize a treatment plan for you so that you can once again smile, eat and speak with ease and confidence. No more hiding your smile when you are with others. A healthy looking smile can make an impact on your personal and work relationships and improve your quality of life.

Call Today!

Now is a good time to show your smile some love as your oral health truly impacts many areas of your life. One of our premier  prosthodontists, Drs. Goggins, Aguirre, Pitz, Poineal and Chertok will be happy to meet with you to evaluate your oral health and offer restorative solutions in Broomfield, Colorado. Please call 303-586-1019 today!

We are committed to helping your teeth and gums stay healthy and strong all year round. Our comprehensive dental cleanings and exams are simple but essential treatments for keeping your smile safe. When you come in for a dental checkup, our skilled dental hygienists will take good care of you. You can count on receiving a professional teeth cleaning that will leave your teeth smooth and gleaming. You will also receive a thorough dental exam from our experienced prosthodontists to make sure your oral health is optimal. During your teeth cleaning appointment, you can look forward to the following treatment.

Routine Dental Cleaning and Exam

-Our hygienist will remove all the plaque or tartar (dental calculus) from your teeth and below the gumline to prevent tooth decay and gum disease from taking hold.

-Your pearly whites will then be thoroughly flossed and polished to make them shine.

-Our prosthodontists will examine your mouth to spot any harmful dental problems that might be developing.

-We may use dental X-rays to evaluate your smile more intensively to detect issues that might not be visible with a visual inspection.

Our biannual dental cleanings allow us to maximize your preventative dental care regularly. These routine dental cleanings and exams are one of the most valuable ways to help you keep your smile healthy. The goal is to help you prevent tooth-destroying cavities and advancing gum disease (periodontal disease). These regular checkups are designed to spot problems early so they can be treated before they permanently damage teeth and gums and while treatment is least invasive and costly.

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning and Exam

Completing your at-home dental care with daily brushing and flossing, our dental cleanings and exams are two of the most basic yet vital preventive treatments we provide for you. Each time you come in for your dental cleaning and checkup, you can expect a clean bill of health or the information you need to achieve that goal. This New Year’s, be sure to put your smile on the list of resolutions so your smile can continue to serve you well in the years to come!

Please call 303-586-1019 or Schedule an appointment on our online portal for your next cleaning and exam. Drs. Goggins, Aguirre, Pitz, Poineal or Chertok look. We also see patients from the Denver area, including Westminster, Arvada, Thornton, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Erie, Boulder and Northglenn.

Our experienced prosthodontists can offer you options allowing you to once again have full functionality of your mouth with beneficial aesthetics so you look (and feel your) best. A full-mouth reconstruction expertly fixes damage to your mouth, including severe decay that leaves you needing to replace multiple teeth or even all of them. This is done carefully, combining esthetics and the science of restorative dentistry to give you your life back with a healthy, beautiful and fully functioning mouth again.

Who Benefits From Full Mouth Reconstruction

If you have multiple missing teeth, teeth with large dental fillings that are now failing or showing further decay, have cracked or broken teeth or badly eroded teeth from habitual bruxism, where you constantly grind your teeth together (typically from stress).

Patients who were born with medical conditions like Ectodermal Dysplasia, Ameliogenesis or Dentinogenisis Imperfecta, often turn to help for extensive restoration of their teeth. A full mouth reconstruction can often give them the smile they need and desire. This might mean using onlays, crowns, bridges, veneers, dental implants, and/or dentures that will give them a “smile makeover” while also enhancing their chewing efficiency.

After a thorough evaluation by our prosthodontists, you might be a good candidate for full-mouth reconstruction to restore your oral health. Damaged teeth, tooth decay, dental infection and periodontal disease (advanced gum disease) may be the reason you may want to look into full mouth reconstruction. View full mouth reconstruction photos from previously satisfied patients.

Complimentary Consultation

Our prosthodontists, Drs. Goggins, Aguirre, Pitz, Poineal and Chertok are experts that have performed many full-mouth reconstructions between them. They know exactly what your smile needs to look and feel great so you can smile with confidence. When you schedule your FREE consultation with our Denver Restorative Dentistry team in Broomfield, Colorado, we will evaluate your smile’s current state and recommend the best treatment to boost your overall smile needs. Whether you need a combination of bridges, crowns, dental implants, veneers, fillings or dentures, we’ve got your smile covered! Call 303-586-1019 today!

Your smile deserves to be healthy, beautiful and strong and we are thrilled to be a part of it. In honor of National brush day, we encourage you to help your kids brush and floss every day to keep cavities, tooth decay and gum disease away! Especially when enjoying the holiday treats with autumn in full swing and the temperatures dropping! Get out those cozy sweaters, warm apple cider, pumpkin and apple pies!

National Brush Day is also a great time to review your children’s brushing habits and emphasize the importance of daily care so their teeth and gums thrive! It’s a good idea to get your children to brush after eating sweets, and since sweets are the number one factor for tooth decay, good brushing habits are essential!

Along with daily oral care, remember that regular dental cleanings and exams are needed to keep teeth and gums healthy and strong. As the year is fast drawing to a close, time is running out to use (or lose) your dental insurance benefits, most of which run out on December 31st, and that’s a shame since you’ve already paid your premiums! The good news is, if you are scheduling cleanings and exams, they are considered preventative care so they will be covered at 100%!

Our team is grateful to be your premier prosthodontic dental practice in the Denver metro area. Our skilled prosthodontists have specialized expertise in dental implants, dentures, cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry. We provide your family with a full range of dental services from routine cleanings and exams to veneers to full mouth reconstructions. We encourage you to make the most of your dental insurance benefits, so please call 303-586-1019 today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Goggins, Dr. Aguirre or Dr. Pitz. Your smile will thank you!

Dental Fillings

You have probably already had a dental filling done before and it is one of our most common treatments for tooth issues caused by cavities, fractures or chips in a tooth. By placing a dental filling, our prosthodontists can restore your tooth’s original form and function so your smile can continue to thrive. At Denver Restorative Dentistry, we provide patients with a choice of either amalgam fillings or composite fillings. Both are excellent options for restoring damaged teeth.

When you come in for your dental filling treatment, you will be made comfortable so you can relax while we work. The treatment is done in just one visit to our office. First, we will remove any damaged and decayed areas of the tooth. Then we will clean the area so it is pristine and ready to be filled with your filling material of choice which will be contoured to your tooth’s shape so it can blend right in. Lastly, the filling fill is hardened so it can protect your tooth for many years to come!

Dental Inlays and Onlays

The other options we offer for tooth repairs are inlays and onlays. These are also great at fixing tooth damage and decay. Inlays and onlays are used when a tooth needs more protection than a filling can provide, but not as extensive as to require a dental crown. In fact, inlays and onlays are referred to as partial crowns and are crafted specifically to your tooth using either porcelain, composite resin or gold. Just as with fillings, our goal is to restore your natural tooth’s health, structure, function and looks. Inlays and onlays appear so natural that they are hardly noticeable. They also preserve the structure of your tooth. So when do you need an inlay versus an onlay? We will apply an inlay when the damage doesn’t extend to the cusp of the tooth, while an onlay is applied when there is cusp damage.

Don’t Delay, Call Today!

If you have one or more damaged teeth in your smile, we encourage you to get them evaluated and treated as soon as possible so that you can preserve the natural tooth. Whether you need a dental filling or a dental inlay or onlay, our skilled prosthodontists are ready to take care of all your dental needs. Please give us a call today at 303-586-1019 if you need help with your teeth, gums, breath or TMJ’s (jaw).

A healthy beautiful smile starts in the home and with those biannual cleanings. Along with your daily brushing and flossing routine to remove harmful plaque, those professional dental cleanings are the only way to remove tartar buildup (made from hardened plaque) that can otherwise lead to cavities and gum disease. 

Fact: The leading cause of tooth loss is periodontal disease. Catching it early means it can often be reversed though lost gum tissue doesn’t regenerate.

When you come in for your cleanings, you can look forward to the following:

Our dental skilled dental hygienists will use special tools to floss and polish your pearly whites after removing tartar buildup around the teeth and gum line to prevent tooth enamel loss, allowing tooth decay and gum disease to gain a foothold.

Our experienced prosthodontists will give your smile a comprehensive exam to see if there are any developing problems while they are still in their early stages and least invasive to treat. Dental X-rays are also taken yearly to detect problems that can’t be seen with the eye alone. 

If it is time for your next dental checkup, be sure to come in to stay on top of your oral health game. If you haven’t scheduled a cleaning lately, it’s time to make sure that happens. You can call 303-586-1019 or schedule your appointment with our prosthodontists in Broomfield, Colorado, online. Our Denver Restorative Dentistry team, led by Dr. Taylor Goggins, Dr. Brian Aguirre and Dr. Anna Pitz can make your dental cleaning comfortable and your teeth shine! 

Leading Edge Technology

We use a variety of technically advanced tools including the following:

-Cone Beam: Our cone beam 3D imaging technology, also known as CBCT, is an imaging system that allows our prosthodontists, Dr. Goggins, Dr. Aguirre, Dr. Pitz to get a three-dimensional image reconstruction of the components of your mouth — teeth, mouth, jaw, neck, ears, nose and throat. Thanks to this 3D imaging, our team can diagnose and evaluate any developing dental conditions, and then plan an effective treatment for best outcomes. This is because the cone beam imaging gives us a more comprehensive visual than your typical digital X-rays do.

-Intraoral Camera: this tool allows us to get an up-close and personal view of the various components of your smile. It is tiny and easy to maneuver so we can see what is happening inside your mouth at any angle, which we could not see easily otherwise. With this tool, we can determine the extent of any dental conditions, including cavities and tooth decay, tooth chips or cracks and any advancing gum disease. We can also see the effects of a treatment after it has been done, help you understand any dental treatments recommended for you, and even enlist the help of dentists and specialists you might need and work with your dental insurance company when necessary.

-CAD/CAM technology: Better known as Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing, this technology is useful when getting a restorative treatment like dental veneers or crowns, bridges and even full hybrid arches. Our prosthodontists and lab technicians can get your restoration designed with precision accuracy and manufactured so that it looks and fits as naturally as possible. 

When it comes to your oral health, our advanced dental technology can give you the outcome you desire in the most convenient and comfortable way possible. We strive to make your time with us positive and with satisfying results you can be proud to show off. We are truly here for your smile from beginning to end, evaluation, diagnosing, designing and implementing your restoration. Give us a call today to learn more!