FAQ: Saving Failing Teeth in Denver, CO
At Barotz Dental in Denver, CO, we believe a damaged or compromised tooth deserves a thorough evaluation before extraction is considered. Dr. Charles Barotz brings decades of experience in restorative, periodontal, and implant dentistry to complex cases, allowing us to evaluate multiple ways to preserve natural teeth whenever possible. Below are frequently asked questions on saving failing teeth.
What does it mean when a dentist says a tooth is failing?
A failing tooth may be severely decayed, fractured, infected, loose, or affected by advanced gum disease. A failing tooth does not automatically mean an extraction is necessary. We determine what is causing the problem and whether the tooth can be stabilized and restored.
Can a failing tooth be saved?
Yes, many failing teeth can be saved with the right diagnosis and treatment. At our Denver, CO office, we evaluate the tooth, surrounding gums, bone support, infection, and remaining healthy structure before recommending treatment. Our goal is to preserve your natural tooth when doing so offers a predictable, healthy result.
How do you determine if a failing tooth can be saved?
At Barotz Dental in Denver, CO, we perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the condition of the tooth, roots, gums, bone, and bite. Dr. Barotz considers the complete picture before recommending treatment, helping patients understand whether saving the natural tooth is a realistic long-term option.
Can teeth affected by gum disease be saved
Yes, some teeth affected by periodontal disease can be preserved when the disease is treated effectively and enough supporting bone remains. At our Denver, CO practice, LANAP laser gum therapy may be an option for appropriate patients to address periodontal infection and help create healthier conditions around compromised teeth.
Can LANAP help save failing teeth?
LANAP can help certain Denver, CO patients whose teeth are threatened by periodontal disease. The procedure uses laser technology to target diseased tissue and bacteria while supporting the healing process. Dr. Barotz evaluates each case carefully to determine whether LANAP can help stabilize the teeth and surrounding gums.
Can a root canal save an infected tooth?
Yes. Root canal therapy can often save a tooth when infection or inflammation has reached the pulp but the tooth still has adequate structure and support. At Barotz Dental in Denver, CO, we use root canal therapy when appropriate to eliminate the source of infection while keeping the natural tooth in place.
Can a badly broken tooth still be saved?
A badly broken tooth may still be restorable depending on how much healthy tooth structure remains and where the fracture extends. We evaluate the damage carefully and may recommend restorative treatment such as a crown when the tooth can be repaired predictably.
Should I get a second opinion before having teeth extracted?
A second opinion can be extremely valuable when you have been told that one or more teeth need to be removed. Dr. Barotz has extensive experience evaluating complex dental problems in Denver, CO and takes a tooth-preserving approach whenever possible. We can determine whether additional treatment options should be considered before extraction.
Is saving my natural tooth better than replacing it with an implant?
When a natural tooth can be restored to healthy, dependable function, preserving it is often an excellent option. At Barotz Dental, we do not recommend removing a salvageable tooth simply because dental implants are available. We compare the long-term outlook of saving the tooth with replacement options before making a recommendation.
When is a failing tooth too damaged to save?
Some teeth cannot be predictably restored because of severe fractures, extensive decay, advanced bone loss, uncontrolled infection, or insufficient remaining tooth structure. When a tooth truly cannot be saved, we clearly explain why and discuss appropriate replacement options, including dental implants when indicated.
How does Dr. Barotz's experience help with saving failing teeth?
Dr. Charles Barotz has practiced dentistry for more than 45 years and has extensive experience across restorative dentistry, periodontal treatment, root canal therapy, and dental implants. This broad background allows us to evaluate difficult cases in Denver, CO from multiple perspectives instead of approaching every failing tooth with the same solution.
Can several failing teeth be treated at the same Denver, CO dental office?
Yes. Barotz Dental provides comprehensive dental care in our Denver, CO office, allowing us to address multiple dental concerns without automatically sending patients from specialist to specialist. This coordinated approach is especially helpful when several teeth, the gums, and the bite all need to be considered together.
Does treatment stop dental pain?
Treating the cause of a failing tooth can often relieve pain, but the correct treatment depends on what is causing the symptoms. Patients may experience pain from decay, infection, fractures, or periodontal problems. We identify the source first so treatment addresses the underlying problem rather than temporarily masking discomfort.
How quickly should I have a failing tooth evaluated in Denver, CO?
A failing tooth should be evaluated promptly, particularly if you have significant pain, swelling, drainage, increasing looseness, or difficulty chewing. Delaying treatment in Denver, CO can allow infection or structural damage to progress and may reduce the possibility of preserving the tooth.
Why choose Barotz Dental for saving failing teeth in Denver, CO?
Patients choose Barotz Dental in Denver, CO because Dr. Barotz combines decades of clinical experience with a comprehensive approach to complex dental care. We carefully evaluate whether compromised teeth can be preserved, explain the available options clearly, and recommend extraction only when saving the tooth is no longer a predictable choice.
If you have been told that a tooth is failing or needs to be removed, contact Barotz Dental in Denver, CO for a thorough evaluation and a clear understanding of your options. Call (720) 573-1500 to schedule your consultation and find out whether your natural tooth can be saved.
