General Dentistry

Dental Fillings

We offer both traditional metal fillings and tooth-colored composite fillings for patients with cavities or tooth decay. Composite fillings blend in with your natural teeth, making them almost invisible. To place them, we clean the tooth, apply a bonding fluid, and then put the filling in. Metal, or amalgam, fillings are stronger and are often used for back teeth. Dr. Barone can also safely remove or replace old metal fillings that are worn out or damaged.

The Importance of Preventive Dental Care

Preventive care is key to keeping your mouth healthy. It’s not just what happens at the dentist’s office, but also how you care for your teeth at home. To keep your smile in top shape, brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. This helps remove plaque and food bits that can cause problems like cavities and bad breath.

While home care is important, it’s not enough. You can’t reach every part of your mouth with just a toothbrush, especially areas in the back. That’s why regular dental cleanings are important. They help clean those hard-to-reach spots and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

When you come in for a cleaning, we also check your mouth for signs of bigger issues, like gum disease or oral cancer. These problems often don’t cause pain right away, so you might not notice them, but we can catch them early. Early treatment means less pain and fewer costs down the road.

We also use tools like X-rays to spot issues we can’t see with the naked eye. X-rays help find small cavities, tooth decay between teeth, and even teeth that haven’t come through the gums yet.

Do you have more questions for us? We're here to help. Here are some answers to common questions about general dental care in our Boulder, CO, dental office.

What are common dental emergencies?

Dental emergencies can include things like objects stuck between teeth, broken or lost teeth, tooth pain, and broken dental work. If you’re in pain or discomfort, we can help with treatment and repairs.

Do I have sleep apnea if I snore?

Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has it. If you also have trouble sleeping, frequent headaches, or wake up tired, you might have sleep apnea. We can help you figure out if you need treatment for it.

What should I do if I have dental anxiety?

If you feel anxious about going to the dentist, let us know. We can make special arrangements to help you feel comfortable, like allowing a friend to come with you or letting you listen to music during your visit. We also offer sedation options if needed.

When should my child first see the dentist?

Your child should visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in. Early dental visits help us make sure their teeth are growing correctly and help us to spot any problems early. It also helps your child get comfortable with our office and team, so future visits will be easier and less stressful.

Why do I need to go to the dentist twice a year?

You should go to the dentist twice a year to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Even if you brush and floss every day, plaque can still build up in hard-to-reach places. Regular visits allow us to clean your teeth, check for cavities, and spot problems early, before they become bigger and more painful. Seeing Dr. Barone every six months is one of the best ways to prevent dental problems and keep your teeth and gums strong.

Are dental X-rays safe for children and adults?

Yes. Modern X-rays use very low levels of radiation, far lower than those of a regular medical X-ray. X-rays help our dentist see problems that aren’t visible during a normal checkup, like cavities between teeth or issues under the gums. We use protective aprons before we take X-rays to keep your body safe. Getting regular X-rays is an important part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy.