Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Post-Op Tooth Extraction Care

There are many reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted. Tooth decay, gum disease, or even for orthodontic purposes name a few. After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches and you will need to follow strict instructions that our doctors at Southern Cross Dental will give you. After the surgery, you will need to rest and you should expect the extraction site to bleed a little following extraction. In addition, here are a few things to remember during post-op care.


If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call our office immediately. Once you return home after the surgery you should rest, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. One of our doctors will prescribe you pain medication, as well as cleaning solution for the extraction site, so if you become sore take as directed. It’s important to limit yourself to soft foods such as gelatin, pudding, yogurt, mashed potatoes, etc. so that the stitches are not punctured. When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw, because the sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process.


If you are experiencing tooth discomfort or have questions about post-op aftercare, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Digital X-rays

If eligible, you may receive two types of dental X-rays upon arriving for a treatment at Southern Cross Dental: intraoral (the X-ray film inside the mouth) and extraoral (the X-ray film outside the mouth. A digital X-ray allows our doctors to take an image of the tooth or teeth and put it into an imaging program. As a benefit to the patient, the digital X-ray also provides nearly 80% less radiation than a standard X-ray.


Here at Southern Cross Dental, we will review your history, examine your mouth and then decide whether or not you need X-rays. Dental X-rays are a useful diagnostic tool when helping our doctors detects damage and disease not visible during a routine dental exam. How often X-rays should be taken depends on your present oral health, your age, your risk for disease, and any signs and symptoms of oral disease. For example, children may require X-rays more often than adults because their teeth and jaws are still developing and their teeth are more likely to be affected by tooth decay than those of adults.


To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Patient Anxiety

It is one thing for anxiety to affect your daily relationships, but when it starts to impact your overall health then it becomes a problem. Dental anxiety, or dental phobia, is much more serious than just getting sweating palms and sleepless nights before an appointment – it’s a paralyzing fear of dentists or dental treatment. Luckily at Southern Cross Dental our doctors have the tools, techniques, and gentle touch to help make regular dental visits as comfortable as possible for you.


The key to coping with dental anxiety is to discuss your fears with your doctor. Once he or she becomes aware of what your fears are, he or she will better be able to work with you to determine the best ways to make you less anxious and more relaxed. In addition, ask your doctor what’s happening at every stage of the procedure. This way you can mentally prepare for what’s to come.


If you suffer from dental anxiety, give us a call so we ease your fear. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Benefits of a Bright Smile

If you are embarrassed by yellow teeth and a not so aesthetically pleasing smile, then you should consider giving our doctors at Southern Cross Dental a call. By providing our patients with teeth whitening and bleaching services, you can achieve the “Hollywood” look you’ve been dreaming of. Teeth whitening and bleaching are safe, quick, inexpensive, and you can lighten only your upper teeth, or both the upper and lower, while boosting your self-esteem in the process.


In addition to basic oral hygiene, teeth whitening and bleaching are just a few ways to achieve a bright smile. Dental bleaching can be used to correct many tooth discolorations that have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. At Southern Cross Dental, using the latest whitening technology, we can provide you with confidence and self-assurance, and a beautiful smile that makes you more comfortable in your own skin.


If you desire a brighter smile, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.