Tooth Abscess

An abscessed tooth is an infection within a tooth that has spread to the root tip or around the root. This infection originates from the tooth’s inner pulp chamber. Prior to the formation of an abscess, the tooth has essentially lost its ability to fight off infection, and bacteria are able to invade the pulp and multiply. As a result, the abscess appears as a collection of pus that is made up of dead white blood cells, tissue debris, and bacteria. Our doctors at Southern Cross Dental can treat this problem when it arises.

There are many causes for a tooth abscess. A very common cause is when a dental cavity becomes so large and deep that if it reaches the pulp chamber where an inflammatory process develops in the tooth. The initial symptoms begin with localized swelling and pain that gets progressively worse over time. A tender and sore mass (abscess) may then be felt with a finger and your gums may bleed.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental abscesses, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.scdsmile.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.

Pediatric Dentistry

Southern Cross Dental is proud to serve professionals and their families, and we want them to know it’s just as important for their children to have regular dental visits.  A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled when the first baby tooth appears, or around the child’s first birthday.  Baby teeth eventually come out, but their growth and development is important for the overall oral health for the child and the development of their adult teeth.

Baby teeth should be brushed and cared for like adult teeth, and it’s important to monitor their growth and development.  Missing any tooth for too long can change the development of surrounding teeth and compromise the structure of the jaw bone, but regular checkups can keep a child’s tooth development right on track.  Our dentists are skilled and experienced in administering dental care to children.  If your child has seems nervous about seeing a dentist for the first time, we recommend going through a brushing routine with them at home, and talking about the dental visit before you arrive.  Once we get your child’s oral health off to a great start, we offer a full range of services for child patients including dental cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants.

To learn more about pediatric dental care and all the services provided at our practice, visit www.scdsmile.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.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

We make dental extractions quick and easy at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs. Usually, a non-surgical extraction can be done in just a few seconds and the empty socket will be healed within days. However, there is a potential complication which can arise in people on certain medications, which is why we want our patients to understand what osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is.

Osteonecrosis is when bone tissue dies. This can occur if bone is exposed to air, which the jawbone is immediately after a tooth is removed, but this situation is usually not dangerous unless the patient is on bisphosphonate medication. Bisphosphonates are used to prevent bone resorption in people with osteoporosis or who are receiving chemotherapy. Almost all known cases of ONJ occurred in chemotherapy patients receiving bisphosphonates through an IV drip.

ONJ is an example of why it is so important for patients to disclose their entire medical and medication history, even for routine procedures. If it occurs, dead bone can be shaved off and treated with anti-bacterial spray, but it is best to avoid scheduling extractions for current chemotherapy patients. If a patient is expected to start chemotherapy, they should discuss with their oncologist whether they have time for dental procedures.

Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour operate Southern Cross Dental at 1855 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905-2516. To schedule an appointment, call 719-471-1717 or visit Southern Cross Family Dentistry and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gum Disease

There are many conditions which can affect people’s oral health, and at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, we want our patients to know what they’re up against. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that is common in people with gum disease, and scientists are learning more about why.

A Johns Hopkins study found gum disease in 35% of the general population but 70% of people with RA. While people with difficulty moving their hands might be expected to have higher rates of gum disease due to worse oral hygiene, that’s not the whole story. Gingivitis is common even in people with RA who are still able to brush and floss regularly. For answers, scientists compared the DNA and protein structure of gum tissue and synovium, the lining of the joints. RA causes the immune system to attack synovium, resulting in swelling, and it turned out that synovium and gum tissue share a lot of traits.

RA is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Smoking puts people at increased risk for it. Preliminary studies show that good oral hygiene can still help people with RA to fight gum disease, making it especially important for them to get regular cleanings.

Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour operate Southern Cross Dental at 1855 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905-2516. To schedule an appointment, call 719-471-1717 or visit Southern Cross Family Dentistry and fill out a contact sheet.