Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Importance of Tartar Control

If you practice poor oral hygiene, you are likely to develop plaque buildup, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth along the gum line. Plaque contains bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease and when left untreated, can lead to tartar buildup that only our doctors at Southern Cross Dental will be able to remove.


Because tartar is spongy, it absorbs stains easily. The most common sign of this mineral is a yellow or brown deposit between the lower front teeth or at the gum line. Therefore, if you are a coffee or tea drinker, or a smoker, it is especially important that you prevent tartar buildup. Proper brushing, especially with an American Dental Association (ADA) approved toothpaste, and flossing is necessary to reduce both plaque and tartar buildup. The process for removing tartar is called scaling. During a scaling, a hygienist will use special instruments to remove it.  


If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, 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.

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can happen to anyone, whether it occurs in one tooth or more. Tooth sensitivity is a common dental problem that involves pain and discomfort in the teeth. Do you wince while eating an ice cream cone or cringe while drinking hot coffee? If so, our doctors at Southern Cross Dental can perform an oral exam, and get to the root of what’s causing your sensitive teeth.


Poor oral care habits are usually the cause of tooth sensitivity but sensitive teeth can also be the result of bruxism, a condition in which the patient grinds his or her teeth. Tooth sensitivity can also arise from periodontal disease. When gums are inflamed, they can cause enamel on the teeth as well as the dentin below to become hypersensitive. Treatment for sensitive teeth may include improving oral care habits, fluoride application, or dental fillings.


If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth sensitivity, 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.

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Restorative Dental Services

When our doctors at Southern Cross Dental use the term “restorative dentistry,” he or she is referring to the integrated management of oral health problems and restoring the mouth to a functional and esthetic state. Restorative dental procedures may include replacing missing teeth with dental bridges, tooth bonding, crowns, or dentures. The goal of these procedures is to preserve the natural teeth as much as possible.


Once our doctors diagnose your dental condition, they will discuss treatment options with you in detail. If you have missing teeth, dental implants and bridges work best to resemble natural teeth and restore them to their natural function. A dental crown can protect a tooth if dental bonding isn’t strong enough to withstand chewing forces. Restorative dental services as well as cosmetic, have similar properties, both aesthetically fix the problem and revive the tooth back to life.  


If you wish to learn more about restorative dental services, 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.

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Veneers Transform Your Smile

If your teeth suffer some undesirable defects, such as being cracked, chipped, or discolored due to stains, you may be a candidate for porcelain veneers. Dental veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials that are designed to cover the front side of teeth. They are an ideal choice if you wish to improve your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility and we provide them to Southern Cross Dental patients.


Veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations because they offer a much more conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color, size or shape. Because dental veneers are an irreversible process, it is critical that you are involved and informed every step of the way. Once the veneers have been placed, one of our doctors will explain the corrective limitations of the procedure.


If you wish to learn more about veneers, 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.