Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontal scaling and root planing is a method of removing toxic agents from gum tissue and surrounding bone. It is a non-surgical procedure that cleans dental plaque and tartar (calculus). Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour use scaling and planing at Southern Cross Dental as both a preventive measure and as a stand-alone treatment.

Common reasons for scaling and planing are disease prevention, tooth protection, aesthetic effects, and better breath. Oral bacteria that cause periodontal infections can spread throughout the body. Scaling and planing can eliminate bacteria before it has a chance to spread. Cleaning out deeper teeth pockets will also clean out colonies of bacteria. This prevents an inflammatory response which leads to gingival and tooth decay. Superficial stains on the teeth are removed in the scaling and planing process, and the cleaning itself can eliminate food particles from the mouth that are causing bad breath.

At your appointment with Drs. Rahimpour, a visual examination, and x-ray of your mouth will take place. Scaling is performed with special dental instruments. They will remove the calculus and plaque and can provide an antimicrobial agent below the gum lines. The root planing will remove surface dentin full of bacteria and tartar.

Follow any instructions provided by Drs. Rahimpour following your scaling and root planing treatments. Antibiotics may be prescribed to ensure successful healing. At your follow up appointment the gum pockets will be checked for any irregularities. In some cases, more extensive treatments may be recommended.

To learn more about periodontal scaling and root planing, or Southern Cross Dental services, visit our website or call today. Dr. Navid Rahimpour, D.D.S. and Dr. Faranak Rahimpour, D.D.S. are located in Colorado Spring, Colorado. Contact us on our website, or call at 719-471-1717.

 

How to Clean a Night Guard

Night time teeth grinding can seriously damage a person’s enamel and cause them a lot of jaw pain. We at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs are pleased to see patients with bruxism using night guards to protect themselves, but night guards need to be cleaned properly. Otherwise, they could become a source of halitosis and covered in bacterial build-up.

In the morning, a wearer should brush the night guard after removing it. As with anything dental-related, only a soft-bristled toothbrush should be used. Although soaking a night guard in soap and water or a cleaning solution will eliminate some bacteria, most manufacturers still recommend daily brushings. But fluoridated toothpaste is unnecessary and should be avoided; the minerals in it could scratch the night guard’s plastic, giving bacteria a hiding place.

While dentures should be kept wet at all times, night guards need to be patted dry and put in a clean, ventilated case. (Washing the case every day is also a good idea.) The case should not be left anywhere hot enough to put the night guard at risk for warping, and the wearer should not attempt to adjust it themselves. It is expected that the wearer’s teeth will migrate slightly, but a night guard can usually be refitted professionally.

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.

 

Caring For Your Retainer

Many orthodontic patients require a retainer at the end of orthodontic treatment.  Removable retainers are an easy step to take to preserve a straight smile. At Southern Cross Dental we see many patients who use retainers, and we knowcaring for your retainer properly is important so that it functions and lasts as long as possible.  A silly but common mistake people make with their retainers is trying to cut corners -- don’t try to clean or brush your retainer while it’s still in your mouth!  You can’t quickly scrub your retainer while brushing your teeth -- the retainer cannot be completely cleaned of debris this way, and toothpaste can also be abrasive to the plastic of the retainer.  Always remove your retainer before cleaning thoroughly with water and your toothbrush, and use a mild dish or hand soap to help clean off debris, never abrasive toothpaste.

You should clean your retainer daily, and also treat it weekly by soaking.  Soaking helps maintain the cleanliness of the retainer and keep it from drying out.  To soak the retainer, dissolve denture cleaning tablets in water or add a little baking soda to water to make a solution.  Storing your retainer properly is also important for its longevity.  Get in the habit of always using and carrying a case.  Too retainers have disappeared after being folded up in napkins!

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