Dry Sockets

We regularly carry out extractions at Southern Cross Dental and our patients always leave with clear post-operation instructions. Nevertheless, we are on the lookout for complications and want our patients to know how to recognize signs of a dry socket.

When a tooth is removed, a hole leading down to the jawbone will be left open. It is necessary for the patient to develop a blood clot to seal this off until it naturally closes, or else the socket will painfully dry out, leaving the patient vulnerable to infection. Therefore, we will need to know all the medications the patient is on before the extraction in order to determine if any of them will interfere with clot formation. Patients will also have to abstain from sipping through straws or otherwise creating suction in their mouths which could dislodge the clot once it’s been formed.

Dry sockets are most likely after difficult extractions that required incisions and sutures. They usually develop within two days of the extraction. Patients who are in severe pain should request an emergency appointment. We will clean the socket and provide medicated wound dressing in place of the clot. We will monitor the patient’s recovery much more closely after that and provide prescriptions if painkillers or antibiotics are necessary.

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 SouthernCrossFamilyDentistry.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Acid Reflux

We see many causes of aching teeth and gum disease at Southern Cross Dental. Some of them are due to smoking or bad hygiene, but diet, medications, and lifestyle can also be a contributing factor. This is particularly the case with people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD or acid reflux.

Hydrochloric acid is necessary for the breakdown of foods, but people are in for a lot of discomfort if it leaves the stomach. Unfortunately, the sphincter separating the stomach from the esophagus sometimes fails, allowing acid to back up into the throat and mouth. Some ways of preventing this from happening are to avoid slouching and to cut back on acidic foods and drinks such as garlic, onions, citrus juice, tomatoes, and alcohol. Smoking and caffeine are also known to contribute to acid reflux.

Acid reflux not only corrodes the teeth and gums, it also damages the salivary glands. Without enough saliva, the mouth will dry out, putting it at risk of infection and making sleeping much more difficult. Chewing sugarless gum is one easy way to stimulate new saliva production. People who have suffered acid reflux for a long time may also require a fluoride treatment in our office to restore the minerals to their enamel.

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 SouthernCrossFamilyDentistry.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

The Extraction of Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth can cause quite the stir. Often, they grow in painful and do not fit right. Other times, they fit okay, but it is still a good idea to take them out. At Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, we are able to examine wisdom teeth, create a plan for them, and extract them as needed.

Since most of everyone has their wisdom teeth pulled out, you may be wondering why we even have wisdom teeth in the first place. Well, there is a theory that we needed them about 20,000 years ago. Back then, humans had a much rougher diet of things like of uncooked meat, nuts, and roots. It is thought that the extra teeth helped chew through these foods better. However, since, then, the human facial structure and jaw has shrunken. We also have a lot more food options and do not eat such tough chews all the time. This has rendered our wisdom teeth ill-fitting and unnecessary. 

In order to remove wisdom teeth, first, your doctor will make an incision in the gums to access the bone tissue holding in the tooth. The bone is removed and the tooth is rocked back and forth until it is pulled free. Occasionally, the tooth will need to be broken up into several pieces before it is removed. The area is then cleaned and stitched up to heal. You will need to follow instructions to allow a healthy and speedy recovery.

Wisdom teeth can cause a lot of pain. It is important to have them monitored if you think they are growing in. To schedule an appointment at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call our office at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

Fight Off Bad Breath

Bad breath can be embarrassing and well, gross. Fortunately, here at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, we are able to give our patients tips on keeping bad breath away. Keep reading to learn how it happens and what you can do about it!

Fresh breath comes down to a few different things; cleanliness, hydration, and food. First, we will talk about cleanliness. Bacteria are often the culprit of bad breath. Good oral hygiene including brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist will keep your mouth in good shape.

Hydration is important because bacteria thrive in dry mouth conditions. Get in your recommended amount of water every day. Make it a priority. Not only will you have fresher breath, your mouth and whole body will be healthier!

Certain foods can also contribute to bad breath. Dairy especially contains certain types of bacteria that contribute to bad smells. Then there are stinky foods like onions and garlic. Chew mint leaves or lemon rinds after consuming “stinky food” as this will both freshen and hydrate your mouth. In addition, reach for bacteria-fighting foods. Examples of these are yogurt, which has live and active good bacteria cultures that fight bad bacteria and green tea which hydrates and eliminates bad odors.

Bad breath can ruin a moment but not when you have these tips to keep it away! To schedule your next appointment with Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call our office at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

Keeping White Teeth During Braces

Getting your braces off is exciting; you cannot wait to see what your smile is going to look like. Plus, you can finally eat what you want and brush and floss normally! What you do not want to see is uneven staining due to the brackets. At Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, we want to remind our patients who wear braces of what they can do to avoid staining.

Keeping your smile nice and bright can seem a little more complicated when you have braces on, but that is because there is just a little more work involved. While this is true, it should not deter you from keeping excellent oral health. Excellent oral care will yield beautiful and healthy teeth when the braces come off.

To make sure you are removing debris and plaque that could lead to staining, make sure you keep up with your dental hygiene routine. Brush two to three times per day and floss once per day. It helps if you brush after each meal. You will also want to stay away from dark foods and drinks as these could lead to staining, as well. Blueberries, soy sauce, tea, and cola are all examples are dark foods and drinks that can stain teeth if consumed frequently.

Something that may help you take better care of your teeth while wearing braces is an interdental cleaner. They help you brush around your brackets underneath your wire. Floss threaders will also be a big help.

Follow these tips for a beautiful smile during and after braces! To schedule your routine examination at Southern Cross Dental of Colorado Springs, CO, call our office at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

Natural-Looking and Strong Dental Bridges

Replacing teeth does more than make your smile whole again. It helps with speech, eating, and it even keeps the structure of your jaw intact. One of the options we offer here at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO is dental bridges. These are popular options that are able to look completely natural.

Dental bridges affix a replacement tooth to dental crowns which will go over the teeth adjacent to where the open space is. The replacement tooth is between two crowns, “bridging” the gap, which is why it is referred to as a bridge. Bridges can be made to look just like your natural teeth, so it will blend right in with your smile.

A custom dental bridge is created by reshaping the teeth adjacent to the opening so that crowns will fit on them. An impression of the area is taken so that a dental laboratory can create the perfect and natural looking bridge that will be your replacement. During the creation process, you will wear a temporary bridge for protection and use. When the permanent bridge is ready, it is cemented into place. Bridges can last for a very long time with good dental care.

If you are in need of a replacement, be sure to schedule an appointment with us to explore all your options. To schedule an appointment at Southern Cross Dental in our Colorado Springs, CO office, call (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

Healthy Foods for Teeth and Gums

Did you know that there are certain foods that are good for your oral health? Just like you have probably heard that carrots are good for eyesight, there are foods that are good for teeth and gums. At Southern Cross Family Dentistry in Colorado Springs, CO, we want our patients to know how to take good care of their teeth at home. Keep reading to learn about the different foods that can benefit your oral health!

Foods rich in calcium like milk, cheese, and yogurt are great for strong teeth. In addition, yogurt contains good bacteria that fight off odor-causing bacteria while milk lowers acid levels in your mouth.

Crunchy, fibrous foods like carrots, apples, and cucumbers actually help clean your teeth as you eat them. They remove plaque as you bite into them and chew them. If you are ever at a party and are in a pinch for a toothbrush, go for the cucumber tray!

For good gum health, snack on citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits. They strengthen the blood vessels and connective tissues that hold your teeth to your jaw. They can also help reduce any inflammation.

When looking to boost your oral health, just take a stroll through the grocery store! To schedule you routine cleaning and examination with Southern Cross Family Dentistry, call our Colorado Springs, CO office at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

Custom and Natural-Looking Dental Crowns

Decayed or damaged teeth need restoration and protection; otherwise, they can lead to infection and complete loss of the tooth. Here at Southern Cross Family Dentistry in Colorado Springs, CO, we are able to create completely custom dental crowns to keep our patients’ natural teeth for as long as possible.

Our custom dental crowns are caps that go over the whole tooth. They are colored to match the shade of the rest of your teeth; so when you smile, no one will be able to tell the difference. Crowns strengthen weak teeth and restore health to the tooth. With a dental crown, we can avoid pulling the tooth out completely.

To have a dental crown made, we will first remove any decay from the tooth and reshape it for the crown. Impressions are taken of the area and sent to a dental laboratory so the custom crown can be created. The creation process will take a few weeks; so during this time, you will wear a temporary crown. When the permanent crown is ready, we cement it into place. Crowns need to be taken care of just like regular teeth, but with good care, they can last for over fifteen years.

If you are interested in a natural-looking custom crown, schedule an appointment with Southern Cross Family Dentistry. To schedule in our Colorado Springs, CO office, call us at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

Do You Brush For a Full Two Minutes?

Many patients do not realize the short amount of time they spend brushing their teeth. The recommended time is about two minutes, which may sound long, but if you are brushing all that you need to, it goes by pretty quickly. Dr. Navid Rahimpour, DDS and Dr. Faranak Rahimpour, DDS wants to remind their patients at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO of why the full two minutes is important. In addition, take some tips for making sure you do spend enough time.

Dental plaque is a film of bacteria that form on your teeth from food, drinks, and even our saliva. It is important to remove the bacteria from all areas of your mouth including the fronts of your teeth, the insides, the chewing surfaces, the backs of the back molars, your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and the insides of your cheeks. All of this will take about two minutes.

Splitting the mouth into four sections is also a good way to break up the minutes and get an even brushing. Spend thirty seconds on the upper-right section, thirty seconds on the upper-left section, and so on for the two lower sections.  

There are also electric and manual toothbrushes that have timers on them. Or keep track by playing some music while you brush. Most music players have counters on them, so you’ll know when you hit the two-minute mark.

Good at-home dental care is essential for your oral and overall health. To schedule a cleaning with Dr. Navid Rahimpour, DDS or Dr. Faranak Rahimpour, DDS of Southern Cross Dental, call our Colorado Springs, CO office at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

Pregnancy and Oral Health

During pregnancy, nearly everything in your body goes through changes and that includes your teeth and gums. Dr. Navid Rahimpour, DDS and Dr. Faranak Rahimpour, DDS of Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO want our pregnant patients to know how to keep good oral health during these changes.

Pregnancy causes a big increase in hormones that can affect your teeth and gums. The extra hormones present can cause your gums to be more sensitive to plaque. Your gums can even become puffy, red, and irritated. This condition is known as “pregnancy gingivitis”. Pregnancy gingivitis should clear up after the baby is born, but left alone, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. This may be able to be avoided with more frequent home oral care and professional dental cleanings. It’s important to schedule an appointment with us if you think you are developing gum disease.

Cavities are also at an increased risk due to change in behavior during pregnancy. Being pregnant means you will be eating more carbohydrates than normal, which means the teeth are being introduced to a lot more sugar. Also, the increased frequency of acid in the mouth from morning sickness can wear away enamel, making teeth prone to cavities.

If you are pregnant or plan to be pregnant, ask us about what can be done to be proactive about your oral health. It is important for both you and your baby. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Navid Rahimpour, DDS or Dr. Faranak Rahimpour, DDS of Southern Cross Dental, call our Colorado Springs, CO office at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

What Happens When You Skip Brushing and Flossing?

We all know our dentist tells us to brush twice per day and floss once per day but do we all really do it? Maybe if you knew why it is needed, you would. Dr. Navid Rahimpour DDS and Dr. Faranak Rahimpour, DDS of Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO want their patients to know the consequences of poor oral care.

There is a reason why brushing twice per day and flossing once per day is important. Failing to keep good care of your teeth can result in decay, gum disease, and the loss of teeth. Not to mention some pretty bad breath and an unpleasant smile.

Plaque is what forms on our teeth throughout the day. It looks like a whitish material and especially likes to collect near our gum lines. Plaque is actually a film of bacteria and it is formed from food, drinks, and saliva. Plaque in itself can cause enamel to weaken and form cavities. However, if plaque is not removed, it can soon turn into tartar. Tartar is a calcified form of plaque that can really only be removed by a dentist. If this plaque and tartar sit on your teeth for long enough, the gums become irritated and can begin to recede. Infected gums are painful, they bleed easily, and they lead to worse problems like lost teeth and spread of infection. Gum disease can even increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Plaque forms just hours after brushing and flossing, which is why it is important to brush several times per day. Flossing should be done once per day. The bacteria that get caught between teeth can begin to do damage after a day, which is why flossing is important to get to once per day.

Along with a great oral care routine at home, visits to your dentist for a professional cleaning are important, too. To schedule your cleaning with Dr. Navid Rahimpour, DDS and Dr. Faranak Rahimpour, DDS in Colorado Springs, CO, call our office at (719) 471-1717. Appointments may also be made through our Southern Cross Dental website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

How to Take Care of a Dental Crown

Dental crowns are great because they can allow a tooth to remain in place even after some damage. Crowns repair the function of your tooth and restore your oral health. After having a crown installed, there will be some things to keep in mind. At Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, we can provide our patients with custom dental crowns. Read on to learn about taking care of a crown.

The process of installing a dental crown will include wearing a temporary crown for a short time. This is so that a dental laboratory can create the permanent custom crown. While you are wearing this temporary crown, you will want to avoid foods that are too hard or too sticky. These foods could cause the crown to pop off. Also, be careful when brushing and flossing.

After the permanent crown is installed, there may be some irritation or soreness in the gums surrounding the crown. This will subside as the gum tissue gets used to the new structure of the tooth. To deal with the irritation, it helps to swish your mouth with warm salt water. Ibuprofen can also be taken. Soon, your gums will adjust and your new crown will feel just like the rest of your teeth.

If you are interested in more about dental crowns, contact Southern Cross Dental of Colorado Springs, CO. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS, call our office at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

The Stages of Gum Disease

Many of us have heard of gum disease, but do we really know how it develops? Gingivitis is considered the first stage of gum disease but if left untreated, it can advance into periodontitis. At Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS want to be sure our patients know how gum disease develops so we can work together to avoid it.

When gums become red, puffy, irritated, and start bleeding, this is often considered gingivitis. As stated before, gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It is caused from plaque and tartar that remain on the teeth. Plaque and tartar are formed from bacteria and when they are not removed, they can irritate the gums. If gingivitis is not treated, it can advance into a worse form of gum disease, called periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a serious condition that can destroy soft tissue and bone tissue. It can also spread infection which leads to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Characteristics of periodontitis include swollen gums, bright red or purple gums, tenderness, receded gums, loose teeth, lost teeth, a bad taste in your mouth, and bad breath. Pus may also form in the spaces between your teeth and gums. Periodontitis is much harder to get rid of. Recovery can include full-mouth scaling and planing procedures and gum grafts.

While gum disease can turn very serious, it is also completely preventable. Taking great oral care at home and seeing your dentist for routine cleanings and examinations will make sure you stay on top of your oral health. To schedule your next appointment with Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS of Colorado Springs, CO, call our office at (719) 471-1717. Appointments may also be made through our Southern Cross Dental website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

Healthy Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is almost here which usually brings copious amounts of candy! This Valentine’s Day, take some tips for choosing healthier treats and doing an extra-great job cleaning your teeth! Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS of Southern Cross Dental here in Colorado Springs, CO want their patients to enjoy the holiday but still think of their dental health!

We know that Valentine’s Day is filled with lots of sweets, so it is important to really pay attention to your dental habits. Sugar can lead to tooth decay if not brushed away properly. Make sure to brush two to three times per day, but maybe throw in an extra brushing if you’re eating a lot of sweets! Flossing should be done once per day, especially during this time. Sticky candies can become stuck in between teeth and let the sugar just sit there until it is flossed away! Sticky candies are also known for pulling out dental restorations and pulling off dental brackets, so be careful!

Some healthier options for treats include chocolate dipped strawberries and berries with whipped cream! They are both delicious and not nearly as bad for your teeth as candy. In fact, strawberries even have the capability to help whiten your teeth!

Enjoy your Valentine’s Day and keep up your brushing! To schedule an appointment with Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS of Southern Cross Dental in our Colorado Springs, CO office, call us at (719) 471-1717. Appointments may also be set up through our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

How Smoking Affects Oral Health

When a person smokes, the smoke first enters the body through the mouth, so it should be no surprise that smoking is terrible for oral health. Drs. Navid Rahimpour and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS here at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO want the best oral health for all of their patients. If you smoke and have been thinking about quitting, now is the perfect time to do so!

When the smoke enters your mouth, it changes the gum tissue and the blood vessels within them. The top layer of gum tissue thickens; a condition called keratosis. The blood vessels become constricted, which means not enough blood supplies the area. The salivary glands also become damaged, which creates dry mouth. These types of conditions affect healing, immune strength, and promote an environment for bacteria growth.

Increased bacteria can lead to gum disease, which if left untreated, can lead to loss of teeth. The risk of infections is also greater since the immune strength is lowered. Smoking also stains breath and darkens teeth.

Probably the worst effect of any is that smoking causes cancer. Cancerous lesions can form on the gums, the lips, the throat, the tongue, and other areas of the mouth.

Our patients’ oral health is our top concern here at Southern Cross Dental. To schedule an examination and cleaning with Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS, call our Colorado Springs, CO office at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

The Important Difference Between Plaque and Tartar

Anyone who has been to the dentist or read a toothpaste label has heard of plaque and tartar. While they are common dental terms, many do not know the difference between the two. Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS of Southern Cross Dental are committed to helping their patients lead a life of oral health. In our Colorado Springs, CO office, we want to help our patients understand the difference between plaque and tartar and why it is important.

Plaque is a thin, sticky substance that coats teeth. It is bacteria created from food, drinks, and our own saliva. It is often white in color or a pale yellow. Brushing and flossing remove plaque, but plaque forms just hours after doing so. That is why it is so important to brush your teeth two to three times per day and floss once per day!

Tartar is what forms when plaque is not brushed away. It commonly forms in hard-to-reach areas but can form anywhere plaque forms if oral hygiene is poor. When the plaque is not removed, it begins to form tiny crystals which eventually harden into calculus. Tartar is not removable by brushing and flossing and it must be removed by your dentist. Tartar left on your teeth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Tartar may also begin to grow into the spaces between gums and teeth when irritated gums begin to recess.

To avoid plaque and tartar from forming and harming your oral health, develop a great at-home oral care routine! Also, make your cleaning and examination appointments with Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS! To schedule with Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call us at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

When Your Child Fears the Dentist

There are some kids who love going to the dentist, but for the kids who fear dental appointments, it can be tough to calm them down. At our Colorado Springs, CO dental practice, Southern Cross Dental, Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS want all of our patients to enjoy their dental appointment and feel relaxed. Take some tips for calming down your child when he or she fears dental appointments.

The key to relaxing your child is familiarity. This is most easily done by taking your child to the dentist routinely from an early age. However, if your child is going to the dentist for the first time, you can still prepare them and make them more familiar. Take them with you to your dental appointments first so they can see the office, meet the staff, and see that you have no problem seeing the dentist. You can also help them understand what the dentist will do by setting up a pretend dental appointment at home. Have your child lay back on a couch or reclining chair and open wide. Look inside their mouth and maybe use a toothbrush to scrub each tooth. Pretend to look at each tooth and comment about how healthy they are. This helps them become familiar with the actual process so when it really happens, they will know more of what to expect.

Kids will also feel better when they know that their teeth will be clean and healthy after seeing the dentist. A good checkup will give them something to be proud of. To schedule your child’s dental appointment with Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call us at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

Brushing and Flossing with Braces

Wearing braces means you need to take a little extra time to take care of your teeth and gums. Good oral care is even more important while wearing braces because of the plaque that they can trap. Southern Cross Dental of Colorado Springs, CO is here to remind our patients of the proper way to brush and floss with braces.

Taking good care of your teeth with braces will ensure a healthy and good-looking smile when the braces come off. In addition to your normal brushing, make sure to also brush along the tops and bottoms of your brackets with a tooth brush. Then use an interdental toothbrush (the kind that looks like a mini tree) to brush the sides of the brackets. You will know you have done a good job when the brackets are shiny and the edges are visible. If the edges are still covered with plaque, you must brush more carefully.

Buy Superfloss or a floss threader to floss your teeth. These make it easier to get the floss under your wires and back out to floss the next space.

While a little more time may be needed to take care of your oral health while wearing braces, it will be worth it in the end when you show off that beautiful smile! To schedule your dental cleaning with Southern Cross Dental of Colorado Springs, CO, call our office at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

Tooth Sensitivity: Causes and Solutions

Sensitive teeth can make you not want to enjoy your favorite beverages and food. It can also make you want to skip your dental hygiene routine. While sensitive teeth may have a few different causes, there are ways to find out what is causing it and how you can fix it. Here at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, we want our patients to know what causes tooth sensitivity and how they can stop it.

Brushing Too Hard: Many do not know that brushing too hard can actually wear down enamel. If you are bearing down too hard or using a toothbrush with stiff bristles, this can wear down enamel, exposing nerves and causing sensitivity. Use a medium or soft bristled brush and brush lightly.

Brushing Too Soon: You should always wait at least thirty minutes to brush after eating or drinking anything but water. Foods and drinks contain acid that softens the enamel on our teeth. Brushing before giving it a chance to harden could mean brushing away precious enamel.

Grinding Your Teeth: If you wake up with a sore jaw, you may be grinding your teeth at night. This can also lead to worn down enamel. In addition, it can cause your gums to recede, exposing your tooth roots. We can create a custom mouth guard for your protection at night.

Gum Disease: Gum disease can also lead to recession of gums. Keep a good oral hygiene routine and regular visits with us to avoid gum disease.

These are only a few of the different causes and solutions to sensitive teeth. If you are having difficulty figuring out what is causing your sensitive teeth, schedule an appointment with us in our Colorado Springs, CO office. Call us at (719) 471-1717 or visit our Southern Cross Dental website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com. 

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can create more than just a goofy grin. When missing teeth are not replaced, they can create health hazards. Southern Cross Dental of Colorado Springs, CO wants our patients to know why it is so important to replace missing teeth.

When a tooth goes missing, the gum and bone tissue that used to surround it begin to deteriorate. When the tooth is not replaced quickly, this deterioration will cause problems. The other teeth in the mouth will begin to shift towards that open space. This will create spots where bacteria can hide. It will also change the appearance of your smile.

When multiple teeth are missing, the deterioration of the jawbone can lead to a noticeable change in your jaw shape. Facial muscles may also begin to sag, making you appear older than you actually are.

Replacing a tooth as soon as possible stops other teeth from shifting around in the mouth and can help keep the shape of your jaw. At our dental practice here in Colorado Springs, CO, we offer multiple options for tooth replacement. Our experienced dentists will be able to tell you whether a bridge, a dental implant, or dentures are right for you.

Do not put off replacing a tooth simply because it does not presently bother you. Choosing not to replace teeth can create complications in the future. To schedule your consultation with Southern Cross Dental here in our Colorado Springs, CO practice, call our office at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com.