Preventive Care and Oral Hygiene

If you don’t take care of your teeth and properly maintain your oral health, you may find yourself spending thousands of dollars in restorative dental care down the line. Although we love to see you here at Southern Cross Dental, we want to save you money and help you keep your teeth for life. When the dental team and the patient work together, this can help to prevent the need for treatment.

Preventive dentistry emphasizes the importance of ongoing hygiene procedures and daily practices to prevent tooth decay and other dental diseases and conditions. Effective preventive dentistry combines at-home oral care by patients with chairside treatments and counseling by dental professionals. The American Dental Association recommends a minimum of two dental checkups each year for professional cleaning and management of any developing conditions. Obeying this recommendation can help our dentists stop dental disease in the earliest stages, protecting your smile and your wallet.

Considering that oral health is linked to overall health, preventive dentistry is important for the sake of your overall wellbeing. For more information on prevention dentistry, give us a call today or visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Navid Rahimpour DDS, or Dr. Faranak Rahimpour DDS at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.

Dental Sealants in Colorado Springs, CO

Have you ever wondered if there was a way to seal out tooth decay? At Southern Cross Dental we utilize dental sealants as a barrier to prevent cavities. Typically, children should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as teeth come in. In this way, the sealants can protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6-14. However, adults can receive sealants too, so don’t forget to ask about them during your next appointment.

Sealants are easy for the dentist to apply. The sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups. Dental sealants can be replaced as necessary, but are only effective for the tooth they are applied on.

For more information on dental sealants, give us a call today or visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Navid Rahimpour DDS, or Dr. Faranak Rahimpour DDS at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.

Are Dental X-rays Safe?

Dental X-rays are a useful diagnostic tool when helping Dr. Navid Rahimpour DDS, or Dr. Faranak Rahimpour DDS, at Southern Cross Dental detect damage and disease not visible during a regular 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. Dental X-ray exams are safe; however, they do require very low levels of radiation exposure, which makes the risk of potentially harmful effects very small.

Dental X-ray tools and techniques are designed to limit the body’s exposure to radiation and every precaution is taken to ensure that radiation exposure is As Low As Reasonable Achievable (the ALARA principle). A leaded apron minimizes exposure to the abdomen and may be used when it will not interfere with the acquisition of the dental radiograph.

If you are concerned about radiation exposure due to X-rays, next time you need a dental x-ray don’t be afraid to ask questions. To learn more about dental services offered at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Navid Rahimpour DDS, or Dr. Faranak Rahimpour DDS, call 719-471-1717.

What is a Dental Implant Procedure Like?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. At Southern Cross Dental, the dental implant procedure is a team effort between you and Dr. Navid Rahimpour DDS, or Dr. Faranak Rahimpour DDS. Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, here at Southern Cross Dental we will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs.

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months. X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself for up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.

If you are considering dental implants, schedule a consultation to discuss your options. To learn more about dental implants, recovery, and other services offered at Southern Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Navid Rahimpour DDS, or Dr. Faranak Rahimpour DDS, call 719-471-1717.

Different Types of Dental Mouthguards

Mouth guards should be used by anyone – children and adults – who play contact sports such as football, boxing, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey. However, even participating in noncontact sports (gymnastics) and any recreational activity (skateboarding, mountain biking) that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth would benefit from wearing a protective mouthguard as well. At Southern Cross Dental, Dr. Navid Rahimpour DDS, and Dr. Faranak Rahimpour DDS, offer a variety of mouthguards to fit your needs.

Though there are literally thousands of mouth guard brands, most brands fall into three major categories: stock mouth guards, boil and bite mouth guards, and customized mouth guards. Stock mouth guards can be bought directly off the shelf and immediately fitted into the mouth. The fit is universal (one-size-fits-all), meaning that the mouth guard doesn’t adjust. Boil and bite mouth guards are usually made from thermoplastic and are easily located at most sporting goods stores. First, the thermoplastic must be immersed in hot water to make it pliable, and then it must be pressed on the teeth to create a custom mold. Customized mouth guards offer the greatest degree of protection and are custom-made by the dentist. First, the dentist makes an impression of the teeth using special material, and then the mouth guard is constructed over the mold.

If you have questions or concerns about choosing a mouth guard please contact our office or visit www.southerncrossfamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Navid Rahimpour DDS, or Dr. Faranak Rahimpour DDS, at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.