Dental Implants

At Southern Cross Dental our doctors replace teeth and restore patient smiles with dental implants. Implants are a permanent restorative option for teeth that are missing or have been extracted.  They look and feel like natural teeth, and are the most permanent and efficient means of replacing lost teeth.

An implant is placed over a series of appointments because of the healing time required.  Implants are titanium screws inserted through an incision in the gum. Over a period of 3-6 months, the jaw bone heals around the implant to become a solid, stable base for the new tooth. During this time a patient is fitted with a temporary crown, and a custom crown is created to match their smile perfectly.

After the jaw bone and gums have healed appropriately, the custom crown is placed in a second minor procedure.  The doctor may need to expose the head of the implant by removing some gum tissue, and the crown will be screwed to the top of the implant.  When this is complete the tooth looks like part of the natural smile, and with proper care will last for decades!

To learn more about dental implants and all the services provided at the 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.

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.

Dental Implant Restoration

Teeth can be missing for a variety of reasons whether it is dental trauma, decay, or tooth extraction. Dental implants are a safe and excellent ways to restore a person’s smile because they look and function like a natural tooth. Dental implants are replacement tooth roots that can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all of the teeth. If you are considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental to have all of your questions answered.

A dental implant is a titanium post that acts as a tooth root and is surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line. If a person is considering implants, they must have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. Once the implant procedure is complete, it’s critical to practice proper oral hygiene habits to keep them healthy. Dental implants should be treated as if they are your natural teeth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental implants or restorative dentistry, 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.

Implant Failure

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. In fact, they are one of the most reliable long-term methods of tooth replacement. However, as with any other surgical procedure, there are a variety of internal and external factors that cause complications or even total failure of treatment. When this happens, our doctors at Southern Cross Dental are here to help.

Osseointegration describes the formation of a direct functional and structural connection between a person’s bone and an artificial implant. There are two primary reasons for “later” implant failure after the osseointegration process has been successful. These include over-stressing implants with too much biting force, or inflammatory disease of the gum tissues and/or bone around the implant. Prevention plays a tremendous role in avoiding implant failure. Once the implants are placed, it’s crucial to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Make sure you schedule regular dental cleanings to help keep the tissues around your implants healthy.

If you have questions about dental implants, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visitwww.southerncrossfamilydentistry.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.

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.