Inlays and Onlays

If you have heard someone use the term partial crown, they are talking about inlays and onlays, which our dentists, Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour provide. Inlays and onlays are a dental procedure performed to strengthen a tooth and prevent damage if it is weakened and at risk of breaking. It is a less invasive procedure than covering a tooth with a crown completely. An inlay is used when there is a damage and it must be placed partially inside the tooth, while an onlay goes right on top of a tooth that doesn’t have as much damage to the cusps of the tooth.

 

Before placing inlays and onlays, we must first remove any decayed portions of the tooth. Then, an impression is made and sent to a lab where the inlay or onlay is made. In approximately 2-3 weeks, the restoration is complete and can be bonded to the tooth. We do this with very strong cement for a stable hold. Inlays and onlays last about the same time as crowns, which is approximately 10-15 years. The better a patient takes care of their teeth, the longer it lasts.

 

To learn more about getting inlays and onlays from Southern Cross Dental, call us at (719)471-1717.

Root Canal Therapy

Endodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the nerves of the teeth, and root canal therapy is the most common procedure within endodontics. Dr. Navid Rahimpour and Dr. Faranak Rahimpour offer root canal therapy to patients with a deep infection in the nerves of their teeth, as an alternative to tooth extraction. During a root canal, the nerves of the teeth are removed, as well as any other infected tissue. Here is a breakdown of the procedure:

 

1. The patient receives local anesthesia so they don’t experience any pain.

2. We drill a small hole into the tooth to reach the canal.

3. Infected tissue and nerves are removed using a special tool.

4. Once the infection is gone, the hole is filled with gutta percha.

5. The patient returns to our office in two weeks to be fitted with a crown.

 

It is important that patients not skip the process of getting a crown, because without nerves, the tooth becomes dead. This makes it susceptible to breaking off, and requiring a bridge or dental implant to replace it. Visit Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO to schedule your root canal therapy appointment.

White Fillings

The metal amalgam fillings are rarely used by dentists because of how many disadvantages there are. Our team here at Southern Cross Dental prefers to use white fillings, which are made of sturdy composite resin for a long-standing filling that fills cavities and helps with other imperfections of the tooth. White fillings match the exact shade of the tooth so it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.

 

The composite resin of white fillings is first mixed to the right shade, and then molded over the tooth for whatever purpose it is serving. It dries quickly and with the right care, can last about 10-15 years.

Our patients here at Southern Cross Dental have found the following benefits by getting white fillings:

• They are made to match your natural tooth color.
• They do not contain toxic materials or mercury.
• White fillings don’t require enamel removal.
• They do not contract from temperature changes.
• It can solve other problems like gaps, discoloration or chips.

White fillings are used in our dental office as often as possible, providing these and other benefits to our patients.

Tooth Extractions

Extractions are needed for multiple reasons: to avoid getting a root canal, to remove wisdom teeth that are pushing against other teeth, or to remove an impacted and infected tooth. Here at Southern Cross Dental, we provide extractions for patients that need to get a tooth removed. It is not a difficult process and is done under anesthesia, so no pain is experienced. We do ask that patients have a ride home following the anesthesia, as it is not safe for them to drive.

 

After the extractions are completed by our team at Southern Cross Dental, it is important that patients follow these tips:

 

1. Only eat soft foods for the first few days following the surgery, such as yogurt, pudding and mashed potatoes.

2. Don’t use a straw when drinking liquids.

3. Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the tooth was extracted.

4. Avoid smoking cigarettes, as the sucking motion can pull the blood clot.

5. Call our office if excessive pain or bleeding is experienced.

 

You may notice some minor bleeding at the extraction site, which is temporary. An ice pack works wonders for any lingering pain.

 

If you want to find out more about getting extractions done in our Colorado Springs, CO office, visit us online at www.southercrossfamilydentistry.com or call us today at (719) 471-1717.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are one of many procedures we offer our patients when they lose one or multiple teeth.  A bridge is made with abutment teeth to replace the missing teeth, and tailored to natural teeth on either end. These natural teeth will be covered with crowns to make them more stable, and must be contoured and reshaped slightly to make room for the crowns. Here at Southern Cross Dental, patients choose this option as a quick and easy way to replace their missing teeth, allowing them to eat as normal.

 

The following are some facts patients should know about dental bridges:

• Bridges help prevent other teeth from shifting as a result of the missing tooth.
•  They require a natural tooth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth.
•  The bridge can be done for one or multiple missing teeth in a row.
• A bridge is like a partial denture, though it cannot be removed.

The bridge is not obvious to anyone other than the patient, so they have more confidence when smiling, talking and eating. They must be taken care of the same way as their other teeth, including regular brushing.

 

Call us at 719-471-1717 or visit our websitewww.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com to learn more about bridges.

Porcelain Veneers

Many of us wish we could change something about our smile.  We might want to improve our alignment and brightness or correct chips and cracks.  While there are many ways to improve the cosmetic appearance of our smiles, veneers provide my patients with the opportunity to completely makeover their smile look.  Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are individually crafted to meet an individual patient’s needs.  Some of the many cosmetic problems veneers can correct include:

• Discoloration
• Cracks
• Chips
• Gaps
• Misalignment

Since veneers cover your existing tooth structure, you can create a truly picture perfect smile.  Colorado Springs, CO patients that have chosen veneers have been thrilled with the results of their new makeover.  In as little as two visits to the office, you can find confidence in a new, beautiful smile.  Veneers are a great way to completely makeover your smile, but they aren’t for everyone.  If you are interested in this cosmetic dental service, schedule an appointment at my office.  I’m happy to help patients decide if veneers are the best option for their smile needs.