Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a chemical compound with the formula N20. At room temperature, it is a colorless, non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odor and taste. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. At Southern Cross Dental, our doctors only administer this pain-relieving formula to eligible patients.

Nitrous oxide is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry. It is administered by having the patient inhale the gas, which is carefully monitored by our doctors. You will fall into a euphoric state and feel completely relaxed. All feelings of fear and anxiety fade away, leaving you to sit back peacefully while your dental procedure is performed. In most cases, all dental work can be completed in one visit while you are sedated. Once the procedure is over, the nitrous oxide will wear off fairly quickly and you will probably be able to drive yourself home and return to your daily activities.

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.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.

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.

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. 

Cosmetic Dentistry Defined

From subtle changes to major repairs, at Southern Cross Dental we offer a variety of procedures to improve your smile. While traditional dentistry addresses the health of your teeth and gums, cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile as a whole. Today, cosmetic dentistry is more popular than ever, from whitening and shaping to closing spaces and replacing teeth. But before you decide to undergo any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to know what you can expect during the process.

At Southern Cross Dental, some of our cosmetic procedures include teeth whitening as well as applying veneers. Teeth whitening is a common and popular chemical process that brightens teeth that have become discolored or stained. Depending on the patient’s preference, this can be performed by one of our doctor’s in-office or in the comfort of your own home. Veneers, on the other hand, are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked. They are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic placed over the front teeth to change the color or shape of your teeth.

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.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.

Mouth Guards Prevent Dental Injuries in Athletes

Mouth guard use has been shown to reduce the risk of sport-related dental injuries. Imagine playing a sport that you love, when suddenly a tooth gets knocked out. Smiling, talking and eating would be difficult and it would probably take you some time to recover. When it comes to protecting your mouth, a mouth guard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of your standard from an early age. Fortunately, our doctors at Southern Cross Dental can provide athletic patients of all ages with custom-fitted mouth guards for proper protection.

Custom mouth guards are made from exact and precise models of an individual’s own teeth. They are also made of resilient and tear-resistant materials ensuring a proper fit. A properly fitted mouth guard absolutely must be protective, comfortable, resilient, tear resistant, odorless, tasteless, and allow room for you to breathe. Because Dr. Shah’s custom-fitted mouth guards are made for your mouth and your mouth only, they are more reliable than over-the-counter mouth guards.

If you think you may benefit from a custom-fitted mouth guard, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.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.

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.