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.

Benefits of a Tongue Scraper

At Southern Cross Dental, we want you to have the freshest breath on the block. If you’ve ever looked at your tongue in a mirror, you may or may not see a colored film on it. If your tongue is pink, then congratulations! That means you are cleaning your tongue properly. However, if build-up is there, it’s time to invest in a tongue scraper.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), bad breath affects up to 50% of the adult population. Bad breath can be the result of conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, diabetes, and liver or kidney problems, but more often than not, it’s a direct result of what’s going on in your mouth –or what’s not going on. A tongue scraper (tongue cleaner or tongue brush) is an oral hygiene device designed to clean off bacteria, food debris, fungi, and dead cells from the surface of your tongue. Using a tongue scraper is easy: simply place it toward the back of your tongue, and drag it forward toward the tip of your tongue. Then begin to reap the benefits of fresh breath, improved ability to taste and most importantly, improved dental health.

For more information on maintaining proper oral hygiene 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, call 719-471-1717.

Are You Flossing Properly?

Flossing is an essential part of the tooth-cleaning process because it removes plaque from between the teeth and at the gumline. Here at Southern Cross Dental we want you to get the most out of your oral hygiene routine, which is why we want to be sure that when you floss, you are doing it properly.

If you eat a meal and experience pain in your gums shortly after, you probably have some food stuck in your teeth that you need to remove. Dental floss dislodges food particles trapped between the teeth and under the gums where the toothbrushes can’t reach. To receive maximum benefits from flossing, it is best to use the following proper technique.

•  Starting with about 18 inches of floss, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss to work with.


• Holding the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth.


• Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gumline.


• Use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.

For more information on maintaining proper oral hygiene 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. 

How to Select the Best Toothbrush

With so many shapes, sizes and styles of toothbrushes on the market, deciding which kind to buy can be confusing. There are certain characteristics that you should look for in whatever toothbrush you choose, regardless of whether it is manual or powered. At Southern Cross Dental, Dr. Navid Rahimpour DDS, and Dr. Faranak Rahimpour DDS want you to consider some general tips next time you take a walk down the toothbrush aisle.

Small brush head and well-designed bristles are important. Choose a toothbrush with a small brush head and a bristle design that helps you to get to the hard to reach places of your mouth. Your toothbrush should also have soft bristles that are gentle on your teeth and gums. Another essential feature is a comfortable handle. Many toothbrushes have non-slip grips which make them easy to use even if wet. A worn toothbrush can damage gum tissue, so be sure to replace your toothbrush every three months or when it becomes worn.

If you have questions about the difference between electric toothbrushes versus manual toothbrushes, know that one is not necessarily better than the other. If you are looking for a professional opinion, Dr. Navid Rahimpour DDS, and Dr. Faranak Rahimpour DDS can provide you with assistance. To schedule a consultation at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717 or visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information.