Archive for April, 2009

Dental Crowns at Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego

Saturday, April 25th, 2009

Dental Crowns at Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego Dental crowns have been used in dentistry for over 2000 years. There is evidence that the Etruscans experimented with crowns on teeth using ivory and bone as early as 700 B.C. By 200 A.D., they began using gold crowns to construct artificial teeth. Ancient Egyptians fashioned tooth replacements out of seashells and then hammered them into their gums (Oral sedation, anyone?).

Porcelain crowns were first used in the 1800s. With the refining of metal casting methods in the 1900s, crown dentistry advanced significantly.

Today, crowns are strong, comfortable and are made to match your surrounding teeth.

Dental crowns (also called caps) cover the entire visible portion of the tooth and are cemented in place. Crowns are used to strengthen teeth that have been worn down or weakened by decay or injury. Crowns are also used to restore the original shape of a tooth or solely to improve the appearance of a tooth.

The most common types of crowns are:

  • All-porcelain (ceramic)
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal
  • Gold

The material used is determined by several factors. If you suspect you need a crown, want to replace an old crown, or want to learn about other cosmetic dentistry procedures, call Dentist Dr. Marcos Ortega at 619-295-4545. Marcos Ortega DDS is located at 306 Walnut Ave., Suite 25 in San Diego. We have been serving clients in the San Diego area since 1986. We can recommend the best tooth restoration or cosmetic dentistry option for you.

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Total Tooth Restoration

Saturday, April 18th, 2009

Total Tooth Restoration Your face is always on display for others to see. You can’t hide it behind long sleeves or baggy jeans, and a hat won’t hide it away on a sleep-in Saturday.

Many lucky San Diego residents who have received smile makeovers at Marcos Ortega DDS believe their dazzling new smile brightens their whole face. Some San Diego professionals have corrected tooth problems prior to beginning a search for new employment.

A beautiful smile is essential to a polished appearance. Hillcrest cosmetic dentistry is not just for people in the public eye, it is for anyone who desires a youthful looking smile.

Mission Hills, Mission Valley teeth whitening is quicker and more popular than ever. Some of our San Diego cosmetic dental clients invest in total teeth restoration because they have always been self-conscious about chips, gaps or crooked teeth.

Cosmetic dental treatment may consist of dental bonding, dental implants, dental bridges, orthodontics, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening or a combination.

If you are unfamiliar with the latest materials and procedures, see smile makeover expert Dr. Marcos Ortega for a cosmetic dental consultation. Some transformations are completed in just one visit! And don’t forego a new smile because you are afraid of dental treatment. Nervous San Diego cosmetic dental clients can wake up to a new smile with oral conscious sedation.

It is never too late to get a movie-star smile!

Marcos Ortega DDS
306 Walnut Ave., Suite 25
San Diego, California 92103
619-295-4545

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Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, General Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Prepless Veneers, Restorative Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry, Teeth Whitening | No Comments »

Infant and Toddler Teeth Care

Thursday, April 16th, 2009

Infant and Toddler Teeth Care Though most parents know the basics of children’s dental care, San Diego dentists continue to see cavities in young children.

Caring for your infant’s teeth should begin even before they erupt. To prevent bacteria growth, parents can wash their baby’s gums with a wet washcloth after feedings.

Babies should never be put to bed with a bottle, no matter how tempting it is for tired parents. The sugars in milk or juice that stay in contact with teeth for hours can damage the enamel. When your child gets his first tooth, it is time to brush. Parents should use non-fluoride toothpaste until the child is two years old. Then, use only a tiny dab. Young children often swallow toothpaste while brushing. If a child ingests too much fluoride, teeth can become stained.

When a child is old enough to brush his own teeth, an adult should go over them after the child finishes to make sure they are clean. Most children thoroughly clean the chewing surfaces, but often fail to clean the backsides and gumline. Consult the child-friendly staff at Marcos Ortega DDS about dental sealants.

Monitor your child’s meals and snacks. We all know that sugary snacks are not only bad for growing bodies; they are also bad for teeth. Scheduling set times to drink anything other than water during the day can also help prevent cavities.

To schedule a dental pediatric consultation, call Dr. Marcos Ortega at 619-295-4545. I provide San Diego area dental care for children and families.

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San Diego Dental Emergencies

Thursday, April 16th, 2009

San Diego Dental Emergencies Many people will experience at least one tooth emergency in their life. You could break a tooth playing a sport, accidentally dislodge a dental crown, experience sudden pain caused by an abscess or break a wire on your braces. In the case of a dental emergency, see your San Diego dentist as soon as possible!

Following are some immediate treatments:
Broken Tooth: Save any tooth fragments. Rinse mouth with warm water. If the area is bleeding, apply a piece of gauze. A cold compress held on the cheek can reduce swelling and lessen pain. Visit your San Diego dentist as soon as you can.

Lost Filling: Save the filling if you can. It can help your dentist determine why it came out. Do not let food get stuck in the hole left by the filling. Do not chew on the tooth. Brush it gently. Call your San Diego dentist’s office to schedule an emergency appointment right away.

Displaced Crowns: If there is pain, you may apply a dab of clove oil with a Q-tip to the affected tooth (a common home remedy that may reduce pain). Save the dental crown. If you can’t see your San Diego dentist immediately, you can apply dental cement (available at drugstores) or denture adhesive to temporarily re-attach the crown until you can get to your San Diego dentist. Do not use other types of glue or adhesive.

By visiting your San Diego dentist as soon as possible, you avoid pain, infection and possible further tooth damage. If you delay treatment, even for a few days, you risk needing more extensive treatment later.

For dental emergencies in and around San Diego, call Dr. Marcos Ortega at Marcos Ortega DDS. Our phone number is 619-295-4545.

Achieving Health and Beauty with Modern Dentistry.

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Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Thursday, April 16th, 2009

Cosmetic Dentistry Options Have you thought about upgrading your smile? Cosmetic dentistry offers many exciting possibilities.

The quickest and least invasive procedure is light teeth whitening. The results are dramatic and teeth whitening side effects are minimal.

If your teeth are slightly crooked, but require no orthodontic work, porcelain veneers could be the answer. Porcelain teeth veneers are translucent, wafer-thin covers that are permanently attached to the front of teeth, correcting chips and stains. Prepless veneers do not require the removal of tooth structure.

If your teeth are more than slightly crooked, it’s not too late for braces. Patients of all ages are undergoing orthodontic treatment and achieving fantastic results. The newest braces are less noticeable, more comfortable and bring teeth into alignment much faster than old-school metal braces.

Has gum recession caused the metal base of an old crown to be visible? Soft tissue grafts and crown replacement can correct this problem.

Are you missing one or more teeth? One of the best tooth replacement options is a dental implant. A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The post integrates with the bone to provide a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.

Can you envision yourself with a dental makeover?
Call Marcos Ortega DDS at 619-295-4545 to discuss your cosmetic dentistry options.

Dr. Marcos Ortega, DDS
http://www.MySanDiegoSmiles.com

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