Archive for the ‘General Dentistry’ Category

Tooth Ache Pain The Size of San Diego

Friday, December 18th, 2009

San Diego Tooth WhiteningPatients often come into our San Diego California dental practice and complain about ‘a toothache the size of San Diego’.  I understand this kind of pain, and realize that when you describe it like that, it really hurts.  I can help.

Tooth ache pain for anyone in San Diego can be unbearable. At the very least, toothache pain can cause you to avoid eating certain foods, certain temperatures, and even talking. Severe toothache pain can be downright debilitating, forcing patients to go to extreme measures to alleviate the pain.

Around San Diego, the most common causes of a tooth ache include tooth infection, decay, injury, and loss of a tooth. Tooth pain can also occur after a tooth has been extracted, or after an oral surgery involving anything from a tooth or your jawbone.

I can help you better understand the source of your tooth ache pain, and in most cases can provide a nearly immediate remedy. In severe cases, we are equipped to council you on a variety of resolutions.

Of course, the best way to avoid tooth ache pain is to visit your San Diego dentist often, and to care properly for your teeth including the regular regimen of brushing and flossing.

If you are experiencing tooth ache pain, and just can’t stand it any more, please give me a call; I am standing by to help.

-Dr. Marcos Ortega, DDS

619-295-4545

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Saving Teeth in San Diego

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

Root Canals in San Diego When a tooth is threatened by severe decay, periodontal disease, or damage from an injury, a skilled San Diego dentist or endodontist must make a judgment call concerning the course of treatment. If the pulp of the tooth is infected or inflamed, a root canal is often the only way to save the tooth.

Marcos Ortega DDS: 619-295-4545

During a root canal procedure (or endodontic treatment) the soft tissue in the root of the tooth is removed. This tissue contains veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Once the roots are cleaned out and widened, they are filled with a special rubber material. The root canal is only the first step in the complete tooth restoration. After the root canal, without a crown, the tooth will become dry and brittle. The final steps are the core build up and crown.

At Marcos Ortega DDS, we fabricate strong, natural-looking crowns that blend perfectly with the surrounding teeth. With proper oral hygiene and regular visits to a San Diego dentist, a tooth with a filled root can often function problem-free for the rest of a patient’s life.

I am Dentist Dr. Marcos Ortega DDS of Marcos Ortega DDS. I have been practicing dentistry since 1986. During that time I have seen hundreds of teeth saved by this effective dental procedure. Root canal therapy at Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego has a very high success rate.

Because teeth with infected pulp tissue often cause no symptoms, it is important to have regular dental examinations. I can determine which (if any) teeth have infected roots. If the infection in the soft pulp tissue is left untreated, it can progress to a point where the tooth cannot be saved. Is it time for a thorough dental exam? Call our office at 619-295-4545.

Call Marcos Ortega DDS immediately if one of your teeth is screaming for attention!

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San Diego Dentistry

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

Educating San Diego Dental Patients About Little-Known Risks Hi, I’m Dentist Dr. Marcos Ortega, DDS. Most every day, I can be found at my San Diego area dental office treating dental patients with tooth and gum problems or helping patients prevent them. There are many common medical conditions that pose a risk to oral health.

1) San Diego diabetes patients with high blood glucose often have a higher risk of dental issues. If you have diabetes, let’s talk. My number is 619-295-4545.

2) A persistent dry mouth due to an inadequate amount of saliva can accelerate tooth decay, cause or contribute to gum disease, and trigger chronic bad breath. Many medications used by thousands of San Diego folks, including those for high-blood pressure and depression, cause dry mouth. This side effect is not only unpleasant, it is dangerous. Anti-depressants (especially SSRI’s) and anti-psychotic drugs can also trigger tooth-grinding (bruxism).

3) Acid reflux in children and adults is associated with a host of dental problems such as decay and periodontal disease.

I help many dental patients prevent problems associated with medical conditions that sometimes seem unrelated to dental health. Regular professional dental care is essential for oral health, and an important part of your overall physical health.

http://www.MySanDiegoSmiles.com

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Periodontal Disease in California

Friday, December 4th, 2009

Periodontal Disease in California

Periodontal disease in California is more common than you might think, and can be cured with varying degrees of treatment depending on the severity.

What is periodontal disease? According to this article on Wikipedia, periodontal disease is ‘the name of a collection of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth.’

Periodontal disease, more commonly called ‘gum disease’, is an inflammation or infection of the gums. Periodontal disease can be very painful in some extreme conditions, and can limit your ability to eat normally. In some cases, periodontal disease can affect your smile, and can create cosmetic concerns.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage. When caught early and treated, periodontal disease can be little more than an inconvenience. However the best policy is to practice good dental hygiene to keep periodontal disease at bay.

One of the best ways to avoid periodontal disease is to get a regular dental check up at your local San Diego dentist.

Give us a call at 619-295-4545 to schedule your next dental checkup; we look forward to seeing you.

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Dental Specialties Available In San Diego

Friday, July 17th, 2009

Dental Specialties Available In San Diego General dentists in the San Diego area are trained in a wide variety of dental procedures. However, sometimes, your general dentist will refer you to a local  specialist, or include a specialist as part of your treatment team.

Following are some of the most common dental specialties found in the San Diego area:

Endodontists
Endodontists specialize in root canal therapy and other procedures involving the root and surrounding parts of the tooth.

Periodontists
Periodontists treat the conditions affecting gum tissue and the bone surrounding the teeth. If you have gingivitis or more advanced periodontal disease, you may be referred to a periodontist in San Diego.

Prosthodontists
Repairing damaged teeth and replacing lost teeth for San Diego patients is called ‘restorative dentistry’. Prosthodontists have advanced training in procedures involving crowns, dental implants, bridges, veneers, inlays, and partial or complete dentures.

Pediatric Dentists
Infants, young children and teenagers have different dental needs than adults. Pediatric Dentists undergo additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases affecting the youngest population in San Diego.

Oral Surgeons
Oral Surgeons perform surgical procedures involving the teeth, mouth and jaw. These include dental implants, surgery to repair damage due to injury, tumor surgery, and cleft lip and palate reconstruction.

If you are interested in learning more about these specialties, or have a concern regarding your oral health, please visit us at Marcos Ortega DDS. You will find us at 306 Walnut Ave., Suite 25 in San Diego California 92103. Please give us a call at 619-295-4545.

-Dr. Marcos Ortega, DDS

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Preventing Gum Disease at Marcos Ortega DDS

Saturday, June 27th, 2009

Preventing Gum Disease at Marcos Ortega DDS Run your tongue along the gumline behind your lower front teeth. Do you feel a ridge? This is probably tartar or dental calculus.

Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can gradually accumulate. If not removed, these bacteria-breeding substances cause the gums to become irritated and swollen. Eventually, the gums become detached from the tooth, creating a ‘pocket’. This creates a new space for plaque and tartar to grow. In advanced stages of periodontal disease, the toxins created by the bacteria literally rot the gum, teeth and bone.

At Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego, we perform the most thorough dental cleanings possible. Gum disease can be reversed in its early stages.

Our goal is to help our dental patients prevent gum disease before any damage occurs. Cleanings include root planing and periodontal scaling. Scaling removes the plaque and calculus above and, especially, below the gumline where your toothbrush cannot reach. Planing smoothes root surfaces so it is more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate and grow. It also creates a healthy surface for the gums to reattach to the root if necessary.

To schedule a deep cleaning, call 619-295-4545. We are located at 306 Walnut Ave., Suite 25 in San Diego. In addition to providing comprehensive dental cleanings, we create mega-watt smiles for cosmetic dentistry clients. See http://www.MySanDiegoSmiles.com for more information about our state-of-the-art dental practice.

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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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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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