Posts Tagged ‘cosmetic dental’

Don’t Take Stress Out On Your Teeth, San Diego

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

Don't Take Stress Out On Your Teeth San Diego Hello, I’m Dr. Marcos Ortega. At my San Diego cosmetic dental practice I have noticed more and more of my patients with stress-related dental issues. San Diego men and women may not think about it, but stress can do a number on your oral health.

Mouth sores, clenching and grinding, periodontal disease, and poor oral hygiene can all be exacerbated by stress.

San Diego people who have difficulty managing stress need to realize that it can increase the risk of getting mouth sores such as cankers and cold sores. Most canker sores only last 7-10 days, but for relief from the irritation, we recommend our patients pick up an over-the-counter topical anesthetic at any San Diego area drug store.

Clenching and grinding the teeth is common for stressed-out San Diego residents, and often it’s done unconsciously. Here at Marcos Ortega DDS our very comfortable and friendly staff can determine if a night guard or other dental appliance is appropriate to reduce grinding.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is exacerbated by stress because stress can result in an increase in dental plaque.

And San Diego dental patients may find that when they are under stress it is more common to neglect their oral hygiene habits. Many people in the San Diego area find that they eat more sugary snacks when they’re under stress.

If you’re concerned about the effect stress can have on your teeth, schedule an appointment at Marcos Ortega DDS today. We even offer emergency dental care We treat patients from age 25 to 75 and we offer dental implants, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and teeth whitening. We hope to hear from you soon!

Marcos Ortega
Marcos Ortega DDS
306 Walnut Ave, Ste 25
San Diego, California 92103
619-717-8459
http://www.mysandiegosmiles.com/doctors.htm

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All Tooth Stains Are Not Created Equal

Friday, January 20th, 2012

San Diego Teeth Bleaching Will any of our locally advertised San Diego teeth whitening options remove the stains from your teeth?

The effectiveness of teeth bleaching in San Diego depends partly on the types of stains.

Extrinsic tooth stains are the easiest to remove. These surface stains have not yet penetrated through the enamel into the dentin. Extrinsic stains are caused by dark-colored foods and beverages like blueberries, carrots, coffee, red wine, and cola. And nicotine is no better for your smile than it is for your lungs.

Unfortunately, even if you avoid these common teeth stainers, your teeth will become discolored over time. Like gray hair, wrinkles, and memory lapses, a dull smile is an inevitable part of aging for San Diego retirees.

Intrinsic tooth stains develop from the inside out. Tooth injury and tetracycline are the usual culprits. Intrinsic stains are more difficult to remove completely, but it is possible to lighten them with professional Zoom whitening available at your San Diego cosmetic dental office.

If your teeth are stained, whether from coffee, tetracycline, or excessive fluoride, call Marcos Ortega DDS at 619-717-8459. We have treated many San Diego area clients with extreme tooth discoloration.

It is never too late or too early to brighten your smile.

San Diego seniors can take years off their appearance by restoring the youthful white smile they once enjoyed. San Diego teens and young adults with surface stains can prevent them from becoming intrinsic stains with San Deigo tooth bleaching.

Speaking of the younger set, did you know that people who drink energy drinks are at risk for many dental problems?

Marcos Ortega DDS is the cosmetic dental specialist in San Diego. Discover why hundreds of San Diego families trust us with their smiles.

Call us at 619-717-8459.

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Energy Drink Warning For San Diego

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Mission Hills Smile Redesign Hello. I’m Dr. Marcos Ortega.

Welcome to my San Diego cosmetic dental blog. Today’s topic is energy drinks and the damage they can cause to your teeth. I am seeing more and more San Diego teens and adults with tooth enamel erosion caused by frequent consumption of sport drinks.

Most of these San Diego cosmetic dentistry patients take good care of their teeth, brush and flush, and come into Marcos Ortega DDS for a twice-yearly exam and deep cleaning. But guess what? If you drink energy drinks regularly, your enamel can erode even if you practice immaculate oral hygiene.

Energy drinks like Red Bull, Rock Star, and Monster are a cocktail of powerful acids and other enamel-eroding substances. Most of them contain citric acid, fruit juices, loads of sugar, and a potent chemical that gives them their bright fluorescent color.

Perhaps, like myself, you have often noticed young people walking out of San Diego convenience stores swigging 32-ounce energy drinks. I am concerned that local teens do not understand the serious dental consequences of frequent acid baths.

The following is from ABC Sports:

“Sports drinks are increasingly damaging the teeth of professional and recreational athletes, one of Australia’s top sports dentists has warned. Dr. Brett Dorney says he has witnessed a huge increase in dental erosion since the Sidney Olympics, when he was the event’s deputy director of dental services.”

Here is an excerpt from a recent CNN Story:

“Researchers at the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry found the energy drinks and sports drinks eroded the enamel more than soda and fruit juices.”

I need to add the caveat that soda and fruit juices also contain acids that can damage teeth.

If your teeth have enamel erosion, whatever the cause, we can restore your smile with advanced cosmetic dentistry. Crowns, porcelain veneers, inlays and onlays can correct both structural and cosmetic problems.

Our phone number is 619-717-8459. If you are interested in re-designing your smile, come in for an exam and consultation. With cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry, as well as emergency dental care, we can repair acid-damaged teeth and dramatically increase your face value.

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Tooth Brushing Basics For Healthy Smiles In San Diego

Friday, December 9th, 2011

San Diego Teeth Bleaching Why should everyone in San Diego brush at least twice a day? Let’s take a look at why this is so important.

Brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent decay.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and carefully flossing removes the food from our teeth and inhibits the build up of plaque. If we let food stay on our teeth, the starches in the food will mix with the plaque. This nasty mixture forms an acid which immediately starts drilling into the enamel to form cavities. Brushing can’t get all the spaces between your teeth, so you’ve got to floss also.

Brushing and flossing keeps gums and bone healthy.

If you let gum disease go untreated, you can lose teeth that are cavity-free!

The progression of gum disease (gingivitis) goes like this:

  1. Plaque build-up irritates gums.
  2. Irritated gums pull away from teeth.
  3. Bacteria multiplies in the spaces between the gum and tooth.
  4. The bone holding the tooth is eaten by the bacteria.
  5. Say goodbye to the tooth.

The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed if detected early. Losing a tooth can lead to the need for dental implants or a dental crown. We offer both these services and more at our San Diego sedation dentistry office.

Call Dr. Marcos Ortega DDS at 619-717-8459 to schedule a gum disease evaluation at our cosmetic dental office in San Diego.

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The Marcos Ortega DDS Guide To Dental X-Rays

Friday, November 25th, 2011

The Marcos Ortega DDS Guide To Dental X-Rays

Don’t know a periapical from a bitewing? Today’s San Diego dental blog takes a look at cosmetic dental x-rays.

Panoramic
If you have ever stood in a huge camera apparatus and struggled to stay motionless while an automated camera made one slow pass around your head, then you have had a panoramic x-ray taken of your mouth. These pictures help dentists see everything in one image: the complete upper and lower jaw. These are often taken during a patient’s first visit to Marcos Ortega DDS. They are also very helpful for evaluating jaw injuries and seeing emerging teeth in children.

Bitewing
Bitewing x-rays help Dr. Ortega see what’s going on between teeth–something that is impossible with a visual exam. They also help your dentist evaluate the jaw bone.

Periapical
These are similar to bite wings but they can get a clearer picture of the tooth roots and bone. These are often used to help diagnose absences in the root of a tooth, as well as root canal needs.

Full-Mouth Series
This is a combination of periapical and bitewing x-rays that gives a comprehensive picture of all the teeth and surrounding bone structure.

If you are a patient of Marcos Ortega DDS and are worried about the safety of dental x-rays, we invite you to discuss your concerns with our very comfortable and friendly staff. We can explain all the precautions that we take to reduce radiation exposure and answer any questions you may have.

If you are pregnant and need a dental x-ray at Marcos Ortega DDS, it is important to let Marcos Ortega know this before x-rays are taken. X-rays are not necessarily dangerous for pregnant women, but they are often postponed until after delivery as a precaution. If you are pregnant but have a dental emergency, call our office right away. We can be reached at 619-717-8459.

We hope you have learned a little bit about dental x-rays, one of Marcos Ortega’s indispensable tools in providing unsurpassed dental care in San Diego. Check back often for more information about dentistry at Marcos Ortega DDS.

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Preventing Facial Injuries

Friday, November 4th, 2011

San Diego Sports Dentistry Facial injuries occur all too often in the San Diego area. Little Leaguers get hit by inside pitches, construction workers suffer falls and other accidents at the worksite, and San Diego motorists sustain injuries in collisions every single day. Accidents at home can also result in a dental emergency or facial injury.

Serious facial injuries can affect the victim’s ability to eat, breathe, and speak. Because of the essential physical processes at risk, a person who has suffered a facial injury should receive emergency dental care as soon as possible. Injuries to the mouth are treated by general dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

At Marcos Ortega DDS, we strongly advocate the use of protective equipment for every type of sport, whether it is a team sport or individual activity. Call us at 619-717-8459 for mouthguard recommendations regarding your (or your child’s) specific sport.

Likewise, the San Diego workplace injury rate can be reduced with increased use of appropriate protective equipment and adherence to safety procedures. With respect to San Diego motor vehicle injuries, the following instructions bear repetition: Wear your seatbelt and don’t send or read text messages while driving!

If you have suffered a recent injury to your face, mouth or jaw, schedule a cosmetic dental consultation with Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego. If you are having dental problems (functional or aesthetic) due to an untreated past injury, I can also develop an effective treatment plan.

My office is located at 306 Walnut Ave, Ste 25 in San Diego.

-Dr. Marcos Ortega

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Teeth Whitening at Your San Diego Dentist

Friday, October 14th, 2011

San Diego fast teeth whitening Teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to improve your smile in San Diego. It is quick, affordable, and non-invasive. Though some San Diego cosmetic dentistry patients experience short-term sensitivity, most experience no tooth whitening pain at all.

If you have looked into San Diego teeth whitening, you probably already know the basics. The one thing they have in common is that they use a solution containing peroxide to remove the stains that have settled in the natural microscopic cracks in your tooth enamel.

There are many DIY teeth bleaching products available in San Diego and it seems like new ones appear every time you visit the toothpaste aisle at your local grocery or drug store.

These tooth whitening strips and tooth whitening pens can sometimes whiten your teeth a few shades, but the peroxide concentration is much lower than the whitening solutions used in San Diego cosmetic dental offices. It may not be strong enough for your tooth stains.

Tooth whitening offered at San Diego mall kiosks is risky, also. Most of these teeth whitening businesses in San Diego have no professional oversight and the employees have little dental training. (Except instruction on how to take advantage of customer naivety.)

Dr. Marcos Ortega recommends that you use extreme caution when considering a take-home San Diego tooth whitener. If you have tooth decay, gum recession, dental crowns, or veneers, you should deal with these issues before you whiten your teeth.

The portion of your teeth below the gumline, if exposed, may respond differently to tooth whitener. Likewise, the peroxide solution does not noticeably whiten crowns and veneers. If you use a DIY tooth whitener on teeth with extensive porcelain restorations (like porcelain veneers), you should probably hope it doesn’t whiten too much–you may end up with a two- or three-tone smile!

Even though San Diego teeth whitening seems fairly straightforward, your teeth deserve a professional opinion. After all, we are talking about teeth here. You can’t fix an uneven teeth whitening result like you can a bad hair-coloring job.

Schedule a San Diego tooth bleaching evaluation before you waste your money on more Crest White Strips. We can be reached at 619-717-8459.

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Bright and Healthy Smiles

Friday, October 7th, 2011

It doesn’t take a great deal of research to understand that bright and healthy smiles are more attractive. Everybody in San Diego likes to see a great smile, and having a great smile is not only healthy for your mouth, but healthy for your self esteem, too.

I’m Dr. Marcos Ortega, DDS, and I am a cosmetic dentist who offers a wide variety of dental procedures including emergency dental treatment and sedation dentistry. I also provide one-hour in-office tooth whitening. My practice is ‘Marcos Ortega DDS’, and I provide dental services to the greater San Diego area.

If you are looking for a dentist in the San Diego please contact us. I am currently accepting new cosmetic dental patients and would love to share with you some new and inexpensive ways to improve your bright and healthy smile.

I know the value of a bright and healthy smile, and can help you improve your smile with our San Diego dentistry services including dental implants, porcelain veneers, and dental crowns; just three of the many dental services we provide at Marcos Ortega DDS.

Give me a call today, I am looking forward to hearing from you.

—Dr. Marcos Ortega
619-717-8459

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A Facial Or Filling In San Diego?

Friday, September 23rd, 2011

A Facial Or Filling In Bankers Hill?At Marcos Ortega DDS, we know that we can’t completely fool you. When you receive treatment at our comfortable cosmetic dental practice, you won’t actually believe you are at a plush San Diego spa relaxing with cucumbers over your eyes.

Just because we can’t recreate an identical San Diego spa experience, that doesn’t stop us from trying.

We have a full-service dental comfort menu for our San Diego cosmetic dentistry patients.

  • Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry: Choose your level of sedation for confident relaxation
  • Topical analgesic
  • A variety of media choices
  • Soft bite blocks to rest your jaw during treatment
  • Personalized attention from our very friendly and comfort-oriented sedation and cosmetic dental team
  • Ergonomic reclining chairs for maximum back and neck comfort
  • Rigorous infection control protocols for peace of mind

Are you in need of tooth restorations, teeth whitening, orthodontic solutions, or just a thorough dental cleaning in San Diego?

Enjoy a luxurious dental spa experience at Marcos Ortega DDS without paying extra. Schedule gentle dentistry today by calling 619-717-8459.


Dr. Marcos Ortega
Marcos Ortega DDS

306 Walnut Ave, Ste 25
San Diego, California 92103
619-717-8459
http://www.MySanDiegoSmiles.com

Achieving Health and Beauty with Modern Dentistry

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Ouch! Are Your Teeth Sensitive In San Diego?

Friday, August 19th, 2011

Are Your Teeth Sensitive In San Diego?

For those of you in the San Diego area who feel pain when you sip your morning coffee or who cringe each time you brush or floss, Marcos Ortega DDS is here for you.

Dr. Marcos Ortega has been treating this common problem since 1986.

The first line of defense against tooth sensitivity is proper oral hygiene. Incorrect brushing and over-brushing can result in receding gums, which leads to the exposure of microscopic tubules in the dentin. When these tubules are exposed, acidic, hot, cold, and sticky foods can then reach the nerve cells in the teeth causing discomfort.

Here in our San Diego dentistry practice, our knowledgeable staff can determine if your brushing style is contributing to your tooth sensitivity and get you on your way to proper oral care habits.

Marcos Ortega usually recommends an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste that will alleviate tooth pain after several applications. Most San Diego Wal-Mart and Hillcrest Sav-On stores carry it. However, some San Diego patients may need in-office procedures such as fluoride gel treatments available at Marcos Ortega DDS.

Don’t worry if you have sensitive teeth in San Diego and want to have your teeth whitened. Here at Marcos Ortega DDS, Dr. Ortega can determine which professional tooth whitening or at-home whitening procedures will work for you.

Call our San Diego cosmetic dental office today to get relief from your sensitive teeth.  We also offer emergency dental care.

Marcos Ortega DDS
306 Walnut Ave, Ste 25
San Diego California 92103

619-717-8459

http://www.mysandiegosmiles.com/doctors.htm

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