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TMJ Disorder: Causes and Treatment

Posted on March 15, 2020 by Village Center Dentistry
TMJ Disorder: Causes and Treatment in Scripps Ranch

Your temporomandibular joint is remarkably complex, and key to so many vital functions. To speak, eat or smile, you rely on the joint to operate efficiently. You also expect it to carry you through great meals and conversations without causing searing pain or headaches.

Those who suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder — abbreviated as TMJ, TMJD or TMD — experience severe, chronic pain that often worsens with stress. Below, experienced San Diego dentist Dr. Jennifer Santoro reviews causes and treatment options for this disabling condition. Continue reading “TMJ Disorder: Causes and Treatment” →

Posted in TMJ

Full Mouth Reconstruction in Scripps Ranch

Posted on March 1, 2020 by Village Center Dentistry
Full Mouth Reconstruction in Scripps Ranch

When the decline in a patient’s dental health is significant, a comprehensive approach is often needed to restore the function and appearance of teeth, reverse gum disease and even address issues involving the bone and jaw. Experienced San Diego area dentist Dr. Jennifer D. Santoro is skilled in full mouth reconstruction techniques that can dramatically improve the health and beauty of your smile.

Full mouth reconstruction targets serious deterioration of your oral health — teeth that are decayed, chipped, loosening or even falling out; gums that have developed deep pockets and may routinely bleed; roots that are being eaten away by gingivitis; gaps that are causing a realignment of your bite and pain in the jaw, and more. Continue reading “Full Mouth Reconstruction in Scripps Ranch” →

Treating Gum Disease with Planing and Scaling

Posted on February 25, 2020 by Village Center Dentistry
Gum Disease Treatment in Scripps Ranch

The condition of your gums has a great deal to do with how healthy your teeth will be, and how long you will have them. Experienced San Diego area dentist Dr. Jennifer D. Santoro recommends deep cleaning to eliminate plaque below the gum line, dramatically improving the health of your gums and brightening the future of your smile.

Excess plaque buildup under the gum line causes gingivitis. With this condition, gum pockets increase in volume, eventually separating the gum from the bone and creating a haven for bacteria. The bacteria eat away at the root and the bone which secures it. At some point, you may lose the affected tooth as it becomes unmoored from your jaw. Continue reading “Treating Gum Disease with Planing and Scaling” →

Invisalign Orthodontic Movement Can Improve Your Smile and Oral Health

Posted on December 2, 2019 by Village Center Dentistry
Invisalign & Braces in Scripps Ranch

It wasn’t long ago that heavy metal was a rite of passage for many teens. Not the head-banging variety, but the elaborate metalwork that adolescents flashed with each awkward smile. But now clear plastic systems created by Invisalign have changed all of that for orthodontic patients of any age.

Each clear plastic “aligner” is custom made by skilled San Diego dentist Dr. Jennifer Santoro to gradually move crooked teeth into place. Computer-assisted design makes it possible for a comfortable, nearly invisible retainer to do the work of the old metal-plus-bonding-cement approach, and do it more quickly. And each is easily removable for eating and social occasions. Continue reading “Invisalign Orthodontic Movement Can Improve Your Smile and Oral Health” →

Possible Causes of a Toothache

Posted on November 4, 2019 by Village Center Dentistry
Causes of Toothache in Scripps Ranch, CA

Toothaches usually have bad timing. They announce themselves just as we begin enjoying a summer ice cream cone or a hot mug of cocoa. Their dull ache appears the moment we set out on our dream vacation, or as soon as the dentist’s office closes for a long weekend. And although we suspect we know the reason — a cavity from too much sugar or too little flossing — toothaches can be caused by a wide variety of underlying conditions.

In the San Diego area, Scripps Ranch dentist Dr. Jennifer D. Santoro is skilled at diagnosing the cause of your pain and treating it quickly, efficiently and affordably. Continue reading “Possible Causes of a Toothache” →

October Is National Dental Hygiene Month

Posted on October 7, 2019 by Village Center Dentistry
National Dental Hygiene Month in Scripps Ranch – October 2019

October is “National Dental Hygiene Month,” a month to bring awareness to the importance of oral health and the great work that dental hygienists do. Dr. Jennifer Santoro and the team at Village Center Dentistry feel there is no better way to recognize Dental Hygiene Month than by helping patients “brush up” on proper oral hygiene techniques. Continue reading “October Is National Dental Hygiene Month” →

Bridges vs Implants: Pros and Cons

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Village Center Dentistry
Dental Bridges vs Implants: Pros & Cons

Replacing missing teeth is about more than aesthetics. The longer a tooth is missing, the more damage is done to the neighboring and underlying supportive structures. The good news is, bridges and implants can restore your beautiful smile.

Below Dr. Santoro of Village Center Dentistry discusses the unique advantages and disadvantages of these options. Continue reading “Bridges vs Implants: Pros and Cons” →

What Not to Eat after Teeth Whitening

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Village Center Dentistry
Teeth Whitening Scripps Ranch, CA

Teeth whitening is a safe, routine procedure that revitalizes your entire smile. Though it is a straightforward, noninvasive treatment, there are certain instructions your dentist will want to you to follow after having your teeth whitened. These instructions will help you achieve the best result possible.

Below Dr. Santoro of Village Center Dentistry discusses foods you need to avoid eating right after your teeth whitening procedure. Continue reading “What Not to Eat after Teeth Whitening” →

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Village Center Dentistry
Porcelain Veneers Lasting San Diego CA

If you are self-conscious of superficial flaws affecting your teeth — such as small chips, cracks or stains — or you wish your teeth were uniformly sized or shaped, porcelain veneers might be a great solution for your needs. These tiny pieces of porcelain bond to the front of your teeth to conceal imperfections and create a more beautiful smile.

Before you take the first step toward getting veneers, you probably want to know how long they will last. According to Dr. Jennifer Santoro of Village Center Dentistry, today’s veneers normally last approximately 10 to 15 years, depending on certain factors. Your oral health, habits and behaviors will affect how long you can enjoy your beautiful veneers. Continue reading “How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?” →

Top Quality Crowns in a Single Visit with CEREC

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Village Center Dentistry

If you’ve ever broken a tooth or had a root canal, you probably remember the time-consuming process of getting a dental crown. It used to take at least two dental appointments to design, fit and place a crown (maybe more if the crown required some fine-tuning).

Dr. Jennifer Santoro has some good news: thanks to the revolutionary CEREC system, she can deliver top-quality dental crowns in a single visit. No longer do you have to worry about scheduling multiple appointments or wearing an uncomfortable temporary crown while your permanent crown is being crafted.

Read on as Dr. Santoro shares more details about the exciting advantages of CEREC crowns.

Continue reading “Top Quality Crowns in a Single Visit with CEREC” →