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Smart Habits to Alleviate TMJ Pain

Individual with TMJ Pain

Throughout her career, Dr. Jennifer Santoro has seen her share of the more than 10 million Americans who suffer from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain. While some patients require orthodontic work to realign the teeth, others can find effective relief from the pain with smaller interventions. Dr. Santoro offers the following tips to patients with TMJ: Continue reading “Smart Habits to Alleviate TMJ Pain”

Posted in TMJ

Why You Should (Re)Schedule a Dental Exam after the Pandemic Pause

Dental Exam and cleaning in progress

When the COVID-19 pandemic first arrived, many of us put our lives on hold for the sake of safety. Specifically, over half of Americans postponed their regular dental checkups. As our communities start to reopen, it is not only appropriate but important for you to return to Village Center Dentistry for an overdue appointment. Here Dr. Jennifer Santoro explains why. Continue reading “Why You Should (Re)Schedule a Dental Exam after the Pandemic Pause”

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Tooth-Colored Fillings in San Diego

Silver, mercury and even gold are no longer the gold standards for quality, cost-effective filling of cavities. Today, most patients request tooth-colored fillings. The main benefit of this strong composite material is obvious: It blends well with the natural color of your teeth. But health concerns, as well, often motivate patients to choose this option. Below, trusted San Diego dentist Dr. Jennifer D. Santoro describes the process of filling your cavity with an advanced, resilient and aesthetically pleasing composite. Continue reading “Tooth-Colored Fillings”

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea treatment in San Diego

We tend to think of snoring, one of the telltale signs of obstructive sleep apnea, as a quaint and somewhat amusing characteristic. We may even tease a spouse or older relative about it. But when we understand that this sleep disorder involves recurring interruptions of breathing throughout the night, and a resulting dip in oxygen for the body, the subject becomes more serious.

Experienced San Diego area dentist Dr. Jennifer D. Santoro and her team are skilled in screening for this common nighttime disorder, and helping patients explore effective treatment options. Continue reading “What Is Sleep Apnea?”

The Convenience of CEREC Restorations

CEREC same-day crowns in San Diego

How satisfied you are with your crown or filling replacement has a lot to do with the skill of your dentist. When your procedure is done at Village Center Dentistry, you can also thank CEREC, or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics/Ceramic Reconstruction. It’s a state-of-the-art machine that experienced San Diego dentist Dr. Jennifer D. Santoro uses to streamline your visit and create quality ceramic crowns and fillings on-site. Continue reading “The Convenience of CEREC Restorations”

Choosing Dental Implants

Dental implants in San Diego

Dental implants are a proven way to restore function, balance and beauty to your smile. Implants look, act and feel just like your natural teeth. The titanium posts of implants also keep the jawbone stimulated, just as the roots of natural teeth do; and this prevents the bone loss and changes to your facial profile that can occur with missing teeth or dentures.

Here, San Diego area dentist Dr. Jennifer D. Santoro discusses the process, timeline and available options for a dental implant procedure. Continue reading “Choosing Dental Implants”

Why Teeth May Lose Their Whiteness

Teeth Whitening in San Diego

The whiteness of your teeth is directly related to the health and age of their surface enamel. Over time, this protective enamel begins to wear away, exposing the natural color of your tooth below the surface, which is not the dazzling white shade you would prefer.

In addition, teeth may lose their whiteness because of lifestyle choices we make. We may choose to smoke, neglect our dental health, or eat foods that stain enamel. Below, experienced San Diego area dentist Dr. Jennifer D. Santoro identifies some of the major causes of tooth discoloration. Continue reading “Why Teeth May Lose Their Whiteness”

When a Root Canal Is Necessary

Root Canal in Scripps Ranch

Root canals are everyone’s least favorite dental procedure, and a common reason why some people avoid the dentist altogether. The necessity of a root canal is usually a sign that years of poor dental hygiene has finally reached a painful end.

Although root canals are not anyone’s favorite thing to do, skilled San Diego dentist Dr. Jennifer Santoro works with the most specialized endodontists in San Diego to ensure a pleasant yet extremely thorough endodontic procedure. These specialists use the most advanced techniques to shorten the duration and lessen the discomfort to this tooth-saving procedure. Continue reading “When a Root Canal Is Necessary”

Comparing Invisalign® and ClearCorrect®

Invisalign & ClearCorrect in San Diego

Nearly invisible orthodontic treatment has become the new choice for teens hoping to navigate the high school years unburdened by the social cost of metal braces, as well as for adults who put off correcting misaligned teeth or experience drifting of teeth years after straightening. Below, trusted San Diego dentist Dr. Jennifer Santoro compares the two industry-leading clear plastic aligners, Invisalign® and ClearCorrect®. Continue reading “Comparing Invisalign® and ClearCorrect®”