Category: Blog

A beautiful smile can make a world of difference to your confidence and self-esteem. At Downtown Dental Specialty, we believe everyone should be able to smile freely and confidently. That’s why we offer a same-day tooth replacement service right here in San Diego, CA.

Why Should You Replace Your Missing Teeth?

Missing teeth are a cosmetic concern and a potential gateway to a range of oral health problems. When a tooth is missing, the gap it leaves behind can disrupt the alignment of neighboring teeth, leading to bite problems and challenges with chewing. Furthermore, the absence of a tooth can trigger bone loss in the jaw, gradually altering the contours of your face. By promptly replacing missing teeth, you can effectively avert these issues and ensure the longevity of a healthy, functional smile for years to come. Don’t delay seeking appropriate dental solutions to maintain optimal oral health and well-being.

San Diego Immediate Replacement Teeth

At Downtown Dental Specialty, we are proud to be a trusted dental practice for same-day tooth replacement in San Diego. Our team of experienced professionals uses cutting-edge technology to provide you with high-quality, custom-made replacement teeth in a single visit.

Our immediate replacement teeth look and function just like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, we can provide a solution that meets your needs and fits seamlessly with your existing teeth.

Same-Day Teeth —The Procedure

The process for same-day tooth replacement at our practice involves several steps, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for our patients.

First, our dentist will begin by taking precise digital images of your mouth, capturing every detail to create a 3D model of your teeth and jaw.

Once the 3D model is created, our team will design a replacement tooth that seamlessly blends in with your natural teeth. Taking into consideration factors such as size, shape, and color, we will craft a custom-made tooth that perfectly matches your existing smile.

Then, we will prepare your mouth for the new tooth. This may involve the extraction of a damaged tooth, if necessary, to create space and promote proper alignment for the replacement tooth.

After preparation, our skilled dentist will place the replacement tooth using a unique bonding adhesive that provides a secure and durable bond. This ensures that your new tooth stays firmly in place.

At our practice, we are committed to providing our patients with exceptional results. Our same-day tooth replacement process combines cutting-edge technology, meticulous planning, and expert craftsmanship to deliver outstanding outcomes and a smile you can be proud of.

Caring for Your New Tooth

After receiving your same-day tooth replacement, it’s important to take good care of your new tooth to ensure its longevity. This involves maintaining good oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Regular dental check-ups are also crucial, as they allow us to monitor your oral health and ensure your replacement tooth functions properly.

While same-day teeth are designed to be durable, they can still be damaged by hard or sticky foods. Therefore, you should avoid such foods, especially in the first few days after getting your new tooth. With proper care, your same-day tooth can last for many years, giving you a confident and healthy smile.

Reserve Your Visit Today

Are you ready to restore your smile with our same-day tooth replacement service? Contact Downtown Dental Specialty today to schedule your visit. Our team is ready to help you smile confidently again.

We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and helping you achieve your best smile.

Downtown Dental Specialty in San Diego offers custom, fixed dental bridges for our patients who need to replace their missing teeth. Although bridges have been used for years, they continue to provide important benefits and newer modifications, expanding the level of care we’re able to provide our patients.

What is a Dental Crown?

Before we explain what a dental bridge is, it’s essential to understand the role of dental crowns. A dental crown is a custom-made cover that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its strength and appearance. When it comes to bridges, the end of these multi-tooth restorations essentially consists of a crown. These crowns serve as sturdy anchors for the bridge, attaching it to the adjacent teeth or even a dental implant on each side. Then an artificial crown called a “pontic” is fused between them, creating a solid prosthesis that “bridges” the open space in your smile.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a restoration used to replace a missing tooth. The ends act as functional crowns for stability (but they can also reinforce the supporting teeth), and false crowns/pontics are fused between them.

The purpose of a dental bridge goes beyond filling in the gap created by missing teeth. It also helps to:

• Restore your ability to chew properly
• Support your soft facial tissues
• Distribute the forces in your bite evenly across your mouth
• Prevent your adjacent teeth from shifting out of position
• Prevent the opposing tooth from “super erupting”

Can Dental Bridges Improve My Smile?

Absolutely! Dental bridges offer both functional and cosmetic enhancements, improving the aesthetics of your smile as they replace missing teeth. Whether it’s a single tooth or several, a well-crafted dental bridge can seamlessly blend in with your neighboring teeth, giving you a beautiful and complete smile.

Since each of our bridges is crafted from durable ceramic or porcelain materials, we can specify the shade of each tooth, as well as the contour and size. This allows your fixed restoration to look as natural as possible.

At Downtown Dental Specialty, we take pride in our ability to create dental bridges that not only restore functionality but also enhance the = beauty of your smile. Our San Diego dentists will work closely with you to ensure that the color, shape, and size of your bridge match your existing teeth, providing a harmonious and natural appearance.

Can I Eat Normally with a Dental Bridge?

One of the most significant advantages of dental bridges is their ability to restore your ability to eat and chew normally. Missing teeth can make it challenging to bite into certain foods, affecting your nutritional intake. Bridges are just as durable as crowns, so you can continue to enjoy most of your favorite meals.

However, we do recommend that you avoid biting into extremely hard or sticky foods, as these can potentially damage the bridge or cause it to come loose. You’ll also want to clean around your bridge each day with a water flosser or traditional floss to

Can Dental Bridges Be Combined with Other Dental Treatments?

Dental bridges can often be combined with other dental treatments to achieve comprehensive results. Particularly dental implants. Downtown Dental Specialty frequently pairs implants together to support multi-tooth dental bridges. These designs can eliminate the need for wearing a removable partial denture. There are even wider types of prosthesis designs anchored onto sets of 4-6 implants, creating a hybrid type of extended bridge/denture to restore an entire set of upper or lower teeth.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Now that you have a better understanding of what to expect during a dental bridge placement, why not take the next step toward improving your smile and overall oral health? Downtown Dental Specialty in San Diego is committed to providing you with the highest level of care.

Contact our office today to discuss your tooth replacement options. A healthier, happier you is just around the corner!

With the advancement of modern dental restorations and state-of-the-art materials, today’s dental crowns continue to serve as versatile treatments. Crowns—which cover the visible portion of teeth above the gingival tissue—offer both functional and aesthetic benefits. Downtown Dental Specialty takes pride in providing various dental crown designs, including porcelain, zirconia, and ceramic, to fit the diverse needs of our patients.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a prosthetic “cap” that completely encases a structurally damaged or weak tooth, restoring its normal function, strength, and appearance. Crowns are typically tailored by hand to match the color, shape, and size of the natural tooth, seamlessly blending into your smile. Today, technology also allows crowns to be milled digitally while you wait. With so many types of crowns available, it can feel a little overwhelming to pick the best one for your needs. Thankfully, our San Diego dentists can help with the process!

Why are Crowns Beneficial?

Dental crowns offer several important benefits, including:

• Enhanced Protection: Crowns provide a sturdy reinforcement for compromised teeth, preventing further damage during everyday use.
• Improved Aesthetics: Tooth-colored crowns not only safeguard teeth but also enhance their appearance, concealing discoloration, cracks, and irregularities.
• Restored Functionality: By recreating the structure of a tooth, crowns enable normal chewing, speaking, and biting.
• Longevity: High-quality dental crowns, with proper care, can last several years or more, ensuring long-term benefits.

Exploring Dental Crown Materials: Porcelain, Metal, and Ceramic

Downtown Dental Specialty offers an array of dental crown materials, each tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of patients. Some of the most common types of crowns you’ll see offered in San Diego include traditional designs like:

Porcelain Crowns: Renowned for their lifelike appearance, porcelain crowns boast exceptional translucency and can be precisely matched to the color of surrounding teeth. These crowns are an ideal choice for front teeth, where aesthetics take center stage.

Metal Crowns: Constructed from alloys like gold, metal crowns are lauded for their unparalleled strength and durability. While they may not blend seamlessly with natural teeth, their resiliency makes them an excellent choice for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces

Zirconia Crowns: Striking a balance between aesthetics and strength, zirconia is a type of ceramic crown that combines natural appearance with remarkable durability. Their composition closely mimics that of natural teeth, ensuring a harmonious integration within the smile. This makes them a preferred choice for both front and back teeth.

The Dental Crown Procedure: Time and Cost

The dental crown procedure is typically completed over two appointments:

First Appointment: During this visit, our San Diego dentist prepares the tooth by removing any decay or damaged enamel and reshaping it to accommodate the crown. An impression is taken, which is used as the blueprint for crafting your custom crown. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth until the final crown is ready.

Second Appointment: Once the customized crown is crafted, we remove your temporary crown and bond the final one into place with special dental cement.

As for the cost of dental crowns in San Diego, it can vary based on the material used. Downtown Dental Specialty provides personalized consultations to offer patients accurate cost estimates tailored to their specific needs.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

Maintaining a dental crown necessitates diligent oral hygiene practices. Treat your crown like a natural tooth, brushing twice daily and flossing to remove plaque and prevent decay at the gum line. While crowns are sturdy, avoid habits like biting on hard objects or opening packages with your teeth. Also, plan to see us for routine checkups so that we can evaluate your crown and other teeth, intervening when issues arise.

Schedule Your Dental Crown Consultation Today

At Downtown Dental Specialty in San Diego, CA, we are committed to transforming smiles through custom-crafted dental crowns that fit your smile goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on a journey to a healthier, more radiant smile.

Welcome to Downtown Dental Specialty in San Diego! Your oral health is our priority, and we are delighted to bring you valuable insights on periodontal maintenance – an essential aspect of your smile’s long-term care. If you’re concerned about your gum health or have a history of periodontal disease, the maintenance process is essential for keeping your smile healthy. Particularly after you’ve completed your deep cleaning.

What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, can manifest in various ways. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional dental care:

Bleeding Gums: One of the earliest signs of periodontal disease is bleeding gums, particularly during brushing or flossing.

Persistent Bad Breath: Unpleasant breath that does not improve with regular oral hygiene might indicate an underlying gum infection.

Receding Gums: As gum disease progresses, you may notice your gums pulling away from the teeth, making them appear longer.

Loose or Shifting Teeth: Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth instability, causing teeth to feel loose or shift in position.

Swollen and Tender Gums: Inflamed gums that are sensitive to touch can be a sign of an ongoing gum infection.

How is Periodontal Disease Diagnosed?

Early detection of periodontal disease is vital for successful management. During your regular dental check-ups, our skilled team will perform a comprehensive examination to assess the health of your gums. We will use special diagnostic methods such as periodontal probing, where a tiny measuring instrument is used to measure the depth of spaces between your gums and teeth. Deeper pockets may indicate gum disease. We’ll also use X-rays to help us evaluate the condition of the bone supporting your teeth and identify any bone loss due to gum disease.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is typically the result of inadequate oral hygiene (particularly flossing), a lack of preventative dental cleanings, and the buildup of plaque and tartar on the roots of teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. When not removed regularly through proper brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. As the tartar builds up along the gumline, it gradually works its way down under the gum tissues and across the surfaces of the tooth roots. This causes the gums to pull away and damages the adjacent bone structure, creating “pockets” around the roots of your teeth. 

The prescribed treatment for periodontal infections is scaling and root planing—also known as a deep cleaning—to establish a clean environment that you can then work to maintain, with the goal of preventing disease relapse.

What is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing (“deep cleanings”) are a non-surgical procedure that is highly effective in treating early to moderate stages of periodontal disease. During your deep cleaning, our skilled dental hygienists will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and beneath your gumline. Root planing focuses on smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth to prevent bacteria from re-accumulating and help your gums reattach firmly to the teeth.

Periodontal Maintenance

After your deep cleaning, the next phase of your smile’s health will be to maintain the current health status and prevent disease relapse. This maintenance phase typically includes semi-frequent dental cleanings, usually scheduled every 3-4 months. Our hygienist will use special instruments to clean your periodontal pockets and the rest of your mouth like you’d expect during a typical preventative cleaning. The only difference is that we’re particularly focused on the areas around your root surfaces, to prevent disease relapse. Your dental cleanings will usually continue to be periodontal maintenance visits for the duration of your care.

Call Us To Schedule Your Visit 

Your oral health is too important to neglect. Especially given the fact that gum disease can put you at an increased risk of major medical conditions. If you have symptoms of periodontal disease or heavy tartar buildup on your teeth, call Downtown Dental Specialty in San Diego. Our caring team is dedicated to providing exceptional periodontal maintenance and oral health care to keep your smile healthy and vibrant.

You’ve probably heard a lot of myths surrounding root canal treatment. Fortunately, with the right San Diego dentist, by your side, the process can be smooth and comfortable. If need endodontic therapy in the San Diego area, it’s essential for you to choose a dentist who is experienced, knowledgeable, and caring. At Downtown Dental Specialty, we understand the importance great, comfortable care with a team you can trust.

Choosing the right dentist for your root canal treatment is the best way to ensure a positive experience (and successful outcome.) At Downtown Dental, we pride ourselves on putting patients first. If you need endodontic treatment or have an abscessed tooth, you can feel confident knowing that we’ll care for you the same way we would one of our own family members.

What is Root Canal Treatment? 

Root canal treatment is a restorative procedure that allows us to save a tooth that has become infected or severely decayed. Without this treatment, the tooth would likely need to be extracted. During endodontic therapy, our San Diego dentist removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth’s hollow, inner canal, then cleans and disinfects the open chamber. After that, we seal it off to prevent further infection. This treatment allows you to preserve your natural tooth for several more years. After the root canal, we also recommend placing a crown over the non-vital tooth to help prevent any premature wear or breakage.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment 

Root canal treatment offers several benefits. First and foremost, it eliminates the pain and discomfort caused by an infected tooth. By addressing the infection, you can regain the functionality and comfort of your natural smile without having to worry about tooth loss. Additionally, root canal treatment helps prevent the need for more extensive dental work in the future, such as an extraction followed by dental implant placement.

What to Expect When Getting a Root Canal 

The root canal procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. Examination and Diagnosis: Our dentist will examine your tooth and may take an X-ray to determine the extent of the infection.
2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring a painless experience during the procedure.
3. Removal of Infected Pulp: We will create a small access pint in the top of the tooth and remove the infected pulp from inside of it.
4. Cleaning and Disinfection: The root canal chamber is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove any bacteria or residual debris.
5. Filling and Sealing: Next, we fill the root canal with a biocompatible material that seals the chamber off to prevent reinfection.
6. Restoration: In most cases, a dental crown is placed over the treated tooth to provide strength and protection.

How Long Does a Root Canal Treatment Take? 

The duration of a root canal treatment in San Diego can vary depending on the complexity of the case (some teeth have more roots than others, requiring additional treatment time.) In general, the procedure can be completed in one or two visits, with each appointment lasting about 60 to 90 minutes. However, we will provide you with a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation.

Alternatives to Root Canals in San Diego 

In some cases, a root canal may not be the best treatment option. We will carefully evaluate your dental needs and recommend the most appropriate alternative if applicable. These alternatives may include an extraction followed by dental implants, bridges, or other tooth replacement options. It’s important to have a thorough consultation with a qualified root canal dentist to explore all available options and make an informed decision.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you need gentle root canal treatment in San Diego, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Downtown Dental today. Our knowledgeable team is happy to answer any questions that you have. Contact us now to take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free smile.

Downtown Dental Specialty is dedicated to providing the highest level of dental care for patients with a variety of health backgrounds and medical needs. For diabetic patients, endodontic treatment can be particularly beneficial, as it helps control oral infections that can have serious consequences on their overall systemic health.

What is Endodontics?

Endodontics is a branch of dental care that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of the nerve tissues inside a tooth. This usually includes root canal therapy, which is a common endodontic treatment for patients with infected or inflamed dental pulp/nerve. Most dental professionals refer to root canals as “endodontic therapy.”

During a root canal, the infected or inflamed nerve tissue is removed, and the now-hollow root canal chamber is cleaned and sealed to prevent recurring bacterial infection. This can be a highly effective treatment for patients with dental abscesses or non-vital teeth that have suffered from a traumatic injury. In most cases, root canals are one of the last lines of defense for preserving a natural tooth.

Planning Endodontic Treatment for Diabetic Patients

For diabetic patients, it’s especially important to plan endodontic or other dental treatment carefully. Diabetes can affect oral health in a number of ways, including impairing the immune system and increasing the risk of infections. In addition, high blood sugar levels can create an environment that is conducive to bacterial growth, increasing the severity of any active dental abscesses.

How Endodontic Treatment Helps Control Diabetic Oral Infections

Fortunately, endodontic treatment can help control oral infections like abscesses and reduce the risk of serious complications. By removing the infected, inflamed, or dying nerve, root canal treatment will eliminate the source of the infection and prevent bacteria or pus from spreading to other parts of the mouth and face. This can be especially important for diabetic patients, who may be more susceptible to infections and typically have a harder time fighting them off.

Benefits of Endodontic Care for Diabetics

In addition to helping control oral infections, endodontic care can have a number of other benefits for diabetic patients. For example, by eliminating pain and discomfort caused by dental abscesses, endodontic treatment and similar therapies (such as periodontal treatments) can help patients maintain a healthy diet and manage their blood sugar levels more effectively. This can be particularly important for patients with type 2 diabetes, who may be able to control their blood sugar levels through diet and exercise alone.

Endodontic care can also help prevent the need for more invasive dental procedures, such as tooth extraction or dental implants after tooth loss. By preserving natural teeth, endodontic treatment in San Diego can help diabetic patients maintain good oral health and reduce the risk of complications that can arise from more invasive procedures.

Risks of Untreated Dental Abscesses

For diabetic patients, untreated dental abscesses can be particularly dangerous. In addition to causing pain and discomfort, these abscesses can spread to other parts of the body and increase the risk of serious complications in some scenarios, such as sepsis. In addition, dental abscesses can interfere with blood sugar control, making it more difficult for diabetic patients to manage their condition effectively. The same can be said for other co-existing oral diseases, like periodontitis.

Let Your Dentist Know if You Have Diabetes

If you have diabetes, it’s important to let our San Diego dentist know before any dental procedures are performed. This can help the team at Downtown Dental Specialty plan treatment more effectively and take steps to minimize the risk of complications. For example, we may recommend taking antibiotics before and after endodontic treatment to help prevent infection. Or make changes to the schedule to see you at a specific time of the day.

In addition, it’s important to work closely with both your primary care physician and dentist to manage your diabetes effectively. This may involve scheduling regular check-ups to monitor your blood sugar levels, as well as working with a dietitian to develop a healthy eating plan that supports good oral health. We’ll also discuss a modified oral hygiene routine to help you lower your risk of recurring oral disease.

Gentle Endodontic Treatment in San Diego

If you’re a diabetic patient in San Diego in need of endodontic treatment, Downtown Dental Specialty is here to help. Our team of experienced endodontic specialists is dedicated to providing gentle, compassionate care that is tailored to your unique smile. Call us today to reserve an appointment!

If you’ve been told by your dentist that you need a root canal, you may be feeling anxious about the procedure. However, advancements in endodontic technology have made this treatment more efficient, effective, and comfortable for patients.

At Downtown Dental Specialty, we understand that a root canal can be a stressful experience for many patients. That’s why we strive to make the procedure as easy and stress-free as possible. Our team is dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality dental care and ensuring that they leave our office with a healthy, happy smile.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal, or endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure that’s used to save a damaged or infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the damaged or infected pulp from the inside of the tooth, cleaning the area, and then filling and sealing the tooth. If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to serious health problems, so it’s important to take care of the issue as soon as possible. Root canals are often one of the last defenses a dentist can use to save your natural tooth.

Symptoms You May Need Endodontic Treatment in San Diego

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should contact our office to determine whether or not endodontic treatment is needed:

• Severe toothache pain when chewing or applying pressure
• Prolonged sensitivity or pain to hot or cold temperatures
• Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in the gums
• A recurring blister or pimple on the gums

Getting a Root Canal

During your appointment, we will thoroughly examine your teeth and determine if a root canal is necessary. If a root canal is required, our team will use the latest technology and techniques to perform the procedure quickly and comfortably. After the procedure, you’ll be given instructions on how to care for your teeth and may be prescribed medication to manage any pain or discomfort.

Do Root Canals Hurt?

One of the common concerns of patients who require a root canal is the pain involved in the procedure. However, with the use of modern anesthesia and restorative techniques, most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. While some mild soreness or sensitivity is normal for a few days after any dental procedure, it can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen. A root canal should not be a painful experience; it’s meant to provide relief from the pain and discomfort of an infected tooth.

Advancements in Endodontic Treatment

While you might hear the myth that root canals are unpleasant, many technological advancements have made the procedure more precise and painless than those of years gone by. Some of the latest advancements include:

1. Digital Radiography: Digital X-rays allow for more accurate and detailed images of the teeth, which can help us to better diagnose and treat any issues.

2. Rotary Endodontics: This technology uses an electric handpiece to perform the root canal, making the process more efficient and comfortable for patients.

3. Electronic Apex Locators: This technology helps dentists more accurately determine the length of the tooth’s root, which can improve the success of the root canal procedure.

4. Laser Technology: Lasers are used to clean and sterilize the root canal, which can reduce the risk of infection and improve the success rate of the procedure.

5. Cone Beam CT Scans: This technology produces 3D images of the teeth and surrounding structures, which can help your dentist better diagnose and treat any issues.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you’re experiencing any symptoms that may indicate you need a root canal or you’ve been putting it off, it’s important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. At Downtown Dental Specialty in San Diego, CA, our experienced team uses the latest resources available in endodontic technology to provide our patients with the best possible care. Contact us today for more information!