Village Center Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is a group of services designed to improve the appearance of the teeth, gums and overall smile. This area of dentistry is extremely popular among people that have always been self-conscious of their smiles, and people that notice aesthetic changes in their smiles over time and wish to correct them. Advances in modern dentistry make cosmetic treatments quicker, more comfortable and more affordable than ever. The quality of your cosmetic dentistry results hinges on the experience and skill of the dentist performing the work. Dr. Jennifer Santoro of Village Center Dentistry is a leading Scripps Ranch cosmetic dentist who has helped hundreds of people look and feel more attractive, thanks to treatments like teeth whitening, the placement of porcelain veneers, and Invisalign. What Can Cosmetic Dentistry Accomplish? Cosmetic dentistry can accomplish the following: Conceal tooth stains or discoloration Brighten dull or yellowish teeth Improve tooth alignment Close small spaces between the teeth Cover up minor imperfections such as slight chips or cracks or minor tooth wear Replace old, unattractive restorations (e.g., metal crowns or fillings) Improve the size or shape of individual teeth and/or the entire smile Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment Options Dr. Santoro offers a wide range of cosmetic dentistry treatment options, including the following: CEREC Dental Crowns The Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic or CEREC® system is an incredible technology that allows Dr. Santoro to design, construct and place dental restorations in a single visit. One of the most common applications of the CEREC system is to design and create dental crowns to replace failing large, old fillings that are placed over your remaining tooth structure that is lacking strength and beauty. CEREC dental crowns are very lifelike and very strong, and can restore your smile to its optimal appearance. Cosmetic Veneers Veneers are dental restorations for teeth that are cosmetically pleasing and as Dr. Santoro uses the analogy, best described as being like a gel manicure for your fingertips. Dr. Santoro can place a single veneer over one of your teeth to improve its size, shape, color or to cover up a stain, chip or crack. She can also place a set of veneers over multiple teeth to create a gorgeous, uniform-looking smile. This is a very tailored treatment plan based on each individual person, so if you have any questions or are considering this option, please schedule an appointment to see Dr. Santoro today. Teeth Whitening Teeth whitening uses strong bleaching products to lift stains and brighten the teeth up to 8 shades. Dr. Santoro offers professional chairside whitening, called Zoom, as well as customized take-home kits for you to use at home or on the go. Invisalign and ClearCorrect (Clear Braces) The Invisalign and ClearCorrect systems are excellent alternatives to traditional orthodontic care and allow Dr. Santoro to improve the appearance of crooked or poorly aligned teeth without having to place metal braces. Each of the systems use sets of nearly invisible plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the proper position and alignment. Custom Smile Design Custom smile design is the process of identifying single to multiple cosmetic flaws in your smile and correcting them through a combination of cosmetic dentistry treatments. A smile design and makeover with Dr. Santoro could involve any combination of teeth whitening, the placement of veneers, Invisalign and other aesthetic treatments.

Orthodontics is a subspecialty of dentistry that encompasses the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of malpositioned teeth. The goal of orthodontic treatment is to shift the teeth into the proper position and alignment. Straight, properly positioned teeth are not only aesthetically appealing, but also optimal for oral health and dental function. Dr. Jennifer Santoro works with teens and adults to find the orthodontic solution that is best for their specific needs. Why Is the Spacing & Alignment of the Teeth Important? The alignment and spacing of the teeth is critical for several reasons. Shifting the teeth into the desired position and alignment helps the teeth and jaw work more effectively. It helps avoid abnormal wear on the teeth, jawbone and joints. Straight, properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, thus reducing the risk of tooth decay and periodontal problems. The gums are less likely to develop redness, inflammation and increased periodontal pockets. By improving the alignment of the teeth, the gums are healthier and better able to properly attach to the teeth, giving them a nice snug fit. Straight teeth are also less likely to cause pain or problems biting or chewing. When your teeth are in proper alignment, they support normal dental function. Straight teeth are also less likely than protruding, crooked teeth to crack or fracture from an injury in the event of an accident. The alignment of the teeth is also critical to the bite, which is the way the upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is closed. When the bite is off, it can cause jaw pain or pressure, and sometimes headaches and facial and neck pain. An abnormal bite also leads to irregular tooth wear and other complications, such as problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) causing temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Finally, properly spaced and aligned teeth are cosmetically attractive and can increase self-image and confidence. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a beautiful smile and the confidence that comes with it! Orthodontic Treatment Options A common way to treat orthodontic problems and avoid complications associated with crooked or crowded teeth is by wearing traditional braces. Metal or tooth-colored brackets are bonded onto the teeth and connected with a series of wires; the system puts gentle pressure on the teeth to move the teeth into the proper position and alignment. Sometimes the brackets are bonded to the insides of the teeth so they aren’t as noticeable. Metal bracket orthodontics are done by an orthodontist, whom Dr. Santoro can refer you to. Invisible Orthodontic Options Although braces are a well-known form of orthodontics, they aren’t the only option. Nowadays, more patients are opting for “invisible orthodontic” systems like Invisalign. Instead of using brackets and wires to slowly move the teeth into the desired position, Invisalign relies on clear plastic aligners to gently shift the teeth. Patients wear a series of upper and lower aligners in a specific sequence until the teeth reach the optimal position and alignment. Though every case is different, many patients achieve their treatment goals quicker with Invisalign compared to traditional braces. Dr. Santoro loves working with these clear aligner cases and would be happy to evaluate your specific situation! Children’s Orthodontics For many children, orthodontic treatment plays a large role in their oral health. Dr. Santoro is dedicated to making Village Center Dentistry a warm, caring and family-friendly environment where the comfort and safety of children is prioritized. Benefits of Treating Orthodontic Problems Early There are numerous benefits to treating orthodontic issues early in your child’s life. By correcting problems with the spacing or alignment of the teeth and jaw position, you can prevent your child from potentially experiencing difficulty biting, chewing or enunciating. You may help your child avoid long-term jaw pain or pressure or other serious issues that require costly, time-consuming care. Orthodontics will also give your child an attractive smile, which boosts self-esteem and confidence. And, your child will have an easier time keeping straight, aligned teeth clean to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. When is the Right Age for a Child to See an Orthodontist? Orthodontic issues are usually more treatable when a child is younger. Once the upper and lower jaw and face have stopped developing, it can be difficult or even impossible to address certain problems. The appropriate age for orthodontic treatment varies by child, depending on the specific issue requiring treatment and the child’s individual development. Dr. Santoro prefers to be more conservative in her recommendations and recommends early treatment when she feels it is necessary.

Dr. Jennifer Santoro and the entire team at Village Center Dentistry believe our patients deserve the absolute best that technology has to offer. Dr. Santoro has found that a state-of-the-art system called CEREC, short for Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic, saves our patients significant time. Thanks to the CEREC system, you no longer have to schedule multiple visits to have a single crown placed; you can receive a top-quality restoration in a single visit! The CEREC system has completely revolutionized the process by which Dr. Santoro designs, constructs and places dental crowns. What Is a Dental Crown? A crown is a dental restoration used on teeth that are broken or weakened by decay or disease. The crown is placed over the exterior of the tooth to recreate the look and feel of a strong, healthy tooth, and save the tooth from extraction. Although older crowns were made from metals like gold or silver, many of today’s crowns are crafted from tooth-colored materials so they blend in with the surrounding teeth. Traditionally, crowns required multiple appointments to design, fit and place. The dental team would take messy impressions and other records and send the information to an outside dental laboratory, which would construct the crown. You would have a temporary crown placed in the interim and when the crown was ready, another appointment would take place to try the crown in. If any modifications were needed, there would be more back and forth with the lab and therefore additional appointments for the patient. The process was time-consuming and inconvenient. Luckily, with a CEREC crown, that is no longer the case! Benefits of CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns Beautiful, lifelike restorations Completely customizable No need for ill-fitting temporaries Designed and delivered in a single appointment Modifications can be made on the spot Crowns last for many years without problems Same-Day Dental Crowns Scripps Ranch Our patients love CEREC because the technology has simplified the process of getting a crown. Instead of having to block out time to attend several appointments and go back and forth about the crown’s fit and feel, you can complete treatment in a single visit. This reduces the overall costs, time and effort needed for dental crowns. There is no need to have messy impressions taken or wear an ill-fitting temporary crown while the permanent restoration is being created in a dental laboratory. The old temporary crowns caused gum irritation, which is now avoided with the one-day CEREC crown. Also, the crowns are crafted from the finest, most lifelike and metal-free materials, and designed to last many years without problems. They restore weak or compromised teeth to their natural beauty, function and strength, saving the tooth from being extracted. CEREC Crown Placement Process Single Visit Dental Crown FAQs Scripps Ranch CEREC uses computer-assisted design and manufacturing to design and mill ceramic crowns during one dental appointment. First, Dr. Santoro will evaluate your affected tooth or teeth and determine whether CEREC crowns are suitable for your case. If so, she will numb the mouth and prepare the tooth or teeth receiving the crowns by removing any damaged or decayed tooth structure. Dr. Santoro practices conservative dentistry, and always tries to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Once the tooth has been prepared, a digital camera will scan the tooth and mouth to gather information that helps design the restoration. These digital images will be sent to the CEREC computer, where the software converts them into a three-dimensional model of the affected tooth. CAD-CAM technology will design the crown to fit your exact measurements and specifications. Dr. Santoro and Kim will select the ceramic material that most closely matches your surrounding teeth, so your restoration will blend in seamlessly. Then, the CEREC milling unit will construct your crown from the selected block of porcelain. Once it is ready, Dr. Santoro will position it in your mouth to check its fit and verify the correct occlusion to fit your bite. She can make any modifications necessary to improve its look or feel. Finally, the crown is bonded to your tooth and polished. Frequently Asked Questions about CEREC Crowns How long does the whole process take? The entire process takes no more than two and a half hours. While your crown is being milled and baked, you will have two 30-minute breaks where you can catch up on emails, read a book or magazine or take a relaxing nap with the lights dimmed. You can be fitted for a crown and wait while it is crafted in our office.

Dr. Jennifer Santoro recommends that you have a dental exam every six months. These appointments are a prime opportunity for her to get a comprehensive look inside your mouth to see if there are any signs of disease, decay and other problems. Dental exams are usually coupled with a professional cleaning, during which our team of hygienists use special instruments and techniques to thoroughly clean your teeth. Even if you brush and floss daily, there are certain nooks and crannies you will never be able to reach on your own — spots that require professional attention. Why Dental Exams Are Important Regular dental exams are important because some dental diseases and problems don’t cause any noticeable symptoms. Just because you aren’t experiencing any pain doesn’t mean your oral health is perfect. Dr. Santoro is trained to identify signs of “silent” diseases; she also uses diagnostic technology like X-rays to help look for problems that are not visible to the naked eye, such as cavities between the teeth or a problem with the bone that holds the teeth in place. If you do happen to have dental decay or disease, it’s better to identify it early and start treatment intervention immediately. In the case of a cavity, Dr. Santoro can use conservative techniques, removing as little tooth structure as possible and preserving the majority of the natural tooth. This is better for your long-term oral health. Consider the alternative: If dental disease goes unnoticed, it can gradually worsen over time. Catching problems in the later stages may require invasive, costly and unnecessary care. Repairing a large cavity may require removing more tooth structure and placing a larger filling or a crown.Dental Exams in Scripps Ranch During a dental exam Dr. Santoro may detect other problems that may compromise your oral and overall health. For example, she may notice that your bite is off, and your upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly when you close your mouth. A bad bite can cause serious complications down the line, including jaw pain, facial pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease. Or, Dr. Santoro may notice that the chewing surfaces of your teeth look especially worn, which suggests you may grind your teeth at night. After catching a problem like this, she can immediately recommend a suitable treatment option. What Happens During a Dental Exam Dental exams involve several components, including a thorough check of the teeth, gums, bite, jaw joint, head and neck. Dr. Santoro looks for any signs of the following: Plaque and tartar deposits Periodontal (gum) disease Oral cancer Tooth decay Broken or loose teeth A problem with the way the teeth fit together or make contact Excessive wear on the teeth Damaged fillings Changes in the gum tissue that hugs the teeth Problems with any dental restorations or dentures Depending on how often you have dental visits and when your last set of X-rays was taken, Dr. Santoro may recommend taking a new set of radiographs. These images allow her to get a visual of the inside of the teeth, areas between the teeth and the structures holding the teeth in place. She may also order other diagnostic testing as needed. During your dental exam, you may also be asked questions about your oral hygiene practices, diet and other lifestyle habits. Dr. Santoro and our team can provide recommendations for refining your brushing or flossing habits or making other tweaks as needed to optimize your oral health.

The health of your gums is critical to your oral and overall health. If the gums develop an infection called periodontal disease, it can slowly destroy the structures that support and hold your teeth in place. This can significantly compromise your oral health and the appearance of your smile. Furthermore, gum disease has also been linked to life-threatening health conditions, including heart disease and stroke. Village Center Dentistry believes it is more important than ever to take good care of your gums. Dr. Jennifer Santoro and her hygiene team are devoted to helping you avoid gum disease through preventative services. If she determines you have a mild to severe form of gum disease, she offers a complete range of treatment strategies to rehabilitate your gums and reduce your risk of serious health problems. Understanding Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth. It often stems from inadequate oral hygiene as well as family genetics. Not properly brushing or flossing the teeth allows a sticky film of bacteria called plaque to accumulate on the teeth and harden into tartar. The body’s immune response is to fight the bacteria, which causes inflammation in the gums and swollen, bleeding gums. The Progression of the Disease As gum disease worsens, it can cause the gum tissue to pull away from the teeth, forming spaces or “pockets.” These pockets are excellent places for more bacteria to hide. Eventually, gum disease can destroy the structures that support the teeth, including the gum tissue and the bone. In the worst cases of gum disease, the teeth can become loose and fall out or require extraction. Gum disease is a serious threat not only to oral health but also to overall health. Studies show a correlation between gum disease and other health concerns, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, respiratory problems and premature birth. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to catch gum disease in its early stages, when it can be more easily managed. Gum Disease Treatment in Scripps RanchTreating Gum Disease The goal of gum disease treatment is to eliminate existing bacteria and then repair the damage caused by the progression of the disease. In its early stages, gum disease can usually be reversed through more frequent cleanings and/or the use of isolated antibiotic medication. These cleanings should be performed in conjunction with excellent at-home oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing. More serious cases of gum disease require more involved treatment. Scaling and root planing may be required to clean and smooth the root surfaces of the teeth, making it harder for bacteria to adhere to the tooth roots and irritate the gum tissue. Deep periodontal pockets may require pocket reduction procedures. In advanced cases of gum disease, gum or bone grafting procedures may be needed to rebuild structures supporting the teeth. Scaling and Root Planing for Periodontal Disease During a deep cleaning, our team will focus on cleaning the area below your gumline. Your teeth may be numbed with either a topical anesthetic called Oraqix or a traditional anesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable. Using special instruments, we will remove plaque, calculus and other debris from below your gum line. We will also smooth the roots of your teeth, which will help the gum tissue tighten up to allow it to hug tightly to your teeth. We may administer an antibiotic medication called Arestin as needed. Book a Dental Exam with Dr. Santoro If you are experiencing any signs of gum disease, such as red, swollen or bleeding gums, you should schedule an appointment to be screened by Dr. Santoro. If she determines you have gum disease, the two of you can develop a plan to reverse it as soon as possible. Please call 858-566-8510 or email Village Center Dentistry today to make an appointment with Dr. Santoro.

Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on protecting and preserving children’s oral health. It’s important for children to see a dentist from an early age to instill positive associations with dental care and set up healthy oral hygiene habits for life. Children are less likely to avoid the dentist later in life if they have been taught since they were young about the importance of dental care. Dr. Jennifer Santoro of Village Center Dentistry offers comprehensive preventative and therapeutic dental services for children throughout infancy into the teenage years. She enjoys working with children and has a gentle touch that is very well received by her littlest patients. Children and parents alike respond well to her positive, personable demeanor. Our entire office is devoted to treating children of all ages with respect and building a sense of trust from their very first visit. Pediatric Dental Services Preventive Dental Care Preventive care is extremely important for children, as it can help them avoid problems like cavities, which are a very common childhood ailment. Preventive care encompasses services like regular dental check-ups and cleanings with Dr. Santoro and our team; it also involves diligent at-home hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing. Our team takes the time to educate our young patients’ parents, giving them the information and tools they need to understand their children’s tooth development and to properly supervise brushing and flossing. Dr. Santoro and our team can help create a long-term dental care plan that includes information about tooth growth and development and outlines how often to return to the office for preventative visits. Although every child is different, we generally recommend that a child’s first dental visit take place around the time their first tooth grows in, or around their first birthday (whichever comes first). Emergency Dental Care Our team understands that emergencies can happen at any time — both during and after office hours. We are here to ensure you receive top notch emergency dental care when you need it most. Dr. Santoro recommends you keep our office number in a highly visible spot, like your refrigerator, or store it in your phone so you can contact us promptly in the event of an emergency. We will schedule you an appointment as soon as possible so your child does not have to remain in pain or discomfort for long. We commonly treat the following dental emergencies: Toothaches Very loose teeth Chipped/cracked teeth Knocked-out teeth Badly bitten lips or tongues Some — but not all — dental emergencies can be prevented. One of the most important ways to prevent dental emergencies is to always use a car seat or seat belts for your child (depending on his or her age). Eliminate any household hazards, such as slippery rugs or poor lighting near stairs, to prevent slip-and-fall accidents. Do not let your child bite or chew popcorn kernels, nut shells or ice cubes, which can easily crack or chip teeth. Also, practice regular dental hygiene like brushing and flossing to reduce the risk of cavities that can cause pain. Pediatric Fluoride Treatment in Scripps Ranch Fluoride & Sealant Treatments Fluoride treatments and sealants also fall under the preventative umbrella, as they can help reduce the risk of problems like cavities. Fluoride treatments involve applying fluoride directly to the teeth to strengthen them and make them resistant to acid and decay. Sealants are small plastic coatings usually placed on the back teeth to prevent bacteria and debris from accumulating in the small nooks and crannies of the tooth surface. Filling & Orthodontic Treatments As children grow up, their dental needs shift. Some children develop cavities and require tooth-colored fillings to repair the teeth. School-aged children that are active in sports should be fitted for custom mouth-guards to protect the teeth from injury. Older children that have lost all of their baby teeth and find their permanent teeth are crooked or crowded may want to explore their orthodontic options. Older teens may be interested in making other cosmetic modifications to their smiles with treatments like Invisalign, ClearCorrect or dental bonding.