At Collective Smiles near La Mesa, we elevate the patient experience by utilizing cutting-edge diode lasers, offering efficient and effective dental treatment options. Our skilled team, led by Dr. Torculas and our experienced hygienist, harnesses these advanced lasers to perform a variety of patient-friendly dental procedures. Diode lasers are a game-changer in dental care, allowing hygienists to employ minimally invasive techniques such as laser-assisted periodontal therapy (LAPT). This approach significantly reduces harmful bacteria and promotes ...

Read more..

Current studies show that 75% of North American population has some form of gum infection. Recent studies have shown that there is a strong connection between gum infection (periodontal disease) and other systemic diseases. Periodontal disease is the infection of the gum, teeth, and bone that surround teeth. With the current studies showing that 75% of North American population has some form of gum infection. But these are usually low grade chronic infection, which presents ...

Read more..

We do our best to save and keep teeth, but we still end up with a tooth loss. Losing a tooth changes the way one smiles, chews, and can create some insecurities. A missing tooth can affect the oral condition long term if not immediately addressed. Q: So I have missing teeth or am going to lose some teeth, what are my options to address the spaces? Depending on the position and total number of ...

Read more..

Sometimes not everyone is a candidate for dental implants for a host of factors. Another solution to missing teeth is a dental bridge, that can replace one or more missing teeth.  A bridge utilizes the teeth on either side of the gap as anchoring teeth (also known as abutment teeth) -- and a false tooth/teeth in between (pontics). The bridge can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. It is ...

Read more..

Got a missing a tooth? You're in luck! With advances in dental technology and biological materials, we can replace missing teeth with DENTAL IMPLANTS! Implants are the closest thing to resembling natural teeth. Dental implants feel, look, fit, and function like healthy, natural teeth! Dental implants can replace single or multiple teeth, even retain dentures so you don't have to put your teeth in a cup at night! So why choose dental implants ...

Read more..

"Brush the teeth you only want to keep."  This is very true, and if you don't brush and keep your teeth in great condition, then you may found yourself paying thousands of dollars in restorative and implant dental care. Full mouth reconstructive cases average from 45,000 and 80,000. By practicing preventative dentistry, you can protect yourself from extensive dental costs and work.  So what is preventative dentistry? It emphasizes the importance of ...

Read more..

Most people are surprised to learn that the average toothbrush contains over 700 kinds of bacteria. Fungi, viruses, and tiny microorganisms sit on the bristles of toothbrushes around the world, establishing a foundation for diseases to form. If the thought of bacteria dwelling on the toothbrush you routinely place in your mouth doesn’t peak your curiosity about changing your oral hygiene habits, think about the poor physical condition of your toothbrush.  Over time, the ...

Read more..