Our Expertise
Experience
Dr. Santana has over 20 years of experience as a licensed Doctor of Dental Surgery. She has worked in the field of Orthodontics in San Diego for 20 years and specializes in Cosmetic dentistry, Orthodontics and Holistic Dentistry.
Affordable Treatment
You can come to Santana Dental Specialties with the peace of mind knowing that you won't break the bank on your treatments. We offer very affordable and high quality work for all of your dental needs.
Stress Free Environment
At Santana Dental Specialties we will do everything we can to take the stress out of your dental experience. We offer personalized care, allowing enough time for the care of each patient. You will be in charge of saying when we can start and when we need to stop even if it’s just to catch your breath. We also pamper you with pillows and soft blankets.
Our Services
Safe Mercury Removal
There are several protocol recommendations for the safe removal of amalgam fillings. A licensed
practitioner must exercise their own judgment concerning the specific treatment options to utilize in
his/her practice. At Santana Dental Specialties we have the following protocol in place.
- High volume air filter
- Protective gowns and masks for our patients will be in place.
- Oxygen as alternative air source to avoid inhalation of mercury vapors.
- Use of a tightly sealed rubber dam.
- High speed evacuation for better capture of mercury discharges.
- Copious amounts of water to reduce heat.
- Charcoal slurry or chlorella is available.
Porcelain Crowns & Bridges
We are proud to offer our patients high quality porcelain crowns, bridges and veneers.
Lava, e-max and brux-zir to name a few.
- Lava porcelain restorations are one of the most esthetic and clinically proven all-ceramic restorations available today.
- Lava restorations offer excellent long-term stability with no allergenic potential. Life like translucency and long term durability.
- E-max restorations are made of a biocompatible ceramic that delivers outstanding esthetics and fit.
- Brux-zir crowns and bridges are made of a solid zirconium strong enough for patients that brux their teeth or clench. Now with improved translucency and color similar to natural dentition.
Veneers
Transform your smile with our ultra thin natural looking veneers. Veneers transform discolored teeth,
worn down teeth, chipped or broken teeth. Also, teeth that are misaligned, uneven or irregularly shaped.
Flexible Non Toxic Partials and Dentures
We offer TCS flexible partials and dentures. These dentures are made out of a biocompatible pure thermoplastic material that is non-toxic and contains no BPA. Our partials will not contain unsightly clasps and offer unique physical properties. The functionality of TCS partials helps preserve existing teeth. They adjust and flex with the contours of your mouth as you chew, talk and smile.
Safe Extractions
We perform only safe extractions. Even a simple extraction can cause damage if not done safely. The
periodontal ligament must be removed to avoid cavitations or a hole in the bone, typically where a
tooth has been and the site has not healed properly.
Cleanings and Periodontal Treatment
Many people are not aware of the importance of periodic cleanings and good oral practices at home as
well as a comprehensive periodontal treatment in case of advanced inflammation, bleeding, infection or
bone loss.
Gum disease will start as a mild inflammation around the gums and tooth line, but can quickly progress
to tooth loss so it should never be ignored or taken lightly.
There are medical problems that have been associated with gum disease. These include but are not
limited to heart or respiratory disease.
Dr. Santana will treat your periodontal problems and instruct you on good home oral care. She will then
set up periodic appointments to avoid future problems and keep you, your gums and surrounding bone
healthy.
Non-Toxic Dental Materials
Many dental procedures that have been used for years from metal crowns and bridges to amalgam
fillings to even some white composite fillings are under scrutiny for causing health problems. Learning
about these issues can make you a safer dental patient.
Silver fillings are 50% mercury and have been widely used by dentists for more than a century. The
American Dental Association warns that amalgam is toxic before placement and after removal so
dentists must take precautions with these procedures. The ADA has strict protocol in place for the
handling and disposal of mercury. Biological dentists know there is no reason for the amalgam to
become non-toxic while inside a patient’s mouth.
Mercury found in amalgam fillings is the third most toxic element on the periodic table. Exposure to
mercury can cause birth defects, problems in brain development and can also cause cancer. There are
other dental materials that are toxic like nickel found in crowns and bridges containing metal.
It is important to avoid all metal in dental restorations, but there are some non-metal materials that can
be toxic like some white composite fillings. Many of these filling materials contain BPA or Bisphenol A.
In animal studies, a number of adverse health problems have been associated with BPA including
problems with hormonal activity, asthma, diabetes, behavioral changes, cancer and infertility to name a
few.
Dr. Santana runs a metal free, amalgam free and BPA free practice. It is important for her to take care of
your whole body health while giving you a beautiful and functioning smile.
Real Results!
Before
Could not even see upper anterior teeth.
Before
After
After
After orthodonic treatment and a combination of crowns and veneers