LAGUNA NIGUEL / DANA POINT / LAGUNA BEACH is where Dr. Mark Cruz is located Laguna Niguel is a city located in southern Orange County, California. The name "Laguna Niguel" is derived from the Spanish word "Laguna" which means lagoon and the word "Niguel" which was the name of a Juaneno Indian village once located on Aliso Creek. The population was 61,891 at the 2000 census. The city was primarily built after 1980 as an unincorporated master planned community located in the San Joaquin Hills near Laguna Beach. It borders Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, and Aliso Viejo. Laguna Niguel is located at 33°31'55"N, 117°42'9"W (33.531938, -117.702503).GR1 According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 38.1 km² (14.7 mi²). 38.0 km² (14.7 MI²) of it is land and 0.2 km² (0.1 MI²) of it (0.41%) is water. Laguna Niguel is located on what used to be the Mexican land grant of Juan Avila. When California became a United States territory in 1848, he had to legally battle to retain ownership of the land, which cost him significantly. He retained ownership until 1865, when a severe drought killed off most of his cattle. Lewis Moulton, owner of the Moulton Company, bought the area of modern-day Laguna Niguel in 1895, along with significant other portions of the surrounding area from farmers that were hard pressed to earn a living due to a local drought in the area. The Laguna Niguel Corporation, started by Cabot, Cabot, and Forbes from Boston in 1959, made it one of the first master planned communities in California. Victor Gruen, a Vienna architect, and Associates developed a community plan for 7,100 acres. The Avco Community Developer in 1969 continued the plan, which by then held 6,500 residents. The construction of the San Diego, I-5, Freeway in 1959 allowed more people to arrive. The first communities developed in Laguna Niguel were right along the coast, touching the southern border of Laguna Beach. These communities were called Monarch Bay and the Monarch Bay Terrace built between 1960 and 1962. In 1973, Laguna Niguel Regional Park opened, and in 1974 a one-million square-foot ziggurat building was given to the United States government. These two projects constituted the largest ever in the city, up to present day. On December 1, 1989, Laguna Niguel became an incorporated city in Orange County and became its 29th city. NOTABLE BUILDINGS IN LAGUNA NIGUEL: In 1971, a one-million square-foot ziggurat building, originally built for Rockwell International and presently owned by the United States government, was designed by Los Angeles-based architect William Pereira. The Chet Holifield Federal Building, as it is now known, is home to millions of microfilms as documents of land agreements between American and the original Indian Tribes of the southwest United States. It is also home to the Western Regional Department of Homeland Security and the California Service Center of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The building is often mistaken for the Tyrell Corporation headquarters building seen in the movie Blade Runner. The building is however present in the 1995 hit movie "Outbreak", where the Chet Holifield Federal Building is incorrectly portrayed as the Center for Disease Control headquarters. Laguna Niguel is home to many upscale neighborhoods including Bear Brand Ridge, Ocean Ranch, South Peak, Crest de Ville, Palmilla, and Monarch Point, which offer city, canyon, and ocean views with most home values exceeding $1,000,000[citation needed]. Other major neighborhoods include Rancho Niguel, Marina Hills, Niguel West, Beacon Hill, El Niguel Heights, Kite Hill, and San Joaquin Hills. The city of Laguna Niguel is served by the Capistrano Unified School District. Elementary Schools * Moulton Elementary School * Marian Bergeson Elementary School * Crown Valley Elementary School * Hidden Hills Elementary School * Laguna Niguel Elementary School * Malcolm Elementary School * George White Elementary School Middle Schools * Niguel Hills Middle School * Aliso Viejo Middle School (in Aliso Viejo) High Schools * Aliso Niguel High School (in Aliso Viejo) * Dana Hills High School (in Dana Point) Surrounding Laguna Niguel are the following Cities: City of Dana Point - Dana Point is a traditional harbor city, with historical roots involving a pirate fleet from Argentina. The streets were originally flanked with lantern replica streetlights; the lantern-named streets still remain today. Dana Point is host to The Pilgram (a replica of traditional sailing ships), the Ocean Institute, and Doheny State Beach with superb dining and shopping opportunities. Dana Point Zipcodes: 92624, 92629 City of Laguna Beach - Laguna Beach is a quaint, picturesque town in South Orange County, made famous by its exquisite homes, beautiful sandy beaches, and more than 75 art galleries. Pre-1870, Laguna Beach was home to the coastal Indians. By 1888, this coastal village was home to merely 15 newly settled families. Today, the tourist influx nearly doubles the local population of 24,000. Art and progressive politics are a mainstay in Laguna Beach, and The Pageant of the Masters and the Sawdust Festival are always favorite events for locals and tourists alike. Laguna Beach Zipcodes: 92607, 92637, 92651, 92652, 92653, 92654, 92656, 92677, 92698 City of San Juan Capistrano - San Juan Capistrano’s roots can easily be traced back to the mission sharing its name built in 1776 by Father Junipero Serra. The mission still stands today and serves as a living history. Today, the city (incorporated in the 1960’s) reflects this rich ancestry in its architecture and its people. The Return of the Swallows in March of every year is a world famous event; there is 3 weeks of celebration and, of course, the homecoming of the swallows after their flight from Argentina. Residents and visitors also enjoy the 8,000 acre protected wilderness park, characterized by canyons and streams, which can be explored on foot or horseback. San Juan Capistrano Zipcodes: 92675, 92690, 92691, 92692, 92693, 92694	.
ENDODONTIC DENTISTRY If decay progresses to the first stage, a small filling will be required. If decay develops to the third stage depicted, root canal therapy will be required. ROOT CANAL TREATMENT Years ago, damaged or diseased teeth had to be removed. Today, modern technology allows teeth to be salvaged for future restoration and use. A root canal is usually necessary when the pulp, which contains the blood supply and nerves, is damaged or diseased. This damage can come from several sources. For example, bacteria from a cavity can enter the pulp and cause infection. Gum disease can also cause damage if there is a severe infection. Or, the tooth can be injured in such a way that the nerve is damaged or the blood supply cut off. The first step in performing a root canal procedure is to remove the pulp and clean the pulp chamber and root canals. This is done through a small opening in the crown of the tooth. (If you have severe pain from the tooth, this will generally provide substantial relief.) Once the tooth has been cleaned, medication is then placed in the tooth and it is temporarily sealed. At this point, the tooth is ready for a filling or other dental restoration
What Does Treatment Involve?

Treatment often involves from one to three visits. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed. Here's how your tooth is saved through treatment:

1. First, an opening is made through the crown of the tooth.
2. An opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber.
3. The pulp is then removed. The root canal(s) is cleaned and shaped to a form that can be filled.
4. The pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped.
5. Medications may be put in the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help get rid of germs and prevent infection.
6. A temporary filling will be placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits. Your dentist may leave the tooth open for a few days to drain. You might also be given medicine to help control infection that may have spread beyond the tooth.
7. The pulp chamber and root canals are filled and sealed.
8. The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal(s) are cleaned and filled.
9. In the final step, a gold or porcelain crown is usually placed over the tooth. If an endodontist performs the treatment, he or she will recommend that you return to your family dentist for this final step.
10. The crown of the tooth is then restored.

DENTIST OF CROWNS AND BRIDGES

Bridges and Crowns can correct:

• Missing teeth
• Bite dysfunction
• Functional or Structural problems

With a crown, a single damaged tooth is restored to its original form and function, and with a bridge, one or more teeth are restored. The crowns and bridges are cemented on, and are known as "fixed" dentistry, as opposed to the use of removable appliances or partial dentures.

Bridges

When a tooth is missing, the neighboring teeth can drift out of position, and that can cause:

• A change in your bite
• Loss of additional teeth
• Decay of the remaining teeth
• Gum disease

If you've lost one or more teeth, we may recommend a bridge .
A bridge is a group of interconnected crowns, which replace the missing teeth and support the surrounding teeth. When it's held in place by two crowns, a bridge can:

• Lower the risk of gum disease
• Help correct any bite misalignment
• Improve clarity of speech

When done by a fully qualified cosmetic dentist, bridges are effective and durable, and can last over 10 years.

How is a bridge constructed?

• We will first reshape the targeted teeth so they can accommodate the crowns
• Then he'll take impressions of those teeth, and from the impressions, the crowns will be made
• When the crowns are ready, the porcelain tooth or teeth will be bonded to them
• A temporary bridge will be inserted, giving you a feel of how the final bridgework will modify your mouth
• A couple of weeks later, the temporary bridge will be removed and the permanent one inserted, adjusted and cemented into place.

After the bridge is cemented, you can again enjoy your favorite foods with confidence.
Bridges enable us to avoid that sunken look that's caused by missing teeth, and by stabilizing that area they give us a more youthful appearance. We can smile with confidence again.

CROWNS

A crown is a prosthetic placed over an existing tooth to create a smoother, cleaner look and to increase the strength and durability of that tooth. It's the same size and shape as the natural tooth.
They're a good option if you have damage or decay that's so extensive that filling materials can't keep the tooth strong enough.
The crown not only restores the appearance of your teeth, but can also affect the muscles in your face. So it will help to keep your jaw and bite properly aligned and will prevent other teeth from shifting or taking on a too-large share of the work of biting and chewing.

A crown may be recommended when a tooth:

• Is fractured
• Has an outdated filling
• Is severely damaged by decay

Types of crowns

• Full porcelain
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal
• All-metal crown

Crown Technology

Crown technology has much improved over the years, and if you have any older crowns, We can replace them with new, more real-looking ones. Today's well-constructed crowns look and function like natural teeth.

When crowns are made of porcelain, they're carefully matched in color to your other teeth, so they can't be recognized as being crowns.

The biggest benefit is the all porcelain crowns are much less likely to create periodontal infections and cause gum recession. They are a better technology than conventional metal crowns.

• Many people prefer porcelain crowns because of their cosmetically pleasing appearance.
• New materials are now available that in some cases allow the use of "all-ceramic" crowns.

As an alternative to porcelain, crowns are sometimes made of gold and sometimes of stainless steel.

• Some people would rather not have gold crowns, because they stand out from the other teeth in appearance.
• But if the crown is on a back molar, others feel the cosmetic issue isn't a big one.

If a crown is recommended for you, We will discuss the types of materials available and together you can arrive at the best course of action.

Protecting your crown

Once your crown is in place, it needs to be cared for, just as natural teeth do. In particular, the base of the crown needs careful cleaning to prevent bacterial growth and gum disease from starting underneath the crown.

WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION

Do all wisdom teeth have to be removed? Not all wisdom teeth have to be removed. When they erupt properly, and are kept healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow at an angle relative to the other teeth, partially emerge from the gum, or even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, maintaining good hygiene and keeping the gum tissue healthy becomes difficult. The opening around the tooth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection that results in swelling, stiffness, and pain. In addition to causing decay in the teeth in front of the wisdom teeth, the 2nd molars. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and the healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted tooth or teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.

Many people who are missing a single tooth opt for a fixed bridge; but a bridge may require the cutting down of healthy, adjacent teeth that may or may not need to be restored in the future. Then there is the additional cost of possibly having to replace the bridge once, twice or more over the course of a lifetime. Similarly, a removable partial denture may contribute to the loss of adjacent teeth. Studies show that within five to seven years there is a failure rate of up to 30% in teeth located next to a fixed bridge or removable partial denture.

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing. 
Dental implants are changing the way people live!  With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.

How Dental Implants Work- Dental implants are metal anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Your implant surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. Then your doctor will be able to begin making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.

Temporomandibular Joint Surgery (TMJ / TMD)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a unique joint. It is located in front of the ear where the skull and the lower jaw meet, which allows the lower jaw (mandible) to move and function.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction may present with a variety of symptoms. Patients may have complaints of earaches, headaches, neck pain, and limited mouth opening. They may also complain of joint noises such as clicking or grating sounds, or pain when opening and closing the mouth.

Arthritis is one cause of TMJ symptoms. It can result from injury or from abnormal functions such as grinding the teeth. Another common cause involves the dislocation of the disc that is located between the jaw bone and the socket. This may cause popping or clicking sounds, limit jaw movements, and produce pain during opening and closing of the mouth. Other conditions such as trauma or rheumatoid arthritis may lead to fusion or ankylosis of the jaw bone to the skull and limit jaw mobility.

In addition to joint problems, abnormalities in the alignment of teeth or malocclusion (bad bite) which generate disharmony in the movement of the joints, clenching or grinding the teeth due to stress produce painful muscle spasms and difficulty in jaw movement.

For more information please "Click Here and Read about TMJ / TMD Treatment"

ALL ABOUT CAVITIES

Dental Health: Cavities

Cavities occur as a result of tooth decay. Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth structure. Tooth decay can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin layer of the tooth.

Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as breads, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities, or caries.

Who Gets Cavities?

Many people think cavities only affect children, but changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem too. Recession of the gums (a pulling away of gum tissue from the teeth), often associated with an increased incidence of gingivitis (gum disease), can expose tooth roots to plaque. Also, sugary food cravings in pregnant women can make them more vulnerable to developing cavities.

Decay around the edges of fillings is also common in older adults. Because many older adults lacked the benefits of fluoride and modern preventive dental care when they were growing up, they often have a number of dental fillings. Over the years, these fillings may weaken and can fracture, allowing bacteria to accumulate in the tiny crevices causing tooth decay.

How Do I Know if I Have a Cavity?

Your dentist can discover cavities during your regular dental checkup The tooth surface feels soft when probed by your dentist with a dental instrument. X-rays can also show cavities before they become visible to the eye.

In advanced stages of tooth decay, you might experience a toothache, especially after consuming sweet, hot, or cold foods or drinks. Other signs of tooth decay are visible pits or holes in the teeth.

How Are Cavities Treated?

Cavities are treated in a number of different ways depending on the extent of tooth decay. If decay is not extensive, the decayed portion of the tooth is removed by drilling and replaced with a filling made of silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or a composite resin. Restorative materials used in fillings are considered safe. Concerns have been raised over the safety of mercury-based, silver amalgams in particular, but the ADA, FDA, and other public health agencies continue to support the safety of this restorative material. Allergies to silver amalgam are rare as are allergies to other restorative materials.

If the decay is extensive and there is limited tooth structure remaining, crowns will be used. If a crown is needed, the decayed or weakened area of the tooth is removed and repaired and a crown is fitted over the remainder of the tooth. Crowns are made from gold, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal.

If the decay causes the nerve or pulp of the tooth to die, a root canal will be performed. During the procedure, the center of the tooth (including the nerve, blood vessel, and tissue) is removed along with the decayed portions of the tooth. The roots are then filled with a sealing material. If necessary, a crown can be placed over the filled tooth.

Several new treatments are under development. One experimental technique uses fluorescent light to detect the development of cavities long before they can be detected by traditional means, such as x-rays or dental examination. In many cases, if cavities can be detected early, the decay process can be stopped or reversed.

Researchers are also working on a "smart filling" to prevent further tooth decay by slowly releasing fluoride over time around fillings and in adjacent teeth.

DENTURES Complete and Partial

Complete (Full) Dentures There are two different types of complete dentures; immediate and conventional. Immediate dentures are typically made when the patients existing natural teeth are being removed and the new dentures are delivered the day of the extraction.

Conventional dentures are typically made when existing dentures are being replaced. A conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.

Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.

Partial Dentures A removable partial denture or bridge usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth.

Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed (permanent) bridge replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. This "bridge" is then cemented into place. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position. A precision partial denture is removable and has internal attachments rather than clasps that attach to the adjacent crowns. This is a more natural-looking appliance.

Are There Alternatives to Dentures? Yes, dental implants can be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost is usually greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative to dentures but not everyone is a candidate for implants. Consult your dentist for advice.

TEETH CLEANING
PROPHYLAXIS - FLOURIDE - SEALANTS