Oral Cancer Symptoms

Oral cancer is tricky. It can sometimes be asymptomatic so that patients are unaware that there is anything to worry about and it can sometime create symptoms that can be mistaken for another condition. It's extremely important to be screened regularly for oral cancer and also to visit our dentist in order to ensure that there is nothing to worry about. Remember, the earlier the oral cancer is diagnosed, the better your chances of survival.

Some symptoms or signs of oral cancer include: 

• Mouth sores that do not heal 
• Lumps or thinking of lips and mouth tissues 
• Loose teeth for unexplained reasons 
• Pain of the jaw, including stiffness 
• Difficulty chewing or speaking 

Over 43,000 people in the United States will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2015. In honor of oral cancer awareness month, please help us spread awareness of the disease. Schedule your screening today! It could save your life.\

Contact Information:


Robert J. Moretta, D.D.S, F.A.G.D - Sea Cliff Dental
18652 Florida St. #300
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.848.4247
http://rmoretta.com/

Dental implants offered by our dentist in Huntington Beach!

Dental implants are an excellent long-term option for tooth replacement when someone is missing one or more teeth.

Our dentist in Huntington Beach specializes in smile restorations with dental implants with a high success rate.

Dental implants are placed in a series of visits with our Huntington Beach dentist and require no special care other than regular brushing and flossing.

Contact our dental office today for more information on dental implants or to schedule an appointment with our dentist.

18652 Florida St., Suite #300 New
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: (714) 848-4247
Email: info@RMoretta.com
Website: http://rmoretta.com/

What to look for in a dentist:

Choosing a new dentist may make you uneasy. However, it shouldn’t have to be as long as you know what to look for. Depending on the kind of patient you are, whether you are an anxious patient who needs sedation or are a patient who does not, generally you will need to look for the qualities that suit you best when determining which dentist to go to. We’ve put together a list of qualities that you should look for in your future dentist:

• Simplicity: Find a dental office that will place you first. This is important because as long as they place patients as a priority, their services should always be outstanding. Having a dentist that will answer your questions accordingly and recommend a solution quickly will make your dental experience much more pleasant. 
• Good Office Etiquette: We all have busy lives. You shouldn’t have to wait more than 15 to 20 minutes to see the dentist when you have an appointment. Additionally, staff should be inviting and friendly since you will be in contact with them every time you go to the dental office. 
• Professional: Look into the dentist’s credentials. Find out where he or she completed dental school and how long he or she has been practicing. It is your oral health we are talking about and you can never place quality of your dental treatment in question. 
• Accepted insurances or financing options: Last but not least, make sure to choose a dentist that accepts your insurance, if applicable or one that has financing options that suit you. 
• Specialized dental services: Look for a dentist that specializes in the type of treatment you are looking to get, ie. Dental implants, endodontics, periodontics, etc. 
• Check for before & after photos: Especially if you are getting cosmetic procedures done like teeth whitening or any kind of smile restorations, take a look at the dentist’s smile gallery so that you get a feel for the kind of work he or she completes. You may want more natural results, but seeing dental work completed by the dentist will help you make a decision.  

Our Huntington Beach dentist has all of these qualities and more. Because Dr. Moretta is so passionate about dentistry, it is his priority to provide patients with outstanding results in the most comfortable environment possible. Call today for an appointment!

Contact Information:


Robert J. Moretta, D.D.S, F.A.G.D - Sea Cliff Dental
18652 Florida St. #300
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.848.4247
http://rmoretta.com/

Does Whitening Toothpaste Work?

Whitening toothpastes contains ingredients that have the ability to whiten teeth. The easy answer is yes, whitening toothpaste does work; however, results may vary depending on how often it is used and the condition of your teeth when you begin using the whitening toothpaste. They are known to slightly whiten your teeth over time by removing surface stains on your teeth, but its important to refrain from consuming stain causing foods and liquids since this will contradict the whitening process.

In order to remove the surface stains, whitening toothpastes include:

• Abrasives that polish teeth, gently 
• Chemicals that breakdown stains Some whitening toothpastes include a special ingredient called blue covarine, which attaches to the surface of your teeth making them appear less yellow. 

Typically, you will begin to see results anywhere from two to six weeks if you use the whitening toothpaste at least twice a day. Be aware not to use the toothpaste too often and always read the labels for manufacturer’s warnings. Some toothpastes may cause sensitivity if used too often.

If you would like to know more information about whitening toothpaste or teeth whitening, please contact our Huntington Beach dental office. We’ll be more than happy to help you!

Contact Information:

Robert J. Moretta, D.D.S, F.A.G.D - Sea Cliff Dental
18652 Florida St. #300
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.848.4247
http://rmoretta.com/

How do I know if I need a root canal or filling?

Root canals and fillings are used to treat teeth that have some kind of tooth decay or cavity. Dental fillings are used for smaller cavities whereas root canal therapy may be needed for teeth that have more extensive damage. Untreated cavities will progress to infect the pulp, creating the need for root canal treatment in order to save the tooth.

Root canals are necessary because damage to the pulp is permanent and cannot be reversed. The tooth pulp will need to be cleaned and the damaged portion will need to be removed. If enough time goes by and the tooth is left untreated, you may lose the tooth and extraction is needed. Addressing the infected tooth in a timely manner is imperative to saving the tooth.

Signs and symptoms of needing a root canal include:

• Constant, throbbing pain 
• Tooth sensitivity to hot/cold foods or liquids 
• Swelling of the gums around the tooth 
• Tooth discoloration 

If you think you have a cavity or an infected tooth, contact our Huntington Beach dentist at 714-848-4247 for an appointment. Remember, the earlier you come in, the better chance there is that the tooth can be saved!

Contact Information:

Robert J. Moretta, D.D.S, F.A.G.D - Sea Cliff Dental
18652 Florida St. #300
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.848.4247
http://rmoretta.com/

Five Christmas gift ideas that can make your loved ones smile!

The holidays are often a favorite time of year because it’s a time filled with celebrations of family and friends, while also being filled with delicious foods and desserts. It is also often referred to as the “season of giving” where the beautiful side of humanity is depicted, where charities donate large amounts of food and clothing to those that need it most. We also give gifts to friends and family to show our appreciation. However, year after year, it can often happen that we run out of ideas of what to get our loved ones as gifts. Below are some ideas to those of you who have run out of them or simply are looking for something new to give:

• Professional teeth whitening coupon or gift card: The New Year is filled with new resolutions as a new year marks a new beginning. Your loved one will thank you for giving them the gift of a healthy, white smile for 2015! 
• Home whitening kit: For those family or friends who prefer to do things on their own time in the comfort of their home, this is ultimate gift. You are giving them the ability to start the New Year while a new, white smile without even having to change out of their pajamas. 
• Give the gift of a new smile: This can be with orthodontics or veneers. Many of us would often love to have the treatment done but don’t have the time or money. We promise your loved one will always remember you every time he or she flashes their new celebrity-style smile. 
• Smile-enhancing stocking suffers: Travel sizes of toothpaste or mouthwash along with a toothbrush and floss will make for excellent stocking surprises that can be placed to good use! We all love traveling, so this will allow for you loved one to have these items handy to tend to their beautiful smiles while on vacation! 
• Give your child a good dental book on oral hygiene: It’s always better to start oral habits early, and most children love books, anyway! There are thousands of titles that often come with stuffed animals or dolls to help bring the story to life (Check out Scholastic’s list of books to read before a dental visit).

Whatever you decide to purchase as a gift for your loved ones this holiday season, be sure to keep in mind that it’s the intention that counts. It’s not about what’s under the Christmas tree, but who is around it. From our dental family to yours, we wish you happy holidays and a healthy and prosperous 2015. We hope to see you soon!

Contact Information:

Robert J. Moretta, D.D.S, F.A.G.D - Sea Cliff Dental
18652 Florida St. #300
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.848.4247
http://rmoretta.com/

Have a white smile during the holidays!

The holidays are almost here! This is such a great time of year when most dream of looking their best for the ones they love and friends or family that are only seen during this time of year. Looking your best isn’t limited to your outfit or hairdo, it has to do with your teeth as well! Your smile is usually the first thing people notice when you speak or smile. Follow these tips during the holidays and keep your smile bright, right into the New Year.

Beneficial foods for the holidays: 

• Snacks which involve extensive amounts of chewing such as apples, celery, and carrots will help whiten your teeth because they naturally remove stains due to their fibrous nature. They are considered natural exfoliates. 
• Natural greens, which include foods like spinach, broccoli, and lettuce, are recommended in stain prevention because they are known to generate a film over teeth that mimic a barrier on the teeth to harmful substances. 
• Always keep a glass of water close whenever you are drinking wine, coffee, or eggnog. This will help remove staining pigments from attaching to your teeth, staining them. 

Helpful tips for a clean smile: 

• We recommend brushing your teeth immediately after eating a meal. This will remove any remaining food particles that could cause harm to your teeth. Need an example? Treat your teeth just like you would treat a white shirt. If you are eating anything you would be afraid to get on a white shirt, make sure you brush right after! 
• Floss once a day, every day. This helps remove plaque and other substances that could stain your teeth. Be sure to pay close attention to any areas deep areas between teeth as stains stick to these areas. 
• Never skip brushing your teeth before going to bed. It’s dangerous and unhealthy!

During the holidays, precautions should be taken to be sure that you teeth remain healthy into the New Year. However, this is also a time to enjoy the company of friends and family. Please do hesitate to contact our dental office in Huntington Beach, should you have any questions. Our dentist is glad to help! From our family to yours, may you have a warm and healthy Thanksgiving!

Replace candy with healthy Halloween snacks!

Most children are excited about Halloween not only because they can dress up as their favorite characters, but also because they will have access to an abnormal amount of candy. However, there are other great ways to have them celebrate this American holiday with non-candy snacks that are just as fun! Some of our alternatives for the upcoming Halloween are below:

• Fruit snacks: you can make Halloween fun by giving out these fruity figures and characters for kids to enjoy. Caramel grapes, frozen banana ghosts, popcorn ghosts, mandarin oranges “pumpkins” are also great ideas that are good for both your teeth and heart. Look for great ideas on Pinterest and the internet!


• Healthier candy choices: many of the most popular food and candy brands are making different editions of their famous snacks that have less sugar. Look out for these while at the grocery store or shop for “fun” sizes. Dark chocolate, peanut M&M´s and tootsie rolls are also better options to select.


• Organic pops: organic candies have no preservatives or harmful acids which can also be a good idea for Halloween.

Enjoy this Halloween with your friends and family by making healthier food and candy choices. Don´t forget to visit us regularly for cleanings and exams to maintain your healthy smile.
Visit our website for more information: http://rmoretta.com/

Contact Information:

Robert J. Moretta, D.D.S, F.A.G.D - Sea Cliff Dental
18652 Florida St. #300
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.848.4247
http://rmoretta.com/

Should I get dental implants?

Dental implants are the most advanced technique for replacing missing teeth offered in modern dentistry. Dental implants are a permanent solution if you are missing a tooth or teeth due to an accident, disease, trauma or decay.

Dental implants are fixed teeth that are attached to the jaw bone. As a result, they look, feel and function just like natural teeth. Dental implants require no special treatment. Brush and floss regularly, just as you would with your natural teeth. It is also imperative that you visit your dentist for routine visits to ensure that everything is functioning correctly.

Dr. Moretta is highly experienced and qualified in dental implant placement. Visit our office for a consultation if you a missing one or more teeth so that together you may decide if dental implants are the right option for you in replacing your missing teeth. Call or visit our dental office today!

Meet Our Dentist Dr. Moretta

Dr. Moretta has provided quality comprehensive dental care in Huntington Beach since 1983.

He graduated in the top 10% of his class from the University of Southern California in 1982, and was elected to the Omicron Kappa Epsilon Honorary Fraternity, the highest honor bestowed on the nation's top dental graduates.

He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and a member the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, where he studied Advanced Anterior Aesthetics.