blog

Treatment for Cavities

By Rafael Mercado, DDS on October 15, 2020 Tooth decay is one of the most common oral health problems. Cavities form when acids feed on plaque and tartar deposits that have accumulated on the teeth. Fortunately, decay can be addressed with restorative dentistry treatments. At Castle Hills Family Dental in Castle Hills, TX, dentist Rafael Mercado offers a…

Dental Implant Alternatives

By Rafael Mercado, DDS on September 15, 2020 There may be times when patients do not qualify for dental implant treatment. For example, they may not have sufficient jawbone density or they may have certain health conditions that make surgery a risk. Others may simply wish to explore alternative options because of cost, timeframes, or other…

Dental Exams for Seniors

By Rafael Mercado, DDS on September 12, 2020 Older patients face special dental needs that can affect their oral and general health. Dentists recommend regular dental exams for seniors. In our Castle Hills, TX, office, Dentist Rafael Mercado thoroughly assesses the oral cavity, including the teeth, gums, jawbone, tongue, and surrounding tissues. He looks for any signs of tooth decay,…

Teeth Whitening Alternatives

By Rafael Mercado, DDS on August 07, 2020 Stained, yellowed teeth can unfortunately have a negative impact on an otherwise healthy smile. Genetic or environmental elements can cause dental discoloration. Professional teeth whitening can dramatically brighten your smile and enhance your overall appearance. Dr. Rafael Mercado offers this treatment at Castle Hills Family Dental. In some cases,…

Dental Crowns and Sensitivity

By Rafael Mercado, DDS on June 24, 2020 Teeth that are weak, broken, or decayed require dental crowns to restore health, function, and aesthetics. Following dental crown placement, patients may experience some degree of sensitivity. This is a normal side effect of the procedure and is typically not a cause for concern. However, there are a…

Caring for Your Teeth with Braces

By Rafael Mercado, DDS on May 25, 2020 If you desire straighter, healthier teeth, orthodontic braces can help you achieve that goal. While at-home oral hygiene is not necessarily more difficult with braces, it does require some additional steps. Dr. Mercado and the team at Castle Hills Family Dental in San Antonio, TX, offer some tips. Caring for…

How Often Will I Need to Visit My Dentist for Invisalign?

By Rafael Mercado, DDS on April 25, 2020 Invisalign clear aligners offer a comfortable and discreet treatment for crooked, gapped, and misaligned teeth. The trays are worn for 20 to 22 hours per day and gently move teeth into better alignment. One benefit of Invisalign is that it does not require uncomfortable wire tightenings. Dr. Rafael…

Teeth Whitening for Smokers

By Rafael Mercado, DDS on April 08, 2020 Smoking and tobacco use give tooth enamel a dark yellow or brownish appearance. The longer and more often you smoke or use tobacco, the darker your teeth will become. What if you could simply and quickly whiten your teeth? How would it affect your self-confidence? Teeth whitening…

How Does Smoking Affect Invisalign?

By Rafael Mercado, DDS on February 25, 2020 Invisalign is a popular treatment that can discreetly straighten the teeth. If you are a smoker and planning to undergo orthodontic treatment using Invisalign at our San Antonio, TX, dental practice, it is in your best interest to quit smoking. Regular tobacco use is linked to a range of oral…

Benefits of Same-Day Crowns

By Rafael Mercado, DDS on January 25, 2020 Dr. Rafael Mercado believes in giving patients in the greater San Antonio, TX area the finest dental care experience possible. This is why he offers CEREC® same-day dental crowns. Using state-of-the-art imaging and milling technology, a strong, tooth-colored custom restoration can be created at Castle Hills Family Dental in just…