![The Dental Suite at Temecula - General dentist in Temecula, CA]()
Dr. Maria Contreras received her D.D.S. certification from the University of Mexico School of Dentistry, one of the most prestigious university-affiliated dental schools in the nation. She has practiced general dentistry in Temecula, Murrieta, and Riverside as an associate for over 8 years and eventually decided to join and take over The Temecula Dental Suite in 2015.
For over 15 years, Dr. Contreras has devoted her career to the prevention of oral diseases and personalized dental care. She strongly believes that preventative care, education and collaboration between patient and doctor are the keys to optimal dental health. To provide the highest standards of dental care to her patients, as they should expect, Dr. Contreras has stayed current with the most recent advances in Dental Medicine by attending continuing education courses and clinics from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. She is highly trained in a wide range of dental options including porcelain dental veneers, dental bridges, natural-looking tooth colored fillings, porcelain crowns and tooth whitening.
Dr. Contreras remains passionate about her profession and loyal to each and every patient she meets. She has always found her greatest satisfaction in helping her patients achieve healthy, beautiful and long lasting smiles. She is trustworthy and always performs to her high standards and is committed to making all patients feel as comfortable as possible while in her care.
Born and raised in Sinaloa Mexico, Dr. Contreras went to the Autonomous University of Sinaloa and obtained her D.D.S. degree. Before immigrating to USA, she practiced general and cosmetic dentistry in Mexico. Prior to her certification at UCSF, she was a registered dental assistant in Phoenix, Arizona.
In her spare time, Dr. Contreras enjoys the many outdoor activities including biking and swimming. Occasionally you will find her at the gym or playing tennis. To relax, she enjoys being at home with her family and friends or visiting the nearby beaches.
There are many reasons why the gums and jawbone may require corrective treatment, including periodontal disease, trauma and birth defects. Periodontal disease particularly, can greatly disfigure the natural appearance of the gums and teeth and give the smile an unaesthetic appearance.
Crown lengthening (gum lift) Crown lengthening is usually performed to correct a gummy smile, or to expose more of the tooth prior to a restorative surgery. In some cases, the teeth look short and stubby and partly covered by gum tissue due to genetics or gingivitis. Excess gum tissue can easily be removed to reshape the outline of the gums, expose the natural tooth length, and provide a fuller, more attractive smile. The same procedure is also an excellent way to create a more aesthetic gumline for dental crowns and other restorative procedures.Gum grafts Gum grafts are generally performed to correct a crooked smile, or to restore symmetry to the gumline after periodontal disease has been treated. Periodontal disease causes the gums to recede; making the smile look overly toothy. During a gum graft, a thin strip of tissue is removed from the palate and stitched in place over the recession site. Gum grafts are often used to re-contour the gum line and give the teeth a more pleasing appearance.Pocket reduction surgery Periodontal disease can cause the smile to be marred with unattractive teeth, brown gums and ridge indentations.The aim of pocket reduction surgery is to clean the root surfaces of the teeth subgingivally (beneath the gum line). During this procedure, tartar, plaque and bacteria that are affecting the teeth and gums will be removed. The gum is first gently separated away from the tooth, and then the calculus (tartar) and plaque are removed using special ultrasonic and hand instruments. An antimicrobial liquid may be administered to the area to destroy bacteria colonies and ensure the pockets are given the chance to naturally heal. Pocket reduction surgery is an effective way to restore health to the gums and bone.Sinus augmentation This procedure is usually performed prior to the placement of dental implants, to ensure that the prosthetic teeth are both functional and firmly affixed to the bone. The success of an implant hinges on the quantity and quality of the jawbone to which it will be attached. If the jawbone has receded or been injured, a sinus augmentation can slightly elevate the sinus floor to allow new bone to form. Generally, a small incision is made in the bone and the underlying space is packed with grafting material. The incision is sutured closed, and the implant will be placed when healing has occurred.Ridge modification Ridge modification procedures are used to treat deformities in the jawbone which have occurred due to periodontal disease, trauma or birth defects. Birth defects particularly, can leave an unattractive indentation in the jaw, which makes placing dental implants difficult. During the ridge modification procedure, the gum is gently pulled away from the bone to fully expose the defect. The defect is filled with bone graft material or a similar synthetic product and then sutured closed. When healing occurs, the cosmetic appearance of the jaw is much improved and implants can be successfully placed where necessary.Bone grafts There are a wide variety of reasons why a bone graft may be necessary. Bone grafting thickens the jawbone to allow for the successful placement of implant anchors. Bone grafts can also help elevate the sinus floor, fill craters or deformities in the jawbone itself, or allow for successful nerve repositioning. The grafting material may be harvested from the lower jaw, the iliac section of the pelvis, or synthetically created. In most cases, a small opening is made in the jawbone and packed with the bone graft material. Sutures are placed and restorative treatments are performed when healing is complete.
