Family Dentistry

Family Dentistry services offered in San Antonio, TX

Girl at dentist with father for checkup.

If you’re searching for a superior dental practice with a personal touch, see the experts at Reality Bites Dental in San Antonio, Texas. Kathleen Torres, DDS, Marii Malagayo, DDS, and their skilled team provide comprehensive, compassionate family dentistry options for children, teenagers, and adults. Schedule a dental visit at Reality Bites Dental by phone or request one online today.

Family Dentistry Q & A

What is Family Dentistry?

Family dentistry at Reality Bites Dental includes general, cosmetic, orthodontic, and specialty dental services for entire families. The practice also offers aesthetics options, such as Botox® injections, to reduce common signs of aging. The Reality Bites Dental team is highly trained and personalizes each dental treatment to the needs of their patients, regardless of their age.

Which Family Dentistry Options Are Available?

Examples of family dentistry services available at Reality Bites Dental include:

Smile Restoration
Dental Exams
Professional Teeth Cleanings
Dental X-Rays
Gum Disease Treatments
Fluoride Treatments
Sealants
Botox
All-On-4® Dentures
Full Mouth Rehabilitation
Fillings
Dental Bridges
Crowns
Cosmetic Dentistry
Oral Cancer Screening
Gum Surgery
Treatment for Mouth Sores
Laser Dentistry
Dental Veneers
Teeth Whitening
Orthodontics
Root Canals
Emergency Dentistry
Extractions
Dental Bonding
Resin Infiltration to Reduce White Spots
Invisalign®
Dental Implants

All-on-4 dentures consist of four dental implants on the top and four implants on the bottom of your mouth. Your dentist inserts the implants (metal posts) into your jaw to anchor natural-looking artificial teeth, creating the beautiful smile you deserve during full-mouth rehabilitation.

The Reality Bites Dental team maximizes your and your family’s oral health using the most cutting-edge technologies and procedures available.

What Are the Benefits of Family Dentistry?

The benefits of receiving family dentistry services at Reality Bites Dental include:

Seeing your dentist routinely (every six months) allows them to detect possible teeth, gum, or other soft tissue issues before complications develop.

What Happens During Family Dentistry Appointments?

During family dental visits to Reality Bites Dental, a friendly specialist greets you and reviews your oral health history and any symptoms. You might need painless dental X-rays to create images of your jaw, tooth roots, and other areas not visible during the dental exam.

Your hygienist thoroughly cleans your teeth to remove tartar and plaque. You may receive fluoride treatments or sealants to reduce the risk of future tooth decay.

Your dentist examines your gums, teeth, and the results of your dental X-rays. They determine if you have tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues and, if so, make treatment recommendations.

Schedule a family dentistry visit to Reality Bites Dental by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

Botox

Botox services offered in San Antonio, TX

Woman with glasses experiencing toothache.

Signs of aging, jaw pain, and migraines are nuisances that you don’t have to live with. At Reality Bites Dental in San Antonio, Texas, Kathleen Torres, DDS, Marii Malagayo, DDS, and their exceptional team offer Botox® for aesthetics purposes and pain reduction. Schedule an evaluation at Reality Bites Dental by phone or request one online today to determine if you’re a candidate for Botox.

Botox Q & A

What is Botox?

Botox is a cosmetic and medical treatment that uses injectables for a variety of purposes. Botox contains botulinum toxin type A, a substance that relaxes specific tissues to reduce signs of aging or eliminate discomfort. The Reality Bites Dental team is highly trained in administering Botox injections and tailors each treatment to your individualized needs.

What is Botox Used for?

Botox injections at Reality Bites Dental are typically used for:

Reduced Lines and Wrinkles
Less Jaw Pain
Diminished Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint (Tmj) Disorders
Reduced Jaw Tension
Less Muscle Tightness
Fewer Headaches and Migraines
Less Lockjaw Related to Stress
Reduced Teeth Wear Due to Clenching and Grinding
Less Anxiety
Improved Sleep
Reduced Tooth Sensitivity
Lip Flips

Disclaimer

Potential Side Effects of the "Lip Flip" Procedure:

The "lip flip" procedure, involving Botox injections, may result in several temporary side effects. Patients may experience difficulty performing certain motions, such as sucking on straws, whistling, or producing other "sucking" actions. Additionally, there may be a temporary loss of upper lip control, affecting the ability to rub lips together or swish liquids in the mouth. These effects are generally temporary and should resolve as the Botox wears off, but it is important to be aware of these potential side effects before undergoing the procedure.

The practice provides trigger point therapy for issues related to TMJ, minimizing tenderness and pain in your face, jaw, head, and neck.

Botox injections are simple and fast. You can easily schedule them during your lunch break or even before or after work, as there’s no downtime needed afterward.

Am I a Candidate for Botox Injections?

What Should I Expect During Botox Injections?

What Happens After Botox Treatments?

Botox injections are noninvasive, meaning you can return to work, driving, and other daily activities immediately afterward. Common (temporary) side effects near the injection site include redness, tenderness, and swelling. It’s important to avoid touching the treatment area, as doing so can spread the botulinum toxin to other parts of your body.

You can expect results within several days after treatment.

While Botox injections typically last several months, sometimes longer, repeat injections provide long-lasting relief. When the results of Botox wear off, call the Reality Bites Dental office to schedule your next treatment session.

Schedule a Botox consultation at Reality Bites Dental by phone or request one online today.

Dental Bridges

Dental Bridges services offered in San Antonio, TX

Missing permanent teeth can happen for many reasons, but you don’t have to live with gaps in your smile. At Reality Bites Dental in San Antonio, Texas, Kathleen Torres, DDS, Marii Malagayo, DDS, and their highly trained team offer customized dental bridges to restore an imperfect smile and create flawless beauty. Schedule an evaluation by phone or request one online today.

Dental Bridges Q & A

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are typically non-removable appliances used to replace missing permanent teeth.

Various bridges exist, but a traditional bridge is highly popular. It’s made of porcelain fused with metal and consists of two crowns that bond over the top of the teeth adjacent to a gap. The two crowns contain an artificial tooth between them, which is the replacement tooth.

Another type of bridge is an implant-supported bridge. It often contains three artificial teeth connected, anchored by dental implants (artificial metal tooth roots). Implant-supported bridges serve the same purpose as traditional bridges: replacing missing permanent teeth.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Custom-made dental bridges at Reality Bites Dental offer various benefits for your oral health and smile, including:

A permanent dental bridge is sturdy, strong, and long-lasting. It can last decades or even a lifetime when cared for properly. Bridges sometimes require replacement because of normal wear.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Bridges?

What Can I Expect When Getting a Dental Bridge?

Before receiving a dental bridge, you might need a tooth extraction or a bone grafting procedure, depending on the type of bridge you require and whether you have enough jawbone to anchor an implant-supported bridge.

Your dentist digitally scans your mouth, which allows a dental lab to create a custom-fitted traditional or implant-supported bridge that fits your mouth perfectly. They may insert dental implants into your jaw and allow for a period of healing.

When your bridge is ready, simply return to the Reality Bites Dental office. The dental team bonds your new bridge to adjacent teeth or dental implants and ensures it fits properly and comfortably.

Take good care of your new bridge by brushing your teeth daily, flossing every day, seeing your dentist at least every six months, and not chewing on hard objects.

Schedule an evaluation at Reality Bites Dental by phone or request one online today to take advantage of dental bridges.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants services offered in San Antonio, TX

You don’t have to live with tooth gaps created by permanent tooth loss. At Reality Bites Dental in San Antonio, Texas, Kathleen Torres, DDS, Marii Malagayo, DDS, and their experienced team offer dental implants to fill in the gaps and create the gorgeous, full set of teeth you long for and deserve. Schedule an evaluation at Reality Bites Dental by calling the office or requesting one online today.

Dental Implants Q & A

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are restorative dental solutions that replace missing or extracted permanent teeth. They’re the new standard in restoring missing teeth using metal tooth roots to anchor artificial teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, and eliminate gaps in your smile.

The results are a beautiful smile and a full set of natural-looking teeth. The Reality Bites Dental team conveniently completes all dental implant procedures right in the office.

The practice specializes in full-mouth rehabilitation, including All-on-4® dentures anchored by four dental implants on the top and four implants on the bottom of your jawbone.

Which Advantages Do Dental Implants Offer?

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

To determine if dental implants are right for you, the Reality Bites Dental team discusses your oral health history, takes dental X-rays, examines your gums and teeth, and reviews your treatment preferences and goals. They tailor a treatment plan that’s best suited for you.

You might need tooth extraction or bone grafting before receiving dental implants. Your dentist lets you know what to expect and how to prepare.

What Happens When Receiving Dental Implants?

Before receiving dental implants, your dentist numbs your mouth to eliminate any discomfort. If needed, you can take a sedative to relax. Your provider gently inserts metal posts (implants) into your jawbone.

They digitally scan your mouth, allowing a dental lab to make custom-fitted crowns, bridges, or dentures. When your new teeth are ready, simply return to the Reality Bites Dental office, where your dentist bonds them to the implants and ensures a proper fit and superior results.

Care for your dental implants to ensure their longevity. Avoid chewing on ice and other hard objects, brush your teeth regularly, floss daily, and see the Reality Bites Dental team at least every six months for teeth cleanings and dental exams. Call your dentist immediately if your dental implants get damaged.

Schedule a dental implant consultation at Reality Bites Dental by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What to Expect

01

Consult

After discussing your treatment options and understanding your oral health goals, your dentist will design your treatment plant to meet your needs.

02

Implant Surgery

Your dentist will place an implant directly into the gums and jaw bone where your missing tooth used to be.

03

Healing and Recovery

It can take between 3–6 months for your implant to permanently integrate with your jaw bone. We will continue to monitor your healing during your follow-up visits.

04

Implant Placement

Once your implant has fully integrated with your jaw, you’ll come back to have a crown placed on your implant. This restores the tooth and completes your procedure.

Gum Surgery

Gum Surgery services offered in San Antonio, TX

Today’s gum surgery techniques can address a wide range of oral health and aesthetic issues. Kathleen Torres, DDS, Marii Malagayo, DDS, and the team at Reality Bites Dental in San Antonio, Texas, offer gum surgery to improve the appearance of receding gums. To learn more, call Reality Bites Dental or request an appointment online today.

Gum Surgery Q & A

What Are Some Purposes for Gum Surgery?

Gum surgery is often used to refine the contouring of your gum line. For people who have gum tissue that extends far down each tooth, simple surgical alterations can create a more appealing smile. These procedures are usually done with a dental laser, which reduces bleeding and your recovery time.

Gum surgery is often the final step in orthodontics treatment, helping to highlight your newly straight smile.

Pinhole gum surgery is a wonderful option for people with receding gums. A form of gum grafting, pinhole surgery involves making a small, pinhole-like opening in your gums before lifting them to a new position that better covers your tooth roots. You can expect the procedure to be completed in less than an hour.

How Should I Prepare for Gum Surgery?

As with any form of oral or general surgery, it’s important to share the full details of your personal health history with your dentist before the procedure. Include a comprehensive list of all medications and supplements you’re taking.

If you’re a smoker, one of the best things you can do to enhance your surgical experience is to find a way to quit the habit for good. Not only does smoke impede your healing progress, but it also complicates your dental and overall health.

What is the Recovery Process Like After Gum Surgery?

One of the best things about modern gum surgery is the minimally invasive tools and techniques. Recovery time is far less than in the days of scalpels and stitches, when gum surgery used to require significant time away from work and other obligations.

Expect a degree of soreness and some minimal bleeding in the days after your procedure. Any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Your dentist provides detailed instructions on how to care for your gums in the days and weeks following your treatment. Adhering to these guidelines is the best way to ease your recovery process.

For more information about gum surgery and what to expect, reach out to Reality Bites Dental to book a one-on-one consultation. You can contact the office by phone during normal business hours or via the online booking feature 24 hours a day

What to Expect

01

Exam and Diagnosis

The team at Reality Bites Dental will examine your mouth and take digital x-rays to diagnose your gum disease. This will help us determine the extent of damage to your jaw, gums, and teeth.

02

Custom Treatment Plan

After reviewing your health and lifestyle behaviors, we will recommend a treatment plan that will halt or even reverse your gum disease, and allow you to restore your gum health.

03

Gum Disease Treatment

With treatments like scaling & root planing (deep cleaning), laser therapy, and more, our team will help you treat your gum disease and teach you healthy habits to preserve your oral health.

Lasers

Lasers services offered in San Antonio, TX

Dental laser technology has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, and patients who rely on Kathleen Torres, DDS, Marii Malagayo, DDS, and the team at Reality Bites Dental have access to advanced treatments that utilize state-of-the-art lasers. At Reality Bites Dental in San Antonio, Texas, laser technology can enhance both the health and appearance of gum tissue. To learn more about your laser dentistry options, call Reality Bites Dental or request an appointment online today.

Lasers Q & A

How Are Lasers Used in Dentistry?

The word “laser” is actually an acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” In short, lasers concentrate beams of light to alter various materials. In the case of dental lasers, that light energy alters tooth and gum tissue.

The team at Reality Bites Dental spent considerable time and effort determining which dental laser technology would best meet patient needs. The equipment used during treatments represents some of the best technology currently on the market, and team members go through extensive training to learn how to make the most of these platforms.

Laser bacterial reduction is the primary laser treatment on offer at the practice. This innovative approach dramatically reduces the bacterial count on and within your gum tissue, effectively treating gum disease without the use of scalpels or other manual cutting tools.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Laser Bacterial Reduction?

Using laser technology to eliminate bacteria from your gums and teeth delivers many benefits, including:

If laser bacterial reduction is a good fit for your needs, your dental health professional will let you know during your next visit. Reality Bites Dental also offers laser gum reshaping, a popular light-based cosmetic dentistry treatment. Lasers are also used in treating mouth sores.

Is Laser Gum Treatment a Painful Experience?

All this talk of tissue alteration and bacterial reduction may lead you to believe that laser gum treatments are a painful experience. In reality, most people find laser bacterial reduction to be very tolerable.

If you have existing gum disease, your gums are likely inflamed and tender. Brushing and flossing might be uncomfortable. If so, you may find laser gum treatment a welcome source of relief for these issues.

Laser bacterial reduction is usually performed during your routine dental exam and cleaning appointments. It takes just a few moments and isn’t a painful process.

If you have additional questions or concerns about laser gum treatment, call Reality Bites Dental, or request an appointment online today.

Mouth Sores Treatment

Mouth Sores Treatment services offered in San Antonio, TX

If you experience frequent or painful mouth sores, you’re certainly not alone. Take comfort in the fact that help is available through the care of Kathleen Torres, DDS, Marii Malagayo, DDS, and the skilled team at Reality Bites Dental in San Antonio, Texas. When you’re ready to find lasting relief from mouth sores, booking a visit is fast and easy, whether you choose to connect with the practice online or by phone.

Mouth Sores Treatment Q & A

What Causes Mouth Sores?

Mouth sores are small, shallow ulcers that develop on your lips, tongue, inner cheeks, gums, or the roof of your mouth. Virtually everyone will experience some form of mouth sore at one point or another, although some people seem to experience mouth sores more frequently than others.

Several different mouth sores can develop, including:

Canker Sores
Oral Thrush
Oral Lichen Planus
Erythroplakia
Leukoplakia

In rare instances, mouth sores can be a sign of oral cancer.

Mouth sores can develop as a result of braces, dental treatments, stress, hormonal fluctuations, certain toothpastes, or even accidentally biting your tongue or cheek tissue. Very often, there’s no clear cause of mouth sores.

How Are Mouth Sores Treated?

Many mouth sores will eventually go away on their own without treatment. Some, however, require professional intervention to heal more rapidly and reduce discomfort.

Your dentist will assess your mouth sores and discuss your previous experiences with these types of ulcers. In some cases, an antiseptic rinse or gel is used to treat mouth sores. Your dentist might also recommend a steroid ointment to control bacteria.

Severe cases of mouth sores may require immunosuppressive medications to get the condition under control. If you are prescribed any form of medication, be sure to follow your dentist’s advice throughout the process.

Low-level laser therapy is also an effective means of treating certain mouth ulcers, especially aphthous ulcers. These treatment lasers don’t cut or ablate targeted oral tissues, but instead stimulate your body’s innate healing reaction.

When is the Right Time to Seek Treatment for Mouth Sores?

Mouth sores can be very uncomfortable, making it hard to concentrate on your normal daily routines. This discomfort can also make it challenging to complete your oral hygiene routine.

If you experience frequent mouth sores or develop a sore that’s painful or large, reach out to the team at Reality Bites Dental right away to schedule a diagnostic visit. Because mouth sores can also be a sign of oral cancer, having an ulcer evaluated by a dental professional is an important part of preserving your overall health and wellness.

If you need to book a visit, feel free to call the office during normal business hours. You can also set up an appointment online using the easy booking tool, which is available 24 hours a day.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral Cancer Screening services offered in San Antonio, TX

Doctor holding a red and white awareness ribbon.

Oral cancer is more common than you might believe, and oral cancer screening is an essential part of overall health and wellness. For residents of San Antonio, Texas, Kathleen Torres, DDS, Marii Malagayo, DDS, and the team at Reality Bites Dental offer professional oral cancer screenings during routine dental exams. If you need to schedule an oral cancer screening or a routine dental exam, call Reality Bites Dental or request an appointment online today.

Oral Cancer Screening Q & A

Why is Oral Cancer Screening So Important?

Cancer can develop in many tissues throughout the human body and can sometimes spread very quickly. Cancer creates abnormal tissue growth and other health problems.

Your mouth is no exception, and oral cancer can develop in several different areas, including your:

Because you can’t easily see these areas of your body, oral cancer can sometimes reach a serious stage before it causes noticeable symptoms. When symptoms are present, they might include mouth sores, pain, loose teeth, or difficulty swallowing.

Am I at Risk for Oral Cancer?

Anyone can develop oral cancer, even children who have no clear risk factors. However, certain things do increase your risk level over time.

Risk factors for oral cancer include:

Tobacco Use (in Any Form)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Excessive Sun Exposure on Your Face
Weakened Immune System
Heavy Alcohol Consumption

If any of these conditions apply to you, coming in for routine oral cancer screenings is essential. You can also reduce your risk of oral cancer by making lifestyle changes like using sun protection and replacing alcoholic beverages with healthier options.

If you’re a smoker, try to find a smoking cessation program that works for you. Quitting can vastly improve your oral health, including reducing your risk of oral cancer.

When Should I Come in for an Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screening is performed during your routine dental exams. In addition to a visual assessment of your soft tissues, Reality Bites Dental offers OralID®, a handheld, battery-operated oral cancer screening tool.

This device uses fluorescence technology to detect abnormal cells, even in the precancerous stages. Scanning your oral tissues takes just a moment and is a painless process. If your dentist detects areas of concern, you’ll discuss the next steps, which may include an oral biopsy to gather a small portion of tissue for more in-depth screening.

If you have additional questions about oral cancer screening or prevention, schedule a visit at Reality Bites Dental today. You can call the office to schedule an appointment or request one online at any time.

Oral Health

Oral Health services offered in San Antonio, TX

Taking great care of your teeth and gums can help you achieve a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles. At Reality Bites Dental in San Antonio, Texas, Kathleen Torres, DDS, and Marii Malagayo, DDS, are here to help you make the most of your oral health. If you’re overdue for a dental exam and professional cleaning, reach out to Reality Bites Dental by phone or request an appointment online today.

Oral Health Q & A

How is Oral Health Connected to Overall Health?

Extensive research shows that your oral health is directly tied to your overall health. The human mouth is filled with a vast array of bacteria, most of which are harmless or even helpful. Some oral bacteria can cause widespread harm if they enter your bloodstream.

Dental decay and gum disease create opportunities for oral bacteria to invade your body, where they can travel through your bloodstream and cause serious health problems. Laser bacterial reduction is a great option that dramatically reduces the volume of bacteria within your mouth.

How Can I Make the Most of My Oral Health?

Embracing a solid dental hygiene routine is an outstanding way to reduce your risk of oral health problems. Your dental team can show you how to boost your brushing and flossing habits to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.

During your visits, you can also learn more about which toothbrushes, toothpastes, and other dental hygiene tools are the best fit for your needs. You can have fluoride treatments to help strengthen and repair your enamel.

Taking a close look at your diet is also a good way to improve dental health. Foods that are sticky, sugary, and acidic can increase your risk of dental decay. Replacing those options with fruit, vegetables, and other healthy options can go a long way toward healthy teeth and gums.

What Role Do Dental Exams Play in Oral Health?

The best way to maximize your oral health is by coming in for routine dental exams and professional cleanings. These visits allow your dental care team to check your teeth and gums for signs of decay. Coming in twice a year ensures that issues don’t have time to develop into serious problems.

Dental exams are also the setting where you receive professional oral cancer screenings. Your dentist has the training and experience needed to detect tissue changes in the early stages when treatment is often most effective.

If you need treatment, your dentist explains all available options, giving you all the details you need to make an informed decision about your care. You’ll also learn what to expect if you choose to forego treatment.

When you’re ready to begin, reach out to Reality Bites Dental online or over the phone. You’ll sit down with a highly skilled dentist to learn more about oral health and hygiene.