Phone: 210-680-7841

About Dr. Derrik Cantu

https://pediatricdentistryofsanantonio.com/meet-our-team/

Dr. Cantu is a proud father. He lives in San Antonio with his wife Aubrey, daughter Landry, and dog Bertie. Dr. Cantu graduated from Texas A&M University and is proud to be an Aggie! He graduated from dental school at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. After graduation, Dr. Cantu continued his specialty education in the pediatric dentistry residency program at the same institution. As a dental student and resident, Dr. Cantu participated in research in dental trauma and dental caries and presented this research in Toronto, Texas and New York, New York respectively. Dr. Cantu is board certified with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Posts by Dr. Derrick Cantu:

brushing teeth

Protect Your Teeth with Regular Dental Visits

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Protect Your Teeth with Regular Dental Visits

Here’s a riddle for you: how can spending more time at the dentist lead to less time spent at the dentist? Sound silly? It’s not. Visiting your San Antonio family dentist for regular cleanings can help you optimize your dental health and prevent many oral health issues requiring complex and expensive treatment.

Why You Should See Your San Antonio Dentist for a Cleaning

Visiting one of the family dentists at Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio for a regular check-up and cleaning can have a number of benefits:

  • Regular cleaning helps prevent cavities.
  • It can also prevent gum disease.
  • Can help you achieve a brighter smile.
  • Will nip bad breath in the bud.
  • Can help to boost your overall health.
  • Will help you avoid costly and complicated procedures that are entirely preventable.

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning

Knowing what to expect during your visit can take a lot of the anxiety out of seeing your dentist. Here’s what’ll happen when you visit a family dentist at our San Antonio clinic:

    • Checkup—We’ll check your gums for any of the early warning signs for gingivitis and gum disease.
      Good vibrations—We’ll use a special ultrasonic instrument to dislodge large pieces of tartar. At the same time, we’ll spray a mist of water in your mouth to wash away the debris. It won’t hurt a bit, but it may tickle!
    • Scaling—Next, our dentists will use fine hand tools to gently remove the rest of the tartar from your teeth. It may sound a bit scary but it isn’t painful at all.
    • Polishing—Once all the tartar is out of the way, we’ll polish your teeth using a soft rubber cup and a special paste.

Flossing—Just to make sure that we got everything, we’ll floss between your teeth to remove any debris trapped between the teeth and gums.
Fluoride treatment—This is the best part! A fluoride treatment tops off your visit by strengthening your enamel and preventing acid wear. It even comes in a bunch of yummy flavours.

Regularly scheduled dental cleanings are a painless and effective way to maintain good oral hygiene. And you’ll love the way your teeth will feel afterwards!
Visit Your Family Dentist in San Antonio Regularly

Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio take care of all of your dental hygiene needs. From checkups, to cleanings, to whitenings, crowns and fillings, we take care of you and your entire family. Book an appointment with San Antonio’s favorite family dentists today![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

choosing the right tooth brush

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

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Choosing the Right Toothbrush

You’re trying to do your best to take good care of your teeth. And that’s a good thing! But if you want to get the most out of your oral hygiene routine, you need to make sure that you are using the right tools for the job. Keep reading to find out how to pick the best products to protect your pearly whites!

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

You might think that all toothbrushes are pretty much the same. But that simply isn’t the case. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your next brush:

    • Manual or electric—Both manual and electric toothbrushes will clean your teeth but some studies have shown that electric toothbrushes, especially the rotation oscillation kind, are more effective at removing plaque around the gum line.
    • Size—Toothbrushes come in a wide range of sizes but for most people, a smaller brush size will do a better job of getting to all the hard to reach places in your mouth.
    • Bristle strength—Hard bristles, combined with vigorous brushing, can actually damage your gums and enamel. Your best bet is to buy a soft bristled brush that is gentle on your teeth and gums.

Choosing the Right Toothpaste

Dentists in San Antonio agree that one of the most important ingredients to look for when buying a toothpaste is fluoride. A naturally occurring mineral, fluoride strengthens your enamel and protects your teeth from acid wear. Most toothpastes also promise to help with at least one of the following:

      • Tartar control—Tartar control toothpastes contain chemical compounds (fluoride included) that help to prevent the buildup of tartar on the teeth.
      • Sensitive teeth—Toothpastes designed for sensitive teeth usually contain potassium nitrate or strontium chloride, both of which help relieve sensitivity by blocking pathways to nerves inside the teeth.
      • Whitening—Whitening toothpastes contain abrasives that polish your teeth and remove stains.

If you are not sure which toothpaste to use, feel free to ask for a recommendation from one of the friendly family dentists at Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio in San Antonio.

Taking Care of Your Brush

Most dentists in San Antonio agree that you should toss your brush and buy a new one at least 4 times per year. For an easy way to remember, simply change your brush in every new season.

Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio are the family dentists of choice for San Antonio and the surrounding area. Whether you need help choosing a toothbrush, or you need a complicated dental procedure, Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our multilingual team of dedicated dental professionals.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

What Is a Dental Crown & How Do I Know if I Need One?

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What Is a Dental Crown & How Do I Know if I Need One?

In the simplest terms, a dental crown is a little cap that fits over an existing tooth. Fully encasing the tooth, dental crowns provide strength, support and an improved appearance to decayed or broken teeth. Keep reading to learn more.

When might I need a dental crown?

Dental crowns might be a good option for you if one or more of the following applies:

  • You have a weak or cracked tooth that is at risk of breaking.
  • You have a tooth that is worn down and needs reinforcing.
  • One of your teeth has a very large filling and very little natural tooth left.
  • A tooth has had a root canal.
  • You have a dental bridge that needs to be supported.
  • You want to improve the appearance of a misshapen tooth.
  • You’ve experienced trauma to your mouth and damage to your teeth.

If you need an emergency dental procedure, be sure to contact one of the dental professionals at The Dentists of Northgate in San Antonio today. Delaying treatment will only make the problem worse.

What is the procedure for placing a dental crown?

Applying a dental crown is relatively straight-forward but you will need to visit your San Antonio family dentist at least twice before the crown is complete. From start to finish the procedure will involve some or all of the following steps:

  • An X-ray of the tooth to receive the crown.
  • If the tooth is severely decayed a root canal treatment may be required.
  • Once the tooth is ready for the crown, one of the dentists at our San Antonio clinic will numb the tooth and the surrounding area.
  • Your tooth will be reshaped to accommodate the crown. This could mean that your tooth will be filed down, or if you’ve experienced significant decay, built-up using a filling.
  • After the tooth is prepared, one of our dentists will make an impression of the tooth receiving the crown as well as the surrounding teeth so that the crown can be custom made to fit your mouth.
  • A temporary crown will be placed in your mouth while you wait for the permanent crown to be manufactured.
  • In the final step of the procedure, one of our dentists will remove your temporary crown and the permanent crown will be cemented into place.

If you would like to learn more about dental crowns or if you need an emergency dental procedure, please don’t hesitate to contact us or stop by our San Antonio clinic today. A member of our friendly, multilingual team will be happy to take care of you and your entire family![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

benefits of dental crowns

Benefits of Dental Crowns

What Is a Dental Crown & How Do I Know if I Need One?

In the simplest terms, a dental crown is a little cap that fits over an existing tooth. Fully encasing the tooth, dental crowns provide strength, support and an improved appearance to decayed or broken teeth. Keep reading to learn more.

When might I need a dental crown?

Dental crowns might be a good option for you if one or more of the following applies:

  • You have a weak or cracked tooth that is at risk of breaking.
  • You have a tooth that is worn down and needs reinforcing.
  • One of your teeth has a very large filling and very little natural tooth left.
  • A tooth has had a root canal.
  • You have a dental bridge that needs to be supported.
  • You want to improve the appearance of a misshapen tooth.
  • You’ve experienced trauma to your mouth and damage to your teeth.

If you need an emergency dental procedure, be sure to contact one of the dental professionals at The Dentists of Northgate in San Antonio today. Delaying treatment will only make the problem worse.

What is the procedure for placing a dental crown?

Applying a dental crown is relatively straight-forward but you will need to visit your San Antonio family dentist at least twice before the crown is complete. From start to finish the procedure will involve some or all of the following steps:

  • An X-ray of the tooth to receive the crown.
  • If the tooth is severely decayed a root canal treatment may be required.
  • Once the tooth is ready for the crown, one of the dentists at our San Antonio clinic will numb the tooth and the surrounding area.
  • Your tooth will be reshaped to accommodate the crown. This could mean that your tooth will be filed down, or if you’ve experienced significant decay, built-up using a filling.
  • After the tooth is prepared, one of our dentists will make an impression of the tooth receiving the crown as well as the surrounding teeth so that the crown can be custom made to fit your mouth.
  • A temporary crown will be placed in your mouth while you wait for the permanent crown to be manufactured.
  • In the final step of the procedure, one of our dentists will remove your temporary crown and the permanent crown will be cemented into place.

If you would like to learn more about dental crowns or if you need an emergency dental procedure, please don’t hesitate to contact us or stop by our San Antonio clinic today. A member of our friendly, multilingual team will be happy to take care of you and your entire family!

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Process of Cosmetic Dentistry

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The Process of Cosmetic Dentistry

Are you considering cosmetic dentistry in San Antonio, Texas? Fixing your teeth can boost your confidence and make you look years younger. The following article offers answers to questions people often have about cosmetic dentistry procedures, and what they’re all about.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a term used to refer to any dental procedure that aims to improve the appearance of a person’s teeth. This can include teeth whitening procedures, bonding to eliminate gaps between your teeth, and custom-made aligners, which make it possible to straighten your teeth without braces. No matter what you’re hoping to achieve with your smile, we offer a procedure that’s right for you.

Why should I consider cosmetic dentistry?

People are often insecure about their smile. Whether you have cracked, chipped, or discolored teeth, the cosmetic dentistry procedures offered by Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio can give you the results you are looking for. In as little as one day, you can change your smile and gain a renewed sense of self-confidence!

I’m considering cosmetic dentistry. What steps should I take?

The first thing you should do is contact our clinic. Let our administrative team know that you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, and that you’d like to book a consultation.

On the day of your consultation, talk to your dentist about what you would like your smile to look like. If you have photos of what you have in mind, bring them with you! We will be more than happy to explain your options to you. No matter what you’re looking for, our cosmetic dentistry procedures can help you look your best. Get the smile you’ve always wanted!

What are my options?

If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry in San Antonio, Texas, a wide range of options are available to you. Most notably, we offer teeth whitening, veneers/partial veneers, bonding, Lumineers®, and Invisalign®.

Is cosmetic dentistry covered by insurance?

Unlike functional dental procedures, cosmetic dentistry isn’t usually covered by insurance. However, if the procedure is related to a structural problem that could affect the general health of your mouth, your dental plan might cover a portion of costs. All in all, prices for cosmetic dentistry procedures vary greatly. The best way to find out how much it would cost to upgrade your smile is to come in for a consultation.

Cosmetic Dentistry in San Antonio, Texas

To schedule a consultation, contact Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio today! We offer emergency appointments and we’re always accepting new patients.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Causes for Root Canal Procedures

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Causes for Root Canal Procedures

Say the words ‘root canal’ and many patients head for the hills. However, there is little cause for concern. Hundreds of thousands of people in San Antonio, Texas and around the world have undergone root canals. Contrary to popular belief; root canals are not painful and in fact are often less painful than regular fillings.

Root canals occur when a dentist needs to find the cause of and treat a problem related to the tooth’s soft core – the pulp. When the pulp becomes diseased, the tooth cannot repair itself. If left untreated, the tooth will die, and need to be extracted. A root canal provides a safe way that we can remove the infected pulp and keep your tooth intact.

What causes the need for a root canal?

While good oral hygiene is necessary to maintain healthy teeth, it’s a myth that only people who don’t look after their teeth need root canals. Other problems include:

Decay

A decaying tooth is the most common problem. It can be treated early on by removing the decay and filling the cavity. However, if left too long, the tooth can become infected.

Infection

An infected tooth may cause a tremendous amount of pain and swelling along the gum line and is often the first sign that a root canal may be necessary.

Chipped or cracked tooth

People often leave a chipped or cracked tooth for too long before seeing their dentist or wait so long that the tooth starts to decay or becomes infected.

Clenching or grinding teeth

Some patients suffer from a condition called Bruxism, where they clench or grind their teeth while sleeping. Although preventable with a mouth guard, most patients don’t even realize they do this. The repeated trauma from clenching and grinding can cause the tooth to die out and need a root canal.

Repeated trauma

In San Antonio, Texas, we see many people come in with repeated dental injuries from playing contact sports. Eventually that can lead to infection and needing to have a root canal. Make sure you look after your teeth when playing sports. Always wear a helmet, face and mouth guard to prevent dental injuries.

Multiple dental procedures

Sometimes it’s unavoidable, but if you’ve had multiple dental procedures on a particular tooth, it can weaken its structure and cause an entry for infection. Also multiple dental procedures on the same tooth may cause the tooth/nerve to get irritated and possibly lead to a root canal.

Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are ultimately the best way to ensure you avoid developing oral issues. But, as you can see, there are many other common problems that can lead to a root canal.

We are always accepting new patients and are available for emergency appointments. If you think you may need a root canal, and you’re in San Antonio, Texas, we can help. Book an appointment today with one of our highly trained professionals at Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Is Invisalign the Solution For You?

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Is Invisalign® the Solution For You?

Depending on your straightening needs, Invisalign could be an attractive alternative to traditional metal braces. They are ideal for correcting crooked or overcrowded teeth, gaps, crossbites, underbites, and overbites. In most cases, highly intrusive metal braces are not needed for those types of dental problems.

Invisalign uses a gentler approach that involves wearing a series of clear plastic trays and buttons that are customized specifically to your teeth. After your dentist takes X-Rays and impressions of your teeth, a digital 3D image is created to map out the precise movement of your teeth and get an estimated time-frame for how long the treatment will take.

Approximately every two weeks you will wear a new set of aligners. With each new set, your teeth will gradually move into place getting you one step closer to that striking smile you have always wanted.

With Invisalign, there are no unsightly metal wires or brackets to poke the insides of your cheeks and gums. You won’t have to live with the embarrassment of getting food items lodged in between braces. And since you need to remove them before eating, there is a reduced risk of developing gum disease and cavities which are common problems associated with metal braces.

See an San Antonio Dentist About Invisalign

We have helped countless kids, teens, and adults across San Antonio gain more confident smiles using Invisalign. Here are five reasons you should consider it too.

1. More attractive appearance

  • No unattractive metal
  • Natural looking teeth
  • Clear, nearly invisible

2. Safe for your teeth and mouth

  • No metal brackets or sharp wires
  • No protruding bits of metal
  • Won’t negatively affect tooth enamel or decaying teeth

3. More comfortable to wear

  • Smooth plastic finish
  • Less pressure on jaws and teeth
  • Removable at any time

4. Get results faster

  • On average, Invisalign is worn for 1 to 1.5 years
  • Receive new aligners every two weeks

    • 5. Easy and convenient to use

    • No food restrictions
    • Fewer checkups
    • Receive them from your regular dentist

        • How well the system works depends on your dedication to wearing the aligners as recommended by your dentist. They can be taken out to eat, brush and floss your teeth, but you should otherwise wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day for the duration of your treatment plan.

        The cost is comparable to metal braces, and most dental insurance plans will cover Invisalign just as they would any other orthodontic treatment. If you don’t have an insurance plan or cost is otherwise a concern, talk to your dentist about payment options.

        To find out if Invisalign is the right solution for you book a consultation with San Antonio’s friendliest dentists, Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio.

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Choose a New Dental Clinic

Looking For a New Dental Clinic in San Antonio?

Are you looking for a dental clinic in the San Antonio area? Located in North San Antonio, Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio combine knowledge, friendliness and expertise to help you feel truly confident in the health and appearance of your smile.

Communicate your dental needs clearly

Entrust your mouth to a versatile team of dental professionals from around the world. Between all of us here at Northgate, we speak 11 languages – this puts us in a perfect position to welcome patients of all ages and cultures.

In addition to our team of hygienists and dental assistants, we have eight dedicated dentists to help you keep the health of your teeth and gums in check. This means there is always someone available to meet your needs, whether it’s for a semi-annual cleaning, routine filling, or emergency root canal.

A warm, empathetic team you can trust

Even if you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, our compassionate team can help you get back to optimal oral health. And if you have an important decision to make regarding an emergency root canal, tooth extraction, or dental procedure that isn’t covered by insurance, we’ll be more than happy to help you make the decision that’s right for you.

At Northgate, we care about more than just your teeth!

Routine dental exams aren’t just about checking for cavities. When you come in for a checkup, we’ll examine your whole head, including your neck, throat, and mouth tissue. Semi-annual checkups also include x-rays, dental scaling, teeth polishing, and flossing. And because we want to make sure that you’re taking great care of your mouth, we’ll also go over your basic oral hygiene routine with you, just to make sure you’re doing it right at home.

Feel good about your smile

Is your smile not what it used to be? Whether you’re looking to straighten, whiten, or restore your teeth, we offer a wide array of general and cosmetic dentistry services to help you to look and feel your best. There is nothing we love more than seeing you leave our offices with a bright and healthy smile.

Same-day appointments available

If you’re seeking a dental clinic in San Antonio that is staffed by a team of dental experts that really care, give us a call. Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio will be happy to consult with you to help you achieve the smile you truly deserve.

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Benefits of Implants

Why Dental Implants? San Antonio Dentists Discuss the Benefits

Your smile should last a lifetime, but that is not always the case. Dental implants help restore your smile and can replace broken or missing teeth. Not only is having missing teeth embarrassing, if it is left untreated, it can affect your ability to chew. Over time, this will start affecting your overall lifestyle.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants have now been around for several years and the technology is constantly evolving. When you receive dental implants in San Antonio you can look forward to these lifelong benefits that include:

  • Immediate Results: Once the implants are in place, you will have a restored smile. What’s more, your implants will result in a dramatic improvement for chewing, appearance, comfort and stability.
  • Improved Appearance: Your smile plays a critical role in your self-confidence. A major benefit to getting dental implants in San Antonio is that they prevent further deterioration, preserve bone and improve your overall appearance.
  • Restore Self-Esteem: Once you are able to eat what you want, smile without worrying about missing teeth, and laugh, you can begin to regain self-confidence and restore your self-esteem. You no longer have missing or damaged teeth to be ashamed of.
  • Comfort: Unlike dentures, dental implants do not have to come out for daily cleaning. You can stay comfortable while eating, drinking and sleeping because your implants are permanent fixtures in your mouth.
  • Natural Look: Dental implants look and function like real teeth. Because the entire tooth (including the root structure) is replaced, they feel like real teeth in your mouth and are strong, stable and still comfortable while eating and chewing. This is something that dentures cannot offer. The best part is, no one will have to know you have implants!
  • Healthier Mouth: Dental implants promote a healthier mouth because they fill empty spaces inside your mouth and protect the healthy jaw bones underneath. When missing teeth are left untreated, you could suffer from loss or deterioration of the jawbone. Dental implants are a good way to prevent bone loss or maintain the bone. While they look and function like real teeth, you will still need to visit your dentist regularly to ensure your gums and mouth remain healthy. Dental implants must be checked regularly by dentists to ensure there is no bone loss around the implant. If implants are not cleaned properly, you can have bone loss and the implant can fail and become mobile and there are circumstances where the implant may have to be removed if it is not functioning properly.
  • Better Speech: Dentures can cause unnatural speaking and make it difficult to pronounce certain words. Dental implants function like natural teeth and are not bulky, nor do they shift. This helps to ensure that your speech is not affected.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants in San Antonio?

You will want to meet with a dental professional to have your bone structure and mouth assessed to see if you are a candidate for implants. The dentist will assess if you have enough bone. Even if you do not, there may be ways to correct your bone deficiency so that you can still receive implants.

Schedule your dental implant consultation with our team at Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio. Call us at 210-680-7841 or contact us online with your questions.

Emergency Dentist Appointments Available

Emergency Dentist Appointments Available

We’ve all been there before. One of our teeth hurts, but the pain is mild enough that it can be ignored. It hurts to brush that side of our mouth, and it hurts to eat or drink certain foods, but we think it’ll go away eventually. All of a sudden, the pain becomes unbearable, but between work and life, you just don’t have time to see a doctor. Right?

Why it’s better to get treated sooner, rather than later

The human body – especially the human mouth – is a strange and fascinating system of moving parts. When we feel pain in certain parts of our body, there’s a strong possibility that we will feel relief within days. Other pains take weeks to heal, while other pains still merely require quick medical attention to eliminate. When we get hurt, one of our default reactions is to simply wait out the pain, but as our doctors tell us, it’s always better to get treated sooner rather than later.

Sometimes, accidents happen

We’re tired in the morning, so we open the bathroom cabinet and chip a tooth. Our friends throw a ball too hard, and it knocks a tooth out of place. Out of nowhere, we realize that it hurts to drink hot cider, or cold ice cream, and we realize we need a root canal. Life sometimes throws us unexpected curve balls.

Emergency Services at Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio

We never know when something minor will turn into something major. We don’t know when that small pin-prick in the back of our mouths will turn into an inability to eat solid foods or drink anything colder than room temperature water. When that pain becomes unmanageable, or when you do have a chipped, broken, or loose tooth, we, at the Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio, can be there for you.

We know that unexpected medical necessities are aggravating, especially when there’s a worry about being late to an appointment or not having time in our schedules for a visit. Thanks to our extended hours, and our large dental staff, we can easily accommodate emergency patients. Thanks to our talented staff, we can also normally help our patients in one appointment. For anything else, we can work around your schedule to make sure your dental needs are soothed as soon as possible.

If you’re in pain, if you need relief, and if you need it right away, visit us in San Antonio, or call us at 210-680-7841. Our clinic is open until 8:00 p.m., and we even offer Saturday appointments so you can plan a visit for the weekend.

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Have Questions?

Call 210-680-7841 and
we will be happy to assist you!