Wilfrido Cantu, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing comprehensive General Dentistry care at his clinic in San Antonio, TX. He is a registered provider with The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). General Dentists (DDS or DMD) are primary care providers for oral health, focusing on preventative care, diagnosing and treating dental diseases, managing tooth replacement needs, performing oral cancer screenings, and collaborating with primary care physicians to address the connection between oral and overall systemic health. Dr. Cantu is committed to providing these services to all ages.
Dr. Wilfrido Cantu, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in San Antonio, TX, dedicated to a patient-centered approach to care. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. His practice emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Prospective patients should call (210) 479-7500 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Wilfrido Cantu provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Cantu is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Cantu's comprehensive general dentistry practice prioritizes preventative care and the overall well-being of each patient. He meticulously diagnoses and treats dental diseases, addresses tooth replacement needs, and performs oral cancer screenings, ensuring a holistic approach to oral health. He collaborates with primary care physicians to recognize the connection between oral and systemic health, providing a seamless and integrated patient experience.
By working together, you and Dr. Cantu can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Cantu offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Cherubism: If you have cherubism, a genetic disorder causing jawbone overgrowth, your general dentist can help address dental problems such as misaligned teeth and potential difficulties with chewing or biting.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: If you have trouble breathing while you sleep due to OSA, your dentist may be able to create a custom oral appliance to help keep your airway open.
- Tooth Demineralization: When your teeth lose minerals, a process called demineralization, they become vulnerable to decay; regular checkups with your general dentist help detect and reverse early stages of demineralization.
- Gum Cancer: General dentists are trained to recognize the signs of gum cancer during routine oral exams and can refer you to specialists for further treatment if necessary.
- Cleft Lip: Cleft lip is a condition present at birth causing an opening in the upper lip, often requiring a team of specialists, including a general dentist, for repair and ongoing care.
- Traumatic Dental Injuries: Broken teeth, jaw fractures, or soft tissue injuries to the mouth resulting from trauma can all be addressed by a general dentist.
- Open Bite: An open bite is a misalignment where a space remains between your upper and lower teeth, affecting your bite; your dentist can help correct this.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Cantu offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Sinus Augmentation: If you need dental implants but don't have enough bone in your upper jaw, sinus augmentation adds bone to make the implants possible.
- Dental X-Ray: Before procedures like placing implants or crowns, dental X-rays help your dentist accurately assess the condition of the bone and teeth.
- Diode Laser Soft Tissue Treatment: A diode laser can gently remove excess gum tissue, making your smile look better and improving hygiene.
- Arestin® Therapy: Arestin® is a tiny antibiotic bead placed in the gums to help reduce gum disease bacteria and promote healing.
- Denture Repair: If your dentures are cracked, loose, or uncomfortable, repair services can restore their usability.
- Removable Appliances: Removable appliances are custom-made devices, like dentures or retainers, that can be taken in and out of your mouth as needed.
- Lower Dentures: If you've lost lower teeth, lower dentures provide a full or partial set of artificial teeth to improve your smile and oral function.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Cantu is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan from a general dentist, a patient with cherubism successfully managed the jawbone overgrowth, improving their ability to chew and bite comfortably. This improved their overall quality of life and confidence.
- After receiving a custom oral appliance from their dentist, a patient experienced significantly improved sleep quality, leading to increased energy levels and reduced daytime fatigue.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
13133 NW Military Hwy Ste 500, San Antonio, TX, 78231
Phone: (210) 479-7500
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Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Cantu:
- How is my dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is critically linked to your overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also your overall well-being.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common side effect of many medications. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Cantu can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth.
- If I need a root canal, will I have to see a specialist?
- General dentists, like Dr. Cantu, are trained to perform many root canal procedures. For more complex cases, a referral to an endodontist may be necessary. Many root canals can be performed right here at our office by Dr. Cantu. For more complex cases, such as a difficult-to-reach molar, a referral may be made to an endodontist (a root canal specialist) to ensure the best possible outcome.
- What is an oral cancer screening and is it part of my check-up?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless visual examination of the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for unusual sores or discolorations. Dr. Cantu performs this vital part of every routine dental exam to help detect potential problems early, which is key to successful treatment.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to more serious gum disease if left untreated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene.
- How often should I see the dentist, even if nothing hurts?
- Most people benefit from a check-up and cleaning every six months, even if nothing hurts. These visits are crucial for prevention, as they allow our team to remove tartar buildup and identify potential problems like cavities or gum disease early.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch to repair a small area of a damaged tooth. A crown is like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, used when a tooth is severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, jawbone and gum tissue change, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. Dr. Cantu can reline existing dentures to reshape them for a better fit, or create a new set if the current ones are significantly worn. A proper denture fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
13133 NW Military Hwy Ste 500
San Antonio TX 78231
Phone: (210) 479-7500
Wilfrido Cantu, DDS is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1023038056
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Wilfrido Cantu are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.