Dr. Mireya Ortega DDS
Dentist
1060 Ski Run Blvd. South Lake Tahoe California, 96150Rating
5/5
About
Mireya Ortega, DDS, is a seasoned dentist with a private practice, High Sierra Dental Care, in Lake Tahoe, California. She has 27 years of experience in dentistry with special expertise in Orthodontics, Restorative Dentistry, and Oral Cancer Screenings. Dr. Ortega received her medical degree in 1987 from the University of California at Los Angeles. Trained at the VA Hospital, she is certified as an Anxiety Control Specialist and holds extensive orthodontics training. She is also a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the Sacramento Dental Society, and Sports Dentistry Society. Over the course of her career, she received a number of distinctions and accolades, including America's Best Dentist, National Consumer Advisory Board (2009-2014), Top Dentist, National Consumer Advisory Board, USA Top Dentist, LLC (2012), Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society (1987), American Academy of Dentistry for the Handicapped Award (1987), Robert B. Wolcott Operative Dentistry Award, UCLA School of Dentistry (1987), Robert P. Thye Dental Alumni Award, UCLA School of Dentistry Alumni (1987), California Dental Association Award (1987), and UCLA Dental Auxiliary Utilization Award (1987). As far as philanthropic initiatives, Dr. Ortega is involved in The Young Tahoe Smile program that provides dental care at very low fees to children of families who qualify.
Education and Training
UCLA
Board Certification
Anxiety Control Specialist; Orthodontics Training
Provider Details
Dr. Mireya Ortega DDS's Expert Contributions
Do you get anesthesia for a root canal?
Yes. READ MORE
Does Invisalign work permanently?
Orthodontic stability varies depending on the patients age at time of treatment as well as the complexity of the case and other factors. The simple answer is nothing is permanent. All this said orthodontic treatment is provided for both cosmetic as well as health reasons. I recommend you discuss your concerns with your orthodontist. Hope I was helpful. READ MORE
How long do stitches stay in after dental implant surgery?
The time depends on what type of suture material is used and the purpose for using sutures. Some suture material will disolve on it's own, some are made of silk, and other non-resorbable materials. These will need to be removed. Often sutures are placed to allow the gum tissue to seal the incision in this case the suture may be removed in one week other times sutures are used in bone grafting procedures and a longer time period would be required. Simple answer is the time period is dependant on the material and procedure. Check with your dentist if this is important to you. READ MORE
Do dental braces hurt?
Orthodontics is the controlled movement of teeth through bone. The biology that allows this to occur is amazing. Yes there can be discomfort felt during this process in the teeth . READ MORE
Tongue cancer
My advice is to see a dentist. Cancer is diagnosed with a biopsy and histological evaluation. What this means is after examining your tongue areas a sample of the affected tissue area is removed and sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination. Please see a dentist for your condition. God bless READ MORE
How do I manage root canal pain without access to my dentist?
Dentist are to provide emergency services to their patients with in a reasonable amount of time. If you have not called your dentist please do so and give hi/her the opportunity to assist you. READ MORE
Do gums grow around dentures?
Ill fitting dentures can cause gum irritation leading to hyperplastic tissue due to the irritation. This makes it look like gums are growing around a denture. It is not healthy. Please see a dentist READ MORE
What happens if you get a cavity with braces?
Yes. Teeth can still get cavities. Cavities occur because bacteria are allowed to sit on a tooth surface where the bacteria consume sugars form our foods for their metabolic functions and excrete an acid that dissolves the tooth. Think of them as tooth termites. If you are wearing braces and get a cavity you can still have a filling done. It may require coordinating the removal of the wire or bracket by the orthodontist so your general dentist can access the cavity and restore it. After the filling is completed the bracket and wire can be replaced, I recommend if you have been told you have a cavity that you treat it as soon as possible.Hope this information is helpful. READ MORE
Can a dental cleaning whiten teeth?
Teeth color is affected by both internal and external factors. Cleaning teeth removes debris on the surface of the teeth. Removing food stains , plaque and calculus can certainly make the teeth look whiter. If you wish to improve on the internal color of teeth, whitening using approved dental products either over the counter or with your dentist is the ideal treatment. Keep in mind that whitening your teeth is not a one time event. In order to maintain the whiter shades you will need to touch-up (whiten periodically). Hope this answers your concern. Thank you. READ MORE
How should I sleep with wisdom tooth pain?
There are several reasons that can cause wisdom tooth pain. In all these cases you will need professional assistance from a dentist. I recommend you find a dentist to help with your problem before it gets worse. There is no over the counter do it yourself treatment. Seek help soon. READ MORE
Do children need fillings for baby teeth?
Yes. Baby teeth are very important. They are not just needed to chew food. They save the position and space for the adult teeth. If the child is in pain it is important to see a dentist. Left untreated the problem could become a more serious. The decision to treat the tooth versus extraction is based on an evaluation and whether there is sufficient tooth to restore or not. In addition have the roots reserved completely or are they still intact. Your child is in pain and needs to see a dentist. Hope this answer help. READ MORE
I never grew out of my buck teeth. What should I do?
Yes, it is never too late to have orthodontics (braces). I would suggest you reach out to an orthodontist in your area. READ MORE
I suddenly have a gap in between my front teeth. Why?
Hard to say why this is happening to you without an examination. Sometimes, people develop gaps between teeth due to cavities, teeth fracturing, or gum disease. In the case of gum disease, the bone supporting the teeth is lost and the bite flares the upper front teeth outward towards the lips, which causes the gaps to develop. I would strongly recommend you see a dentist. READ MORE
What are the most visible signs and symptoms of a gum disease?
Great question. The signs of gum disease are subtle in the beginning and often over looked or excused. The initial sign is usually bleeding gums when brush or floss. This is usually diagnosed as gingivitis or inflammation of the gums. Left untreated it progresses and when the individual starts to loose bone it is diagnosed as periodontitis. Bad breath can also be an indicator. The best manner to care for your families dental health is to find a dental home and see the dentist regularly. I sincerely hope my response was of assistance to you. Thank you. READ MORE
Is a root canal in pregnancy safe?
Your condition is already advanced. Waiting is only going to let matters get worse. The pain and the infection will increase and this is not good for the baby. Emergency treatment should be done at any time during a pregnancy. Elective treatment is best during the second trimester or after the delivery. Hope this helps you decide. READ MORE
Do dentists offer services to the uninsured?
Yes to both of your questions. Each office is different with regards to what payment plans they may offer and you will need to contact them directly in order to find out what they offer. I hope my response was helpful. READ MORE
Front tooth cavity
If the filling is small, composite/bonding is recommended. Bonding is conservative and least expensive. If the filling is large, you should discuss the possibility of porcelain veneers. These are more color stable, but also require preparation and are more expensive. The best information you can receive would be to have a consultation with your dentist. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- past panel member for the State of California’s “Healthy Families Program -
- California Dental Association’s Council on Community Health -
- Associate Adjunct Professor, UCLA School of Dentistry -
Awards
- America's Best Dentist, National Consumer Advisory Board, 2009-2014
- Top Dentist, National Consumer Advisory Board, USA Top Dentist, LLC, 2012
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society, 1987
- American Academy of Dentistry for the Handicapped Award, 1987
- Robert B. Wolcott Operative Dentistry Award, UCLA School of Dentistry, 1987
- Robert P. Thye Dental Alumni Award, UCLA School of Dentistry Alumni, 1987
- California Dental Association Award, 1987
- UCLA Dental Auxiliary Utilization Award, 1987
Professional Society Memberships
- American Dental Association, California Dental Association, Sacramento Dental Society, Sports Dentistry Society
What do you attribute your success to?
- Always Putting her Patients First, Always Doing what she can to Help the Community
Philanthropic Initiatives
- The Young Tahoe Smile program provides dental care at $5 to $10 per visit to children of families who qualify.
Hobbies / Sports
- Founded Dogs on the Run, a Pet Care Educaiton Company, Fishing, Hiking, Outdoors
Favorite professional publications
- Sports Dentistry
Dr. Mireya Ortega DDS's Practice location
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