Dr. Rachel Misuraca D.M.D.

Dentist

2133 Pepperrell St Lackland AFB TX, 78236 Show map

About
Contacts & Locations

About

Dr. Rachel Lewin (Misuraca) is a general dentist training in Orthodontics at the Tri-service Orthodontic Residency Program (TORP) of the Air Force Postgraduate Dental School on Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. With advanced education in general dentistry and 7 years of clinical practice, Dr. Lewin (Misuraca) specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. She is currently training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics and will graduate as an Orthodontist with a Masters' of Science degree in Oral Biology in 2022. She is a Major in the US Army and will continue to practice dentistry on active duty for the military upon graduation.

Education and Training

Tufts U. School of Dental Med DMD 2013

US Army 12-month AEGD Program AEGD 2014

Suffolk University B.A. Biochemistry 2009

AFPDS - TORP Specialty Training: Orthodontics 2022

Provider Details

Female English

Dr. Rachel Misuraca D.M.D.

Dr. Rachel Misuraca D.M.D.'s Expert Contributions

My Answers

Will I need anesthesia for dental bonding?
Most likely, no. There may be minimal prep work involved in which case you may elect anesthesia, but in general, this is not a procedure that elicits pain, so it is not indicated. READ MORE
Do I need anesthesia when I get my sealants?
No. There is no drilling involved in sealants (maybe high speed polishing at the end, but no pain)! READ MORE
Do I need anesthesia to get my chipped teeth fixed?
If they are not painful and sensitive now or to cold air/water then you should not need anesthesia. READ MORE
Should I plan to have someone drive me home after my extraction?
If extractions are done under local anesthesia you can certainly drive yourself to and from the procedure. However, you may want someone there with you if you are particularly nervous about this procedure. Many times this can be emotionally and subsequently physically exhausting for patients so you may be tired, or if your dentist prescribes you any anti-anxiety pre-medication prior to the surgery, you would want a driver. READ MORE
Should I get an implant if my tooth is cracked?
Yes, you should consider getting evaluated for an implant prior to scheduling the extraction of the cracked molar! READ MORE
How is TMJ diagnosed?
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, which is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your upper jaw. When this joint becomes painful (either at a pinpoint position right above the ear or it can also refer pain to the head, lower law, neck, shoulder, arm..) it is called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMD. TMD is diagnosed with the associated pain just listed, often accompanied by sounds (crackling, crunching, clicking). This is often a manifestation of overuse (clenching, grinding, think of today's high stress), or trauma. Like other joints (i.e. your mom's bad knees), genetics can play a role as well. READ MORE
My child accidentally ate toothpaste. What should I do?
Depends on how much was ingested at once. If it was a lot then you should take her to the emergency room if you think this happened recently enough where doctors can intervene. Otherwise, please continue to monitor and assist your child while brushing and flossing. At 7 years old, children still lack the manual dexterity and often the concentration to effectively clean all their teeth. READ MORE
What are some tips for avoiding cavities?
Brushing 2x day (morning and night) with a SOFT or EXTRA SOFT toothbrush, FLOSSING 1x day, a healthy diet high in vegetables and low in starchy carbs and sugar, drinking water, not grazing or continually sipping on sugary beverages (or milky beverages) throughout the day, NOT rinsing with water or non-fluoridated mouthrinses after brushing. READ MORE
Can dentists treat sleep apnea?
Yes we can, but you would want to consult your physician or sleep specialist (whoever fit you for the CPAP) to see if an oral appliance would work instead. Many times, an oral appliance will not achieve the results that a CPAP will, depending on your diagnosis. READ MORE
Is it possible to floss too often?
No. As long as you are using the correct techniques (not too aggressively) there is no issue with frequent flossing. READ MORE
How young is 'too young' for braces?
No, 7 years old is generally the right time to be evaluated for braces since this is when the permanent teeth are making their way into the mouth. In some cases, orthodontists can tell even earlier (age 3-4) that a child will need braces based on their primary teeth and growth benchmarks. An orthodontist, and some general dentists, can provide a "Phase I" intervention/orthodontic treatment in the early ages (6-11) before all the permanent teeth erupt if they see that there won't be enough room for some of the teeth to erupt. READ MORE
How can I ease my canker sore?
Yes. you can go to a dentist who works with lasers and request a laser procedure in order to lessen the pain. Also, over-the-counter gels can work in a pinch. If the lesion is not gone or resolving in 2 weeks, schedule an appointment with a dentist. READ MORE
What are transparent braces?
Yes there are "clear" braces that are the traditional brackets and wire system that work the same. There are also clear aligners (i.e. "Invisalign") that work in conjunction with small clear buttons/tabs that are more transparent. READ MORE

Faculty Titles & Positions

Resident Fort Sill Advanced Education in General Dentistry 12-month Program 2013 - 2014
Brigade Dental Surgeon US Army Baumholder, Germany 2014 - 2017
Recruiting Integration Officer US Army Medical Recruiting Fort Knox, KY 2017 - 2018
General Dentist US Army Jordan Dental Clinic on Fort Knox, KY 2017 - 2018
Dentist (Employee) Hernandez Dental Care in Louisville, KY 2018 - 2018
General Dentist US Army Rhoades Dental Clinic on Fort Sam Houston, TX 2019 - 2020
Orthodontic Resident TORP at Air Force Postgraduate Dental School & Clinic on Lackland Air Force Base, TX 2020 - Present