Dr. Sasaki’s Dental Blog

January 28, 2010

Common Myths about Ann Arbor Family Cosmetic Dentistry

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dental Implants, General Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Restorative Dentistry, Teeth Whitening — Tags: , , , , , — @ 9:45 pm

Myth #1: Cosmetic Dentistry is Never Necessary for a Healthy Smile

Many so-called Ypsilanti cosmetic dental procedures are not solely cosmetic.  Dental procedures such as tooth replacement are smile-enhancing and, more importantly, prevent many potential problems such as tooth movement, bone loss and difficulty chewing and speaking.

Myth #2: An Ann Arbor Dental Bridge is the Only Way to Replace a Missing Tooth

Dental bridges are an Ann Arbor dental cosmetic procedure that have been used for many years with success. However, dental implants are often a better choice for replacing one or more missing teeth. Dental implants have many advantages for  dental patients. They feel like natural teeth, they are stronger, and they are easier to clean than dental bridges. Michigan tooth implants can also be used to anchor dentures or partial dentures.

Myth #3: At-Home Kits are as Effective for Ypsilanti Tooth Whitening Than a Professional Dental Solution

At Gary Sasaki DDS, we offer our dental patients teeth whitening treatments that provide a much greater level of whiteness than at-home kits. At-home kits may remove surface stains, but they do not provide optimum results and can often lead to uneven coloring.

Myth #4: Dental Bonding is the Best Way to Fix a Chipped Tooth.

Dental bonding can restore the shape of a tooth, but may not be the best long-term solution. If you have a damaged tooth, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Call us at (734) 482-7466 to set up an appointment so we can determine the best solution for you.

Myth #5: Ypsilanti Braces are the Only Way to Straighten Teeth

Braces are often part of a transforming dental makeover for our teens and adults alike. However, if your teeth are only slightly crooked, porcelain veneers can reshape your teeth and dramatically improve your smile. And the best thing about veneers? They offer instant results!

Dr. Gary Sasaki
patient comfort
Gary Sasaki DDS
1900 Packard Road
Ypsilanti, MI  48197
http://www.midentalspa.com/
(734) 482-7466

January 20, 2010

How Dental Implants are Changing Dentures in Ypsilanti

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , — @ 9:25 pm

If you are one of the many Michigan denture wearers, you know that they are How Dental Implants are Changing Dentures in Fremontnot the ideal solution for missing teeth.

The problems with dentures include slipping, gum irritation, trouble eating and talking, bone loss, and inability to taste food due to a covered palate. Clearly, dentures do not feel and function like natural teeth.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups can help you avoid the need for dentures later in your life, but other factors can make dental replacements an inevitability.

The good news? Modern dental implant technology is making dentures a thing of the past.

At Gary Sasaki DDS we have information and expertise that can help bring hope to denture wearers through dental implant technology. There are a variety of effective denture/implant tooth configurations.

Call Gary Sasaki DDS at (734) 482-7466 to book an implant overdenture consultation. We can help you understand your options and can recommend options.

If you currently wear traditional dentures and are not happy with them, implant anchored dentures may dramatically change your life. Your chewing ability will be similar to that of natural teeth and you will be able to eat hard foods again. How about a thick T-bone at your favorite Ann Arbor steakhouse? In addition to being able to enjoy your meal, you will avoid the embarrassment of having your dentures rattle around in your mouth in public.

http://www.midentalspa.com/dental_implants.htm

Attention Ann Arbor denture wearers: there is life after dentures with tooth implants!

Come see us at Gary Sasaki DDS at 1900 Packard Road, in Ypsilanti, Michigan for more information about dental implants.

January 10, 2010

Choosing A Dentist In Ann Arbor

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — @ 9:17 pm

The American Dental Association offers some welcome advice for choosing a dentistChoosing A Dentist In Fremont

in Ann Arbor. We have already talked about how word of mouth is an important factor in how many people find a dentist. Here are some things you should look for in an Ann Arbor dentist:

Location is always a factor when choosing a dentist. If you live in the Ypsilanti, Michigan area, there are many options. While location plays an important role in convenience, many people are willing to drive a little farther for a better experience with their Michigan dentist.

Relationship is a strong factor. Your Ann Arbor dentist should be approachable, and should make you feel comfortable when you are in the dentist chair. After all, your Fremont dentist will be working very close with you to help you achieve a high level of oral hygiene; you most certainly will want to have a good, professional, comfortable relationship with your Ypsilanti dentist and the dental office staff.

Specialty is another important factor in choosing a dentist in Ypsilanti. Some dentists specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Others specialize in corrective dentistry such as braces. Depending on your need, you may select a local Ypsilanti dentist who can solve your immediate concern. Bare in mind, however, that it is good to have a general dentist who can maintain your dental history and work with you to through the years.

If you are looking for a dentist in Ann Arbor, please come by and speak with me. I can address your interest in any of these critical areas, and will be happy to introduce you to Gary Sasaki DDS.

I look forward to meeting you.

-Dr. Gary Sasaki, DDS

(734) 482-7466

January 2, 2010

Ann Arbor, Michigan Residents Visit the Dentist

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — @ 4:26 pm

Whether you have lived in Michigan for a long time, or just moving inFremont, California Residents Visit the Dentist

to the Ypsilanti area; taking care of your teeth eventually involves a visit to the dentist. We are Gary Sasaki DDS located at 1900 Packard Road, Ypsilanti, MI  48197, and our specialty is restorative dentistry.

You can reach Gary Sasaki DDS by calling (734) 482-7466.

Going to the dentist for the first time in Ann Arbor, or if you have not been for while, can be an unsettling experience for both kids and adults. The very idea of a ‘dentist’ seems to hold negative connotation for many people. If you are an adult who is moving to the Ann Arbor area, or your child is preparing to visit the dentist for the first time, here are a few tips that may help ease you into regular dental checkups and put you on the path toward increased oral health and wellness.

Choose an Ann Arbor dentist who is appropriate for your needs. When you meet your new dentist for the first time, make an effort to ask questions about the care you will receive. Ask questions that are relevant to your situation including questions about experience, age range of patients, and recommended procedures for any conditions you may have. Get to know your Belleville dentist so you feel comfortable with the care you will receive.

Introduce yourself to your Ypsilanti dentist and get to know the office staff. Visiting the dentist will seem less of a chore when you feel you have trusted friends who are there to help.

Be prepared to provide your dentist with information. Whether you are experiencing specific pain at that moment, or anticipating a problem, be sure to discuss everything with your dentist. Many patients become intimidated in the office environment and avoid expressing pain or discussing issues. As your dentist, I need to know everything you are experiencing and will be better prepared to help as you ask questions and express your concerns.

I understand that everyone is unique; what works for one person may not work for another. You know what works best for you, and the best way to have a good experience with a Ann Arbor dentist is to communicate. Let me know what you are experiencing so that I can make adjustments and help you feel more comfortable and secure.

At Gary Sasaki DDS our leading edge treatment in a warm and friendly atmosphere staff will work to make your dental experience a pleasant one. We know it can be frightening to visit the dentist for the first time, or after a long while. We’ll do what we can to make you feel comfortable, secure, and among caring friends.

If you are in Ypsilanti, Michigan and are ready to visit the dentist again, give us a call at (734) 482-7466, or stop by to meet us; we’re excited to meet you.

-We’re your lifelong dental health partner

December 29, 2009

Wisdom Teeth Checkup

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry — Tags: , , , — @ 3:24 am

Wisdom teeth usually come in between ages 16 and 24 for people in the Ypsilanti

community. While not always troublesome, it is important to learn as early as possible whether your wisdom teeth are coming in sideways, or otherwise impacting your other teeth.

Checking your wisdom teeth in Ann Arbor is a simple and painless process, and can save you trouble down the road.

Our practice, ‘Gary Sasaki DDS, MS‘, works with patients from ages 20 to 80, and our leading edge treatment in a warm and friendly atmosphere staff can help you determine whether your wisdom teeth will need to be extracted. We can also help you determine whether your wisdom teeth will require advanced care, or if a simple procedure can solve the problem.

Wisdom teeth can be painful, and we don’t like pain at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, It’s our goal to give you the best care and attention when checking your wisdom teeth.

If you are in the Ann Arbor area and need to have your wisdom teeth checked, please stop by our office at 1900 Packard Road, in Ypsilanti, Michigan. We also service the greater Ann Arbor area, including Belleville and Saline.

We specialize in restorative dentistry, and often perform cosmetic dentistry. We can take a look at your wisdom teeth and help you make a healthy decision for your future.

‘We’re your lifelong dental health partner’

December 20, 2009

Ypsilanti Dentists And Your Mouth Sores

Filed under: Cold Sores and Fever Blisters, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry — Tags: , , , — @ 3:17 am

As your local Ann Arbor dentist, one of my roles is to help you take care of your mouth. Hayward Dentists And Your Mouth Sores

Sometimes mouth sores can be an issue, and while dentists often defer to an oral surgeon for extreme cases, we can help you make an assessment.

If you live in the Ypsilanti area and have a mouth sore that lasts more than a week or two; come and see me. Mouth sores can be an indicator of disease, and an early assessment is the best bet. A better understanding of your mouth sores can lead quickly to comfort and a resolution. If necessary, treatment and pain relief can be offered.

There are two types of mouth sores that are common; canker sores and cold sores.

Canker sores are small ulcer-like sores with a white or gray base and a red border. They are found on the inside of the mouth and while they are not contagious, they can be painful. Typically a canker sore heals in a week or two. Antimicrobal mouth-rinses, over-the-counter topical anesthetics, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods may offer you temporary relief while your sore is healing.

The cause of a canker sores is not certain. Possible explanations range from a cut on the inside the mouth, and reactions to extreme temperatures or acids from food or drink, to fatigue, stress, and allergies. Some studies point to bacteria or viruses, or combinations of all these factors.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters or Herpes Simplex, are groups of fluid-filled blisters that often appear around the lips, sometimes appearing under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are contagious and painful, but usually heal in about a week. Some over-the-counter anesthetics may provide relief. There are some antiviral drugs on the market that have shown promise in reducing outbreaks, but there is currently no known cure. The initial infection, known as primary herpes, often occurs before adulthood. Once the virus infects you, it may stay in your body and remain inactive or cause occasional cold sore outbreaks. Outbreaks may be triggered by a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions, stress, or exposure to extremes in temperature.

As your Ypsilanti dentist, I can’t do much to stop canker sores or cold sores in your mouth. I can discuss the health of your mouth, and examine any causes that make your mouth sore. In some cases a change in the way you care for your mouth can reduce the chances of getting mouth sores. If you are in the Ann Arbor area, and would like to speak with a dental professional about mouth sores, area give us a call at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS.

Our number is (734) 482-7466.

December 10, 2009

How Mini Dental Implants Can Help Your Smile

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants — Tags: , , , — @ 3:39 am

I’m Dr. Gary Sasaki, a dental implant dentist in the 48197 area. In a recent post, How Mini Dental Implants Can Help Your Smile in 94538I explained how traditional dental implants are used to dramatically improve the lives of my Ann Arbor denture and cosmetic dentistry clients. Today’s topic is mini dental implants, sometimes called ‘immediate implants’.

Though they are not as well known as traditional tooth implants, mini implants are also being used successfully to improve smiles. Like their larger diameter counterparts, mini implants can support a restoration for one or more missing teeth or replace a bridge or fixed denture. Tooth restoration clients and denture wearers benefit greatly from these slip free dental implants that are anchored securely in the jaw bone.

In some cases, a patient is unable to receive traditional full-size dental implants due to insufficient bone thickness. There are also mini implant patients who are not able to undergo dental implant surgery due to health issues. These Michigan over-denture patients are often excellent candidates for the mini version.

The placement of toothpick-size mini dental implants can usually be done in one dental visit. The placement usually requires no incisions or stitches. Recovery time, if necessary, is usually very short. Most patients are able to eat dinner that evening.

Many Ypsilanti aesthetic dentistry clients are happy to learn that mini implants are a lower cost dental implants option. Don’t let the word ‘mini’ fool you; Your smile can receive a maximum upgrade with mini dental implants.

Call Gary Sasaki DDS, MS at (734) 482-7466 to schedule a consultation.

December 4, 2009

Multi-Procedure Dental Visits in Ann Arbor

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Smile Makeover — Tags: , , — @ 3:30 am

If you are planning extensive cosmetic dental work, you may be wondering Multi-Procedure Dental Visits in Fremontwhether to do it all at once or one procedure at a time over an extended period. Here are some factors to consider:

Cost
In the long run, it is less expensive to do it all at once. At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ypsilanti, we are able to complete several procedures in one visit. We know that complete smile transformations are a significant investment for most Michigan residents. We would be happy to discuss affordable dentistry financing options. Call us at (734) 482-7466 to schedule a no-pressure consultation.

Time
With the latest materials and cosmetic dental techniques, healing times are shorter than ever before. However, some procedures such as bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, root canals, and dental implants often require a short healing period.

It is easier physically and psychologically to have the fewest possible visits to your Ann Arbor dentist. You should also consider how your dental visits and necessary healing periods will impact your employment and family life. You will have less down time if you receive several procedures at once.

Aesthetic Results
While we routinely achieve great outcomes when doing a smile makeover in steps, porcelain restorations are best fabricated in the same “batch” for the most precise color matching.

Dr. Gary Sasaki DDS, MS
1900 Packard Road
Ypsilanti, Michigan
(734) 482-7466
http://www.midentalspa.com/

November 15, 2009

Correcting Severe Dental Problems in Ypsilanti

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Crowns, Dental Implants, Porcelain Veneers, Smile Makeover, Teeth Whitening — Tags: , , , , , — @ 12:16 am

Each separate restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedure performed in Ypsilanti Correcting Severe Dental Problems in Fremontcan address a specific dental problem. For example, a porcelain veneer can perfect the surface of a tooth that is discolored or slightly misshapen. Dental bonding can fill a small chip in an otherwise healthy tooth.

Some Ann Arbor dental problems are more extensive and require a combination of procedures. Crown restoration combined with soft tissue grafts can restore a severely decayed tooth with the root exposed. A bone graft and dental implant can restore a missing tooth in an area where the jaw bone has receded. Orthodontia followed by tooth bleaching totally transforms a smile by straightening and whitening.

What is the difference between tooth bleaching and whitening? Whitening is the term for procedures which remove surface stains to restore the degree of natural lightness. Bleaching goes even further by lightening teeth beyond their natural shade. That’s right: you don’t have to resign yourself to yellow teeth even if they have been that way your whole life! The natural shade of your teeth, by the way, like your skin and hair color, is determined by genetics.

Some Michigan smiles have been gleaming for years by regular whitening. You can maintain the whiteness of your teeth just as you maintain your fitness level. (Of course it is a lot easier to make a quick visit to your Ypsilanti dentist once a year for whitening touch-ups than sweating in a gym several times a week!)

We live in an age where severe dental problems can be permanently corrected. You don’t have to participate in a TV makeover show in Hollywood to access these premium cosmetic dental procedures. They are available right here in Ypsilanti. Dr. Gary Sasaki DDS, MS has the same advanced training and extensive experience as the dentists who keep the smiles of famous actors and musicians camera-ready.

Schedule a consultation at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS to discover the perfect combination of procedures to achieve your ultimate smile. Our phone number is (734) 482-7466.

November 3, 2009

Use Flex Account Funds for Michigan Dentistry

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Porcelain Veneers, Smile Makeover, Teeth Whitening — Tags: , , , , — @ 12:06 am

If you have money in your flexible spending account you may want toUse Flex Account Funds for Fremont Dentistry schedule some cosmetic dentistry before the deadline. Remember, you lose any funds left over after the plan year ends. Why not improve your smile with tax-free dollars?

Even a small change can make a big difference in the appearance of your teeth. You might consider getting a veneer for a chipped tooth or replacing a broken crown. Maybe you want to straighten your teeth with braces or replace amalgam fillings with clear ones that blend with your natural teeth. Tooth whitening is quick and easy and benefits even the most attractive smiles.

Perhaps aesthetic dentistry is not your first priority. Maybe you have a more pressing dental need such as a cavity that is bothering you or swollen gums. Don’t let these problems get worse and possibly more expensive to treat.

Call (734)482-7466 to book a consultation at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ypsilanti. We are located at 1900 Packard Road, Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Dr. Gary Sasaki is one of the most sought-after Michigan dentists and stays at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry techniques and technology. A radiant smile is possible for anyone, regardless of issues such as tetracycline stains, periodontal disease, or missing teeth.

If you are planning to use flex account funds for dental needs, make sure you check your employer’s guidelines for eligible cosmetic or restorative dental procedures.

With a smile makeover at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, what will your ‘after’ photo look like?

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