Dr. Sasaki’s Dental Blog

November 19, 2008

Ann Arbor TMJ Treatment

Filed under: General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, TMJ Treatment — Tags: , — @ 9:54 am

Ann Arbor TMJ Treatment

Are you one of the many Ann Arbor TMJ sufferers? If you are affected by Temporomandibular Joint pain or TMJ disorder, you know how the pain and discomfort can impact your life. Gary Sasaki DDS, MS has helped countless grateful Ann Arbor patients manage their TMJ disorder.

The Temporomandibular or jaw joint connects the lower jaw bone to the skull. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include jaw and facial pain, headaches, earaches, neck pain and chewing difficulty. TMJ disorder is often associated with jaw clicking, locking or clenching, and can cause tooth damage and bone loss.

Many Belleville, Saline and Plymouth TMJ patients first sought a possible TMJ diagnosis after trying unsuccessfully to relieve their frequent headaches.  Dr. Gary Sasaki has discovered that many people do not realize they have TMJ disorder because it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing the pain. A dentist with advanced education in TMJ therapy can properly diagnose your specific TMJ issues and recommend an effective course of action.

Sometimes a comprehensive treatment plan is most successful, we will then work hand-in-hand with a network including ENT doctors, neurologists and physical therapists. There are many facets to this often misunderstood disorder. If you are suffering from jaw pain, we recommend a consultation with Dr. Gary Sasaki at The Dental Spa in Ypsilanti, MI.

Gary Sasaki DDS, MS

1900 Packard Rd.

Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197

734-482-7466

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, we take jaw pain seriously.

November 10, 2008

Ann Arbor Endodontics

Filed under: General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Root Canals — Tags: , , , — @ 3:59 pm

Ann Arbor Endodontics

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘I’d rather have a root canal’ to describe something painful or unpleasant? At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, we perform root canal (endodontic) therapy routinely for our Ann Arbor dentistry patients and many report minimal discomfort. Ann Arbor root canal procedures have advanced significantly in recent years. For many  root canal patients, the procedure is no worse than getting a filling from your Gary Sasaki DDS, MS dental professional.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, our goal is to help our Belleville, Saline, and Plymouth root canal patients avoid the necessity of endodontic treatment by providing skilled dental care.

 

How do you know if you need a  root canal? See your Gary Sasaki DDS, MS dental professional immediately if you experience tenderness or pain, hot or cold sensitivity, tooth discoloration, tooth injury, gum swelling, gum pain, or lymph node tenderness or drainage. However, for some Ann Arbor endodontic patients, there are no symptoms. That is why it is crucial to visit your local Ann Arbor endodontic dentist regularly for a thorough Ann Arbor dental examination.

Call Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, at 734-482-7466 to schedule an appointment.

A Dental Spa to Transform Your Smile, Relax Your Body, and Rejuvenate

November 7, 2008

Ann Arbor Dental Implants and Dental Bridges

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants — Tags: , , , , , — @ 3:48 pm

Ann Arbor Dental Implants and Dental Bridges

When my patients ask me about Ann Arbor tooth restoration, I usually tell them about fixed (or ‘traditional’) dental bridges or dental implants. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth which replaces a missing tooth. The false tooth (called a ‘pontic’) is fused to porcelain crowns on either side of the missing tooth.

Tooth replacement has been a highly requested procedure at my Ann Arbor dental practice. Patients from the Saline area and Plymouth area have expressed concern about tooth replacement for many years. Most of my questions in the Ann Arbor area have to do with the strength of the tooth replacement, and durability.

Dental implants are also popular concern for my Ann Arbor tooth replacement patients. A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The post integrates with the bone to provide a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.

After it has bonded with the bone (it usually takes three to six months), a smaller post is attached. This post extends above the gum line. The artificial tooth (crown) is then attached. The entire process takes several months, but consistently yields terrific results for Ann Arbor tooth restoration patients. My Michigan cosmetic dentistry patients appreciate the fact that I stay up to date on the latest advancements in tooth replacement procedures.

Both Michigan smile restoration options preserve or restore facial contour and allow you to talk and eat normally. Tooth replacements prevent adjoining teeth from gradually shifting and can help correct bite problems, too. Tooth implants and dental bridges can replace one or more missing teeth. Many Ann Arbor area dental patients have been treated successfully with these tooth restoration alternatives.

Call Gary Sasaki DDS, MS and ask to schedule an evaluation for Michigan dental implants or bridges. You can schedule your tooth restoration by calling us at 734-482-7466.

Powered by WordPress