Dr. Sasaki’s Dental Blog

February 20, 2010

Pediatric Dentistry

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry — Tags: , , , — @ 11:27 pm

If you have children in the Ypsilanti area, there is no better time to consider pediatric

dentistry than right now.

The best time to start your children on a pediatric dentistry program is when their teeth first appear. This may seem a bit early, however it is a great time to become acquainted with pediatric dentistry options, learn training techniques for teaching your children, and assessing the health of your child’s teeth before problems begin.

We can also help you identify pediatric dentistry programs and services in the Ann Arbor area, for you child.

If you have questions about pediatric dentistry, please give us a call at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS. My name is Dr. Gary Sasaki, and my leading edge treatment in a warm and friendly atmosphere staff will be more than happy to talk with you about pediatric dentistry.

Remember: The best time to consider pediatric dentistry is while you have options. Waiting until problems appear reduces your options and misses the very reason we are concerned about pediatric dentistry; to help your child grow healthy and strong teeth that will last a lifetime.

Bring your questions to our leading edge treatment in a warm and friendly atmosphere staff at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS. We are located at 1900 Packard Road, in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

We are looking forward to seeing you, and to discussing pediatric dentistry with you and your children.

‘We’re your lifelong dental health partner’

February 13, 2010

Healthy Teeth and Your Diet

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry — Tags: , , , — @ 11:15 pm

Maintaining healthy teeth is an important concern for our local Ypsilanti residents. As  Healthy Teeth and Your Hayward Diet

your Dentist, it’s my job to help you understand how to care for your teeth and to keep them healthy.

Everyone knows that maintaining healthy teeth requires regular daily brushing and flossing. Regular visits to your local dental practice is also necessary to keep watch for cavities and to help you maintain proper dental hygiene. We often forget that maintaining a healthy diet can also be beneficial for the health of your teeth.

A diet that includes foods that help your muscles and bones will also help you develop healthy gums and healthy teeth. Examples of local foods to include in your diet include foods rich in vitamin B such as breads and cereals. Foods rich in vitamin C, usually fruits and vegetables, help improve the health of your gums. Zinc and magnesium are also good for the health of your teeth and are found in foods like lean beef, fish, and poultry.

All foods increase the production of saliva. Saliva is important to healthy teeth because it helps to maintain the pH balance in your mouth. Maintaining this balance helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. Foods high in fiber also encourage saliva production as does the chewing of sugar-free gum. Gum, however, can damage unhealthy teeth or pull out dental fillings, so always use caution when deciding whether to chew gum and which brand to chew.

Just as certain diet choices in the Ann Arbor area can be beneficial to the health of your teeth, others can be detrimental. Foods and drinks that are high in sugars are more likely to form the acids that attack your teeth and result in decay. And while table sugar is often associated with the formation of cavities, other sugars such as glucose, fructose, and maltose are also causes, and are often found in juices and sodas. Limiting the consumption of sugars to mealtimes lessens the amount of time your healthy teeth are exposed.

Making good diet choices and limiting between meal sugar consumption can improve the health of your teeth and gums.

If you would like to learn how to better care for your healthy teeth, contact Gary Sasaki DDS, MS at (734) 482-7466. We would love to hear from you.

-Dr. Gary Sasaki

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 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.

October 29, 2009

Bone Health & Dental Health in Ypsilanti

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — @ 11:34 pm

There is a tooth connection that links osteoporosis and oral health. If you are a woman, Colin Yoshida DDSyou have probably heard about the high rate of osteoporosis in America. The state of Michigan is no exception. Osteoporosis can often progress without any outward symptoms. However, there may be clues in a person’s mouth that indicate compromised bones in the rest of the body.

The following dental and periodontal issues could indicate the presence of osteoporosis:

  • Gum detachment
  • Ill-fitting dentures
  • Jaw bone recession and erosion
  • Difficulty with ordinary mouth function such as eating or speaking

There are many Ypsilanti dental professionals that can determine the presence of bone deterioration with x-rays and other diagnostic tools. If we suspect the possibility of osteoporosis, we can refer you to a local medical professional, whether you live in Ann Arbor, Belleville, or Saline.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS are trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the oral health problems sometimes associated with osteoporosis. Schedule a consultation in Ypsilanti by calling (734) 482-7466 and we can discuss your dental concerns. While you are here, we can also tell you about the cosmetic dental services we provide. Aesthetic dentistry continues to improve smiles for our friends and neighbors in the Ypsilanti area.

If you suspect you may be suffering from osteoporosis, please see your physician right away. While your dentist can help identify some of the symptoms associated with osteoporosis, you should not rely on your dentist to provide a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

October 21, 2009

Common Medical Conditions Affect Dental Health in Ann Arbor

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — @ 11:25 pm

Hi, I’m Dentist Dr. Gary Sasaki, DDS. MS. Most every day, I can be found at my Educating Fremont Dental Patients About Little-Known RisksYpsilanti area dental office treating dental patients with tooth and gum problems or helping patients prevent them. There are many common medical conditions that pose a risk to oral health.

1) Ann Arbor diabetes patients with high blood glucose often have a higher risk of dental issues. If you have diabetes, let’s talk. My number is (734) 482-7466.

2) A persistent dry mouth due to an inadequate amount of saliva can accelerate tooth decay, cause or contribute to gum disease, and trigger chronic bad breath. Many medications used by thousands of Michigan folks, including those for high-blood pressure and depression, cause dry mouth. This side effect is not only unpleasant, it is dangerous. Anti-depressants (especially SSRI’s) and anti-psychotic drugs can also trigger tooth-grinding (bruxism).

3) Acid reflux in children and adults is associated with a host of dental problems such as decay and periodontal disease.

I help many dental patients prevent problems associated with medical conditions that sometimes seem unrelated to dental health. Regular professional dental care is essential for oral health, and an important part of your overall physical health.

http://www.midentalspa.com

June 30, 2009

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in Ann Arbor

Filed under: Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , — @ 2:41 pm

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in Ann Arbor Have you ever been eating an ice cream cone in Ann Arbor when you felt a sudden jolt of pain in one of your teeth? If the enamel is eroded, or the gums have receded, the dentin layer of the tooth is exposed. The substances that cause tooth pain travel to the pulp where the nerves of the tooth are located. Ouch!

Tooth sensitivity can be a signal that something is wrong. It may be caused by periodontal disease or bacteria build-up in a crack in a tooth.

Enamel erosion can be caused by a number of factors including acidic foods and drinks, teeth grinding, or cracked teeth. If your teeth are sensitive following a professional teeth whitening such as the ones we do here at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, the sensitivity will probably be gone in a few weeks.

Surprisingly, one cause of gum recession for our Ann Arbor patients is brushing too hard. That’s right; it is possible to brush too hard!

If you experience constant or intermittent pain in your teeth or gums, call 734-482-7466 right away to make an appointment. Dr. Gary Sasaki takes tooth pain seriously.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ann Arbor, we not only treat tooth sensitivity problems, we also perform entire smile makeovers for cosmetic dentistry patients in the Belleville and Saline areas. You’ll find us in the 48197 zip code area.

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

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