Dr. Sasaki’s Dental Blog

April 30, 2010

Dental Check Up ? How Often?

When is the last time you had a dental checkup? Most people in the Ann Arbor area between the ages of 40 and 80 need a dental checkup every six months. If you live in Ann Arbor and are at higher risk for oral diseases, you should have your teeth checked every four months, or at least three times a year.

Come into our office, located at 1900 Packard Rd. in Ann Arbor, or give us a call to make a dental appointment. You can visit our website at http://www.midentalspa.com for more information.

Most people in our Ann Arbor community are in a medium to low risk category. However if you use tobacco or alcohol, eat a lot of sugar in your diet (including lots of soda), or have poor oral hygiene habits, you are likely in a higher risk category and should have your teeth checked right away.

I look at a lot of factors to determine your personal dental hygiene, and your dental outlook for your future. I want you to have the healthiest smile possible so that you can enjoy your teeth for many years without significant problems. If you live in the Ann Arbor area and are ready to have your teeth checked, please give Gary Sasaki DDS, MS a call.

Our comfortable, friendly, professional and relaxing staff will be ready to get you started with a dental checkup.

Talk to you soon.

Gary Sasaki, Dental check ups for the Ann Arbor community

April 27, 2010

The Dental Spa, Ypsilanti Michigan

My Business: The Dental Spa

Owner Gary Sasaki, The Dental Spa

Patients wouldn't usually expect to schedule a foot massage at the same time they plan on getting a root canal.

But giving patients an unexpectedly relaxing experience during a dental appointment is exactly why Gary Sasaki revamped his clinic five years ago. He renamed it The Dental Spa.

Along with traditional and cosmetic dentistry, Sasaki's business began to offer chair, hand and foot massages, paraffin wax dips, aromatherapy and snacks at the clinic. The change was one of many that were long overdue, he said.

That's because, for the first 25 years of his career, Sasaki had no formal business training.

"I was focused on being a dentist," Sasaki said. "But I started to think something was missing."

Alan Warren | The Ann Arbor NewsPatient Michelle Henderson from Howell watches a television show with Eye Chair T.V. with viewing glasses as she gets some dental work done by Dr. Gary Sasaki during her visit at Dental Spa in Ypsilanti.
Sasaki began taking dental business courses and making changes that improved the business' finances and attracted more patients.

Growth plans: "Our plans for 2009 include the addition of another dentist, a physical expansion that will include a meditation room and acupuncture services to reduce anxiety and discomfort."

Biggest aspiration: "Continue my quest of uncovering the connections between oral health and overall health, so professionals in this industry can better contribute to the wellness of our patients."

Why he sees art in dentistry: "When you get to know what teeth look like, actually, they're works of art and they're quite beautiful. The curves and the lines and the way the teeth fit together - it's amazing how you're born with 32 teeth and they each come with a function."

If he weren't doing this, he'd be: "Visiting spas of the world and playing golf."

Favorite place he's traveled: "Thailand. The opportunity to visit their spas and meet the people was an incredible experience."

Business philosophy: "You only get out of it what you put into it. Learn your craft, treat people with respect, seek help in areas outside of your expertise and give back when you are able to."

Advice he would give someone starting their own business: "Nothing is more important than impeccable service. People will remember those special touches and you will create loyal clients for life."

Contact: www.midentalspa.com or 734-482-7466.

Alan Warren | The Ann Arbor NewsDr. Gary Sasaki, right, does some dental work on patient Michelle Henderson, of Howell, as massage therapist Rob Stolerow, left, gives her a foot massage at Dental Spa in Ypsilanti on Nov. 26. Lisa Christner, center, assists Dr. Sasaki. Henderson is also watching a DVD during her treatment.

March 23, 2010

3 Ways Teeth Whitening Can Improve Lives

3 Ways  Teeth Whitening Can Improve Lives in

Think about the last time someone took a photo of you. Did you show your full smile? Or, did you keep your lips closed? Did you smile the last time you met someone new? If not, would you like to change that? Teeth whitening may be the answer, and our team here at The Dental Spa can help. Patients and friends often talk to us about how teeth whitening has changed their lives!

First, people who have had their teeth whitened talk about how much better they feel about themselves. It was amazing what a brightened smile did for one of our patients from Ann Arbor. After having her teeth whitened, she smiles more, she’s more confident, and she feels far more comfortable in all social situations.

Second, overall appearance is dramatically improved. Your mouth and eyes are the main focal points of your face, and teeth whitening not only improves your smile, but also enhances other facial features as well.

Third, a patient from Dexter told us about good things that have happened in his business since his teeth whitening. When he meets new clients, the experiences are more positive and engaging because of his confidence. A bright, attractive smile inspires trust.

Make an appointment today with Dr. Gary Sasaki by clicking on the blue button and see what professional whitening program can do for you! You’ll receive a Smiles For Life discount, AND ALL proceeds go to children’s charities to help children in need—including our local charity partner, Children and Family Life at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. Remember to become a fan on our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. If you have questions, call our Smiles For Life office coordinator, Shelley, directly at 734-482-7466.

And PLEASE share this remarkable offer and opportunity with your family members, friends, and coworkers!

Keep smiling!

-Dr. Gary Sasaki and The The Dental Spa Team

March 18, 2010

Tooth-Colored Fillings in Ann Arbor

Tooth-Colored Fillings in Ann Arbor Hello! Welcome to the Gary Sasaki DDS, MS blog. If this is your first visit, we hope you find useful information about our Ann Arbor cosmetic dentistry practice. If you have read some of our previous articles, we are glad you checked back with us. We post new articles regularly.

My name is Dr. Gary Sasaki, DDS, MS. I have been practicing dentistry in Ann Arbor since 1971. The Dental Spa is a full-service dental office located at 1900 Packard Rd., in Ypsilanti. In addition to providing comprehensive examinations and deep cleanings for clients in the Ann Arbor area, we perform all types of tooth restorations.

When a tooth has decay or has been damaged, a dental restoration is needed to ‘restore’ the tooth to its previous intact condition. A dental filling is one of the most common and well-known types of restorations. A dental filling is used to repair decayed or damaged tooth surfaces. Most people have a few fillings in their mouth.

If you have old silver amalgam fillings, we can replace them with nearly-invisible tooth colored fillings. These fillings are made out of a strong composite resin. Many of our cosmetic dentistry patients have replaced their old silver fillings with fillings matched to their teeth. You can improve your smile instantly and relatively inexpensively by getting rid of the ‘metal’.

Another reason some clients have had their old fillings replaced is because they are concerned about the possible heavy metal toxicity of the mercury in the silver.

If you would like to replace your amalgam fillings, call us at 734-482-7466 to schedule a consultation. We are currently accepting new patients and would be happy to show you around our Ann Arbor cosmetic dental office and introduce you to our friendly team.

Smile – it increases your face value!

March 12, 2010

Local Dentistry

Gary Sasaki, DDS, MS specializes in local dentistry to provide that special dental care

to our Ypsilanti, Michigan dental patients.

The Dental Spa provides local dentistry services to our neighboring areas including Saline, Belleville and Ann Arbor.

Our most popular local dentistry procedure is cosmetic dentistry.

You can contact Dr. Gary Sasaki about cosmetic dentistry or any other local dentistry service by calling us at (734) 482-7466.

If you live in the 48197 zip code area, and are looking for a ‘home town dentist’ who provides dentistry to the Ann Arbor, Michigan area, click on any of the links on this page, give us a call at (734) 482-7466, or stop by and visit. You can find us at 1900 Packard Road, in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

We’re your lifelong dental health partner.

March 10, 2010

Adios Julie and Sue!

On March 5th Julie and Sue are heading to the Dominican Republic with the Smiles for Hope organization.  They will be providing dental care to the “poorest of the poor.”

briteHere are some statements to think about.  You have:
*1 in 2 chances of living in a non-democratic country.
*1 in 5 chances of living in China.
*1 in 10 chances of dying of malnutrition.
*1 in 4 chances of never learning to read, and
*1 in 10 chances of living in a mud hut.
Closely related to this illustration is this fact:  If you have any of the 3 of the following 4 conditions in your life, you are in the top 10% of the worlds’s most affluent:
1. Your own means of transportation (this could include bicycles).
2. A menu choice for your next meal (besides rice or beans).
3. More than one pair of shoes.
4. A change of underwear.
It does give us cause to consider if we are making the most of what we have been given through the choices we have made or the sacrifices of our parents and others.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our 2009 Smiles for Life campaign.  Donations funded C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital’s Child and Family Life Fund and Julie and Sue’s humanitarian trip.

If you are interested in participating in our 2010 Smiles for Life campaign please call our office for more information at 734-482-7466 or click here.

Please follow their trip daily by checking out the website below:

www.crowncouncil.blogspot.com

March 1, 2010

Periodontal Disease in Michigan

Periodontal disease in Michigan is more common than you might think, and can be cured Periodontal Disease in California

with varying degrees of treatment depending on the severity.

What is periodontal disease? According to an article on Wikipedia, periodontal disease is ‘the name of a collection of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth.’

Periodontal disease, more commonly called ‘gum disease’, is an inflammation or infection of the gums. Periodontal disease can be very painful in some extreme conditions, and can limit your ability to eat normally. In some cases, periodontal disease can affect your smile, and can create cosmetic concerns.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage. When caught early and treated, periodontal disease can be little more than an inconvenience. However the best policy is to practice good dental hygiene to keep periodontal disease at bay.

One of the best ways to avoid periodontal disease is to get a regular dental check up at your local Ann Arbor dentist.

Give us a call at (734) 482-7466 to schedule your next dental checkup; we look forward to seeing you.

February 20, 2010

Pediatric Dentistry

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

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 10, 2010

Choosing A Dentist In Ann Arbor

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

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