Dr. Sasaki’s Dental Blog

September 16, 2011

A Fresh Start After Losing A Tooth In Ann Arbor

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Implants — Tags: , , , — @ 11:26 am

Ann Arbor Permanent Tooth Replacement Are you one of the many Ann Arbor men and women who has had a tooth extracted? If the tooth had been bothering you, it may have been a relief. Unless, of course, the tooth was in the front of your mouth and now the gaping hole shows every time you smile. Ignoring it is impossible because your tongue can’t leave it alone.

Once the tooth has been pulled, you have many decisions to make. Can I afford a dental bridge? Do I want to damage two healthy teeth to anchor the bridge? Should I go with porcelain veneers? What about bone loss?

What if you could have a fresh start? What if you could have a permanent, natural looking tooth replacement that would restore your smile and retain the healthy bone and gum tissue around the tooth root?

With a dental implant from Dr. Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, you can. A dental implant is a permanent replacement for all parts of the tooth. A dental implant consists of three parts: the titanium post, the abutment, and the restoration.

The Titanium Post
—Inserted directly into the jaw bone
—Extremely strong
—Titanium is unique in that it bonds with living bone tissue (also used in knee and hip replacement surgery)

The Abutment
—Can be made of gold, porcelain or titanium
—Permanently attached to the post (it will not slip and slide like dentures)

The Restoration (Dental Crown)
—Usually made of porcelain fused to a metal alloy (PFM)
—Is made to match the color of surrounding teeth
—Will look as good or better than the tooth it replaced

Dental implant surgery is not an experimental treatment. The materials and techniques have been tested and refined for several decades. It has been performed by Ann Arbor dentists and prosthodontists for over twenty years. To schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation, call 734-482-7466.

Gary Sasaki DDS, MS
734-482-7466
1900 Packard Rd
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48197
http://www.midentalspa.com

July 29, 2011

Healthy Teeth in Ann Arbor

Filed under: Dental Implants — Tags: , , — @ 8:20 pm

Implant Anchored Dentures in Ann Arbor Are you one of the fortunate Ypsilanti people with healthy teeth? Would you like to keep them healthy for the rest of your life? Many Ypsilanti dental clients believe that keeping their teeth healthy into the golden years is unlikely if not impossible.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, we are happy to assure you that this is a myth. With proper dental hygiene, regular dental exams and cleanings, and a healthy lifestyle, your teeth can serve you throughout your life.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, we help clients of all ages, including those in their seventies and eighties, maintain their beautiful smiles. Dentures are not inevitable. Even if you already wear dentures, don’t give up.

You can improve your smile and your life with dental implants available in Ypsilanti at our state-of-the-art cosmetic dental practice.

These new fixed dentures won’t slip and slide in your mouth, so you can start eating confidently again.

Our office is friendly and relaxed. You don’t need to worry about being embarrassed if your teeth have not seen a dentist or hygienist for a while. We can treat your dental problems and put you on the path for better oral health in the future.  We also offer dental spa treatments.

Remember, without dental health, you are never truly healthy. Call 734-482-7466.

July 1, 2011

More Valuable Than a Diamond

Filed under: Dental Implants — Tags: , , — @ 9:49 am

“Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.”
-Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote, 1605

Ann Arbor cosmetic dentistry When Cervantes wrote Don Quixote, there was no way to replace teeth that were lost to trauma or decay. We are fortunate to live here in Ann Arbor at a time where there is a permanent replacement for missing teeth-the amazing dental implant.

A dental implant, or tooth implant, is anchored into the jaw bone. It does not slide around like a removable denture. It functions just like a natural tooth.

With a dental implant, you can talk, chew, and brush like normal. Eat that steak. Laugh out loud. Sing at the top of your lungs!

The dental implant procedure available in Ann Arbor is not an experimental treatment. Dental implants have been available for many years. You can be sure that the dental implant procedure has been fully tested and tweaked to perfection. The success rate for dental implants in Ann Arbor is almost one hundred percent.

If you have a missing tooth and want to get a tooth implant, it is important to choose an experienced Ann Arbor cosmetic dental specialist to perform your implant procedure. To schedule a dental implant or cosmetic dentistry consultation, call 734-482-7466.

An Ann Arbor dental implant is a strong and beautiful tooth replacement that, incidentally, costs much less than a diamond of similar size. (See the quote at the beginning of this article.) To discuss financing options, contact our office.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, we offer the full spectrum of restorative, cosmetic, and general dental services. If you need a gentle dentist to put your mind at ease or a precision smile design artist, we invite you to meet dentist Dr. Gary Sasaki, DDS, MS.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, we are committed to providing superior dental care for patients from 20 to 80.

June 24, 2011

Dental Implants In Ann Arbor

Filed under: Dental Implants — Tags: , , — @ 8:44 pm

Cosmetic Dentistry The best permanent tooth replacement treatment available to Ann Arbor people who are missing teeth are dental implants.

A dental implant is a metal (ideally titanium) rod implanted into the bone to replace the missing root. The dental crown and supporting structure are securely and permanently attached to the rod. Titanium is amazingly strong and extremely well tolerated by the human body. There are very few instances of rejection. In fact, most Ann Arbor implant dentists are not familiar with any such cases.

Tooth implants offer a long-term solution to tooth loss. Are you a good Ann Arbor candidate for tooth implant surgery?

Because the metal rod is anchored into the jaw bone, it is essential that you have enough healthy bone at the implant site. Dr. Gary Sasaki can determine if you do.

Age is rarely a factor. Dental implants have proved to be successful for Saline people of all ages. Dr. Gary Sasaki provides comprehensive dental care for every member of the family.

There are a few medical issues that may affect your eligibility for implants. These include diabetes, osteoporosis, radiation therapy for cancer, parathyroid disorders, bone disorders and leukemia. The presence of one or more of these conditions does not necessarily mean an implant cannot work for you; discuss any health issues with Dr. Gary Sasaki during your implant dentistry consultation.

Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is located at 1900 Packard Rd. in Ann Arbor. Call 734-482-7466 to schedule an implant consultation.

June 3, 2011

Save Money With Dental Implants at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS

Filed under: Dental Implants — Tags: , , — @ 9:49 am

Ann Arbor Tooth Implants

Q: For Ann Arbor residents: When is the least expensive tooth replacement method really the most expensive?

A: When it ends up costing far more in the long run.

Many Ann Arbor dentistry clients who lose a tooth do not understand the importance of replacing it with a dental implant. They wrongly believe that one missing tooth is not a significant problem. In fact, some Ann Arbor people who have an abscessed tooth extracted are so glad the pain is gone that they forget that the extraction is not the solution. When a tooth is lost, the risk of losing the adjacent teeth increases dramatically.

Dr. David Scharf, a Board Certified Periodontist and Dental Implant Surgeon and a Clinical Assistant Professor at New York University College of Dentistry says:

“Many times consumers will choose to replace a missing tooth with a removable partial denture because it is the least expensive option. In the long run however, removable partial dentures may be more costly due the loss of adjacent teeth and the need for future replacements. Many people opt to replace teeth with dental implants because they do not compromise the survival of the adjacent teeth.”

Dr. Scharf notes…

“With the price of gasoline and food soaring people try to cut back wherever they can. Unfortunately choosing the least expensive options for tooth replacement can have some very costly ramifications down the road.”

If you are missing a tooth, you may still be able to save the adjacent teeth if receive an implant soon. An implant bonds chemically with the jaw bone and helps maintain its stability.

To schedule a dental implant consultation, call Gary Sasaki DDS, MS at 734-482-7466. In addition to cosmetic dentistry, we provide comprehensive general dentistry for families in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area.

October 21, 2010

Hate Your Dentures?

Filed under: Dental Implants — Tags: , , , — @ 11:29 am

Ann Arbor Dentistry Implant Perhaps you have heard or seen the Ann Arbor dental industry’s advertising about dental implants. Most Ann Arbor dentists claim that dental implant dentures can change your life. Does this sound like hype? Exaggeration?

Let’s look at the facts about dental implant anchored dentures in Ann Arbor:

Chewing: An oral implant denture can restore up to 95 percent of normal chewing function. How important is chewing? Can you chew easily with your current full or partial denture? Can you bite apples? When was the last time you ate a raw carrot?

Fit: Implant anchored dentures stay in place. An implant denture doesn’t slide around in your mouth and cause sores. Saline implant denture wearers who exercise regularly especially appreciate this benefit.

Appearance: How does your smile look? Can you smile confidently? How many Ann Arbor denture wearers love their smile? Implant anchored dentures look like natural teeth. They don’t move when you smile, eat, talk, bike, swim, dance, golf, ski; you get the idea.

Bone health: When teeth are extracted, bone recession can occur over time (in fact, this happens in almost every case). Because a titanium implant is an artificial ‘tooth root’ inserted into your jaw bone, your bone has a better chance of staying healthy. If there are no other adverse conditions present, your jaw bone should remain strong and dense, just as if the original tooth root were there.

If you hate your dentures and live in Ann Arbor, Saline, or Plymouth, why don’t you come in for a cosmetic dental consultation about dental implants and mini-implants? We can discuss all the particulars including procedure specifics, healing time and dental implant cost. Then you can decide for yourself if Implant dentures will, as promised, change your life.

Here is our contact information:

Dr. Gary Sasaki DDS, MS
1900 Packard Rd.
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48197

http://www.midentalspa.com

734-482-7466

June 16, 2010

Live Better With Dental Implants in Ann Arbor

Filed under: Dental Implants,Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , — @ 6:17 pm

Ill-fitting dentures cause more problems for Ann Arbor denture wearers than they solve. If you live with loose dentures, you probably regard them as a necessary evil. Though they certainly look better than a toothless mouth, in practical terms they leave much to be desired because they affect two essential activities: eating and talking.

Unfortunately, many frustrated Ypsilanti denture wearers have quit dining in restaurants or engaging in social activities because they are afraid their dentures will slip.

Implant dental procedures at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ypsilanti are allowing former Ann Arbor denture patients to re-engage in life.

Consider the advantages of implant anchored dentures:

  • They are stable because the implant is anchored in the bone.
  • Your denture is fixed, it will not move around in your mouth.
  • They prevent bone loss that typically occurs when teeth are removed.
  • They eliminate the necessity of regular denture relines.
  • They do not irritate gums.
  • No denture adhesive is required.

Our Ann Arbor dental implant bone clients who have replaced their traditional dentures with implant overdentures enthusiastically say that the dental implant cost was more than worth it.

Do you want to eat normally again? What is the value of maintaining your facial shape? Can you put a price on confidence?

If you want more information about dental implants, call (734) 482-7466 to schedule an implant tooth consultation with Dr. Gary Sasaki. Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is located at 1900 Packard Rd., Ypsilanti, MI 48197. We have been providing advanced Ann Arbor dental care for several years.

Committed to Excellence

February 27, 2010

Ann Arbor Cosmetic Dentistry at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Implants,Porcelain Veneers — Tags: , , , — @ 11:40 pm

Do you have a damaged tooth that causes you embarrassment? Even if all your Cosmetic Denistry in Haywardother teeth are nicely shaped and pearly white, guess what other people notice? Yep, the ugly duckling. You have probably experienced that yourself when you have looked at a smile that contains one discolored tooth. No matter how hard you try, the unsightly one is impossible to ignore.

A beautiful smile is an important component of your overall appearance. Unattractive teeth draw the eye away from other pleasing features such as thick shiny hair, gorgeous eyes or a peaches and cream complexion.

Fortunately, there are several cosmetic dental procedures to restore or repair one or more teeth. At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ypsilanti we can complete most of them in one short visit. Think about it; you could achieve a stunning smile in less than an afternoon!

Veneers, Bonding and Cosmetic Implant Dentistry
Dental bonding is an affordable cosmetic dentistry procedure available in Ann Arbor at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS. We use dental bonding in a variety of applications. In addition to repairing damage, dental bonding can close gaps between teeth. Porcelain veneers are another minimally invasive cosmetic fix. Like cosmetic dental bonding, veneers correct chips, cracks and improve tooth shape.

What if your problem is not an unattractive tooth but a missing tooth? Don’t despair, a beautiful smile is still possible with dental implants.

For more information about veneers, bonding, implants and other cosmetic denistry procedures, call Gary Sasaki DDS at (734) 482-7466. We are conveniently located at 1900 Packard Road, in Ypsilanti, MI. We look forward to showing you cosmetic dentistry ‘before after’ pictures.

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.

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.

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