Dr. Sasaki’s Dental Blog

March 9, 2012

The Gift Of Oral Health In Ypsilanti

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , , — @ 10:20 am

The Gift Of Oral Health In Ypsilanti

Many dental patients in the Ypsilanti area may wonder why, with all the advances in dental medicine, we still send you home with a complimentary toothbrush and roll of floss. It’s true, they do seem a little old-fashioned in our high-tech world, but don’t let their simple design fool you. These tools are the best bet to prevent tooth decay, plaque build-up, and gum disease for Ypsilanti dental patients!

When done properly and consistently, brushing and flossing are an essential part of everyday oral hygiene. Brushing, which should be done at least twice a day, can be done effectively with any type of toothbrush. There is no need to pay a bundle for a fancy electric toothbrush from your Ypsilanti Wal-Mart, just brush your teeth in small, circular motions for 2-3 minutes making sure to reach all the surfaces.

Flossing should be done once a day and is important for reaching the areas where a toothbrush cannot. A wide variety of floss can be found at Ypsilanti area drugstores, so find one you like.

I’m Dr. Gary Sasaki, an experienced Ypsilanti dentist, and I want to help you enjoy your dental visits and adore your smile.

Our comfortable, friendly, professional and relaxing staff loves sending our Ypsilanti area patients away with a new toothbrush and floss, but we also find it rewarding to see our patients gain renewed confidence with a cosmetic dental smile makeover.

We’d love to answer any questions you have about cosmetic dentistry such as tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental implants, or any other dental health topic.

Give us a call today at 734-482-7466!

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

March 2, 2012

Artistic Smile Masterpieces At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , — @ 11:28 am

Artistic Smile Masterpieces At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS

Hello Ann Arbor friends of Gary Sasaki DDS, MS! Thanks for stopping by the ultimate cosmetic dentistry blog. Today we are talking about personal transformation. Many Ann Arbor men and women want to reinvent themselves in at least one aspect of their life.

Some Ann Arbor people are training for a new career. Some Ann Arbor men and women have made a healthy lifestyle a priority by making better food choices and working out on a regular basis. Some Ann Arbor people are dedicating more attention to their personal relationships.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, Dr. Sasaki skillfully uses advanced cosmetic and restorative dentistry to transform lucky patients with complete smile makeovers.

A comprehensive smile redesign involves more than applying four or six porcelain veneers to the upper front teeth. Though veneers can dramatically improve a smile, a complete smile makeover is a total smile transformation.

Dr. Sasaki evaluates the condition, size, shape, alignment, and color of the teeth. These elements are created, meticulously refined, and integrated in perfect harmony. The procedures Dr. Sasaki adeptly uses are dental crowns and bridges, inlays/onlays, cosmetic bonding, crown lengthening, gum contouring, teeth whitening, and dental implants.

Like any artistic masterpiece, a perfect smile is far more than the sum of its parts.

If you have a vision for your smile, it can become a reality at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS. Schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation today by calling 734-482-7466 or visiting http://midentalspa.com/about_drs.htm.

February 24, 2012

Beware Of An Acidic Diet In Ypsilanti

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , , — @ 11:12 am

Ypsilanti tooth strengthening Most Ypsilanti folks don’t often think of a tooth as a body part that fluctuates in strength. Our teeth seem to have a steady hardness and dependably grind food whenever we need them. However, teeth are dynamic organisms with chemical processes that occur continually.

The protective enamel that covers the softer interior is made of minerals. Enamel demineralizes (loses some of its density) when coming in contact with acids. Saliva can dilute and neutralize acid so the tooth can remineralize (re-harden). This process isn’t instantaneous, however. While the enamel is soft, the tooth is vulnerable to losing a microscopic outer layer of enamel. If the erosion continues, the much softer dentin is exposed. Eventually, the tooth may need to be extracted.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, we are noticing an increase in cases of serious acid erosion. It is apparent that the typical Ypsilanti diet is becoming more acidic.

The list of acidic foods may surprise you. They include eggs, gravy, asparagus, chicken, cottage cheese, honey, fish, ham, butter, sour cream, aged cheese, and yogurt with active cultures. Generally, food with a high sugar or artificial sweetener content are highly acidic.

Now let’s talk about drinks. You probably already know that soda pop and wine are not good for your teeth. Ypsilanti teens that sip soda all day can have acid erosion while their young teeth should be at their strongest. In addition to soda, energy drinks are very popular and Ypsilanti cosmetic dentists are noticing the effects on their dental patients’ tooth enamel.

If you drink soda or energy drinks often, you may want to drink water or chew sugarless gum after downing a can. Stimulating saliva production can speed up the remineralization process.

If your teeth have become more sensitive in general, or in response to hot or cold foods or beverages, you may have acid erosion. To schedule an examination with dentist Dr. Gary Sasaki at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, call 734-482-7466 today.

We are a full-service practice and dental spa with hundreds of satisfied clients in Ypsilanti and the nearby areas. We are located at 1900 Packard Rd, Ann Arbor. We are working to raise awareness of the oral health dangers of acid erosion. We hope you have benefited from this Gary Sasaki DDS, MS blog article and look forward to your visit.

February 17, 2012

Fighting Bad Breath and Removing Tooth Stains

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — @ 10:26 am

Saline Cosmetic Dentistry

Did you remember that brushing and flossing fights bad breath and removes stains?

If you have persistent stains that brushing can’t remove, get your teeth bleached at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS for a dazzling stain free smile.

The American Dental Association recommends two minutes as a minimum time for brushing. Most folks think they brush that long but would be surprised if they actually set a timer. Most of us only brush for about a minute, if that.

I am Dr. Gary Sasaki of Gary Sasaki DDS, MS. In my office, we practice preventative dentistry by working with our patients to establish essential oral hygiene habits.

If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in Ann Arbor, I invite you to come meet my comfortable, friendly, professional and relaxing team.

Our address is 1900 Packard Rd , Ann Arbor, Michigan. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry, including restorative dentistry. Ask us about porcelain veneers, dental crowns and bridges.

And here’s a quick cold-fighting tip for my Ann Arbor clients; get a new toothbrush when you catch a cold. A toothbrush teeming with germs can re-infect you!

Give us a call at 734-482-7466.

February 10, 2012

All Tooth Stains Are Not Created Equal

Filed under: Teeth Whitening — Tags: , , — @ 10:16 am

Ann Arbor Teeth Bleaching Will any of our locally advertised Ann Arbor teeth whitening options remove the stains from your teeth?

The effectiveness of teeth bleaching in Ann Arbor depends partly on the types of stains.

Extrinsic tooth stains are the easiest to remove. These surface stains have not yet penetrated through the enamel into the dentin. Extrinsic stains are caused by dark-colored foods and beverages like blueberries, carrots, coffee, red wine, and cola. And nicotine is no better for your smile than it is for your lungs.

Unfortunately, even if you avoid these common teeth stainers, your teeth will become discolored over time. Like gray hair, wrinkles, and memory lapses, a dull smile is an inevitable part of aging for Ann Arbor retirees.

Intrinsic tooth stains develop from the inside out. Tooth injury and tetracycline are the usual culprits. Intrinsic stains are more difficult to remove completely, but it is possible to lighten them with professional tooth whitening available at your Ann Arbor cosmetic dental office.

If your teeth are stained, whether from coffee, tetracycline, or excessive fluoride, call Gary Sasaki DDS, MS at 734-482-7466. We have treated many Ann Arbor clients with extreme tooth discoloration.

It is never too late or too early to brighten your smile.

Ann Arbor seniors can take years off their appearance by restoring the youthful white smile they once enjoyed. Area teens and young adults with surface stains can prevent them from becoming intrinsic stains with Ann Arbor teeth whitening.

Speaking of the younger set, did you know that people who drink energy drinks are at risk for many dental problems?

Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is the cosmetic dental specialist in Ann Arbor. Discover why hundreds of local families trust us with their smiles.

Call our dental spa today at 734-482-7466.

February 3, 2012

Energy Drink Warning For Ann Arbor

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , , — @ 9:40 am

Saline Smile Redesign Hello. I’m Dr. Gary Sasaki.

Welcome to my Ann Arbor cosmetic dental blog. Today’s topic is energy drinks and the damage they can cause to your teeth. I am seeing more and more Ann Arbor teens and adults with tooth enamel erosion caused by frequent consumption of sport drinks.

Most of these Ann Arbor general dentistry patients take good care of their teeth, brush and flush, and come into Gary Sasaki DDS, MS for a twice-yearly exam and deep cleaning. But guess what? If you drink energy drinks regularly, your enamel can erode even if you practice immaculate oral hygiene.

Energy drinks like Red Bull, Rock Star, and Monster are a cocktail of powerful acids and other enamel-eroding substances. Most of them contain citric acid, fruit juices, loads of sugar, and a potent chemical that gives them their bright fluorescent color.

Perhaps, like myself, you have often noticed young people walking out of Ann Arbor convenience stores swigging 32-ounce energy drinks. I am concerned that area teens do not understand the serious dental consequences of frequent acid baths.

The following is from ABC Sports:

“Sports drinks are increasingly damaging the teeth of professional and recreational athletes, one of Australia’s top sports dentists has warned. Dr. Brett Dorney says he has witnessed a huge increase in dental erosion since the Sidney Olympics, when he was the event’s deputy director of dental services.”

Here is an excerpt from a recent CNN Story:

“Researchers at the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry found the energy drinks and sports drinks eroded the enamel more than soda and fruit juices.”

I need to add the caveat that soda and fruit juices also contain acids that can damage teeth.

If your teeth have enamel erosion, whatever the cause, we can restore your smile with advanced cosmetic dentistry in Ann Arbor. Crowns, porcelain veneers, inlays and onlays can correct both structural and cosmetic problems.

Our phone number is 734-482-7466. Whether you are interested in re-designing your smile or full-mouth rehabilitation, come in for an exam and consultation. With cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry, we can repair acid-damaged teeth and dramatically increase your face value.

January 27, 2012

Toothbrush Wars in Ypsilanti

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — @ 12:12 pm

Toothbrush Wars in Ypsilanti

It may surprise you to know that some Ypsilanti people have very strong opinions about which type of toothbrush is the best: manual or electric. Is there really one that is clearly better? Most Ypsilanti cosmetic dentists will tell you that all toothbrushes, when used correctly, are effective in removing plaque and that choosing which kind you like is really up to you.

Today in the Ypsilanti cosmetic dental blog we want to give you some extra information about toothbrushes to help you decide which kind is right for you or your child.

Cost and convenience should be considered. Some Ypsilanti people argue that even though electric toothbrushes cost more, you’ll save on dental bills. However, there are no definitive studies to back up this claim.

Manual toothbrushes are easy to find, whereas not all drugstores in the Ypsilanti area carry all types of electric toothbrushes. This can be difficult when buying replacement heads. People who travel may find that a smaller, manual toothbrush is easier to pack (and you don’t have to remember batteries).

The pressure you put on your gums with either type of toothbrush is important. Some Ypsilanti residents say that it’s difficult to know how much pressure they use with electric toothbrushes, while others say that because of the quick electrical movements, they tend to be more gentle on their gums than when they use manual brushes. You may want to try them both to see what your brushing style is and discuss it with your Ypsilanti dentist.

Special consideration should be taken for people with arthritis. Most Ypsilanti area dentists advise their elderly and arthritic patients to use electric toothbrushes when their manual dexterity is diminished. As for children, once they are old enough, an electric toothbrush may be preferable, but safety should always be the first concern for Ypsilanti parents. Also, all dentists in Ypsilanti area will remind you to look for the ADA seal on any dental product you buy.

Whichever type of toothbrush you choose, make sure you get soft bristles and replace it every three to four months.

I’m Dr. Gary Sasaki and I want to thank you for visiting my Ypsilanti dental blog.

If you are looking for dental care, tooth whitening, or cosmetic dentistry in or around Ypsilanti, give us a call at 734-482-7466.


January 20, 2012

Helping Ann Arbor Love Dental Visits

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , — @ 10:08 am

Helping Ann Arbor Love Dental Visits

It’s no secret that most Ann Arbor people dread going to the dentist. Everyone knows it and despite your best efforts, even your area dentist knows it. But when you start visiting your dentist for the latest cosmetic dental treatments, you may find that you LOVE going to the dentist!

Dentists in the Ann Arbor areas have so many procedures and advanced materials at their disposal to make your smile as beautiful as it can be. Dental crowns, porcelain veneers, implants, teeth whitening, bonding, inlays and onlays are some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures in and around Ann Arbor.

Many Ann Arbor residents are surprised to find that most of these procedures are more convenient than they supposed and more affordable than they expected.

I’m Dr. Gary Sasaki, a cosmetic dentist in Ann Arbor, and I want to help you love your dental visits and love your smile. I’ve practiced dentistry since 1971, and I find it especially rewarding when area residents find renewed confidence after a smile makeover.

At my Ann Arbor practice we offer porcelain veneers, dental crowns and bridges, dental implants, drill-less dentistry and full mouth rehabilitation. If you have any questions, the comfortable, friendly, professional and relaxing staff here at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS would be happy to answer them and schedule an appointment to see what cosmetic dentistry procedures would be right for you.

Dr. Gary Sasaki
Gary Sasaki DDS, MS
734-482-7466
http://midentalspa.com/about_drs.htm

January 13, 2012

Smile Perfection in Ann Arbor

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — @ 10:46 am

Ypsilanti low cost teeth whitening

The most difficult part of attaining perfection is finding something to do for an encore. -Author Unknown

We are perfectionists at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS where we create perfect smiles for our Ann Arbor cosmetic dentistry and smile makeover patients.

Here are some of the cosmetic dental procedures we use in smile makeovers at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ann Arbor.

Implant Dentistry
Dental implants are the ultimate tooth restoration available in Ann Arbor, or anywhere else, for that matter. A tooth implant consists of a metal post that is inserted into your jawbone. The post replaces the root of the missing tooth.

After a few months, it meshes with your jawbone to provide the strength and integrity of a natural tooth. A base and natural-looking crown is permanently attached to the post. For most Ypsilanti patients with missing teeth, it is the preferred restoration. Implants can also be used to attach dentures and partial dentures for no-slip implant/denture combos.

Crowns
A mainstay of Ann Arbor cosmetic dentistry, dental crowns are more beautiful than ever. New fabrication technologies and materials have improved the aesthetics and strength of this restorative option.

Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a more conservative treatment than a full crown. This is a good choice for Ann Arbor patients whose teeth are structurally sound but have unsightly flaws such as discoloration, chips, cracks, or imperfect shape. Are you one of the many Ann Arbor teens or adults with dark tetracycline stains? Call us today at 734-482-7466 to say goodbye to tetracycline stains!

Inlays/Onlays
Inlays and onlays (indirect fillings) are designed and fabricated using dental CAD/CAM software. These fillings are strong, attractive, and precisely fitted to the cavity.

Tooth Whitening
Teeth bleaching is the crowning touch for a perfect smile. (It’s the only thing you need if you are a fortunate Ann Arbor man or woman with perfectly-shaped and aligned teeth.) No one has to live with dull or stained teeth. Call us today for a teeth whitening consultation at our Ann Arbor office.

January 6, 2012

Tooth Ache Pain The Size of Ypsilanti

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , , — @ 10:20 am

Ann Arbor Tooth Whitening Patients often come into our cosmetic dental practice and complain about ‘a toothache the size of Ypsilanti’. I understand this kind of pain, and realize that when you describe it like that, it really hurts. I can help.

Toothache pain for anyone in Ypsilanti can be unbearable. At the very least, toothache pain can cause you to avoid eating certain foods, certain temperatures, and even talking. Severe toothache pain can be downright debilitating, forcing patients to go to extreme measures to alleviate the pain.

Around the Ypsilanti area, the most common causes of a toothache include tooth infection, decay, injury, and loss of a tooth. Tooth pain can also occur after a tooth has been extracted, or after an oral surgery involving anything from a tooth or your jawbone.

I can help you better understand the source of your tooth ache pain, and in most cases can provide a nearly immediate remedy. In severe cases, we are equipped to council you on a variety of resolutions.

Of course, the best way to avoid toothache pain is to visit your Ypsilanti dentist often, and to care properly for your teeth including the regular regimen of brushing and flossing.

Our office offers a wide variety of dental procedures that can alleviate your dental pain, and restore your smile that may be affected by tooth extraction or decay. We offer cosmetic and restorative dentistry, including porcelain veneers, dental implants and crowns. We also provide our clients with a dental spa in order to relax more fully while receiving dental treatments.

If you are experiencing toothache pain, and just can’t stand it any more, please give me a call; I am standing by to help.

-Gary Sasaki, DDS, MS

734-482-7466

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