Dr. Sasaki’s Dental Blog

October 21, 2011

Cosmetic Dentistry vs. General Dentistry In Ann Arbor

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — @ 12:21 pm

Ann Arbor Cosmetic Dentistry Hello, I’m Dr. Gary Sasaki. Welcome to my Ann Arbor cosmetic dentistry blog. Today’s article focuses on the difference between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.

General dentists in Ann Arbor are dedicated to preventing and treating oral disease such as cavities and gum disease. When a problem is diagnosed, let’s say, a cavity between two teeth, a general dentist will assess the best way to restore the tooth involved.

Ann Arbor cosmetic dentists perform elective dental procedures that make a smile more attractive. Cosmetic dentistry procedures available at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ann Arbor include teeth whitening, tooth-colored fillings, dental bonding, veneers, inlays, onlays, and dental crowns.

Some Ann Arbor dentists, like myself, offer both general and cosmetic dentistry procedures. In some cases, there is a cosmetic component to restorative procedures. For example, if a Ann Arbor dental patient comes in after receiving an injury that chipped a front tooth, the tooth needs to be restored to prevent decay. The tooth is also less structurally sound, so it is vulnerable to further damage. In addition, the tooth affects the overall appearance of the smile. Depending on the specifics of the damage, there are several of restorative options. Dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and crowns are all used to repair a damaged tooth.

As you can see, there is not always a definitive line between general and cosmetic dentistry. At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, my comfortable, friendly, professional and relaxing team provides the full spectrum of preventative, cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures.

Experienced Ann Arbor dental professionals who perform  general and cosmetic dental procedures can meet all of your dental needs.

If you are looking for a full-service dental spa in the Ann Arbor area, I invite you to come into Gary Sasaki DDS, MS. We are located at 1900 Packard Rd, Ann Arbor. To schedule an oral examination or smile makeover consultation, call 734-482-7466.

Dr. Gary Sasaki
Gary Sasaki DDS, MS
1900 Packard Rd
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48197
http://www.midentalspa.com

October 14, 2011

Ypsilanti Cosmetic Dentistry

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — @ 11:25 am

Affordable Ann Arbor Family DentistryYpsilanti cosmetic dentistry not only perfects your smile, It improves the health of your teeth. It makes your face more attractive. It can help with TMJ issues, and it definitely boosts your self-esteem!

What’s more, Ypsilanti cosmetic dentistry is surprisingly quick and virtually pain-free. Why? Because of advanced dental technology and drill-less dentistry options.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, Dr. Gary Sasaki performs dental miracles everyday. Regardless of the number of teeth affected, Dr. Sasaki re-designs smiles and corrects problems by skillfully performing cosmetic dental treatments.

If you have teeth that are decayed or otherwise damaged, there are several remedies. Porcelain crowns, inlays, onlays, dental bonding, veneers are some of the effective procedures.

What if a tooth is missing entirely? A dental implant is a complete restoration; including a new root!

Some of the most popular procedures performed at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS are porcelain veneers, dental crowns and bridges and cosmetic and general dentistry.

Perhaps all of this sounds too good to be true. If you are a skeptic, schedule a smile makeover consultation today and find out for yourself. Dr. Gary Sasaki will explain how your teeth can be transformed and you can see before and after photos.

We are located at 1900 Packard Rd in Ann Arbor. Call 734-482-7466 for an informative, no-pressure discussion with Dr. Gary Sasaki.

October 7, 2011

Ouch! Are Your Teeth Sensitive In Ann Arbor?

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — @ 12:13 pm

Are Your Teeth Sensitive In Ann Arbor?

For those of you in the Ann Arbor area who feel pain when you sip your morning coffee or who cringe each time you brush or floss, Dr. Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is here for you.

Doctor Gary Sasaki has been treating this common problem since 1971.

The first line of defense against tooth sensitivity is proper oral hygiene. Incorrect brushing and over-brushing can result in receding gums, which leads to the exposure of microscopic tubules in the dentin. When these tubules are exposed, acidic, hot, cold, and sticky foods can then reach the nerve cells in the teeth causing discomfort.

Here in our Ann Arbor cosmetic dentistry practice, our knowledgeable staff can determine if your brushing style is contributing to your tooth sensitivity and get you on your way to proper oral care habits.

Dr. Gary Sasaki usually recommends an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste that will alleviate tooth pain after several applications. Most Ann Arbor Wal-Mart and Sav-On stores carry it. However, some Ann Arbor patients may need in-office procedures such as fluoride gel treatments available at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS.

Don’t worry if you have sensitive teeth in Ann Arbor and want to have your teeth whitened. Here at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, Dr. Sasaki can determine which professional tooth whitening or at-home whitening procedures will work for you.

Call our Ann Arbor dental spa today to get relief from your sensitive teeth.

 


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

September 23, 2011

General Dentistry in Ann Arbor

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , — @ 11:42 am

Ann Arbor General Dentistry What is ‘ General Dentistry ‘? Here are a couple definitions, found from around the web:

The World Health Organization defines General Dentistry as “the science and art of preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries and malformations of the teeth, jaws and mouth”.

According to Wikipedia :

A dentist is a healthcare professional qualified to practice dentistry after graduating with a degree of either Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Bachelor of Dentistry (BDent), Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc), or Bachelor of Dental Surgery/Chirurgiae (BDS) or (BChD) or equivalent.

In most western countries, to become a qualified dentist one must usually complete at least 4 years of postgraduate study. Generally, 2 years of clinical experience working with patients in an educational setting are required.

If you have a need for anything from general dentistry to full mouth rehabilitation in the Ann Arbor area, please give our practice a call. We are Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, and our general and cosmetic dentistry office is located at:

1900 Packard Rd
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48197

We provide general dentistry services to the greater Ann Arbor area, which includes general dentistry services for anyone in neighboring areas.

Give us a call at 734-482-7466 to schedule a general dentistry appointment in Ann Arbor, or to ask questions about general dentistry.

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

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

September 7, 2011

Treating Bite Problems in Ann Arbor

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,TMJ Treatment — Tags: , , — @ 8:37 am

Treating Bite Problems in Ann Arbor Malocclusions (bite problems) include overbites, underbites and crossbites. Jaw alignment disorders restrict proper chewing, talking, and swallowing. They can also cause teeth to shift around in the mouth. Ann Arbor dentistry patients with bite problems are at a greater risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease because bite misalignment often makes it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene.

When the lower jaw is smaller than the upper jaw, it is called an overbite. When the situation is reversed, it is called an underbite. Crossbite occurs when lower teeth are in the wrong position.

Bite problems can cause headaches and TMJ pain. Some Ann Arbor dental patients with severe bite problems develop a distorted facial shape and damaged teeth.

If you suspect your toddler or older child has a bite problem, it is important to see your Ann Arbor general dentist as soon as possible. Bite issues and their various related problems get worse over time.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, we diagnose and successfully treat bite problems in addition to providing general and cosmetic dentistry. We can be reached at 734-482-7466. Our office is located at 1900 Packard Rd in Ann Arbor. You can find out more about us at http://www.midentalspa.com.

Most of our patients live in Ann Arbor or nearby in Belleville or Saline. If you have recently moved into the Ann Arbor area and need a skilled family and cosmetic dentist, come visit our comfortable, friendly, professional and relaxing team. We pamper every patient and make dental visits as comfortable as possible.

August 31, 2011

Teeth Whitening at Your Ann Arbor Dentist

Filed under: Teeth Whitening — Tags: , , — @ 12:43 pm

Ann Arbor fast teeth whitening Teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to improve your smile in Ann Arbor. It is quick, affordable, and non-invasive. Though some Ann Arbor cosmetic dentistry patients experience short-term sensitivity, most experience no tooth whitening pain at all.

If you have looked into Ann Arbor teeth whitening, you probably already know the basics. The one thing they have in common is that they use a solution containing peroxide to remove the stains that have settled in the natural microscopic cracks in your tooth enamel.

There are many DIY teeth bleaching products available in Ann Arbor and it seems like new ones appear every time you visit the toothpaste aisle at your Ann Arbor grocery or drug store.

These Ann Arbor tooth whitening strips and tooth whitening pens can sometimes whiten your teeth a few shades, but the peroxide concentration is much lower than the whitening solutions used in Ann Arbor cosmetic dental offices. It may not be strong enough for your tooth stains.

Tooth whitening offered at Ann Arbor mall kiosks is risky, also. Most of these teeth whitening businesses in Michigan have no professional oversight and the employees have little dental training. (Except instruction on how to take advantage of customer naivety.)

Gary Sasaki recommends that you use extreme caution when considering a take-home Ypsilanti tooth whitener. If you have tooth decay, gum recession, crowns, or dental veneers, you should deal with these issues before you whiten your teeth.

The portion of your teeth below the gumline, if exposed, may respond differently to tooth whitener. Likewise, the peroxide solution does not noticeably whiten crowns and veneers. If you use a DIY tooth whitener on teeth with extensive porcelain restorations, you should probably hope it doesn’t whiten too much–you may end up with a two- or three-tone smile!

Even though Ann Arbor teeth whitening seems fairly straightforward, your teeth deserve a professional opinion. After all, we are talking about teeth here. You can’t fix an uneven teeth whitening result like you can a bad hair-coloring job.

Schedule a Ann Arbor tooth bleaching evaluation before you waste your money on more Crest White Strips. We can be reached at 734-482-7466.

August 5, 2011

Why Is Dry Mouth Dangerous For Ann Arbor Dental Patients?

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , — @ 9:23 pm

Why Is Dry Mouth Dangerous For Ann Arbor Dental Patients?Hello, welcome to the Gary Sasaki DDS, MS blog. Today we are going to talk about Dry Mouth, an unpleasant condition that can actually endanger the oral health of Ann Arbor Gary Sasaki DDS, MS dentistry patients.

Reduction of saliva flow resulting in a dry mouth is a more common problem among older Ann Arbor adults, however, people of all ages in the Ann Arbor area may experience the symptoms of dry mouth at one time or another. These symptoms include a dry, red tongue, difficulty swallowing, and persistent sore throat.

Sometimes dry mouth in Ann Arbor dental patients is caused by a disease or infection, but a more frequent cause of dry mouth for patients in Ann Arbor is prescription medications.

Decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and painkillers (all used extensively in Ann Arbor) are just some of the drugs that list ‘dry mouth’ as a common side effect.

It is common for allergy-prone Gary Sasaki DDS, MS dental patients to complain of dry mouth when they start taking antihistamines during the Ann Arbor hay fever season.

Aside from being an uncomfortable nuisance, untreated dry mouth can cause tooth damage for Ann Arbor dental patients. Adequate saliva is necessary to keep the mouth lubricated, wash the food from teeth, and neutralize the acidic environment caused by plaque. Extensive tooth decay causing gum disease can occur in the absence of saliva for Ann Arbor dental patients with chronic dry mouth.

If you are unsure of the cause of your dry mouth, or if you are looking for dry mouth treatments, call Gary Sasaki DDS, MS to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gary Sasaki.

When you visit Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ann Arbor, please be sure to bring a list of medications you are taking so Dr. Gary Sasaki can give you an accurate diagnosis.  We also offer cosmetic dentistry and implant dentistry services.

Dr. Gary Sasaki
Gary Sasaki DDS, MS
1900 Packard Rd
Ann Arbor Michigan
734-482-7466

http://midentalspa.com/about_drs.htm

July 22, 2011

Our Ann Arbor Dental Team Takes Care Of You

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — @ 6:09 pm

Ann Arbor Dental Team

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, each dental professional on our team allows our practice to operate smoothly and provide the highest caliber of dental care. Today’s Ann Arbor dentistry article will focus on the duties of a dental assistant.

You probably think of the dental assistant as: “The one who suctions my mouth while the dentist is working on me,” or “The one who attaches the bib around my neck,” and you are correct. However, his/her knowledge of patient care and dental lab procedures is probably more extensive than you realize.

Competent dental assistants work behind the scenes at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ann Arbor. They assist dentist Dr. Gary Sasaki during all dental procedures including basic oral examinations, tooth prep and cavity filling, as well as lengthy cosmetic dentistry smile makeovers involving multiple procedures. Our competent assistants also work with our dental hygienists during dental cleanings and patient instruction.

When a dental client arrives for his/her appointment, the dental assistant has already been preparing for the visit. Before he/she is escorted to a comfortable chair in one of our pleasant patient rooms, the assistant has made sure the room is ready for the particular treatment being performed.

Whether the patient is receiving porcelain veneers, having their teeth whitened, undergoing a routine orthodontia adjustment, or settling in for a two-hour smile redesign, the dental assistant has set the stage for a comfortable and efficient procedure.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, infection control is always foremost in our minds. Our dental assistants, dentists, and hygienists are vigilant about the sterilization of dental instruments and follow strict infection control protocols. The health of our patients and employees is our highest priority.

Dental assistants in Ann Arbor dental offices may also prepare tray setups, make impressions for restorations, schedule appointments, take x-rays, and maintain and retrieve patient records. They must have a keen eye for detail and an excellent memory as they organize and stock the many different dental supplies in a typical office.

Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is located at 1900 Packard Rd. in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We provide general and cosmetic dental procedures including porcelain veneers, dental crowns and bridges and general dentistry. You can read more about our services at http://midentalspa.com/about_drs.htm.

To make an appointment for an examination, consultation, or cleaning, call 734-482-7466. Thanks for visiting our Gary Sasaki DDS, MS blog!

July 8, 2011

Veneers Create Stunning Smiles in Ann Arbor

Filed under: Porcelain Veneers — Tags: , , , — @ 8:21 pm

Veneers Create Stunning Smiles in Ann Arbor Veneers have myriad applications in Ann Arbor cosmetic smile dentistry. With dental veneers, you can transform your smile without significant restorative dental work.

Is your tooth enamel worn and thin? Tooth-colored porcelain veneers have the translucency of healthy tooth enamel. Many Ann Arbor dental clients have received veneers to cover worn enamel. Some believe they look twenty years younger!

Have your teeth developed uneven edges? Tooth grinding, natural wear and other factors can roughen tooth edges. Veneers are a minimally invasive correction for uneven tooth edges. Veneers are a popular treatment for Ann Arbor cosmetic dentistry patients.

Do you have chips or cracks in your teeth? If your teeth are otherwise healthy, veneers provide a flawless tooth surface. Are your teeth yellow or gray? Veneers can fix that, too. Veneers can be fabricated in any shade to perk up your smile while still blending naturally with your skin tones.

Porcelain veneers are paper-thin, tooth-shaped covers that are affixed to the front of teeth. Traditional veneers required the removal of a thin layer of tooth structure. Prepless veneers are applied to unaltered teeth.

Veneers are strong, natural looking and one of the most affordable cosmetic dentistry procedures in Saline and Plymouth. Veneers are usually far less expensive than complete dental crowns, yet they are just as strong and beautiful.

Ann Arbor aesthetic dentists love veneers because they correct a multitude of tooth problems. At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, we would be happy to show you what veneers can do for you. Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is located at 1900 Packard Rd. in Ann Arbor. We provide premium dental care for many of your friends and neighbors in the greater Ann Arbor area. Our phone number is 734-482-7466.

You can visit http://midentalspa.com/about_drs.htm for information about our comfortable, friendly, professional and relaxing team and the types of services we provide.

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