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 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 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.

February 2, 2009

Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ann Arbor Cares For Teeth

Filed under: Dental Health, General Dentistry — Tags: , , — @ 7:42 am

Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ann Arbor Cares For Teeth Dentists in Ann Arbor are concerned with your oral health and thus care about the condition of your mouth and all of your many teeth. At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS we recognize that your teeth help you both eat and speak. You use your teeth to tear, scrape, and chew food, as well as to form words with your tongue. Teeth are an important part of your oral health and Gary Sasaki DDS, MS located in Ann Arbor, Michigan wants to help keep your mouth and teeth healthy.

We humans have two sets of teeth in our lifetime. The first set are your ‘primary teeth’, which many folks around Ann Arbor often call ‘baby teeth’. Baby teeth typically start to come in at about 6 months old. An average healthy mouth for a Ann Arbor resident has a total of 20 primary teeth by about age 5.

Your primary teeth will eventually fall out and new teeth known as ‘permanent teeth’ will grow in. Permanent teeth typically begin to come in around age 6 for most Ann Arbor residents, but every person is unique and it could be a little earlier or later. By about age 13 an average healthy mouth should have 28 of the total 32 permanent teeth. The last four permanent teeth may or may not come, but typically come in between the ages of 17 and 21 if they do. Because of the late age that these last teeth come in they are commonly called ‘wisdom teeth’.

Many adults in the city of Ann Arbor have their wisdom teeth pulled out because these teeth can be problematic to your oral health, such as crowding a mouth. Other adults in the Ann Arbor area may not have these teeth pulled out because they are not causing problems. If you are concerned about the state of your wisdom teeth you can visit our local Ann Arbor dental office and we can help you make a decision.

Caring for all of your teeth whether you are young and have 20 primary teeth or are an adult and have 28 to 32 permanent teeth is important for your overall health. Visiting your Ann Arbor dentist regularly, and brushing and flossing daily are great ways to care for your many teeth. Gary Sasaki DDS, MS located in Ann Arbor, cares about your oral health and teeth and can be reached by phone at, 734-482-7466.

January 19, 2009

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: , , , , — @ 3:29 pm

Common Myths about Ann Arbor Family Cosmetic Dentistry Myth #1: Cosmetic Dentistry is Never Necessary for a Healthy Smile

Many so-called Ann Arbor cosmetic dental procedures are not solely cosmetic. Belleville 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: A 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 Plymouth 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 Saline Tooth Whitening Than a Professional Dental Solution

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, we offer our Ann Arbor 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.

dentist Dr. Gary Sasaki DDS, MS
spa service to make our patients as comfortable as possible
Gary Sasaki DDS, MS
1900 Packard Rd.
Ann Arbor Michigan 48197
http://www.midentalspa.com
734-482-7466

November 10, 2008

Ann Arbor Endodontics

Filed under: General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Root Canals — Tags: , , , — @ 3:59 pm

Ann Arbor Endodontics

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘I’d rather have a root canal’ to describe something painful or unpleasant? At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, we perform root canal (endodontic) therapy routinely for our Ann Arbor dentistry patients and many report minimal discomfort. Ann Arbor root canal procedures have advanced significantly in recent years. For many  root canal patients, the procedure is no worse than getting a filling from your Gary Sasaki DDS, MS dental professional.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, our goal is to help our Belleville, Saline, and Plymouth root canal patients avoid the necessity of endodontic treatment by providing skilled dental care.

 

How do you know if you need a  root canal? See your Gary Sasaki DDS, MS dental professional immediately if you experience tenderness or pain, hot or cold sensitivity, tooth discoloration, tooth injury, gum swelling, gum pain, or lymph node tenderness or drainage. However, for some Ann Arbor endodontic patients, there are no symptoms. That is why it is crucial to visit your local Ann Arbor endodontic dentist regularly for a thorough Ann Arbor dental examination.

Call Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, at 734-482-7466 to schedule an appointment.

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

October 21, 2008

Ann Arbor, Michigan Residents Visit the Dentist

Filed under: Dental Health, General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — @ 8:28 am

Ypsilanti, Michigan Residents Visit the Dentist

Whether you have lived in Michigan for a long time, or just moving in to the Ann Arbor area; taking care of your teeth eventually involves a visit to the dentist. We are Gary Sasaki DDS, MS located at 1900 Packard Rd. in Ypsilanti, Michigan just minutes outside Ann Arbor, and our specialty is cosmetic and general dentistry.

You can reach Gary Sasaki DDS, MS by calling 734-482-7466.

Going to the dentist for the first time in the Ann Arbor area, 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 cosmetic and general dentist who is appropriate for your needs. When you meet your new Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor dentist so you feel comfortable with the care you will receive.

Introduce yourself to your Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor 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 an 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, MS our comfortable, friendly, professional and relaxing 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 including complementary chairside hand of foot massage and other amenities to make your visit enjoyable.

If you are in Ann Arbor, 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.

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

Powered by WordPress