Dr. Sasaki’s Dental Blog

March 18, 2010

Tooth-Colored Fillings in Ann Arbor

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Health,General Dentistry,Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , — @ 8:01 pm

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

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Health,General Dentistry,Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , — @ 2:38 am

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!

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Health,General Dentistry — Tags: , — @ 2:52 pm

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

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Health,General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — @ 2:28 am

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

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

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

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