Dr. Sasaki’s Dental Blog

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

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 16, 2010

Live Better With Dental Implants in Ann Arbor

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

May 15, 2009

Gary Sasaki DDS, MS on Jaw Bone Deterioration

Ann Arbor Jaw Bone Deterioration To remain dense, your jaw bone requires the continual stimulation and pressure of chewing, biting and talking. Each of your teeth has a root structure attached to the surrounding bone material. As each tooth absorbs the forces of everyday mouth function, it stimulates the bone to which the root is attached.

When a tooth is extracted, the jaw bone that previously surrounded the root structure begins to recede. Though tooth extraction is often the only possible treatment for our Ann Arbor patients with tooth damage beyond repair, every effort should be made to preserve the root structure.

Fortunately, tooth implants provide a new root which keeps the surrounding bone healthy and strong. A dental implant consists of a titanium post which is placed in the jaw bone. It replaces the original root and eventually integrates into the surrounding bone. After the implant has been placed and the surrounding bone has healed and meshed with the implant, a post is inserted into the implant. The new artificial tooth, or crown, is then attached to the post. Implant restoration is a safe and effective treatment for tooth loss.

To learn more about dental implants, call Dr. Gary Sasaki at 734-482-7466. The friendly professionals at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS provide world-class dental treatment for patients in Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas.

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

November 7, 2008

Ann Arbor Dental Implants and Dental Bridges

Ann Arbor Dental Implants and Dental Bridges

When my patients ask me about Ann Arbor tooth restoration, I usually tell them about fixed (or ‘traditional’) dental bridges or dental implants. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth which replaces a missing tooth. The false tooth (called a ‘pontic’) is fused to porcelain crowns on either side of the missing tooth.

Tooth replacement has been a highly requested procedure at my Ann Arbor dental practice. Patients from the Saline area and Plymouth area have expressed concern about tooth replacement for many years. Most of my questions in the Ann Arbor area have to do with the strength of the tooth replacement, and durability.

Dental implants are also popular concern for my Ann Arbor tooth replacement patients. A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The post integrates with the bone to provide a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.

After it has bonded with the bone (it usually takes three to six months), a smaller post is attached. This post extends above the gum line. The artificial tooth (crown) is then attached. The entire process takes several months, but consistently yields terrific results for Ann Arbor tooth restoration patients. My Michigan cosmetic dentistry patients appreciate the fact that I stay up to date on the latest advancements in tooth replacement procedures.

Both Michigan smile restoration options preserve or restore facial contour and allow you to talk and eat normally. Tooth replacements prevent adjoining teeth from gradually shifting and can help correct bite problems, too. Tooth implants and dental bridges can replace one or more missing teeth. Many Ann Arbor area dental patients have been treated successfully with these tooth restoration alternatives.

Call Gary Sasaki DDS, MS and ask to schedule an evaluation for Michigan dental implants or bridges. You can schedule your tooth restoration by calling us at 734-482-7466.

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