December 31, 2010

New Site!! -->> drchsakai.com

Dr. Sakai wants to make every patient’s experience at his practice worthwhile. He has invested in an online presence that will engage patients with staff and provide information and education to everyone’s benefit. This new site will offer patients a portal in which they are able to expand their knowledge of their own dental health. It offers resources that will expand the experience of both patient and staff.

Dr. Sakai’s new site offers patients a way to get the information they need quickly. It has a patient education section that will offer free, professional information and advice regarding dental health and maintenance. We offer information on all our services and techniques.

Visit our blog for news and updates concerning everything about the practice. Find information about associations and organizations in the dental industry. Visit our forum (coming soon) to share and interact in your experience with Dr. Sakai and to ask questions directly of the doctor.

We hope you find this site informative and useful. Please take the time to subscribe to our newsletter and RSS feed. Stay up to date with your dental health today at Dr. Sakai online!

July 26, 2010

Why do I need X-rays

Radiographic, or X-ray, examinations provide your dentist with an important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, its roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial bones. X-rays can help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal (gum) disease, abscesses and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. X-rays also can show the exact location of impacted and unerupted teeth. They can pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible to detect through a visual examination.



Your radiographic schedule is based on your dentist's assessment of your individual needs, including whether you're a new patient or a follow-up patient, adult or child. In most cases, new patients require a full set of mouth X-rays to evaluate oral health status, including any underlying signs of gum disease, and for future comparison. Follow-up patients may require X-rays to monitor their gum condition or their chance of tooth decay.

July 8, 2010

What is a Composite Resin (White Fillings)?

What is a Composite Resin (White Filling)?

A composite filling is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.

How is a composite placed?

Following preparation, the dentist places the composite in layers, typically using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth. The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear.

What is the cost?

Prices vary, but composites can cost up to two times the price of a silver filling. Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of the composite up to the price of a silver filling, with the patient paying the difference. As composites continue to improve, insurance companies are more likely to increase their coverage of composites.

What are the advantages of composites?

Aesthetics are the main advantage of composites, since dentists can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.

What are the disadvantages?

After receiving a composite, a patient may experience postoperative sensitivity. Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if the patient drinks tea, coffee or other staining foods. The dentist can put a clear plastic coating over the composite to prevent the color from changing if a patient is particularly concerned about tooth color. Composites tend to wear out sooner than silver fillings in larger cavities, although they hold up as well in small cavities.

Updated: March 2007