Posts Tagged ‘Dentist’

The Snap on smile is a technique used by Shelby Twp. MI dentist Robert Antolak to enhance the appearance of one of his patients. This technique is an easy and affordable way to improve your smile. This is not a permanent method of enhancing the smile but can last a couple of years according to the manufacturer. In this video his patient has significant wear on his teeth from years of grinding or bruxism. Because his teeth are short he benefited greatly from having longer teeth. It not only looks better but he will be able to chew better because of the replacement of the missing tooth length.

Top teeth also can look better using this temporary technique. If your teeth are short, small or spaces in between them this could be the treatment you are looking for since it costs around $1000 for an entire arch (upper or lower jaw).

Porcelain Crowns or veneers can cost that much per tooth so this is a good way to make a nice improvement for that special occasion.

If you think you may be a candidate for this then give Dr. Antolak a call at 586.247.3500 and get yourself a free consultation to determine if this can be for you.

Robert Antolak DDS, Shelby Twp. Dentist is able to take of a bite problem by adjusting fixed bridges, caps, crowns and previously placed dental work. Many jaw problems, headaches, TMJ and other issues take place when the bite is not adjusted after their insertion. The muscles usually get tight and things just don’t feel right. This simple solution can help with going back to a dentist who just says that “everything is fine”. We listen to your problems and take care of them. 

Second opinions are sometimes important when you know that there is a probem that isn’t getting satisfactory results.  Give us a call at (586)247-3500 or email us at info@thegentledentist.com

I hear that comment so very much in our Shelby Township, Michigan general dental practice. Because we take pride in taking care of our dental phobic patients it is necessary to have compassion on those who utter these words out of their mouths.

Dental fear usually is the result of just one or many bad dental experiences. Whether it is:

• from a painful injection,
• the smell of the drill or smell of the dental office
• the noise associated with the dental procedure
• the odor of the dentist
• pain during the entire dental procedure where the dentist would not stop even thought the patient made it clear that they needed to stop.
• or even being slapped by the dentist. (Which is child abuse now).

These are only a few of the reasons why having a trip to the dentist imparts fear through the mind of many. Just the thought of the dentist raises blood pressure, pulse rates and anxiety sets in.  All of the previously mentioned responses are from a lack of control and an invasion into someones personal space.

Lack Of Control- When a patient first shows up in the office I usually hear them give a history that the dentist did horrible things to them at  a young age which made them vouch that they will never put themselves in the situation again.  They usually told their parents what happened but the parents didn’t validate their experience, which made them stuff their feelings down so no one would know.  After many years of toothaches, avoidance and pain they make an appointment, pull up into the parking lot and then just leave.  This is true fear and is so real to the wounded individual.

Invasion of one’s personal space- This is a real occurance that many encounter.  There is an invisible space around us where we feel comfortable allowing others to encroach into that space.  For example, we will allow someone we are personal with such as our children or a spouse to get much closer to us than a complete stranger.  Dentists are complete strangers to us especially when it is our first visit.  I always ask the question “Why should we as dentists assume it is ok to invade this personal space with sharp instruments that could hurt the person”?  It isn’t OK to do this until permission is granted and there is a certain level of confidence and trust.  That only takes place over time and at a slow rate.

At our office we take our time at the first visit to just talk and to work on creating a good new experience.  Even before the initial appointment I will call the patient to welcome them to discuss their fears, answer their questions and to just say “Hi”.  This helps reduce the fear of the first visit.   High anxiety patients may require that we just give them a tour of the office.  Since we are digital we don’t smell like a dental office or even look like a dental office.  During a dental visit our objective is to:

• Provide headphones for those who don’t want to hear what is going on
• Nitrous oxide for those who just need a little of anxiety control
• Oral sedation for those who don’t want to remember the appointment and to enter the appointment in a total relaxed state.
• Use extremely strong topical  anesthetic so the shot is not felt.

It takes a lot of time, patience and compassion to team up with those who have been scarred from bad dental experiences and what is necessary is a dentist and dental team who are willing to have a desire to change this person around.  It is my true belief that we are the dental office who can treat the high fear patient located in Washington Township, Sterling Heights, Macomb Township,  Clinton Township and Shelby Township, d Michigan. Call our office at 586-247-3500 or visit our website at www.TheGentleDentist.com.