Patient Coordinator at The Gentle Dentist in Shelby Township Michigan

August 18, 2011 by · Leave a Comment


Hi, my name is Jessica. I work at Dr. Antolak’s office, The Gental Dentist in Shelby Township. I work as a part-time dental hygienist and also as a part-time patient coordinator. When I’m not cleaning your teeth, I’ll be at the front desk doing many sorts of responsibilities. And I took on the responsibility of patient coordinator because I wanted a full-time job at this office because I love this office so much. I love everyone who works here, and I feel like Dr. Antolak is a great dentist. The rest of his staff are very nice and friendly and make you feel very comfortable. So that’s why I took on the job as patient coordinator on top of my dental hygienist duties.

And at the front desk; I answer the phone, I’ll make new patient appointments and I’ll see you, I’ll greet you, I’ll check you in and I’ll check you out.

Thank you.

Filed Under: General Dentistry Tagged With: , , , ,

How the dentist can save your life while you sleep.

February 21, 2011 by · Leave a Comment


At www.thegentledentist.com we are always interested in providing the most up to date care for our patients.  One of the most beneficial services we provide is the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea for our patients who stop breathing at night. 

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where one will encounter periodic episodes of losing their breath during sleep.  The airway can be restricted when there is too much soft tissue in the space and the patient will struggle at times to breathe, eventually taking a gasp of air after laboring to get in a breath for over 10 seconds.  Common risk factors are:

  • high BMI (body mass index).  Obesity is rampant in Americans due to a lack of exercise, fast foods and other factors
  • small size of the lower jaw- if the lower jaw is too small then the soft tissue is packed into a small space which can prevent adequate air from moving down the trachae.  In a larger lower jaw the tissue moves with the jaw and therefore space isn’t such a problem.
  • The chronic use of alcohol can relax muscles of the neck to the point where they collapse into closing the air space.

The gold standard in obstructive sleep apnea is the cpap machine.  This machine provides positive pressure forcing air down the trachea and into the lungs during the night .  The problem is that this is not very comfortable and is not well tolerated by the patient or the spouse.  The machine makes a rumbling noise which is from the compressor.  It is important to remain sleeping on the back with such a device because the mask needs space and if one rolled onto the stomach the mask would press against the face.

The oral appliance moves the jaw forward to open up the space.  Because the soft tissue is attached to the lower jaw, when it is positioned forward all of the tissue comes with it. 

The oral appliance can be adjusted to move the jaw forward but there are limitations on how far.  As the jaw moves forward it displaces the TMJ (tempro mandibular joint), the joint in which the jaw hinges on.  As the joint is moved there are some clicking and potential joint problems that can be be experienced and this is why your dentist needs to be aware of the workings of the bite and jaw joint. 

On Frank, this treatment has been very successful and compared with a cheap over the counter device it is a worth while investment (financially and health wise).

For more information please call Dr. Antolak, The Gentle Dentist at (586)247-3500 or email at DrAntolak@TheGentleDentist.com

Filed Under: Dental Patient Testimonials, Dental Videos, General Dentistry, Health Implications, Oral Conditions, Sleeping Disorders Tagged With: , , ,

Smiles For Life in Shelby Township. A way to brighten not only your smile, but a child’s life

April 27, 2010 by ·
3 Ways Teeth Whitening Can Improve Lives in Shelby Twp

Think about the last time someone took a photo of you. Did you show your full smile? Or, did you keep your lips closed? Did you smile the last time you met someone new? If not, would you like to change that? Teeth whitening may be the answer, and our team here at Dr. Robert V. Antolak can help. Patients and friends often talk to us about how teeth whitening has changed their lives!

  1. People who have had their teeth whitened talk about how much better they feel about themselves. It was amazing what a brightened smile did for one of our patients from Shelby Twp. After having her teeth whitened, she smiles more, she’s more confident, and she feels far more comfortable in all social situations.
  2. Overall appearance is dramatically improved. Your mouth and eyes are the main focal points of your face, and teeth whitening not only improves your smile, but also enhances other facial features as well.
  3. A patient from Shelby Township, Michigan told us about good things that have happened in his business since his teeth whitening. When he meets new clients, the experiences are more positive and engaging because of his confidence. A bright, attractive smile inspires trust.

Make an appointment today with Dr. Antolak by clicking on the blue button and see what professional teeth whitening program can do for you! You’ll receive a Smiles For Life discount, AND ALL proceeds go to children’s charities to help children in need—including our local charity partner, Smiles for Life in Salt Lake City. Remember to become a fan on our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. If you have questions, call our Smiles For Life office coordinator, Pam Bologna at 586-247-3500.

And PLEASE share this remarkable offer and opportunity with your family members, friends, and coworkers!

Keep smiling!

-Dr. Robert Antolak and The Gentle Dentist Team

About The Author

Dr. Robert Antolak, DDS graduated from the University of Michigan in 1987 with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. He is dedicated to providing the highest quality and appropriate cosmetic, sedation and general dentistry in the most comfortable and gentle way possible. Because being a dentist has been a lifelong dream, Dr. Antolak has a passion for the profession. He enjoys helping people feel better about their smiles and therefore their self-image with dental implant and cosmetic dentistry. His Dental Practice is located in Shelby Township, Michigan.  For more information visit The Gentle Dentist.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Teeth Whitening Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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