Ikuta D.D.S

No More Impressions

2009-09-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

We are extremely pleased to announce that next week we are getting a digital impression system. What this means is that we will be able to take impressions with the ease of taking a few pictures, NO MORE GOOP!!! No more difficult impressions, gagging, frustration, and stress.

Please call or e-mail us through our website http://www.ikutasmiles.com/ if you have any questions.

Total Health

2009-05-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

There is an old saying, "The mouth is a window to the health of the body," so a healthy mouth means a healthy body. There are multiple studies correlating the overall health and dental health confirming the old saying. More specifically the presence of periodontal disease increases the likely hood of low weight pre-term births, heart disease, vascular function, and diabetes. The science was compelling enough for insurance companies to do some studies on their own, and they concluded: treating periodontal disease decreases the overall cost of treatment for patients with diabetes, coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease or stroke.

There is a substance produced in the liver called C-reactive protein (CRP), and it is produced by the liver in response to chronic inflammation. The level of CRP is actually a better indicator of a person's risk for a cardiac event than cholesterol. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation, and there is a direct link between periodontal inflammation and the levels of CRP.

There is a bad synergy between diabetes and periodontal disease. Unfortunately people with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing periodontal disease. The flip side of the coin is that periodontal bacteria challenge blood sugar control, and increases the rate of diabetes. Periodontal disease also increases the complications of treating diabetes complications. It can increase the mortality rate by a factor of 7 or more in the later years. Fortunately, with treating periodontal disease and great home oral hygiene it can significantly improve the compromising factors of blood sugar control.

Periodontal disease, although painless, is far from benign. It can contribute to the onset of diabetes, exacerbate the complications of diabetes, increase the risk of heart disease, and increase the risk of a low weight pre-mature birth. So the next time you hear your gums are bleeding don't shrug it off and say to yourself, "Yeah, because you poked it with the sharp thing," remember it is just the tip of the iceberg for the malevolent symptoms that go unseen.

The Conveniences of Instant Orthodontics

2009-04-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

Instant orthodontics is becoming more and more popular to help fix people’s smiles. Smiling can light up your face and if you suffer from crooked or bad teeth, then you probably don’t smile as much as you could. While there is always the option of receiving conventional braces, this option is not appealing to many people due to the long correction process and pain the process causes.

If you want to avoid months or even years of traditional orthodontics, then instant orthodontics may be for you. It is important to explore all of your orthodontic options before making your final decision.

There are several reasons why instant orthodontics is gaining popularity. The main reason is because of the convenience of the procedure. Most of the time, you can get results in just one or two visits. In today’s busy world, this is a major time saver and appeals to those who have a very busy schedule.

Another convenience is that with instant orthodontics, there is no need for a retainer. With traditional orthodontics you often have to wear a retainer for several years or even the rest of your life.

Lastly, there are very limited side effects. With conventional orthodontic treatments, you can suffer from severe tooth pain as the teeth are shifted. While a few people do occasionally experience some tooth sensitivity after having instant orthodontic applied, this tends to be rare.

While there are numerous reasons why instant orthodontics may be the right choice for you, we encourage you to contact us for a complimentary smile evaluation. Together we can explore your options and help you come to a decision that best suits your needs. Drs. Ikuta serve cosmetic dentistry patients in Reedley, Fresno and surrounding areas of California.

Early Orthodontic Treatments

2009-04-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

I recently went to an advanced orthodontic course taught by the world famous Dr. Jay Gerber, and received amazing wealth of knowledge. One of the points that really stuck out to me was the importance of early orthodontic treatment. If treatment starts after the age 11, there is a chance that irreversible facial distortions can be in place. The other aspect is pathological posture could become habitual as well, leading to a lifetime of neck and back pain, probably accompanied with headaches.

The good news is that there are ways to fix these problems before they become irreversible. By visiting a dentist who has received training in Neuromuscular Functional Orthodontics, they can spot the pathology and intervene.

A few basic things to look for are if a child has a deep overbite, mouth breathes, snores, narrow upper arch, crowded teeth, forward head posture, or retruded lower jaw. These are all signs that the child is developing pathologically.

The Process of Instant Orthodontics

2009-03-16T15:11:00.000-07:00

Some people are very self conscious of their smiles due to crooked teeth or gaps. Thankfully, there are ways to fix those problems, and one of the ways is called instant orthodontics. Instant orthodontics uses porcelain veneers. There are a few steps in the process of using porcelain veneers:

1. It is important to understand that not everyone is going to be a candidate for instant orthodontics. Some teeth may be too crooked or crowded and may require some other orthodontic treatment before receiving the porcelain veneers.

2. It is always important to explore all of your options, including conventional orthodontic procedures. It is a good idea to get an evaluation of your teeth and then learn about all the options you have available. Working closely with your dentist will allow you both to make the best decision for your smile.

3. Once you have decided that porcelain veneers are the right option for you, you will undergo a full mouth examination. During this exam, you will receive x-rays, photos and even a model of your teeth. You may also be able to see a digital illustration of your veneers to give you an idea of what the end result will be.

4. Before the permanent veneers are placed on your teeth, you will have temporary veneers applied so you can see how your new smile is going to look.

5. On your next visit, the temporary veneers are removed and the permanent veneers are carefully bonded to your teeth. Once this is complete, you are ready to show the world your beautiful new smile!

If you are considering instant orthodontics, please contact us for a complimentary evaluation. We will work with you to find the best option for your case and give you a beautiful smile you will be proud of. Ikuta Smiles serves cosmetic dentistry patients in Fresno, Reedley and surrounding areas of California.

Three Types of Sleep Dentistry

2009-02-09T11:58:00.000-08:00

Sleep dentistry is beneficial to people who have severe anxiety about going to the dentist. Visiting a dentist is part of maintaining overall good health, but due to the stress that many people feel when going to the dentist, they may avoid them altogether. In order to make trips to the dentist less stressful, sleep dentistry has become more popular.

There are three different types of sedation dentistry used in at our practice:

Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is the lightest form of sedation used in our office. The use of this non-toxic gas gives you a sense of relaxation. This form works very quickly and it can be easily controlled. Plus, this form of sedation has very few side effects, so you can safely drive to and from your appointment.

Oral sedation is a stronger form of sleep dentistry. With oral sedation, we will provide you with an oral medication that you need to take approximately one hour before your visit. Oral sedation provides a very strong calming effect, which will keep you relaxed during the exam or procedure. Oral sedation also has an amnesic affect, so you will remember very little, if anything, about the visit or procedure once the medication has worn off. Because of the strong effect of this medication, you will need to have someone who can safely drive you to and from your appointment.

The third sedation option that we offer in our office is called conscious sedation. This form of sedation is administered in pill form before the procedure. The sedative will provide you with a state of deep relaxation and you may tend to drift in and out of sleep. This form of sedation allows you to talk and be aware of what’s happening, but you will be completely relaxed and feel no anxiety. Many patients find that they need to take a nap afterwards so it is important that you have someone who can drive you home after your appointment.

If you are one of the many people who suffer from a fear of going to the dentist, please contact Ikuta Smiles serving Fresno and Reedley, California today for a free consultation. We can help you choose the best option for you needs and help you feel more comfortable coming to dental appointments.

Dental CAT Scan

2009-01-12T15:49:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce we now offer 3D CAT Scan technology in our office! We are one of a very select few offices, nationwide, to offer this service. We also upgraded to one of the best reading software systems available, so we are able to extract the most information possible from each scan we take.

Dental CAT Scan units differ from medical ones in a couple of different ways. The most important differences are an upright posture while taking the X-ray, and many times less radiation exposer. The exposer is less because of the way it transmits the beam, in the shape of a cone and the realtively small area of the scan. Many people refer to Dental CAT Scan units in general as cone beam technology.

The reason the upright posture is important is because it can be used to diagnose and view the TMJ in it's functional posture. In Medical CAT Scans they have the patient laying on their back, and gravity pulls the jaw back in a non functional posture.

The images we take can be used for a plethora of different things. The most common reason for using it would be for implant placement. With a real size 1:1 ratio 3D image we are able to digitally treatment plan and place implants before doing any surgery on patients. We are able to locate and track nerves, sinuses, and view how much bone is actually available to select the optimum implant for each case. Knowing all of this before any work is done makes for a more conservative procedure, faster procedure, and less post operative discomfort.

The other functions the images help diagnose, as a eluded to earlier, are TMJ evaluation, Nerve tracking prior to wisdom teeth removal, and evaluation of airway. With our upgraded software we are able to view the airway to see if there is any obstructions with tonsils or adenoids, deviated septum, or enlarged turbinates. Any of these problems can have an extreme adverse effect on one's overall health. With severe obstructive sleep apnea, it can reduce a person's life span by up to 15%, or about 12 years of a average Americans lifespan.

Maintaining Your Whitening Efforts

2009-01-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

Now that you have gotten your teeth whitened and you are proudly showing off your new smile, it is time to know how best to maintain your whitening efforts. The simplest way to keep your smile from becoming discolored again is to avoid tobacco products and exposure to dark drinks such as soda, tea, coffee, and red wine. We don’t expect you to drink nothing but water, but if you do drink these beverages, try using a straw when you consume them. Using a straw will lessen the amount of liquid that touches your teeth.

Another way to help maintain your smile is to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth immediately after eating and drinking foods that could stain your teeth. This will not only help your whitening efforts, it will also help your overall dental health.

In addition to brushing after meals, you can also use whitening toothpaste to assist in maintenance. It is wise to use these toothpastes with caution because the use of whitening toothpastes has been shown to contribute to permanent long-term staining. The reason for this is that whitening toothpaste tends to be very abrasive and the abrasion can wear down your enamel, exposing the yellow-colored dentin underneath.

Once you have had your teeth whitened it is relatively easy to maintain your smile if you just follow the simple steps above. Also, if you have chosen to have in-office teeth whitening performed, you can always use a whitening kit for touchups. Please contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation or to ask any questions that you may have about teeth whitening. We are here to help you put your best smile forward. Ikuta Smiles serves patients in the Reedley and Fresno areas of California.

LVI Fellow Designation

2008-12-22T15:14:00.000-08:00

I'm pleased to announce that Dr. Deric Ikuta has earned the designation of Fellow from LVI Global (LVI). The LVI Fellow designation recognizes that a dentist has completed a series of studies on the clinical skills and knowledge necessary to provide comprehensive aesthetic treatment for the dental patient as taught in LVI’s Core Series. The Fellow distinction is awarded only to those doctors who successfully complete a comprehensive exam covering the skills and techniques taught in the LVI CORE (Core I- Core VII) Series. Successful completion of the exam and awarding of the distinction of LVI Fellow recognizes the doctor’s ongoing commitment to Life Long Learning. In order to be considered an LVI Fellow a doctor must participate in the LVI CORE Curriculum (Core I- Core VII), which includes a minimum of 278 continuing dental education hours of training in advanced aesthetics and neuromuscular science and successfully complete the comprehensive examination to reflect an understanding of the clinical skills and principles taught in this series.

Dr. Deric Ikuta has set himself apart by choosing the path of life long learning and undergoing elective, continuous training at LVI. Dr. Deric Ikuta has exemplified a desire to maintain the best clinical ability in order to offer a high level of Aesthetic Neuromuscular Dentistry. This dedication distinguishes Dr. Deric Ikuta by proving his dedication to quality of care and a desire to master complex procedures in order to provide the best comprehensive care for his dental patients.

How Often Will I Need Tooth Whitening?

2008-12-11T08:40:00.000-08:00

The first thing that people tend to notice about you is your smile. If you have discolored teeth it can make you very self-conscious. Smiling brings instant warmth to your face and it’s a shame to hide a smile because of stained teeth.

Tooth discoloration can come from a number of things such as tea, coffee, red wine, tobacco products, or even certain medications. When you find yourself hiding your smile, it is time to consider professional teeth whitening, such as custom teeth whitening kits or laser teeth whitening.

Results will vary depending on which procedure you have. Once you have reached your desired tooth color, it is recommended that you touch up your smile periodically. While the easiest way to keep your smile looking great is to stop drinking coffee, red wine or other stain causing foods, we wouldn’t expect you to give up some of life’s most enjoyable things! Most likely you will need a touch up after about six months to one year, but this will depend on your lifestyle and how white you want your teeth to stay.

If you want a smile you can be proud of, please contact our office for a complimentary evaluation. We can help you explore your options and find the best treatment for your needs. Drs. Ikuta serve cosmetic dentistry patients in Reedley, Fresno and surrounding areas of California.

Bruxism

2008-12-08T14:43:00.000-08:00

Bruxism is a Greek word, meaning gnashing of teeth. It is also one of the most prevalent dental problems. Approximately 25% of the population is affected by Bruxism. In severe forms it can wear down teeth extremely fast, and cause a sequelae of symptoms along the way. Some of the more severe symptoms include chronic headaches, jaw locking, and ear problems including tinnitus and vertigo. Fortunately majority of the people do not suffer severe symptoms, but that doesn't necessarily mean there isn't a problem. There can be a lot of signs that damage has occurred without any symptoms. Some common signs that Bruxing has occurred are: Worn down flat teeth, abfractions, which are part of the tooth chipping at the gum line causing a notched appearance, gum recession, and fractures/cracks in teeth.

Fortunately there is new technology that can not only eliminate most of the symptoms, but eliminate the forces that are causing the damage. For more information please call the office or e-mail us.

Implant Rehabilitation

2008-11-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Many people don’t understand that missing teeth cannot only affect their self-confidence, but this problem can actually lead to further health problems. Three major health problems created by missing teeth are:

Inability to chew certain foods, which could lead to nutritional deficits
Jawbone deterioration, which can actually change the shape of your face
The shifting and movement of surrounding teeth out of their correct position

Dental implants are one very effective method of fixing missing teeth. Dental implants are created to take the place of each individual tooth root. These implants are made from titanium and are surgically implanted into your jawbone. Once the implants are in place, the jaw bone will naturally grow around them and they can each support a false tooth.

Once the implants have been placed in the your mouth, it will take several months for the jaw bone to anchor to the implants and make them sturdy enough for a temporary crown to be placed on the implant. Once the temporaries are placed, you will need to wait a little longer for your gums to reshape around the crown naturally. Once this happens, a permanent crown can be placed.

Of all the dental procedures available, dental implants tend to be the most successful. If you suffer from missing teeth, dental implants may be a good option for you. Please contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation. In your consultation, we will evaluate your condition as well as your expectations and help you decide if dental implants are the right choice for you. Drs. Ikuta serve cosmetic dentistry patients in Fresno, Reedley and surrounding areas of California.

TMJ

2008-10-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

The third most common health ailment in the United States might very well be TMJ. TMJ stands for Tempormandibular Joint Disorder; it’s a jaw alignment problem, and it has a host of different symptoms. Some of the most common ones include persistent and painful headaches, tooth pain, jaw pain, blurred vision, and tingling in the hands and feet.

Treatment for this jaw alignment also varies. Lots of people don’t know this, but the experts at treating TMJ are typically cosmetic dentists. Cosmetic dental schools train dentists in all TMJ-related matters. If you do have TMJ, your cosmetic dentist can offer mouth guards, an orthotic device, surgery or, most commonly, will administer TENS. An orthotic device is used to realign the bite and jaws for comfort and relief from TMJ symptoms. TENS, another method of relieving discomfort, is an advanced system, which uses small electrical pulses to relax the jaw muscles and nerves. TENS can relieve TMJ pain almost instantly. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, it’s definitely worth your while to make an appointment with a cosmetic dentist as soon as possible.

Routine dental visits - good for your health

2008-09-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

Every six months. That’s how often I recommend that our patients have a dental check-up and professional cleaning. While brushing and flossing at least twice a day are important, nothing beats a professional exam. For many dental problems, such as gum disease and cavities, early detection is the key to good health.

If it’s been a while since you’ve been to the dentist, don’t worry. We won’t try to make you feel guilty! I also love meeting patients who are afraid of the dentist – because I love to change their minds. You’ll find that we take great care to ease your anxieties. We’ll be sure and explain every step of every procedure, and have you smiling with confidence!

Dental implant process

2008-08-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

If you lose a tooth, it’s important to act quickly. You should know that, in most cases, when you lose a tooth, you’ll have to replace it with an artificial tooth.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, designed to replace missing teeth. The implant is inserted below your gum line and firmly into the bone of your jaw. Once healed, an artificial tooth – called a pontic – is placed on the implant. The end result is a permanent replacement, and the pontic is custom-created to match your existing teeth in size, shape and color. No one will be able to tell that your replacement tooth is false. This permanent replacement will last a lifetime – all you have to do is brush it and floss it as you would your natural tooth.

IACA Conference

2008-08-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

We recently returned from the 4'th IACA dental conference in Orlando, and I have to say it was the best conference yet. I firmly believe the IACA is quickly becoming the premiere dental conference. For the past four years I've left each IACA conference saying it was the best one yet, and I believe next year's conference will somehow be better in San Francisco.

One topic that I found particularly interesting was how devastating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be to a person's health. OSA can cause someones lifespan to decrease by as much as 20%. Dr. Bill Hang gave the lecture on OSA and treatment for it. Dr. Hang believed that OSA contributed to Tim Russert's early departure, and after he stated his case it was nearly impossible to dispute that.

2008-07-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

Proper brushing

2008-07-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

Hopefully, you’ve been brushing your teeth every day since you got them, but are you doing it right? I recommend brushing at least twice a day. Ideally, you should brush and floss after every meal. But are you brushing the right way?

For instance, do you brush not just your teeth, but also your tongue, cheeks and the roof of your mouth? You should – because that’s where bacteria can grow, which can contribute to gum disease and bad breath. Additionally, did you know that you don’t need to brush very hard – gentle brushing is just as effective? If you’d like more information on brushing, please visit us – I’ll happily give you a “refresher course” in proper toothbrush techniques!

Gum health

2008-06-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

A little bit of blood in the sink, or as the saying goes 'pink in the sink', is not something you should ignore. Usually, it's the first sign of gum disease and a possibly serious infection. When plaque and tarter build up, your gums are the first to suffer. Gum disease can lead to serious infections, and, if left untreated, even tooth loss.

The good news is that gum disease is treatable - I use deep cleaning techniques to remove the plaque and tartar. The important thing to know is that the earlier your gum disease is detected, the easier it is to treat. If your gums are irritated, red or sensitive, please visit your dentist as soon as possible.

Flossing

2008-05-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

By and large, it’s the number one type of dental neglect we see among our patients: flossing. Or, rather, a lack of flossing. Patients know they should floss at least twice a day, yet they rarely do. “It takes too long” or “I don’t see the point” are common reasons given. But flossing is a vital part of maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile.

Regular flossing removes plaque from between the teeth and at the gum line. By removing this plaque, you’re significantly decreasing your risk of periodontal disease. When you meet with me, I’ll show you how to properly floss. Some patients have difficulty flossing. If that’s the case, I have various types of floss holders that usually work well. Combined with brushing, flossing is the best way to keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime!

Relieving Anxiety About Your Office Visit

2008-04-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

I meet lots of people here who are afraid of the dentist, and I’m proud of the work we do to change their minds. I believe the key step to overcoming “dentist-phobia” is information. Lots of folks are afraid of the dentist because they haven’t been for a visit in a long time, and are unfamiliar with all the modern advances in dentistry – not to mention what their dentist will say!

That’s why I take the time to explain every procedure in as much detail as you’d like. You’ll have a clear understanding of what your visit will entail, what it will feel like and what the results will be. There’s no reason to be afraid of the dentist anymore. Contact me today – I can’t wait to change your mind!

Is amalgam really dangerous?

2008-03-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

Amalgam fillings, also known as silver fillings, are the traditional material used to fill cavities. Amalgam fillings contain mercury, and there is some question as to mercury’s safety. While high doses of mercury are definitely dangerous, are the small amounts of mercury in a filling harmful as well?

There is no definitive answer, but the evidence, is definitely leaning toward the theory that amalgam fillings contain too little mercury to truly be dangerous. However, there is a strong reason to not want silver fillings – they’re very visible, while white, tooth-colored fillings typically work just as well and are seamless with your natural teeth. Silver fillings can also lead to fracturing and cracking in the enamel. If you have filling work done at the dentist's office, be sure and ask beforehand about amalgam versus tooth-colored fillings.

Toxic Dental Restorations Made Off Shore

2008-03-03T12:24:00.000-08:00

There was recently a patient in Ohio who has documentation of lead contamination in her dental restoration made off shore (China). The porcelain in the restoratoin had 210 PPM of lead. As a reference the acceptable levels of lead in toys are 90 PPM. To top it off there were traces of radioactive isotopes in the restoration as well.

We always use regulated labratories that work with the US Food and Drug Administration, to assure that our restorations are not only beautiful, but safe.

Tooth-colored Fillings vs. Metal Fillings

2008-02-29T11:28:00.000-08:00

There’s no doubt that it’s important to have a dentist treat and fill your cavities. But I also realize that, when it comes to dentistry, appearance matters. My patients want a bright, white smile – one that’s as natural looking as possible and not riddled with less then attractive silver fillings.

When you’re having a cavity filled, I offer three options – a crown, a partial crown and white, tooth-colored fillings where only the affected portion of the tooth is removed and replaced with a natural looking filling. While the metal fillings are typically stronger, usually the tooth-colored fillings will work just as well. As always, what type of filling is best for you depends upon your specific condition. Be sure and ask your dentist to explain all your options when you’re getting a filling fixed.

Facinating uses of teeth

2008-02-28T09:54:00.000-08:00

Recently I ran across a few articles that had some facinating uses for teeth. The two that really jumped out is using teeth to get stem cells which has the potential to fix many problems that are currently untreatable. The other is restoring sight using a tooth and part of the jaw bone. That procedure is called Osteo-Odonto-Keratoprosthesis.

Stem cell procedures are many years away, but the possiblities are amazing. Eventually, it may be possible to re-grow a tooth that was lost.

Osteo-Odonto-Keratoprosthesis is currently being used now.