Ikuta D.D.S

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Relieving Anxiety About Your Office Visit

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!

posted by Patti at 12:56 PM 0 comments

Monday, March 24, 2008

Is amalgam really dangerous?

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.

posted by Patti at 8:14 AM 0 comments

Friday, February 29, 2008

Tooth-colored Fillings vs. Metal Fillings

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.

posted by Patti at 11:28 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Types of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is a great way to take the anxiety out of a dental visit, but many patients I see have lots of questions about it. For instance, not many patients know that sedation dentistry is different from anesthesia.

With sedation dentistry, you take only a mild sedative and experience what we call ‘conscious sedation’. You’ll be very relaxed, and may drift in and out of a light sleep, but you won’t be rendered unconscious for an extended period of time. The sedative is usually a valium or something similar, and works to ease your anxiety. So it can be used for almost any procedure, from a simple cleaning to other, more complex procedures. If you’re nervous about going to the dentist, be sure and ask for more information on sedation dentistry and the varying forms of conscious sedation.

posted by Patti at 3:12 PM 0 comments

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Power Toothbrushes

There are all sorts of electric toothbrushes on the store shelves these days, and it can be confusing. What are good models? Should I spend a lot of money? Is there really a difference between the higher cost models and the lower cost models? I recommend the brands Sonicare or Oral B to my patients. Both of these brands have a wide range in price and accessories.

First of all, we reassure our patients that a regular, non-electric toothbrush will work just fine to keep your teeth clean, white and healthy. In fact, the real secret isn’t what type of toothbrush you use, but rather how (and how often) you use it. During your dental appointment, we’ll show you some simple techniques to use to keep your smile healthy and cavity-free with or without an electric toothbrush!

posted by Patti at 1:20 PM 0 comments

Friday, November 30, 2007

Tooth-colored Fillings vs. Metal Fillings

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.

posted by Patti at 2:16 PM 0 comments

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Welcome to Ikutasmiles

Welcome to Ikutasmiles. I'm very proud of our newly redesigned website. I'm also very excited about being able to update new information and services we provide via our new blog. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.


Dr. Deric Ikuta

posted by Deric at 1:18 PM 0 comments