STOP SMOKING FOR YOUR SMILE, AND MORE!
If you’re struggling to keep your “stop smoking” New Year’s resolution about now, here’s some added incentive – your smile!
Tobacco contains chemicals that are known to be harmful to the body. The first part of the body to absorb cigarette smoke, and the deadly nicotine it contains, is your mouth. Smokers have an increased risk of periodontal (gum) disease, bad breath, higher plaque levels, stained teeth, and slower healing following extractions, gum treatment and oral surgery.
Smoking also dries out oral tissues, which creates an environment for oral bacteria to thrive and reproduce. As oral bacteria multiply, your potential for periodontal (gum) disease increases.
Signs of gum disease include persistent bad breath, tender gums and gums that bleed easily when brushing. As it worsens, pus pockets form at the base of teeth. Teeth loosen as oral bacteria attack the bone and tissues that support tooth roots. Eventually, these teeth will require removal.
Need more reasons to hang in there? Smokers decrease life expectancy by 10–15 years, on average. Smoking (as well as smokeless tobacco) is responsible for nearly 90% of oral cancers (lips, mouth and throat and an estimated 30% of all cancers and related deaths.
Live with a smoker or work beside one? Second-hand smoke contains at least 50 known carcinogens and other harmful chemicals. It is not uncommon for children of smoking parents to wake up with ‘smoker’s cough.’
Now, imagine you’ve quit. For those who are age 40 or under, quitting can reduce excess mortality that’s attributed to smoking by 90%. Quit before the age of 30 and you’ll reduce this by 97%.
Kicking the habit is one resolution that’s too important not to keep! Your smile, your overall health, your family and your life depend on it. Get support on kicking the tobacco habit at: http://smokefree.gov/ They even have a stop-smoking app for added support.
UNIQUE DENTAL IMPLANT SYSTEM HAS MANY ADVANTAGES
More and more adults are choosing Dental Implants to replace missing teeth because of their ability to restore dependable chewing and speaking.
However, for individuals who have been long-time denture or partial wearers, bone loss can make implant placement risky, requiring bone rebuilding procedures before treatment.
A recently designed implant systems solves this problem, and more. Because All-On-4 implants are placed at unique angles, they work well even when have severe bone loss has occurred.
And, because only 4 implants can support a full arch, costs are less than many traditional implant types. You’ll also never have to go without teeth! Teeth are attached immediately, so you’ll walk out of our office with a smile!
The advantages of All-On-4 Implants include:
- They work even when severe bone loss has occurred.
- They are more affordable, since only 4 implants are needed per arch.
- They are designed to support non-removable teeth.
- Teeth can be attached immediately, so you are never without teeth.
In our office, we offer all types of Dental Implants and provide all phases of treatment, with oral and I.V. sedation available. If you have considered Dental Implants to replace teeth, let’s discuss the implant system that will work best for you.
Begin with a free Consultation appointment by calling 586-739-2155.
THIS MONTH’S SPOTLIGHT FEATURES OUR OWN
Dr. Ban Barbat!
Married to Joe for 26 years; two sons, ages 10 and 12
Why did you go into the dental field?
“I worked as a dental assistant after high school and really enjoyed the dental field.”
What have been the unique advantages and challenges of being a female dentist?
“As a woman, I feel I bring an instinctive level of compassion into caring for patients along with being a good listener. I also have an eye for the cosmetic aspect of dentistry and a very gentle touch. Like many women in business, it is a challenge to juggle work with being a mom but I wouldn’t give up either role for anything.”
What has been the best professional advice you ever received?
“One of my instructors in dental school advised me to treat my patients the same way I would want to be treated. He also gave me valuable training on how to give painless injections, which I have used throughout my career with great success.”
What do you enjoy most during your day?
“The best part of my day is making a difference in the lives of my patients, whether it is to get them out of pain, boost their confidence with a better smile, or give them proper function with their teeth.”
In your off time, what do you enjoy doing?
“I love going to my kids’ basketball games as well as our Pistons games, traveling, spending time with family, and shopping.”
What are your personal interests other than family?
“That would be cooking, exercise and traveling.”
Any hidden talents?
“Dancing!”
Do you have a favorite quote?
“Actions speak louder than words.”
What is the best book you’ve ever read?
“The Road Less Travelled”
Do you have a favorite movie?
“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”
MOTHER-DAUGHTER SMILES
‘Look Fantastic, Feel Beautiful & Natural’
It was actually Carri Streling’s husband who first went to Dr. Ban Barbat. He’d seen an ad and was looking for a new dentist. When Carri decided to become a patient, she was immediately impressed with Dr. Barbat as being “very caring and thorough.”
Carri and her family began with cleanings, check ups and regular dental care. However, Carri noticed that her gums were becoming inflamed and bleeding. After Dr. Barbat did an in-depth exam, it was determined that the eight crowns on Carri’s front teeth were not all porcelain as she’d been told. They were actually porcelain fused to metal. It was the metal that was causing a reaction to Carri’s gums. It was also found that Carri’s bridge contained metal as well.
The only solution was to replace her restorations with all-porcelain types. Although Carri had already been through the process of crowns and crown-&-bridge preparations with the former dentist, she noticed that Dr. Barbat was far more detailed in her work. “She’s very thorough in everything she does. She even put me through a process to make sure the crowns fit properly,” states Carri.
Once the work was completed, Carri was thrilled with the difference it made in her smile’s appearance. “They looked fantastic, fit beautifully and looked natural,” she shares.
Carri’s daughter, Amanda, wasn’t happy with the appearance of her smile but had become “anti-dentist,” as Carri explains. Once Carri’s new smile was complete, Amanda decided to have porcelain veneers placed on her front teeth. As Carri explains, the difference between her before and after treatment is amazing. “Dr. Barbat is an awesome dentist who does phenomenal work!”
“As a dentist, it’s very troubling to have to replace expensive dental work. In Carri’s situation, we had no option. This is why our goal, always, is to provide each patient with what is ideal in the first place,” states Dr. Barbat.
Both Carri and her daughter are very pleased with the health and appearance of their smiles. If you’ve considered smile enhancements, ask for a complimentary consultation or mention your goals at your next visit.