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Our New Building

On January 16, 2011, in Dentistry, by Patrick Qatsha
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Well, it is official. Construction of our new building has begun. It is scheduled to be completed this spring. Below are some recent pictures. Keep a look out for updates, its very exciting!

Our New Office….coming soon.

Don’t forget, we have a gum specialist on staff. Missing a tooth? Need an implant? Give us a call. We are always accepting new patients.

248-363-7121

 

Need a JOB? Look Here!

On January 5, 2011, in Dentistry, by Patrick Qatsha
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At Dream Dental Group, we believe in giving back to our patients and our community. That is why we have teamed up with local job recruiter Lisa VanWyk, to help you all find jobs.  See below for he latest job listing.

Feel free to encourage your friends to follow our blog and facebook page to be the first to get this vital information. The next listing may be the opportunity you have been waiting for!

Lisa VanWyk

Staffing Specialist

Halpin Design

248-421-7360-cell after hours

586-264-2283

www.halpindesign.com

lvanwyk@halpindesign.com

Positions hiring for immediately in Design Studio

Alias Modelers - Hiring 6 immediately with more in January

Must have extensive experience

Experienced Alias modeler to develop Concept and Theme Digital Design models to support Studio clay model development, hard model development, and program data development. Skills Required: Complete knowledge of automotive Digital Modeling including model construction and assembly. Must be able to take graphic and verbal direction from Creative Design staff and interpret in Alias 3D design software. Skills Preferred: Clay and hard model fabrication experience including shop and CNC is a plus. Experience Required: 5 Years Alias experience. Experience Preferred: Successful experience working in dynamic and creative Design Studio environment. Education Required: High School diploma, 5 Years Alias experience. Education Preferred: Engineering, CAD or Model making apprentice education or degree is a plus.

Trim Tech- Need 6

No more than 3-5 years experience.

Experience in leather wrapping, upholstery

Class A’ Studio-

Automotive Designers/Senior Designers apply their skills to design vehicle Exteriors and Interiors, using a variety of media, including the very latest computer technology. They prepare sketches, renderings, and 3D CAID proposals for management reviews. They work with other disciplines in the development of scale and full size clay models ultimately interfacing with program engineering teams in the development of feasible high quality products based on their designs.  Skills Required: Candidates must have exceptional design intuition, strong problem solving skills and a superior ability to visually communicate through sketches, and renderings. Ability to think three-dimensionally with a strong emphasis on proportions and a refined sense of form also required. Skills Preferred: CAID training/experience in both 2D and 3D is highly desired. Experience Required: One year professional design exp  Experience Preferred: 3 years professional design exp Education Required: Bachelors degree in Transportation Design or in Industrial Design with emphasis on Transportation DesignEducation Preferred: Additional Safety Training/Licensing/Personal Protection Requirements:

Information : These positions are specifically for Automotive Interior designers. Candidates need to have portfolios that exhibit work on production, and or conceptual interior designs, including instrument panels, door panels, steering wheels, components and seating. 2D sketching and Photoshop are required, and experience with Alias 3d is desired. The position requires developing concepts both in 2D and 3D, developing full size clay models for theme selection, and ultimately interfacing with program engineering teams in the development of feasible high quality products based on their designs.

Clay modelers- 1

Position Description: Automotive Clay modeler Skills Required: Knowledge of automotive clay   Preferred: Complete knowledge of automotive Clay Modeling including model construction. Must be able to take graphic and verbal direction from Creative Design staff and interpret a 3D design in clay. Knowledge of Tarus CNC milling and/or ATOS optical scanning.  Experience Required: Entry level  OK Experience Preferred: Model making apprentice and/or automotive prototype manufacturing. 5 Yrs on-the-job clay modeling experience. Education Required: High School Diploma. Education Preferred: Clay model certificate and/or 5 years on-the-job experience.

Product Engineer with lighting experience-1

Catia V5- 20 people.  Must be able to pass a 3 hour Catia test

ICEM modelers – as many as you know

Email resumes to: lvanwyk@halpindesign.com

Be sure to let Lisa know where you heard about her listing!

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

On December 26, 2010, in Dentistry, by Patrick Qatsha
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Best wishes for a healthy and successful new year from Dr. Patrick J. Qatsha and your family at Dream Dental Group.

photos from http://don-denver.blogspot.com/2009_12_01_archive.html

 

Anatomy of a toothache?

On December 19, 2010, in Dentistry, by Patrick Qatsha
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Have you ever had a toothache? If you have, then you know, that it can be an extremely painful experience.  Some studies indicate that the level of pain one can experience from an acute dental abscess to be worse than the pain felt when giving birth.

How does a toothache happen?

When a toothache occurs, it is directly related to the condition of the tooth’s pulp. The pulp of the tooth consists of its blood supply and nerve.  It is essentially the, “heart,” of the tooth. If the pulp is unhealthy, it can cause a multitude of symptoms ranging from cold sensitivity to constant, throbbing pain. Untreated dental infections can lead to severe health problems and even death.

What can cause damage to the pulp?

One of the most common causes of a toothache is a cavity that was never filled or filled too late.   If a filling or crown isn’t placed into a tooth before a cavity reaches the pulp, then the bacteria from the cavity infiltrate and infect the pulp, causing it to either die and  become infected or become irreversibly inflamed. Also, if a deep cavity is filled leading to a large restoration close to the pulp, the pulp can still suffer inflammation and eventual death.  Both cases can lead to enormous pressure in and under the tooth causing severe pain. When a tooth reaches the point that it is constantly painful, a root canal treatment is needed clean out the infected pulp and restore health.

Another common cause is a cracked or fractured tooth. Teeth can suffer imperceptible hairline cracks that can harm the nerve. This usually starts off with sensitivity when eating hard or crunchy foods. As the crack progresses, it reaches the nerve, which then leads to a toothache. A fractured or broken tooth can expose the pulp to the oral environment, leading to severe pain.

Also, trauma or injury to a tooth can cause damage to a pulp.  Have you ever met anyone who has been hit in the mouth with a baseball? Blunt trauma to a tooth can damage the pulp, often cutting off it’s blood supply. This can lead to “pulpal necrosis” or nerve death. No blood supply to a tooth results in infection (abscess), leading to severe pain and pressure.

There are many more causes of a toothache, but these are some of the most commonly seen.  Do you have a unique toothache story that you want to share or have questions about? Feel free to comment back and start a discussion.

At Dream Dental Group, we do our best to see emergencies the same day you call. We treat dental emergencies from Commerce, White Lake, Milford, Novi, West Bloomfield, Walled Lake and several other surrounding communities. We even have patients who fly in to see us from other states! If you or a loved one have a tooth that is becoming painful, DON’T WAIT, call us today. 248-363-7121

photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/garryknight/3344592324/sizes/s/in/photostream/

“aching tooth”  by gary knight.

 

Seniors – Age Brings Changes in Oral Care

On November 28, 2010, in Dentistry, by Patrick Qatsha
1

The following article was written by the Internet Dental Alliance and can be found on www.dreamdentalgroup.com

Dream Dental Group is located in North Oakland Country, in the beautiful state of Michigan.

It’s an indisputable fact — our bodies change as we get older. These changes take different forms in different people, depending on our inherited physical traits, our lifestyle and nutritional habits, and our medical conditions.

Age brings changes in oral health and dental care, too. There are some specific areas where seniors need to pay close attention to protect and extend their oral health and dental care.

Tooth Color:

Plaque is an invisible layer of bacteria that forms on our teeth, and can trap stains at any age. But as we get older, plaque builds up more quickly and is harder to remove. At the same time, the tissue that lies underneath the tooth enamel, called “dentin,” is changing, and those changes can make teeth appear darker. Finally, decades of consuming coffee, tea, or tobacco leave stains that build up over time.

Daily brushing and flossing are important, particularly first thing in the morning and just before bed, to combat the plaque that builds up overnight. You may also want to consult your dentist about using commercial dental care rinses that remove plaque.

Dry Mouth:

Many seniors experience a reduced flow of saliva, sometimes as a side effect of medications such as painkillers or decongestants. For some, the lack of moisture inside the mouth can lead to sore throats, a burning sensation, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing. In addition, if you leave dry mouth unattended, it can damage teeth, since saliva’s natural rinsing keeps bacteria washed away from teeth and gums. Sugar-free chewing gum and hard candy will stimulate natural saliva, and artificial saliva and oral rinses will provide much-needed relief. Ask your dentist which commercial dental care products are the best for you.

Cavities:

If your gums begin to recede, the portion of the tooth that used to be below the gum line is now exposed. Roots are softer than tooth surfaces and are susceptible to decay; they are also likely to be sensitive to hot and cold beverages and food. Most people over age 50 suffer from some form of dental disease. Make sure you take good care of teeth and gums with daily brushing and flossing. A word of caution: your gums may be starting to thin. Brush thoroughly but gently to keep from tearing your gums.

Fillings:

Your fillings are getting older, too. They can weaken or crack, or your tooth may decay around the edges of the filling. As a result, bacteria can seep into your tooth, causing more decay. Regular check-ups will give your dentist the chance to keep an eye on your existing fillings.

Gum Disease:

Daily cleaning and good nutrition are critical for healthy gums. When gums become infected and diseased, they set off a chain reaction that can result in losing teeth or weakening the jawbone. Either condition creates more problems for your health and increases your medical costs. Contact your dentist if your gums become red or begin to bleed.

Good Nutrition:

What you put into your mouth has a direct impact on the health of your mouth — and the health of the rest of your body. As you age and your lifestyle changes, keep your nutritional goals in mind. Balanced meals are one the best ways you can contribute to your own good health.

Regular Exams:

The dentist will check your mouth, teeth, and jaw for any problems. You should also mention any sores, swelling, or pain you might be experiencing. Regular checkups enable the dentist to spot problems early. Early resolution of problems will help you keep your natural teeth.

Good dental care, regular check-ups, and good nutrition are the keys to really keep you smiling in your golden years!

by Internet Dental Alliance

Photo purchased on Istock.com

 

Turkey Day RECIPE SHARING!!

On November 22, 2010, in Dentistry, by Patrick Qatsha
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Is everyone ready for Thanksgiving? I love to cook and am always looking for new, great recipes. Especially for my favorite holiday.

Lets all share our holiday favorites! If  you have a good recipe, post your favorite recipe here or on the Dream Dental Group facebook page.

I want to try as many as possible. I will let you all know which one I think was the best.

HURRY! Thanksgiving is almost here!

Picture from http://www.mycrunkspace.com/graphics/1514_Thanksgiving_Turkey_Cartoon.html

 

Doc, why do I need a crown?

On November 21, 2010, in Dentistry, by Patrick Qatsha
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Have you ever asked your dentist this question?

To answer this question properly, one must know the basic definition of a crown.

A crown, commonly referred to as a cap, is a permanently cemented restoration that covers the entire surface area of a tooth above the gum line. It is most commonly used as a protective measure, to prevent a tooth from fracturing or breaking, or to restore a tooth that has already broken.  With the advancement of porcelains in modern dentistry, they are now often used to improve ones appearance, as they are integral in cosmetic dentistry.

What are crowns made of? T here are a variety of material, all having their own pros and cons.

The oldest and still considered the strongest, are full gold crowns. These have mostly fallen out of favor, because most patients want tooth colored restorations.

The second and still the most commonly used (for back teeth) is the porcelain fused to metal crown (PFM). These types of crowns have an inner metal core and esthetic porcelain on the outside, making them very strong and very beautiful. The metal core is usually white gold.

Finally, there are many different kinds of all -porcelain crowns. These metal free crowns are the most beautiful and natural looking. They  are commonly used for crowns on the front teeth. Through the use of digital photography, we can now match crowns to look just like your natural teeth.

Common reasons to need a crown.

1. You got a toothache and had a root canal treatment. When a tooth has had a root canal, the blood and nerve supply to it has been removed. This makes the remaining tooth dry and brittle, making it prone to fracture. Crowns are placed over teeth that have undergone root canal treatment to prevent fracture and tooth loss.

2. You have an existing filling that is too large for the remaining tooth structure to support. If you have more filling that tooth, you must crown the tooth before that overstressed tooth breaks. If  you are too late, and it breaks in the wrong way, you may need a root canal or even lose the tooth.

3. Cosmetic enhancement. People often think that in order to enhance their smile, they need veneers. Veneers work well on teeth that have had little or no previous treatment. However, if you need to make a tooth look better and it has already had several fillings on it, and/or a root canal, it is best to simplly put an all- porcelain, full coverage crown. The is the most lasting and just as cosmetically enhancing solution.

How long do they last?

Statistically, crowns last between 10 and 20 yrs before needing replacement. However, this is highly dependent on the patient and how well they care for them.

Crowns one of the most commonly performed dental procedures. They allow us to definitively restore a tooth to full function and beauty.

If you or a love one have been told they need a crown and would like a FREE second opinion consultation, give us a call. We are happy to help! We are located in Commerce Township, but see patients from several neighboring towns like Walled Lake, West Bloomfield, Novi, White Lake, Milford and Highland.   Call US ! 248-363-7121

 

Pregnancy and Dental Care

On November 14, 2010, in Dentistry, by Patrick Qatsha
4

The following article has been taken from www.dreamdentalgroup.com and http://www.commercetwpgeneraldentist.com, where several similar articles are available. The author of the article is named at the bottom.

How Pregnancy Affects Your Dental Care

Thinking about your baby and prenatal care is normal during pregnancy; however, thinking about your oral health and dental care may not be forefront on your mind, but dentistry is still very important. Women need to pay special attention to their teeth and gums especially during pregnancy to avoid the increased risk of dental problems.

Your Changing Body and Changing Dental Care Needs During Pregnancy.

Pregnancy brings a change in oral health and hormones, especially increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, which are linked to plaque buildup on teeth. Plaque that is not removed can cause gingivitis and swollen gums that are tender and prone to bleed. Most pregnant women experience gingivitis to some degree, but it doesn’t usually surface until the second trimester.

If you had gingivitis before becoming pregnant, your condition will likely be aggravated; untreated gingivitis can lead to a more serious problem — periodontal disease. Swollen gums that become irritated can also lead to pregnancy tumors, benign growths that will usually shrink and disappear without treatment. However, if the tumor causes discomfort or interferes with chewing or brushing, the dentist may suggest removing it.

Special Preventive Dental Care Tips for Pregnant Women

  • Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and after each meal, if possible.
  • If brushing your teeth causes morning sickness, rinse with anti-plaque and fluoride mouthwashes or water.
  • Pay close attention to your gum line and keep it clean.
  • Floss daily.
  • Focus on nutrition, including plenty of vitamins C and B12.
  • Visit your dentist for a check-up and cleaning in both your first and second trimesters to control plaque and maintain good oral health.

Handling Dental Care Emergencies During Pregnancy

If you experience dental emergencies causing pain, you can be treated at any time; however, consult your doctor if anesthesia is required or a medication is prescribed to you. Avoid X-rays during pregnancy, unless they are critical to emergency treatment.

It is recommended to schedule elective procedures after your baby’s birth. While you’re expecting, have great expectations for maintaining good oral health. By doing so, you’ll keep your beautiful smile and share it with your baby!

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

 

One of the most common questions I am asked by my patients is  about the difference between white fillings (composite) and silver fillings (amalgam).  Well my friends, there are many differences. The information I am going to discuss is based on science and experience. I work with these materials every day and have learned a lot about them. However, in the spirit of full disclosure, I will say that my bias is to use composite. The majority of fillings placed in modern dentistry are bonded tooth colored restorations. They not only look very natural, but offer many other benefits over the traditional silver (amalgam) fillings.  However, it must be said, according to the studies reviewed by the ADA and FDA, amalgam is still considered safe even though it contains mercury, and has been used effectively for over 15o years.

Which lasts longer? The statistics show that the longevity of both are very close to the same. Between 10 and 15 years.

Which is more conservative? The more conservative treatment, the one where the least amount of tooth structure is removed, is composite. Composites or “bonding” as it is commonly called, uses an adhesive which creates a chemical bond to the tooth allowing very small restorations to be placed. You only need to remove the decayed tooth structure. With amalgam (silver) you are essentially fillings a hole in the tooth, which must be a specific depth and shape in order ensure that it won’t fall out.  So if a cavity is very small, excessive tooth structure needs to be removed for a silver filling to have a predictable life span.

Structural Properties: Amalgam is a metal. Metals often expand and contract when exposed to either hot or cold. When a silver filling is wedged inside of a tooth for several years expanding and contracting, it tends to cause cracking in the teeth, often leading to much larger replacement restorations or the need for a crown.  I see this effect daily. When using composite, there is some shrinkage in the material as it hardens with the use of a high power LED light. This can cause some initial tension on the tooth, but due to the bonding nature of the material, it seldom leads to any significant complications.

Maintainability: Composite is light in color, which makes it easier to detect new decay or chipping around the edges. When this is  found, small repairs can be added to the existing filling, negating the need to remove the entire restoration. This means less drilling, less loss of tooth structure and less post operative discomfort. When a defect is found in an amalgam, the entire filling needs to be replaced to ensure a good seal around the edges. Composite can be resealed, refinished, and repaired. Amalgam cannot.

Pain: With the development of the newest adhesives, there is virtually no post operative pain and sensitivity with composite.  Composite is hardened or cured immediately which means there is no waiting to eat. This cannot be said for amalgam.

Cost: The cost for composite fillings is usually slightly higher than for silver. This is mainly due to composite being very technique sensitive and high material cost. However, what composite is NOT costing you, is unneeded removal of healthy tooth structure.

You have asked the question, and here is the answer. I hope this information helps you to make educated decisions about treatment for your family.

If you or a friend are in need of a filling, and would like to discuss this subject further, please feel free to call the office or request an appointment through this site for a consultation.   248-363-7121

 

FOOD TIME….HUMMUS!

On November 1, 2010, in Dentistry, by Patrick Qatsha
3

File:Hummus from The Nile.jpg

As I mentioned in my “welcome post,” I want this blog to be a resource for important information about your oral health,  but also to share and exchange ideas that enrich our everyday lives.  I LOVE to COOK. I also LOVE to EAT.  So I thought I would share  one of my best known recipes. That’s right ladies and gents, I make delicious hummus and I am going to share my recipe with YOU. If you have other recipes you would like to share, please feel free to comment back with them.

There is nothing more delicious than creamy hummus with toasted pita bread or pita chips.  Making hummus is an art because there are so many variations of this tasty dip. Some people like it with more lemon, some like it with extra tahini, some add a dash of cumin.  Use this recipe as guide to make hummus that puts a smile on the faces of YOUR family.

Ingredients:

Two 15 oz cans of chick peas (I prefer Progresso)

The juice of 1 to 1 1/2 lemons

1 1/2 to 2  teaspoons of salt

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

1/4 cup Tahini (sesame paste)

1/2 cup crushed ice

1 large clove of garlic

In a food processor or high power blender, combine olive oil, lemon , salt  and garlic.  Drain liquid from the cans of chick peas and rinse with hot water. The hot water will soften the chick peas. Some people prefer to boil the chick peas to make them even softer in order to get a smoother consistency. It is all preference. I usually just rinse them.  Add the chick peas and ice into the food processor with the lemon/garlic mixture and blend. If the mixture appears too dry, add a bit of water or lemon juice if you like it with more lemon. Then blend again. Do this until a smooth consistency is reached. Finally, add your tahini. I usually blend the final mixture  for approximately three to five minutes. Then taste your hummus and add more of any of the main ingredients to fit your taste. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and paprika.  Makes enough for approx 5-10 people. For a spicy variation, blend a fresh Jalapeno into it.

ENJOY!

photo from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hummus_from_The_Nile.jpg

 

Patrick Qatsha, DDS

Patrick Qatsha

Our goal is to provide you the best possible care in a relaxing, stress free environment, to create a positive experience you will never forget.  We do this by using the state-of-the-art technology and the best materials and techniques.  Most of all, we do it because we care.

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