Goodbye Cataract Shinagawa Was The Place To Be For Suzanne Franco | Shinagawa Feature Story

Goodbye Cataract: Shinagawa Was The Place To Be For Suzanne Franco

If there’s a will, there’s a way. Such was the case for Suzanne Franco’s previous visual problems.

After several unsorted diagnoses elsewhere, it took Shinagawa’s advanced eye checkup and precise cataract procedure to solve her eye problems.

A year after her premier cataract surgery, she remains satisfied with her restored bright vision.

“Million thanks to Shinagawa for a job well done! It’s been a year since I underwent a smooth cataract procedure at Shinagawa in August 2018 under the amiable Dr. Francis Guerrero and my vision remains in amazing shape,” stated Suzanne.

“As I celebrate the first anniversary of my empowerment as a full-visioned 50-something, I really can’t ask for more. I am truly blessed.”

For quite a long stretch, Suzanne dealt with difficulties with her eyesight with no clear cause.

Indeed, I’d been stoically bearing the brunt of reduced eyesight on my left for the longest time. And the problem had been getting worse to the point I feared being unable to cross heavy-traffic streets safely.”

Actually, she had three previous eye checks in other centers but none of which were able to have a proper diagnosis and treatment for her eyes’ case.

“It should be pointed out that I first went through the rigors of getting a second opinion, and then a third one, because all eye examinations pointed to complications beyond a mere cataract problem,” shared Suzanne.

The fourth time is the charm for Suzanne as Shinagawa was finally able to see in-depth that her problem was cataract and was quick to provide a corresponding solution outright.

“But God is good: He led me to Shinagawa,” happily expressed Suzanne. “Right after my cataract procedure, I could already see clearly and fully—not only through my left eye but also through my right! It was amazing. It was a miracle. It was as if a whole new world has suddenly opened up before me!”

Amazed by the results that Shinagawa was able to deliver, the joy that Suzanne continues to feel still outpours a year after.

“I have to express this once again. I want the whole world to know how truly grateful I was then—and still am today—for the incredible Shinagawa technique that liberated me in a wink of an eye, so to speak, from years of clouded and hence impaired vision.”

“I remember being moved to tears by the unbelievable success of this fantastic, magical Shinagawa cataract procedure, and by the expertise of Dr. Guerrero.”

If you’re unsure of what your eye problem is and is not convinced of your previous eye exams, we can always take a good look at your eyes using advanced technology at Shinagawa.

To schedule a comprehensive eye checkup or have your cataract checked, call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 368 5238 | (+63) 917 862 7454 | (+63) 921 217 0517.

The Importance Of Fluoride Treatment | Shinagawa Dental Blog

The Importance Of Fluoride Treatment

Wonder why fluoride is widely considered as an essential in proper dental and oral care?

Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by blocking acid from the surface of teeth. Often, when we think about going to the dentist, a fluoride treatment is involved, and usually, we accept the treatment without any debate. Unless our dentist explicitly explains its importance, the benefits of fluoride may not be common knowledge.

The enamel layer of teeth goes through two processes: demineralization (loss of minerals) and remineralization (gain of minerals). Demineralization occurs when plaque and sugar-created acids attack tooth enamel and weaken the structure of the tooth. Too much demineralization can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Remineralization prevents these issues by adding minerals to tooth enamel and this occurs by consuming foods and water that contain calcium, phosphate, and fluoride.

Specifically, fluoride prevents tooth decay by helping the tooth resist the acid produced by bacteria and sugars. Starting at an early age, the active application of fluoride can help prevent acid production by building a wall that makes it very difficult for acids to climb over.

As mentioned, fluoride is found in certain foods and water. It can also be directly applied by the use of toothpaste and mouthwashes. A common way to receive fluoride is through a fluoride treatment during a scheduled dentist appointment. The fluoride treatments that dentists use have a higher level of fluoride than toothpaste or mouth rinses.

Varnishes can be painted onto the teeth or teeth can be soaked in a foam solution for one to four minutes. Fluoride supplements are also available in the form of liquids or tablets and must be prescribed by your dentist.

Children between 6 months and 16 years need to be exposed to fluoride during each dental visit, but fluoride application is important for adults as well. Likewise, people who suffer from certain dental conditions and who have a higher risk of tooth decay benefit from additional fluoride treatment.

Those with dry mouth conditions, gum disease, or frequent cavities benefit from fluoride treatment. Those with crowns, bridges, or braces are also more likely to acquire tooth decay and are good candidates for additional fluoride treatment.

You have to make sure you get the necessary fluoride treatment for your teeth to get the benefits it provides.

Shinagawa Orthodontics can provide you a beneficial fluoride treatment. Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 to schedule your FREE dental consultation and your fluoride treatment.

Risks of Contact Lens vs Benefits of LASIK | Shinagawa LASIK Blog

Risks of Contact Lens Vs. Benefits of LASIK

Who doesn’t want clear eyesight? None, right?

Everyone most certainly loves the convenience of a clear vision, but unfortunately, not all are blessed with that.

Whether you were born with vision problems or they developed over time, you may have found that corrective lenses are required for you to enjoy everyday life. While many people with vision problems wear contact lenses, there are risks that accompany the many benefits of contacts.

In comparison to glasses, contacts are more convenient, provide better field-of-view, and increase peripheral awareness. However, the negative aspects of wearing contacts, especially when used incorrectly, are plentiful.

Risks of Contact Lens

First, wearing contact lenses can cause several serious eye conditions including infections, corneal abrasions, and ulcers. These conditions may develop at different rates for individuals and will damage your eyes.

In some extreme cases, these conditions can cause permanent blindness. For example, some people that wear contact lenses may leave the lenses in for long periods of time or sleep with their contacts in. When the lenses are eventually removed, the consequential dryness of the lenses can easily scratch your eye.

No matter how small the abrasion is, the pain is noticeable and may leave your affected eye extremely sensitive to light. When an incident like this takes place, you will not be able to determine the seriousness of the developing problem until you actually remove the contact.

Sometimes, these conditions develop slowly over time. Symptoms of eye irritation can indicate a more serious problem. So, always seek out a diagnosis from an eye care professional to determine whether your eye irritation is developing into a serious problem.

Second, contact lenses are expensive. If you wear disposable contact lenses daily and replace them every two weeks — the most common lens replacement schedule recommended by eye doctors — you can expect constant and more expenses. Depending on your specific eye complications, wearing contact lenses could cost you even more than having LASIK.

Additionally, studies show that contact lens wearers are 10 times more likely to experience significant vision loss or blindness from wearing contact lenses than from having LASIK eye surgery.

Why having LASIK has more benefits

When LASIK is regularly performed by an experienced ophthalmologist in a facility with excellent equipment and a careful screening process that ensures good candidacy, the rate of success is very high.

While complications from contact lenses accumulate over the years, those from LASIK are minimal to none and it also presents quick healing and recovery time.

As far as your expense if concern, LASIK requires an upfront expense, however, compared to those who wear contact lenses, its benefit over time has a way bigger value.

LASIK patients appreciate not having to wear contact lenses. Also, they don’t worry about the constant dangers of wearing contact lens. Finally, they enjoy the convenience of waking up every morning and going to sleep every night without the task of inserting or removing lenses.

Research and results also show, unanimously, that LASIK is a safe procedure.

In fact, research shows that both are safe in their own ways. The widespread use of contacts indicates that many people are willing to take some risks to correct their vision.

In the same way, LASIK is a relatively less risky option than a lifetime of wearing contact lenses, according to comprehensive studies.

With technological advances such as faster, blade-free lasers, and more experienced surgeons, LASIK has become a preferred option for improving eyesight. Improving your vision with LASIK will substantially reduce the risk of damage to your eyes and reduce the expenses required for clear vision.

Knowing all of that now, perhaps, it’s time for you to look at LASIK to get you the clear eyesight that you always desired. Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 to schedule a LASIK screening.

How To Effectively Prevent Tooth Decay | Shinagawa Dental Blog

How To Effectively Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth structure and can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin layer of the tooth.

It occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (mostly sugars and starches), such as bread, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids.

The bacteria, acid, food debris and saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities.

To prevent tooth decay you religiously have to:

  • Brush your teeth at least thrice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Preferably, brush after each meal and especially before going to bed.
  • Clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or interdental cleaners.
  • Rinse daily with a fluoride-containing mouthwash. Some rinses also have antiseptic ingredients to help kill bacteria that cause plaque.
  • Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacks. Avoid carbohydrates such as candy, pretzels, and chips, which can remain on the tooth surface. If sticky foods are eaten, brush your teeth soon afterward.
  • Check with a dentist about the use of supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth.
  • Ask a dentist about dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars) to protect them from decay.
  • Drink fluoridated water. At least a pint of fluoridated water each day is needed to protect you from tooth decay.

Researchers continue on developing new means to prevent tooth decay. One study found that a chewing gum that contains the sweetener xylitol temporarily retarded the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay.

In addition, several materials that slowly release fluoride over time, which will help prevent further decay, are being explored. These materials would be placed between teeth or in pits and fissures of teeth. Toothpaste and mouth rinses that can reverse and heal early cavities are also being studied.

By following the given tips, you’ll be able to put up a good fight against tooth decay.

Still, it’s always best to visit our dentists at Shinagawa Orthodontics regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams to prevent and treat tooth decay. Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 368 5238 | (+63) 917 862 7454 | (+63) 921 217 0517 to book a FREE consultation.