Have you ever noticed that many older people, especially those past the age of 50, rarely smile in photographs? Even many celebrities don't smile when their picture is taken. I suspect it's because when we age, our teeth change. Some get longer in the tooth, some teeth twist. I never knew what it meant when an older person would say about his or her age, "Hey, at least I have all my own teeth."
If you're one of those lucky individuals who go to the dentist a couple times a year and never have any dental problems, then you might not be interested in finding an excellent dentist or a periodontist in Midtown, Sacramento. However, if you're at that, um, age when you need to preserve that smile, I can definitely refer you to great services.
I switched dentists last year because I was unhappy with my present dentist. Apart from the fact that she refused to change her billing system and continued to send my dental bills to my husband, she lacked communication skills. I had asked her to fix a little groove in one tooth that seemed to attract plaque. When I got the bill, I discovered she had worked on two teeth instead. Since it was purely cosmetic, I was confused as to why she didn't follow my wishes.
I discovered that every time I left her office, I was irritated. Now, when I was younger, I used to believe that it didn't matter if I liked my dentist. It was like going to the car wash. The dentist did her or his job, and I was out of there. But now that I've reached that certain age, having faith and trust in my dentist has become important. Just like a home buyer or seller should have faith and trust in a real estate agent. It's a business relationship that can affect your entire future.
Last week I had implants. This is a process where your existing teeth are removed months prior, you go through an agonizing process of wearing a temporary plate, and then the dentist drills a hole in your jaw and sort of screws in a post that will hold your crowns. If you're considering that type of procedure, or need a bridge or even just crowns, you really want a team of specialists.
My dentist explained that I could choose the type of smile I wanted -- the shape, color and contour of my new teeth. He suggested I not choose the smile of an 18-year-old because it would look silly at my age. I looked online at a bazillion photographs of older women smiling. Didn't like Jamie Lee Curtis' smile nor that of Mary Tyler Moore. Hmmm, Julie Roberts was a possibility but way too much gum showing. She's also much younger than me. Jane Fonda's smile is just weird. I finally settled on Sally Field. OK, she's a bit older, but she has a fabulous smile.
I highly recommend my periodontist Dr. Leland Lee. His office is located at the corner of 22nd and Capitol, phone: 916.444.1121. Plus, he puts you out during the procedure, and for a wimp like me, that's important. His office staff is fabulous, and he is meticulous in his work. My regular dentist is Dr. James D. Coyle, and his office is across the street at 2201 Capitol Avenue, Suite 101, phone: 916.444.2957. Dr. Coyle has been a dentist probably forever, he has excellent communication skills and is simply awesome. When I leave his office, I am always smiling.
And this week I walked out with my Sally Field's smile.
The Short Sale Savior, by Elizabeth Weintraub, coming in June 2009.
Photo: Big Stock Photo
If you're a home buyer or seller in Midtown, Sacramento, who needs a Midtown real estate agent and would like to see my Sally Field's smile in person, call or email me: 916.233.6759, elizabeth at elizabethweintraub.com.
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Certified HAFA Specialist
My Sacramento Real Estate Listings
Elizabeth Weintraub is an author, home buying columnist for The New York Times-owned About.com, a Land Park resident, and a Land Park real estate agent who specializes in older, classic homes in Land Park, Curtis Park, Midtown and East Sacramento. Weintraub is also a Sacramento Short Sale agent who lists and successfully sells short sales throughout the four-county Sacramento area. Call Elizabeth Weintraub at 916.233.6759. Put 35 years of real estate experience to work for you. Broker-Associate at Lyon Real Estate. DRE License # 00697006.
The Short Sale Savior, by Elizabeth Weintraub, available at Amazon.com.
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The views expressed herein are Weintraub's personal views and do not reflect the views of Lyon Real Estate.
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Elizabeth: Can't wait to see the new Sally Fields smile. What a great choice. I need to find a new dentist too, but primarily because my dentist is just old. Love his hygenist, but if I needed any drilling, I'd be hesitant to have him do it at this stage of his life. He has developed a bit of a hand tremor that he tries to hide. Guess I need to start asking around and see who has a glowing recommendation for me.
I had a very traumatic experience as a child with a dentist. So the thought of actually liking a dentist just does not fit in my feeling of well being. My husband had similar surgery and a bridge to what you described and he loves his team of dentists (although they are not local). So I choose to go there. I'm very fortunate that God and genetics gave me good teeth. Until a couple years ago I went 15 years without a trip to a dentist after a root canal and crown. No cavities and not much plaque. My new dental hygenist really did not want to believe it had been 15 years.
A good dentist is hard to find. If you ever find yourself down League City, TX way, check out my dentist, Dr. Ahn Dao. He is awesome!
Elizabeth - I look forward to seeing your new smile, although I thought your old one was just great:-)
Elizabeth, great thoughts about modern dentistry. I am one that somehow does that regular two (or even three) times a year visit in the chair. The hygienist explained with the various shades of whitening these days it is all about a great smile, like you have, and also to look younger. We all want great smiles I believe. Sally Fields is a great one you picked out for yourself. Good luck with it all.
I hate my younger sister. She has no dental problems at all, and neither did my mother. My great grandmother, on the other hand, lost all her teeth. So I know who I take after in the family. I think if you looked inside my mouth, you'd find Fort Knox in there. For 30 years, I've been going to the dentist four times a year. They say it's genetic. But it's traumatic to have your teeth pulled out. Guess it beats wrapping a string around your tooth and tying it to a door knob.
Awwwwww, that door knob image is not going away anytime soon (LOL). Looking forward to the new pics. :-)
Elizabeth - good for you. It is important to feel comfortable with yourself - especially when in sales and competing with all age brackets. Great!!
Elizabeth, I am guilty of avoiding the dentist due to past trauma and I am so glad that you have found a dentist who truly deserves to be called a doctor. Thank you for sharing!
Elizabeth, my worst so far has been root canals and they are not fun. The last one I had my dentist just worked on it and never even looked at the other teeth to see if I needed any other work. He then sold the business to a younger man and retired. When I went to the new dentist he said he saw nothing wrong and I felt better. Guess what the new dentist also does? Botox and that sort of stuff!!! How's that for trying to expand a business???
Oh, Barbara, root canals are for babies. :) Hate to say that, but I'd much rather have a root canal any day than have my teeth yanked out or implants. And I've had a 3 or 4 root canals -- can't hardly get crowns without a root canal sneaking up on you. Root canals are a walk in the park. No pain afterward. And if you have enough Novocaine, there's no pain during it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
I'm fortunate not only to have my teeth but they are white and good to go. You make a great point, if the service person (professional or not) doesn't listen, who will stay or even return? And, these days, that's all there is. Returns or referrals. Otherwise, hang up the "Closed" sign and move on.
Elizabeth, you are a hoot!!! I LOVE my dentist, and he's my cousin - he doesn't hurt me. BUT I need a couple of implants too....haven't bitten the bullet yet = but some day. ;-)
BTW? I'm over 50 and I smile BIG!!! ;-)
Money well spent your smile can make people feel good about working with you and makes you feel good too.
Ha. You can call ME about this one, Teri. And I will give you the straight scoop. Don't put it off. Just do it. You'll be so happy. OK, not immediately, but by the time it heals and the crowns are in place, you'll be ecstatic. :)
Finding a good dentist is more rare than one might think....I have switched twice...the last one put in a crown that I think must have been too big and pushed other teeth too close together and now this has become a haven for every piece of food to get stuck....his solution was of course not that he did anything less than perfect....put in another $1800 crown...NEXT !
Elizabeth
You had a great smile, but now you have a Sally Fields smile? I wish I could see that smile.
Hope all es well, and sell everything in sight.
Tom
Hi Elizabeth, Well congratulations for not being a sissy, finding a team of experts that you liked, and just going for it!! I'm looking foward to seeing your new Sally Field smile....should we call you Gidget??...definitely not the Flying Nun LOL!!!
Elizabeth, Your smile comes through in you beautiful personality. Love the way you related this post about dentistry to real estate. So when do we see the new SF smile?
Elizabeth - Good for you! I've had bad experiences with dentists, so I understand the need to find one you can trust... :)