Dr. Sammy Saka understands that for some, visiting his office is the last thing they want to do.
“It’s OK,” he says. “It comes with the territory.”
"Most of my patients are afraid," the dentist says. "But instead of taking that as a slant, I see it as a great opportunity to show them how comfortable this process can be and give them a great experience."
For Dr. Saka, putting patients, especially nervous ones, at ease is priority No. 1 at Saka Dental Spa. He has a reason for this mantra that goes beyond the obvious.
When he was younger, Dr. Saka watched his mother endure dental pain that was distressing to witness. She would receive questionable care from providers who wouldn't show empathy. She'd be handed off from one specialist to another, paying for services that didn’t bring relief.
"I wanted to help people and give them better treatment than my mom got. I wanted them to not be afraid," Dr. Saka explains. "I decided my patients aren’t going to have that experience. I always make myself available. That’s important to me."
He's learned through his years of practice that having strict boundaries in the medical field creates a disconnect and can leave the patient feeling hopeless, with nowhere to turn.
"When I started seeing my profession as a 9-5, I began to feel separated from my work and my patients. I began making myself more available and I realized that I’m happier without those boundaries," Dr. Saka shares. "Yes, there are times when I can’t be there. But if I get an email that says 'urgent,' I know I’m going to call you. No one deserves to be in the dark, scared, or in pain. That level of communication is so important."
Dr. Saka describes his office as a full-service facility for nearly all dental needs. They provide the basics like exams, cleanings, and imaging, but also offer cosmetic services, root canals, and implants. There are a few procedures that have to be outsourced—such as wisdom tooth extractions—but Dr. Saka says that if he has to refer a patient, it’s to someone he knows personally and can text if the patient is in a jam. "We want to handle as much as we can in-house, while also putting the patient first," he says.
The goal at Saka Dental Spa is to provide top-level care with an exceptional patient experience. They blend state-of-the-art technology with a basic North Star: make the patient feel comfortable.
"If someone hasn’t seen a dentist in a while—4 to 5 years—I’ll say to them, 'I’m proud of you for coming in,'" Dr. Saka notes. "It’s important to remember that when I see a patient in that situation, there’s no judgment here. I think the reality is that some people get into a difficult place; life happens and they haven’t had consistent care, and they are embarrassed and afraid. It becomes a perpetuating issue. I’m here to help and protect them. It’s human. I understand how they can get into this situation. And in the end there are no problems, only solutions. There’s always something we can do."
Dr. Saka’s Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums
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Stick to the basics: Brush morning and night, and after meals if you can. Don’t forget to floss before bed, that's the most important time.
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If you use mouthwash, use it before brushing.
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After brushing, don’t rinse your mouth out with water. The minerals in toothpaste strengthen your teeth, so let it rest for 5 minutes after brushing.
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The best form of flossing is the one you’ll actually do. I like pro floss sticks because they’re so easy to use.
Saka Dental Spa
Address: 614 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch
Phone: (848) 246-2432
For more information or to check out their services visit sakadentalspa.com.