Hey y'all! This isnt your normal doctor bio, this is in first person. You get to hear all about me, from none other than ME! My name is Dr. Sana Yusuf, I am one of your many local general dentists. I have been in the dental field since I was in high school & have held every job in a dental office from receptionist, insurance coordinator, dental assistant and now as the doctor!
I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of Detroit Mercy in THREE years. You read that correct, I graduated college at the age of 20. I continued my education at Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine, Downers Grove, IL, where I earned my Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the age of 24.
After earning my doctorate, I joined the United States Army, as an Active Duty Captain and worked as a general dentist. Now a United States Army Veteran, I am an honored recipient of the Army Commendation Medal. After leaving the Army, my family and I decided to move to Tampa, FL to settle down. So what makes Sana Dental Studio & Spa different from any other dental office? Me - thats whats different.
I am as transparent as they come. I am committed to helping my patients achieve a healthy, esthetic smile while improving their quality of life. My goal is to educate my patients, involve them in their treatment decisions and provide a completely transparent and honest relationship of trust.
I will ALWAYS have your best interest in mind, I do not over sell or over treatment plan. Its as simple as this what you need and this is why. I will educate you and do my best to help you make an informed decision but ultimately the choice is yours! We are just here to facilitate the best dental care for you.
I am a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Vice President of the Board for Sunrise of Pasco County (an organization that provides services and awareness regarding domestic violence and sexual assault), as well as a member of the organization Angels for Humanity which provides dental and medical services to children without access to care in Haiti and Dominican Republic.
In many ways, this is the most important care we provide. The best way to treat dental problems is to prevent them from happening. As you would expect, preventive care includes regular professional cleanings, along with good home care, and a healthy diet. It also means a focus on education, early detection, and when necessary, quick intervention to prevent minor issues from becoming major ones.
The health of your teeth and gums depends on a healthy bite, and a mouth free of infection. We make your dental hygiene visits pleasant, while maximizing the quality of care. We are committed to making dentistry as comfortable as possible. Along with our gentle treatment, we have overhead televisions for your entertainment, and relaxing music in the background. .
Healthy gums, including the soft tissue and bone that surround your teeth, is one of the most important elements of dental health. Our highly skilled and gentle dental hygienists are passionate about their profession. Their non-surgical approach is aimed at preventing gum disease, and helping you maintain your teeth for a lifetime. They consult closely with the doctor to determine if further care is needed.
Occlusion refers to the position of the teeth when the jaws are closed. In other words, how the teeth meet when you bite together. One of the problems associated with a dysfunctional occlusion (bite) is TMD- temporo-mandibular dysfunction (sometimes incorrectly known as TMJ.) Signs and symptoms may include worn, broken or loose teeth, sensitive teeth, headaches, and joint pain.
Many people subconsciously grind their teeth during times of stress or during sleep. When coming together, the strong force of the teeth and jaws may cause grinding and microfractures, resulting in prematurely worn teeth. We offer custom-fabricated occlusal guards (also called night guards), to protect the teeth against premature wear. For nighttime use only, these customized, professional mouthguards can prevent painful jaws, tooth damage, and in some cases, prevent TMD.
We include an occlusal screening as part of our routine examination. However, when symptoms dictate, we will suggest an in-depth analysis of the occlusal system, and possibly referral to a specialist, if needed. This is a very important part of preventive dentistry, and will help avoid the destructive consequences of failure to treat.
Unsightly metal fillings can expand over time, contain mercury, and can cause teeth to break. We work with durable porcelain and ceramic composites that, once in place, are indistinguishable from the surrounding tooth. Since these mercury-free composites bond to the tooth, they actually help strengthen it.
An extraction is when a tooth is removed, usually because of disease, trauma, or crowding. If you need a tooth extracted, your dentist will numb the area to make it more comfortable. After the extraction, your dentist will tell you what post-extraction care to follow.