Elk Grove dentist

How to Reduce Stress – And Protect Your Smile in the Process

May 22nd, 2025

At Dentistry by Design, we believe true wellness begins with balance – and that includes managing stress. While some level of stress is a natural part of life, chronic stress can negatively impact your health in ways you might not expect – including your oral health.

Did you know that high stress levels are linked to dental issues like teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, and even gum disease? Emotional stress can play a key role in triggering or worsening periodontal disease. That’s why taking a holistic approach to stress management doesn’t just help your mind and body – it can also help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Here are some simple yet powerful ways to reduce stress and support your overall health:

1. See Your Doctor Regularly
Getting a physical can help rule out underlying medical issues that may be contributing to stress. It’s a vital first step in taking care of your whole body – mouth included.

2. Talk It Out
Stress can be isolating, but you’re not alone. Sharing your thoughts with a trusted family member or close friend can make a world of difference. Sometimes, just being heard is all it takes to start feeling better.

3. Taking Frequent Breaks
Small breaks throughout your day can help you recharge. Whether it’s stepping outside for a breath of fresh air or taking a few quiet moments to yourself, these pauses help reset your nervous system.

4. Get Moving
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce tension, improve your mood, and boost your energy. It also supports your immune system, which plays a crucial role in oral health.

5. Set Boundaries
Don’t overwhelm yourself by taking on too much at once. Setting healthy limits helps you stay grounded and reduces anxiety, leading to a more peaceful and productive life.

6. Don’t Forget to Smile
Laughter truly is the best medicine. A daily dose of joy, humor, and connection with others is not only uplifting – it’s healing.

At Dentistry by Design, we care about more than just your teeth – we care about YOU. Dr. Ionescu takes a natural, patient-centered approach to dentistry because we believe that wellness starts from within. If stress is affecting your smile, your sleep, or your sense of well-being, we’re here to help.

Call us at (916) 685-4662 or visit www.elkgrovedentistry.com to schedule your next visit. Let’s take care of your health together – body, mind, and smile.

The Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups at Dentistry by Design in Elk Grove

October 12th, 2023

Your smile is a reflection of your well-being, and it's vital to maintain it. At Dentistry by Design in Elk Grove, Dr. Ionescu's expertise ensures your smile remains healthy and radiant. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of regular dental check-ups at Dentistry by Design and why Dr. Ionescu is your go-to choice for dental care.

Prevention is Better than Cure
Dentistry by Design emphasizes the importance of prevention. Regular dental check-ups allow Dr. Ionescu and his team to identify potential issues early. This proactive approach not only spares you pain and discomfort but also reduces the financial burden of extensive treatments.

Early Detection of Dental Issues
Dr. Ionescu conducts comprehensive examinations during your dental check-ups, carefully assessing your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Early detection of dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, is a priority. Dr. Ionescu's attention to detail ensures that problems are addressed in their early stages.

Preventing Gum Disease
Gum disease is common but preventable. Regular dental check-ups at Dentistry by Design help manage and prevent it. Dr. Ionescu provides guidance on oral hygiene practices and ensures your gums remain healthy.

Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can be subtle in its early stages, but it's a condition where early detection can be truly lifesaving. At Dentistry by Design in Elk Grove, under the expert care of Dr. Ionescu, oral cancer screening is not just a routine procedure—it's a lifesaving measure.

In the last month, Dr. Ionescu discovered cancerous lesions in two patients during their regular check-ups. These discoveries potentially saved their lives. It underscores the critical importance of regular dental check-ups and the meticulous attention to detail that Dr. Ionescu and his team bring to every appointment. Early detection improves the chances of successful treatment and ensures that your oral health is in the best hands.

Professional Teeth Cleaning
Your check-up includes professional teeth cleaning, and removing plaque and tartar for healthier teeth and fresher breath.

Your oral health is essential, and regular dental check-ups at Dentistry by Design are the key to a healthy smile. Our commitment to prevention and early detection ensures top-notch dental care. Prioritize your oral health and schedule your next visit today to enjoy a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles under the expert care of Dr. Ionescu and his dedicated team. Don't wait—take that proactive step now!

The importance of radiology in dentistry

July 13th, 2022

Why does Dr. Ionescu recommend x-rays?

X-rays help us see what we can not physically see through a clinical examination. People naturally don’t have x-ray vision and can’t see through bones, muscles, ligaments or teeth tissue. With the aid of x-rays, also known as dental radiographs, we are able to diagnose any issues beginning to develop in between the teeth, the start of infections, or even problems in the bone, ligament or surrounding supporting tissue and structures.  Radiographs are a necessity in making an accurate diagnosis and recommendation on needed treatment. Without x-rays, we can only guess what is happening between the teeth or under the gum – and guessing is not ethical and is well below the standard of healthcare in our office.

 

Should dental x-rays be a concern?

No. We have modern digital radiology in our Elk Grove dental office and with the use of lead aprons and regular testing of our machines we can confidently say that the dose of radiation received is minimal and much less than the radiation you are exposed to by flying on a plane. No patient or employee of ours is exposed to high levels of radiation; we assure that exposure is well below the safe dose, and as low as reasonably achievable. Actually, the radiation we all are exposed on a regular basis during our existence is significantly more concerning than the digital x-rays received every six to twelve months in our dental office.

 Is the x-ray mandatory?

No, here at Dentistry by Design, we will never force our patients into doing something that they are not comfortable with.  However, our recommendation in most cases will include x-rays in order to provide the best possible treatment. Without x-rays, we could potentially miss diseased bone, infections, or even cavities. Our Dental professionals’ goal is to properly diagnose and treatment plan your dental needs at all times and avoid misdiagnosing that might occur without the information provided by dental radiography. Dr. Ionescu is a very conservative dentist, and if a patient is at very low risk for all potential issues caught by radiography, he may recommend an extended x-ray interval to avoid unnecessary radiation.

Therefore, modern dentistry can’t exist without radiography.

Yours in good health,

DBD Team