Dental Implants

Mar22

The Advantages of Implant-Retained Dentures

Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, General Dentistry

implant dentures Comstock Park

Are you trading your traditional dentures for implant-stabilized dentures? Implant-retained or implant-stabilized dentures both provide numerous benefits over standard dentures. At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our team can help determine if implant-retained dentures are right for you.

Secure in the mouth—no slipping

Provides up to 100% natural chewing function

The upper denture doesn’t cover as much of the palate

This helps patients taste food more easily. (Hooray!)

More comfortable

When dentures are fixed in place, they don’t slip around, allowing the wearer to feel more self-assured in social or professional situations.

Little or no gum irritation

Mouth sores lower the quality of life and can make eating painful.

Doesn’t impair speaking power

Denture wearers recognize how frustrating it is to not be able to speak appropriately. With implant-stabilized dentures, you can regain the ease of talking and laughing.

Stronger

Implant-retained dentures are durable and long-lasting.

Prevents bone loss

When bone recedes, you can get that “sunken face” look. Nothing ages a person more than hollowed-out cheeks.

Allows wearer to eat any type of food

Has it been a while since you’ve taken a bite of a juicy steak or crisp, red apple? It’s time to experience your favorite foods again!

No adhesive required

You won’t miss gluing your dentures into your mouth.

What Are The Differences Between Fixed and Removable?

Fixed implant-retained dentures (sometimes called screw-in) necessitate more implants than the removable type. However, they can restore 100% chewing capacity.

Removable implant dentures (sometimes called snap-in) may require just 4 implants to stabilize the upper arch and just 2 for the lower denture. Removable implant-stabilized dentures can restore up to 90% of chewing ability.

Should I get removable or fixed implant-anchored dentures?

The following factors will affect your determination.

Bone Health

Implants require the patient to have an adequate amount of healthy bone structure for placement. The condition of your jawbone influences whether it can support implants and where the posts can be inserted.

Price

Fixed implant dentures cost more but some people believe the merits outweigh the extra expense.

Convenience

Fixed implant-stabilized dentures don’t have to be taken out for cleaning. Patients who have found it inconvenient to clean traditional dentures would face the same issue with removable implant-retained dentures.

Preferred Foods

Fixed dentures are stronger than removable dentures. Patients who prefer foods that are harder to chew should consider this.

Sleep Conditions

Individuals with TMJ or sleep apnea may find it more onerous to manage these conditions if they have to remove their dentures at night.

Now denture wearers have a better option.

 

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

616-784-2377

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Mar15

Can I Get a Metal-Free Tooth Implant?

Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, Oral Health

are metal-free tooth implants better? Comstock Park

Many Comstock Park dental patients are turning to metal-free dentistry from Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry. Instead of amalgam fillings, they select composite and porcelain restorations. Non-metal fillings and crowns can be matched exactly to your natural tooth color. Some men and women are sensitive to the metals used in conventional fillings. Non-metal materials can prevent potential tooth sensitivity.

Controversy Over Whether Dental Amalgam is Toxic

Another one of the issues with dental amalgam is that it contains a small amount of mercury. Some dental patients are concerned that mercury is toxic or harmful to one’s health.

Both the American Dental Association and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have reviewed volumes of research and concluded that dental amalgam does not pose a health risk.

“FDA has reviewed the best available scientific evidence to determine whether the low levels of mercury vapor associated with dental amalgam fillings are a cause for concern. Based on this evidence, FDA considers dental amalgam fillings safe for adults and children ages 6 and above. The weight of credible scientific evidence reviewed by FDA does not establish an association between dental amalgam use and adverse health effects in the general population.” (FDA)

Is There a Metal-Free Dental Implant?

That said, many men and women do not want any metal in their mouths, regardless of what the FDA and ADA say. This leads to the question “Is there a metal-free alternative to titanium for dental implant procedures?”

Some implant dentists offer Zirconia implants.

What Are Zirconia Implants?

Zirconia tooth implants are regularly advertised as a non-metal alternative to titanium posts.

Is Zirconia Metal-Free?

As it turns out, the answer to this question is involved. You will get different answers depending on whether you consult a manufacturer of Zirconia tooth implants, an implant dentist who prefers titanium, or a scientist who has no ties to the dental industry.

Consider the following:

“Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, a very durable type of metal that’s related to titanium, although it’s categorized as a type of ceramic crown.” (Healthline.com)

“Is it misleading when we call zirconium restorations “metal free”? We all agree that titanium is a metal. Zirconium is chemically a metal and has been used in alloys. Its atomic number is 40. To say that Titanium is a metal and that Zirconium is not is showing a poor knowledge of chemistry. Zirconium dioxide, an oxidized form of Zirconium that is used for restorations, is a metal. We would not call rust — iron oxide — anything but a metal. Now we have a new generation of zirconium dioxide implant fixtures and they are advertised as “metal-free” and calling them ceramic.” (Osseonews.com)

“Zirconium is a silver-gray transition metal, a type of element that is malleable and ductile and easily forms stable compounds.” (LiveScience.com)

How are Zirconia and Titanium Implants Similar?

Both materials are FDA-approved, biocompatible, and safe to use for dental implants.

Why Don’t all Dental Implant Dentists Offer Zirconia Implants?

There are several reasons.

  • Some dental implant dentists don’t believe they are as strong as titanium implants.
  • Some dental implant dentists don’t offer them because they can’t be used in a variety of configurations. For example, they are not suited for complete mouth restorations and implant-anchored dentures.
  • Some dental implant dentists don’t offer them because they believe they have a slight risk of fracture–especially narrow-diameter Zirconia implants.
  • Some dental implant dentists believe they haven’t proven to provide long-term success.

“A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, concluded, “Survival rates and marginal bone loss of zirconia implants are promising, but more evidence on long-term outcomes is needed.” (JADA)

So what do you do if you are interested in getting a dental implant but don’t want titanium in your mouth? Talk to Drs. Hull.

Don’t depend on marketing hype to make critical decisions about dental implants. Schedule a consultation with Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

 

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

616-784-2377

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Mar8

What Is More Valuable Than A Diamond?

Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

Comstock Park cosmetic dentistry “Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.” -Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote, 1605

When Cervantes wrote Don Quixote, there was no way to replace teeth that were lost to decay or injury. We are fortunate to live at a time when there is a permanent state-of-the-art replacement for missing teeth performed by Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry: the amazing dental implant.

A dental implant, or tooth implant, is anchored into the jaw bone. It does not slide around like a removable denture. It functions just like a natural tooth.

With a dental implant, you can talk, chew, and brush like normal. Eat that steak. Laugh out loud. Sing at the top of your lungs!

Dental implant placement is not an experimental treatment. Dental implants have been available for many years. You can be sure it has been fully tested and tweaked to perfection.

If you have a missing tooth and want to get a tooth implant, it is critical to decide on an experienced dental specialist to perform your implant procedure. To schedule a dental implant or cosmetic dentistry consultation at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, call 616-784-2377.

We offer the full spectrum of restorative, cosmetic, and general dental services. If you need a gentle family dentist to put your kids at ease or a precision smile design artist, we invite you to speak with us today by calling 616-784-2377. We are dedicated to providing singular dental care for our valued patients.

 

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

616-784-2377

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Jan26

How Do Implant Dentures Work?

Categories: Dental Implants, Dentistry, Restorative dentistry

implant dentures Comstock Park

Many individuals know that a tooth implant is an ideal tooth restoration. Some don’t realize, however, that two or more can support a partial or full denture. This can be a less expensive option than having many implants while still providing many advantages as compared to conventional dentures.

Today’s post answers the most frequent questions about implant dentures.

The first thing to know is that a fixed implant denture is called an “implant-supported” denture while a removable one is called an “implant-retained” denture.

What Are Implant Dentures?

Like traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures replace missing teeth. The difference is that they are attached to titanium posts which are surgically inserted into the jawbone.

Each post is called an implant. The implant fuses with the surrounding bone structure to create an incredibly secure restoration. These posts are similar to the implants that hold a crown, except instead of a crown, they have a clip that attaches to the denture, partial denture, or metal bar that holds the denture connectors. Implants can be used for both upper and lower dentures.

Bar-Retained and Ball-Retained Systems

There are two types of implant stabilization methods: bar-retained and ball-retained. For both, the denture is created with gum-colored acrylic for the base to which porcelain (or acrylic) false teeth are attached. The denture necessitates, at a minimum, two implants for stabilization.

With the ball-retained system, each post holds an attachment (male or female) that fits into a corresponding connector on the denture. These are sometimes called “stud-attachment.”

With bar-retained dentures, a metal bar is anchored to two to five implants. The bar holds the clips that connect to the denture.

If you are currently wearing standard dentures, talk to us about superior restoration procedures.

 

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

616-333-6445

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Jan5

How Do You Choose a Dental Practice For a Dental Implant?

Categories: Dental Implants, General Dentistry, Restorative dentistry

implant dentist Comstock ParkToday’s message is for men and women who have decided to replace a damaged tooth with a tooth implant. Great choice!

Now you need to choose the right dental implant dentist to perform the procedure.

This is a key decision. A dental implant is permanent. It involves oral surgery. It requires a significant financial investment. Making a bad choice of provider can lower your chances for success.

Here are the vital factors to consider:

Experience

  • How many years has the dentist been performing implants?
  • How many tooth implants has he/she done?
  • How many years has the dentist been practicing dentistry?

Patient Reviews

Online reviews are a great resource. Former patients not only give a five-star rating, but some of them share details about their experience. Be sure to check out the reviews for any dentist you are considering. Visit multiple online platforms.

Office Atmosphere

A modern dental practice with the latest technology helps ensure an effective outcome. When you visit the office, ask about their patient amenities. Observe the cleanliness of the office and the friendliness of the team.

What About Price?

You may wonder why we didn’t list price as one of the factors. This was intentional. Choosing an implant dentist by price alone is a bad idea. In the Grand Rapids area, most implant dentists’ prices are comparable. If you find a provider that has slashed the price for implants, be cautious. Find out exactly what is covered. A dental implant consists of a post, abutment, and crown (or denture). Some implant-only clinics advertise the price for the post alone. This is misleading.

How much does a tooth implant cost at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry? Call 616-784-2377 to schedule a consultation. We can take a look at your specific implant needs and discuss financing options.

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Dec21

What If My Dental Insurance Doesn’t Cover Dental Implants?

Categories: Dental Implants

dental implant financing Comstock Park

For years, the dental industry has been advocating implants as the preferable tooth restoration option in most circumstances.

But many dental insurers don’t cover teeth implants. The dental insurance industry seems to be stuck in 1970. For example, many insurers will cover dental bridges.

Clearly, dental insurance providers rarely make coverage decisions based on what is best for the patient.

However, you shouldn’t give up on dental implant procedures if your dental insurance provider doesn’t cover them. You may be able to get coverage for part of the procedure. Or your medical insurance may cover part of the treatment plan.

What to do if your dental insurer doesn’t cover dental implant procedures

  • Have your implant dentist provide a detailed implant treatment plan in writing
  • Armed with your treatment plan, talk to both your dental insurance company and your medical insurance provider
  • Ask your dental insurance provider if they will give you an allowance equal to the price tag of a bridge or conventional dentures
  • Ask your dental insurance provider if they will cover the cost of the crown(s)
  • If your tooth loss has medical complications, your health insurance provider might cover some elements of the implant treatment
  • Consider switching dental insurance companies–if your employer offers more than one dental option, contact the other provider(s) to find out if they cover implants
  • Pay for dental implants instead of premiums: consider not renewing your dental insurance and use the money saved toward the cost of implants
  • Look into dental implant-specific insurance–some businesses are filling a need in the industry by offering dental insurance created specifically for tooth implants and related procedures
  • Ask Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry about financing and payment options

Tooth implants are a wise investment in your health and quality of life. If you need implants but your insurance doesn’t cover them, talk with us at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

 

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Sep29

What is the Recovery Time for a Dental Implant?

Categories: Dental Implants, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

dental implant recovery time Comstock Park

What is the recovery time for a permanent tooth implant procedure?

There isn’t a standard timeline because there are many variables involved.

Each patient’s treatment plan is unique.

Here are some factors that affect the recovery time for a dental implant procedure.

  1. Is a tooth extraction necessary?
  2. Will I need to have a bone graft (and/or sinus lift) before getting the implant?
  3. Will I receive anesthesia during the procedure?

Tooth extraction

If you need a non-viable tooth pulled, it may be possible to receive a tooth implant on the same day. As long as you have enough strong, healthy jawbone in which to anchor the implant.

Bone graft

As soon as a tooth is removed, the bone begins to recede. A dental implant is the only tooth replacement procedure that prevents or (greatly reduces) bone deterioration.

If teeth at the implant site have been gone for a while, the bone may have shrunk. Bone can also be weakened or destroyed with a severe infection.

An important decision is whether an implant patient needs bone augmentation.

In a bone grafting procedure, an oral surgeon or dentist packs bone material into the area where the implant will be placed.

If the implant will be placed in the upper arch, you may need a sinus lift treatment. When bone matter shrinks in parts of the upper jaw, it may cause the floor of the sinus cavity to fall into the space created.

A sinus lift procedure is done in conjunction with a bone graft. The goal is to raise the floor of the sinus cavity to make room for the additional bone material.

After the bone graft, you need to wait until the new bone has integrated with the existing bone. This will create a strong and stable foundation for the implant.

Recovery after a bone graft procedure

Day of procedure: Though bone grafting requires oral surgery, don’t let the term “surgery” give the impression that it has a long recovery time. The site will be sore, but most patients can take care of it with Ibuprofen or aspirin.

It doesn’t take much longer than filling a cavity. Most patients can return to work the next day.

If swelling or pain increases a few days after the procedure, contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

After a bone graft, how long until I can get my implant?

The fusing process can take several months. You don’t want to rush this because successful implantation requires a sturdy foundation.

Recovery after implant placement

Just as with the bone graft procedure, the implant placement procedure can be completed in less than two hours. If you elect to have IV sedation, however, you will need to wait until the effects of the sedation have worn off.

You will probably experience the following post-procedure:

  • Pain at the implant site
  • Minimal bleeding
  • Swelling and/or bruising of the gums and cheeks

These effects should subside after a few days. Ice packs used on the outside of the face can alleviate swelling. Call our office if these symptoms persist.

NOTE: It is not necessary for a permanent tooth implant recipient to be unconscious for the dental process. A local painkiller is usually sufficient. However, people with dental anxiety may elect stronger sedation.

Healing abutment

Your dentist may mount a temporary healing abutment to the post during the initial surgery. A healing abutment is sometimes called a ‘healing cuff’ or ‘healing cap.’

Make sure you practice daily oral hygiene but be extra careful when cleaning around the surgical site.

It’s vital to follow all post-procedure instructions. And be sure to make the recommended follow-up visits.

Smoking can make it harder to heal from any type of oral surgery.

After a permanent dental implant has had time to fuse with the bone, you will have an appointment to attach the abutment.

Attaching the abutment

This is a fairly quick and easy service. Your dentist will make an incision in your gum tissue at the implant site to expose the post. Then the abutment is attached. Your dentist may place the prosthesis (artifical tooth crown, dental bridge, or denture/partial denture) at the same time. Or your dentist may wait until your gums have healed.

Tooth implants can give you a beautiful new smile. To keep it beautiful and avoid further issues (like decay or an infection):

  • Practice proper oral hygiene—keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy
  • Eat a nutritious diet
  • Don’t chew on hard foods or other items
  • If you grind your teeth, seek treatment.
  • Have a twice-yearly dental exam and cleaning

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we restore missing teeth with dental implant procedures. Dental implant placement studies have found a five-year success rate of 98%.

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

May12

Implant Dentures: Fixed or Removable?

Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

implant dentures Comstock Park

Today, dental patients with missing teeth are fortunate to have a tooth replacement choice that is far better than both traditional dentures and dental bridges. Implant-retained or implant-stabilized dentures both provide numerous advantages over traditional dentures.

  • Secure in the mouth—no slipping
  • Offers up to 100% natural chewing function
  • Upper denture doesn’t cover as much of the palate
  • Comfortable
  • Little or no gum irritation
  • Doesn’t impair speaking ability
  • Strong and durable
  • Implants prevent bone loss and “sunken face”
  • Allows user to eat any type of food—even steak
  • No adhesive required
  • Minimally invasive oral surgery for implant placement

What Are The Differences Between Fixed and Removable?

Fixed implant-retained dentures (sometimes called screw-in) require more implants than the removable type. They can restore 100% of chewing capacity.

Removable implant dentures (sometimes called snap-in) may require just 4 implants to stabilize the upper arch and just 2 for the lower denture. Removable implant-stabilized dentures can restore up to 90% of chewing ability.

How Do I Choose?

Call 616-784-2377 to schedule an implant denture consultation with Drs. Hull. The following factors will impact the recommendation.

Bone Condition

Implants require the patient has a sufficient amount of healthy bone structure for placement. The condition of your jawbone affects whether or not it can support implants and where the posts can be inserted.

Cost

Fixed implant dentures cost more but some men and women believe the advantages outweigh the extra expense.

Convenience

Fixed implant-stabilized dentures don’t have to be removed for cleaning. Patients who have found it inconvenient to clean standard dentures would face the same issue with removable implant-retained dentures.

Diet

Fixed dentures are sturdier than removable dentures. Patients who choose foods that are harder to chew should consider this.

Sleep Conditions

Men and women with TMJ or sleep apnea may find it more difficult to manage these conditions if they have to remove their dentures at night.

For an implant denture consultation, call us at 616-784-2377.

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Mar31

Why is the 4-Step Tooth Implant Timeline Necessary?

Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

why does a tooth implant take several months? Comstock Park

If you’ve visited our website before you know that implants are the preferable tooth restoration for most people with a missing tooth.

The dental implant process can take several dental visits over a period of months.

Don’t let this discourage you. Each stage of the procedure is critical.

Remember that the tooth implant timeline is not a drawback. It is indicative of the permanent nature of a tooth implant.

The Dental Implant Timeline

1. Dental Implant Examination and Assessment

A complete tooth implant and restoration consists of the post or root replacement, the abutment, and the final restoration (crown, denture, bridge, or partial denture).

It all starts with a consultation.

At your first visit to Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we’ll take X-rays and assess your mouth. We will examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone.

Be prepared to consider your physical health in general and your medical history.

If you don’t have enough bone at the implant site, we may recommend bone grafting surgery. This common procedure is described on our website.

2. Tooth Implant Placement

The first step is to insert the titanium alloy implant into your jawbone. This is not as difficult or painful as it sounds. Most patients are surprised at how quick and easy the procedure is.

  • First, we’ll use local anesthesia to numb the implant location.
  • Drs. Hull will make an incision in the gums. This opens the gums so the bone is accessible.
  • Then, we drill a small hole. The hole is the precise diameter and depth of the post.
  • The implant post is screwed into the hole in the bone.
  • We’ll take an X-ray to verify the implant is in the correct place.
  • We will then sew the gums back over the implant.

Dental implant placement will take from one to two hours.

OTC pain relievers are usually enough for post-surgery soreness. Most dental implant patients can go back to work after the surgery.

Soreness and swelling should subside after a few days. An ice pack (used on the cheek, not inside the mouth) can reduce swelling.

If the implant site (and missing tooth) is visible when you smile, we will create a removable partial denture or flipper. You can wear this while you are waiting for the final restoration.

Make sure you practice proper oral hygiene but be extra gentle when cleaning around the surgical site.

3. Osseointegration

Implant surgery would not be successful if your jawbone did not welcome a non-biological tooth root. Amazingly, in the vast majority of cases, the jawbone tightly fuses with the implant. This is necessary to establish an extremely tough foundation for the final restoration.

Titanium readily integrates with the bone. The official term for this quality is ‘osteophilic’. For most patients, it takes from three to six months for the post and jawbone to become inseparable.

4. Placing the Final Restoration

The last step is a crown, bridge, or denture. A connecting piece called an abutment attaches the restoration to the artificial root(s). The crown, bridge, or denture is all that is visible at the end of the process.

When you have your new smile at the end of this process, it will all be worth it!

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Dec30

2023 Is The Year To Replace Missing Teeth

Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

If you or someone you care about lost a tooth this year, but haven’t yet dealt with the issue, Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI suggests a consultation with our dental implant team immediately.

Why the rush? Though your missing tooth might not be an aesthetic issue now – maybe it’s far enough back that the gap is not visible, or perhaps you don’t mind a sort of rugged look – it could very well become one in the future.

When we lose a tooth, the root and jaw bone eventually atrophy. This causes neighboring teeth to begin to shift into the empty spaces, causing misalignment and pain. Worse, it causes your facial features to take on a “sunken” look; especially round the cheeks.

Dental implants are the best way to avoid this, as they protect and stimulate the remaining teeth, keeping them in place and bolstering their strength. The good news is that dental implants and their associated restorations mimic natural enamel perfectly, so nobody will be able to tell that you’ve achieved your New Year’s resolution early this coming year!

If you’ve been dreaming of a more complete smile for years, 2023 is the time to do it and Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI can help! We offer implants and complete restorative dentistry. We serve satisfied patients in Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI. Contact us today!

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321