Author: Dr. Eric Hull

Jun26

Oral Appliance Therapy For Sleep Apnea

oral appliance for sleep apnea Comstock Park

The word “apnea” comes from Greek, and it means “without breath.” Sleep apnea, then, is sleeping without breath: a condition in which someone’s breathing stops involuntarily during sleep. It is serious, but treatable at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

Sleep apnea is more common than you may realize, affecting more than eighteen million Americans. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, headaches, and heart disease, among other conditions.

TYPES AND SYMPTOMS

There are three main types of sleep apnea:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type. It occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep.
  • Central sleep apnea is when the brain doesn’t get the body’s signals that control breathing.
  • Complex sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Anyone can get sleep apnea, even children. But it’s more common in men than women. The most common symptoms include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Gasping for breath during sleep
  • Headaches in the morning
  • Waking up with a dry mouth
  • Insomnia
  • Excessive sleepiness during the day
  • Shortened attention span
  • Irritability

All of this may sound frightening, and it can be. But there is hope, too, because sleep apnea can be treated with an oral appliance from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to our office for treatment, for our comprehensive general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. If you think that you may have sleep apnea, please contact us today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 7586
Jun12

Oral Cancer: Early Diagnosis Makes A Big Difference

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral cancer screenings, Oral Health

oral cancer screening Comstock Park

Oral cancer claims some fifty thousand lives in the United States every year. That’s a scary number and one of the reasons why we perform oral cancer screenings at every checkup at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

Oral cancer refers to cancer in not just the mouth, but also the face, neck and lips. Each of those areas is part of a screening.

During an oral cancer screening we look for anything out of the ordinary: swellings, bumps, patches of color, lesions, or any other irregularities. This is one of those times we’ll ask you to say “Ahh,” because making that sound exposes parts of the throat that are hard to see.

Oral cancer screening also includes a physical exam. We’ll feel your head and cheeks, around your jaw, under your chin, and in your mouth to see if there are any masses or unusual nodules.

Also available is a device called the VELscope. This non-invasive device stimulates cells with a blue light, with which we can better see changes in tissue. It won’t diagnose cancer, but helps us identify abnormalities we might not see with a simple visual exam.

Early diagnosis of oral cancer increases the odds of successful treatment. Patients come to Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI for general and cosmetic dentistry. Please call to schedule your next checkup with us today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 7428
Jun5

Schedule Your Coronation

Categories: Dental Crowns, General Dentistry

dentist crowns Comstock Park

Dental crowns are one of the best ways to restore a tooth that has been damaged or broken. They are one of most common restorations we perform at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

The word “crown” is sometimes referred to a “cap”. Dental crowns are fixed restorations that are made to cover the tooth. Once they are in place, they protect the tooth and restore its appearance and function.

There is a difference between a crown used for a restoration and a crown used in a dental implant, even though they have the same name. In a restoration, they cover a tooth that has had work done on it, such as removing decay or a root canal. The crown completely covers the dental work and is cemented in place.

A dental implant is actually a titanium post that is inserted into the jaw, where it fuses with the bone. A connecting piece fits into the post and a crown is attached to that.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we use restorative crowns to repair teeth that have been damaged, cracked, or broken. Our patients come from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI for complete family and cosmetic dentistry. Please call our office to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 7214
May1

Toothbrush Tantrums: When Your Child Won’t Brush

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, Oral Health

how to make your child brush their teeth Comstock Park

Children’s dental experts generally recommend that parents brush their kids’ teeth until they’re around seven years old. That’s about the time most kids begin to assert their independence, so it’s a good time for them to take over. But sometimes kids get stubborn about brushing. Then what? Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park has some tips.

Ideally, children should brush their teeth twice a day. Setting the right example can make a big difference. Let your kids know how important good dental health is to you, and make sure they see you brush and floss without fail.

Here are some other tips that are tried and true:

  • Make it fun. Try singing some of your children’s favorite songs as they brush, or even do a silly dance. Make it special, something reserved for brushing.
  • Choices. Like we said, issues can arise as children begin to assert their independence. Get them more involved by letting them choose the toothbrush and toothpaste they want to use. Make sure their choice has the American Dental Association label on it – and let them know why that label important.
  • Be positive. This is one of the most important things. If your child digs in her heels and won’t brush, don’t issue any ultimatums. It’s okay to let brushing go now and then. It’s a good time to emphasize how important good dental health is. A small reward, like staying up a little later on Friday night or control of the TV remote, can help.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want to help our young patients start on a lifetime of good dental health. People come to us from Rockford, Walker, and Kentwood for cosmetic, family and restorative dentistry. Call us to schedule your child’s next appointment today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 7046
Apr24

Seeking A Relationship In Comstock Park?

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral Health

Affordable Grand Rapids Cosmetic Dentistry

The relationship you have with any health care professional is more important than you might think. This is as true for a dentist as any other provider. That’s just one reason why, at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we work hard to make our office a friendly and welcoming place.

When it comes to your dentist, you should want more than someone who just happens to have an office near where you live. Likewise, you should want more than someone who can clean your teeth and fill cavities. Your dental health is important: studies show beyond any doubt that there is a clear connection between healthy teeth and gums and your general health.

We want all our patients to be fully informed. Never hesitate to ask us questions about what we’re doing: whether you’re curious about an instrument we use, about a procedure you need, or a problem we’ve found.

Our office is meant to be fully functional, in the sense of meeting the needs of our patients. In addition to regular checkups and cleanings, we want to provide you with everything you need to know to care for your teeth and gums between visits. We believe that a clean mouth is a happy mouth!

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, the dental health of every patient who settles into one of our chairs is our absolute top priority. People come here from Rockford, Walker, Kentwood, and throughout the area for general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, and much more. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 1391
Apr17

When Brushing Is A Battle: Tips For Comstock Park Parents

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry

kids dentist Comstock Park

Good dental hygiene should start early in life. When kids are really small, it’s up to parents to make sure their teeth are brushed at least once a day. As they get older and assert their independence, daily brushing can be more difficult. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we have some suggestions that we hope will help.

Four Tips

  • Set The Right Example. One of the most important things to do is set the right example. This applies to so much parenting! Make sure you child sees you brushing and flossing, and understands that you consider it essential to good health.
  • Don’t Worry About Toothpaste. Some kids hate the way toothpaste tastes. When their small, don’t make too much of it. If toothpaste keeps them from brushing, then skip it. Early on, most important thing is to establish the good habit of regular brushing.
  • Be Positive. When a youngster refuses to brush, it can be incredibly frustrating. Believe us, we know! Don’t let it get to you. Don’t tell them of the consequences of not brushing: “Your teeth will all fall out!” Instead, use positive reinforcement when they do brush: an extra ten minutes playing video games before bathtime, for example.
  • Keep It Short. Don’t insist that your youngster does as thorough a job on his or her teeth as you do on yours. This is especially true when they’re just taking over their brushing duties. As with forgoing toothpaste, the critical thing is to get them in the habit of regular brushing.

Above all, be patient and don’t give up! If you keep it positive and keep at it, your child will get the message before long. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we offer family, restorative, cosmetic dentistry, and much more. Schedule your child’s next checkup today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 8102
Apr10

6 Reasons To Ditch Your Dentures For Dental Implants

Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants

Implant dentures Comstock Park

Dentures that rest on the gums have a long history in dentistry. But a revolution is taking place, and these traditional dentures are no longer the only option. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we offer implant-supported dentures.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are inserted into your jaw. Within a few months the post has fused with the bone. This forms a rock-solid foundation for a replacement tooth.

One implant can support one artificial tooth. Multiple implants can support a dental bridge, or full dental arch.

Dental implants provide the following benefits:

  • Stability. Implants don’t move around in your mouth.
  • Form and Function. Implants look and function like natural teeth.
  • Like a New Root. Dental implants mimic a natural tooth root, promoting healthy bone
  • Bone Retention. The implant prevents bone recession and stimulates blood circulation
  • Comfort. No gum irritation
  • Appearance. Get your smile back!

Before you can get a dental implant, we must make sure you’ve got enough healthy bone to support it. Even if you have lost bone mass due to recession, though, a bone graft can stimulate new bone growth. In a matter of months you should have enough bone mass in the jaw to support the implants.

Implant-supported dentures from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park can change your life. We also offer complete family dentistry services. Call our office to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 4958
Mar27

The Future Of Tooth Decay In Comstock Park

Categories: Dental health, Dental hygiene, Family Dentistry

The Future Of Tooth Decay In Comstock Park

Tooth decay is the single most common dental issue there is. Unlike a cut on your finger, a cavity will not heal itself. In a worst case scenario, an untreated cavity can lead to future problems, up to and including tooth loss. That’s why we stress regular brushing and flossing to all of our patients, at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park!

Cavities form when acids in the mouth attack the enamel and dentin of the teeth. The acid is produced by bacteria in plaque, that sticky film that forms on the surfaces of teeth. When sugar is introduced it interacts with the bacteria in the plaque, and makes the acids, which attack the teeth and cause cavities.

That’s why it is so important to choose food and drink wisely. But it isn’t easy, is it? Sugar seems to be in just about everything. Health experts say the average person in the United States consumes about 19.5 teaspoons of sugar every single day! That’s twice as much as is recommended by the American Heart Association.

Knowing how much sugar is in the food that you buy is vital: not just to your teeth, but to your overall health. Reading ingredient labels on processed foods is essential.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want the best possible dental health for all of our patients. So cut back on sugar, brush and floss your teeth, and see us for a cleaning and checkup every six months. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 4071
Mar20

Is A Tooth Implant The Same As A Dental Crown?

tooth implants and crowns Comstock Park

What’s the difference between a dental implant and a crown? The relationship between a dental implant and a crown can be confusing. They can be combined in one procedure. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, both can be used with other dental restorations.

Let’s clear up the confusion.

1. A tooth implant can work as a foundation for a crown.

A complete dental implant restoration includes the implant itself – a strong metal post (artificial root) – a connecting piece (abutment), and a crown.

2. A crown can be used to protect a weakened tooth.

Removing tooth decay weakens the tooth. Once the decay is removed, a filling may not be enough to restore necessary strength. Likewise, after a root canal procedure, the remaining tooth may need strengthening. A crown may be used in both of these circumstances. A strong, natural looking crown protects the remaining tooth and functions like a natural tooth.

3. A crown can be attached to a dental bridge.

When a tooth has been taken out, a dental bridge may be used to restore part of it. The reason we say ‘part’ is because a dental bridge does not restore the root of the tooth. A crown can be attached to a dental bridge to restore the visible part of the missing tooth. A dental bridge used to replace one tooth requires the removal of tooth structure from adjacent teeth. With a bridge, it commands three crowns to replace one missing tooth!

Do you think there can be issues with this type of restoration? You are correct. A dental implant makes much more sense for most patients. Talk to Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry for more details about why this is true.

 

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 8099
Mar6

Artistic Smile Masterpieces

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

Artistic Smile Masterpieces At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Many people would like to reinvent their smiles. Does that sound like a tall order? With cosmetic dentistry at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, it’s easy!

Cosmetic dentistry is an umbrella term for a range of procedures that can enhance your smile. Even a small improvement can have a big impact. We have many techniques we can use, depending on the state of your smile: we can correct teeth that are discolored, chipped, mis-shapen, and even missing.

General dentistry addresses the health of your teeth and gums. That is never overlooked, but cosmetic dentistry aims to complement overall dental health. We consider the shape, alignment, color and condition of the teeth, and the facial shape and coloring of each patient. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment.

It’s been said that cosmetic dentistry is part science and part art. That’s a pretty good definition. We use sound dental techniques to bring positive changes to the smiles of our patients.

Cosmetic dentistry from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park can have positive changes on your life. Other services include complete general and family dentistry. Set up an appointment with us today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 3730