Author: Dr. Eric Hull

Feb28

Are Dentures Inevitable?

Implant Anchored Dentures in Comstock Park

Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and with good dental hygiene at home and regular checkups at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, they should. But even with the best intentions things sometimes go wrong. Implant-supported dentures are an ideal solution for anyone who has lost their natural teeth.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are inserted into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone. Once they do, they become rock-solid supports for replacement teeth.

Those posts are what make all the difference. Conventional dentures rest on top of the gums, with only a little adhesive paste to keep them in place. Consequently, biting and chewing is not very easy. They can also cause sore spots on the gums.

Furthermore, bone recession is often associated with conventional dentures. That means the jaw bone shrinks, because there aren’t any teeth to stimulate it. An unfortunate by-product of this is a sagging appearance in the face.

Since they are physically attached to the jaw, dental implants prevent bone recession. The implants act as new tooth roots and provide the stimulation needed for healthy bone. They also don’t slip, giving you virtually normal biting and chewing ability.

Properly cared for, implant-supported dentures from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park can last for decades. Along with custom dentures, they are among our many restorative dentistry options. 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 1234
Feb21

Been A While Since You Had Your Teeth Cleaned?

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry

Comstock Park Tooth Whitening

How long has it been since your last cleaning from a dental hygienist? You don’t have to answer that. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we provide thorough cleanings and checkups to ensure they have healthy teeth and great smiles.

We are devoted to giving each patient personalized care in our state-of-the-art office.

Maintaining your dental health is something that you have to work at every day. It can be a real balancing act: using the right oral care products, your personal oral care habits, and seeing us for regular checkups and cleanings.

Your dental health strategy should include:

  • Daily brushing and flossing. You should brush and floss twice a day. Just before bedtime is especially important, because it cleans out the germs and plaque that build up during the course of the day.
  • Proper brushing. It’s important not only to brush, but to brush properly. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush in a gentle, circular motion along the gum line. Use a fluoridated toothpaste and take your time; a minimum of two minutes is recommended.
  • Seeing the dentist twice a year. We have to include this one. A professional teeth cleaning alone is worth the trip to our office, but the dentist can also identify issues before they become serious.

If you’re due for a cleaning, please call us at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Our services include family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. 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 1467
Feb14

Dental Checkup – How Often?

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral Health

Dentist in Comstock Park, MI

When is the last time you had a dental checkup? At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we recommend you have one every six months. If you have a higher risk for oral diseases, we recommend every three to four months.

KNOW THE RISK FACTORS FOR ORAL PROBLEMS

Most people are in a medium-to-low risk category for dental problems. However, if you use tobacco or alcohol, eat a lot of sugar, have an eating disorder, don’t brush and floss twice a day or experience medical conditions that affect your mouth, you are likely in a higher risk category.

Dentists analyze many factors to determine the status of your oral health. We want you to have the healthiest teeth possible so you can enjoy a beautiful smile for life.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we believe that a healthy mouth is a happy one. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry. Call our office to schedule your next cleaning and 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 16
Feb7

Save Your Breath

Categories: Dental health, Dental hygiene, General Dentistry, Oral Health

bad breath treatments Comstock Park

This post from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park focuses on a problem experienced by many people, bad breath.

Bad breath, or halitosis, has several causes. The most common is poor oral hygiene. Halitosis often happens in the middle of the day, due to an inability to brush between meals. Small food pieces on the teeth, gums, and tongue grow bacteria. This in turn creates a sulfur compound, which emits the unpleasant odor.

While poor oral hygiene is the most common cause, other circumstances can contribute to or worsen the problem. The best remedy is regular brushing and flossing, but other actions might also be needed.

For example, a salivary gland problem or certain medications can cause dry mouth. Saliva moistens the teeth and gums, clearing away odiferous dead cells. Saliva also neutralizes the ever-present acids on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. Limiting caffeine, chewing sugar-free gum, using OTC saliva substitutes, and using a humidifier can add moisture to the mouth.

Remember, the best defense against bad breath is a good dental care routine – daily brushing and flossing, and regular visits to the dentist.

If you struggle with bad breath in spite of vigilant oral hygiene, ask about it at your next checkup with Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Our services include family, cosmetic and restorative 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 7100
Jan10

5 Critical Things To Know About Periodontal Disease

Categories: Dental health, Dental hygiene, Family Dentistry, Gum Disease

gum disease exam Comstock Park

Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is inflammation or infection of the gums. For the most part, periodontal disease is preventable. Yet it is so widespread in the United States that it has been called a health crisis by the American Dental Association. Fortunately, periodontal disease can be treated at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

  1. If left untreated, it can cause permanent damage such as tooth loss.
  2. Practicing proper dental hygiene and having regular dental cleanings and exams are the best way to prevent periodontal disease.
  3. Periodontal disease can occur without the presence of tooth decay.
  4. Almost half of all 30+ adults in the US have periodontal disease.
  5. In some cases, periodontal disease produces no noticeable symptoms.

Risk factors for periodontal disease include tobacco use, poor oral hygiene (especially failing to floss), genetics, teeth grinding, inflammatory conditions, and poor nutrition.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park, gum disease can be treated. We offer complete family and cosmetic dentistry services. Call us 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 7464
Jan3

Why Visit The Dentist?

Categories: Dental health, Dental hygiene, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Oral Health

Why Visit The Dentist?

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we want to see each of our patients for regular cleanings and checkups. Most of the time we try to schedule your next appointment as you leave the office. There are some very good reasons for that.

Along with daily brushing and flossing, regular cleanings and checkups are the best way to ensure you have good dental health. That means clean teeth with no cavities, and pink healthy gums.

During your cleaning, we will use an air polisher to remove any tartar found on your teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed with a toothbrush and floss. That’s one of the reasons brushing twice a day is so important!

During your examination with the doctor, we will look to see if there are any cavities that may have appeared since your last visit. We will update your x-rays if you are due.

Finally, we willl look at your tongue, throat, face and head, and your neck. We’re checking for swelling or redness, or any signs of cancer.

Why should you visit the dentist? Your dental health is important to your overall health! At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we will take good care of your dental health. Services include family, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Schedule your 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 7774
Dec27

Do You Have The Most Common Dental Problem?

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry

Grand Rapids Teeth WhiteningAt Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we restore decayed teeth to create smiles that are both healthy and beautiful. Recent advances in techniques and materials have made the impossible not only possible, but affordable, too.

Decay is the most common dental problem across the board. Not only that, it’s the second most common disease in the nation after the common cold. If you have one or more teeth with decay, it’s time to do something about it.

What Causes Cavities?

We get cavities when certain bacteria in the mouth combine with the sugars in the things we all eat and drink. It produces acids that destoys tooth enamel.

The result is tiny holes in the enamel. This is the first stage of decay. The acids gradually wear away the enamel and get into the inner parts of the tooth. When it reaches the pulp you begin to feel sensitivity, especially when you bite or chew on something.

Left untreated, the result may be a tooth abcess requiring a root canal. But cavities can be filled before it reaches that stage.

Cavities can be avoided with good dental hygiene, which is why we advise brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. It’s also why we recommend regular checkups here at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Services include general and restorative dentistry. Call us 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 1371
Dec20

How Much Do You Know About Gum Disease?

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, Gum Disease, Oral Health

gum disease treatment Comstock Park

Do you know that the most common cause of tooth loss among adults is gum disease? At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, gum disease is easy to treat if it is detected in the early stages.

Regular check-ups are critical, but there are warning signs for gum disease that everyone should be looking for.

  • Gums that bleed often
  • Gums that are tender, swollen, or very red, or gums that have visible pus in between them when they are pushed
  • A bite that changes suddenly so that your teeth don’t seem to fit together correctly
  • Receding gums
  • A bad taste in the mouth or chronic bad breath
  • Loose or separating teeth

Gum disease is usually the result of poor brushing and flossing habits. When you don’t brush and floss on a regular basis, there is a build-up of plaque, which hardens into a substance called tartar. That’s why we recommend our patients brush and floss twice a day. It’s the best way to prevent plaque from building up.

No amount of brushing and flossing will remove tartar from your teeth. It takes a professional cleaning to remove it, which is why we encourage regular checkups.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, call us at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park right away. We offer gum disease diagnosis and treatment, as well as complete family and cosmetic dentistry services. Call for 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 7386
Dec13

Saliva And Dental Health

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, Oral Health

In  this blog post from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we examine saliva and its role in your dental health.

Don’t be squeamish! Saliva is mostly water. No surprise there. A small portion of it, though, is made up of enzymes, antibacterial substances, mucus, and minerals. The ideal pH balance of the mouth is maintained by saliva, and pH balance is a critical factor for preventing cavities.

The minerals in saliva help to maintain the enamel surface of the teeth. Immunoproteins in saliva curb the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth, thereby protecting the gums from gingivitis.

Now that you know how important saliva is to dental health, you can probably see why adequate salivary flow should concern you. For most people, everyday chewing is enough to stimulate salivary glands. But a condition called dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, limits saliva production, and should be dealt with quickly.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want the best possible dental health for each of our patients. Services include family and restorative dentistry. 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 3781
Dec6

A Fresh Start After Losing A Tooth

Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants

Comstock Park Permanent Tooth Replacement

At least three million Americans have replaced a missing tooth with a dental implant, and that number grows each year. You can restore your smile with a dental implant from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically implanted into your jaw. An artificial tooth goes on top of the post. They blend in with the patient’s remaining teeth, and look and function like natural teeth. Dental implants are a long-term tooth restoration.

Dental implants also prevent bone recession, which is common in people who have lost teeth. The titanium post goes where the tooth root used to be, and helps strengthen the bone.

Implants can also be used to anchor dentures, providing a much firmer, more secure fit. Many patients report newfound confidence in themselves, after years of embarrassment caused by missing teeth.

Dental implants are one of the most significant advances in dentistry, and are among the many restorative dentistry procedures at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. 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 3066