Dr. Eric Hull, Author at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry - Grand Rapids Dentist

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Jul27

3 Dental Issues in Comstock Park Which May Require A Root Canal

The root canal may be an intimidating dental procedure commonly done today, so it is important that dental patients know what is happening during the process. It will help them understand just why this treatment can be so necessary, especially if they are exhibiting serious dental issues in Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Rockford, Sparta, or Walker.

Dental Issues Associated With Root Canals

At the center of each tooth is a very small tissue called the pulp. This thread-like tissue can become damaged due to a:

An Injury to a Tooth
A Very Deep Cavity
A Crack in the Tooth

If this tissue becomes damaged or infected due to dental issues, it can build up at the root tip inside the jawbone and form an abscess. If left untreated, this can actually destroy the bone around the tooth and cause serious discomfort.

Performing A Root Canal

When an endodontist or general dentist performs a root canal, the dead or diseased pulp is taken out and the space that is left is cleaned. It is then reshaped and filled. This eliminates the need for a diseased tooth to be pulled and continued cosmetic dentistry to fill in the gap. Furthermore, with today’s advanced dental techniques, there’s nothing to be afraid of during a root canal!

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we hope that today’s dental blog post has helped you to better understand root canals. We want our patients to have the best oral health possible and accurate dental information. Additionally, we want them to look their best, so if you have any questions about a smile makeover, dental implants, or teeth whitening, please call our office at 616-784-2377.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry we offer:

We can whiten, brighten, and straighten your smile!

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

Jul20

Connection Between Type 2 Diabetes and Gum Disease

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we are concerned not only with the condition of your mouth but also with how it affects your complete physical health and general well-being.

Today’s post looks at the connection between diabetes, oral health, and gum disease. This topic may be of interest to Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI residents with diabetes, as well as individuals who are trying to reduce their risk factors.

Scientists have known for quite some time that people with diabetes have higher rates of gum disease, therefore maintaining proper blood glucose levels is the key to minimizing risk.

Additional research is exploring the reverse relationship. In other words, whether poor oral health increases the risk of developing diabetes. Findings from a long-term study suggest that it does.

“We found that over two decades of follow-up, individuals who had periodontal disease were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life when compared to individuals without periodontal disease.” -Ryan T. Demmer, PhD, MPH

Additional trials are exploring how tooth and gum health bumps the ability of diabetics to manage the disease.

“Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.”

If you have diabetes or gum disease, it is vital that you see a dentist regularly and are committed to daily oral hygiene, proper nutrition, and other critical practices. Moreover, your success in controlling your blood glucose levels will improve your overall oral health.

If you don’t have a dentist and live in Comstock Park or the greater Grand Rapids area, we invite you to call us at 616-784-2377. We also provide other dental services such as gum disease treatment, Zoom teeth whitening, and dental implants. When you visit us at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we will complete a thorough examination of your oral health and create a valuable plan for improving and maintaining your dental health for life. Schedule your visit 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

Jul13

Dental Hygiene in Grand Rapids: 5 Reasons to Schedule a Cleaning Today

1. Protect Your Gums

We always tell our patients that it isn’t only acute cavities that they need to worry about. Other dental issues can slowly damage your teeth until they are beyond saving. For example, gum disease that leads to bone loss is just as harmful. Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque that creates pockets of infection between the gums and tooth roots. This leads to periodontitis, gum recession, and eventual bone loss. A professional cleaning gets rid of the plaque and restores your dental hygiene before it can cause any more damage to your smile.

2. Prevent Cavities

Even if you brush and floss your teeth, morning and night, plaque can start to collect in your mouth. We have many patients who are faithful brushers but are surprised when our hygienist discovers plaque on their teeth. A dental cleaning can easily remove plaque and eliminate the risk of gum disease.

3. Check for Oral Cancer

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, oral cancer claims one life approximately every hour—that’s 48,250 deaths a year. During a dental cleaning, your hygienist can perform a screening and look for signs of oral cancer. If you have concerns about oral cancer or your dental hygiene in Grand Rapids, please schedule an appointment with us today and we’ll provide you with all the necessary information.

4. Oral Health and Overall Health Go Hand in Hand

Your mouth is not a separate entity from the rest of your body, it’s all connected. For some reason, many individuals find themselves treating their dental hygiene as if it doesn’t affect their overall health. A lot of people in Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker, and Rockford, MI settle for getting regular preventative services for physical conditions but miss out on vital dental appointments. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we’ve often wondered about this frequent disconnect. Did you know that there is compelling evidence to suggest that the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes increases with poor oral health? Your lifestyle is significantly affected when you have tooth pain, tooth loss, or gum disease, so please call Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry today to schedule an appointment.

We also offer other services, such as cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, implant dentistry, veneers, and teeth whitening. Please call 616-784-2377 to schedule a professional dental cleaning at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

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

Jul6

Dental Health in Comstock Park: 5 Tips to Avoid a Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth can be painful, unattractive, and pricey to repair. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we hope to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Today’s post contains an easy-to-follow list of tips for your dental health in Comstock Park.

1. We have to state the obvious but don’t chew on hard foods. People should steer clear of ice, hard candies, hard nuts, popcorn, and beef jerky. Watch out for stone fruits—that peach may be soft but if you bite hard into the pit, you could damage a tooth.

2. It is important to protect your teeth while engaging in any physical activity where your mouth can be hit. If you enjoy pick-up basketball games, indoor soccer leagues, recreation center flag football, or any other outdoor activities, you should be using a well-fitting mouth guard.

3. Don’t use your teeth as a tool. Take a minute to find a pair of scissors before you tear open a package of lunch meat or rip the price tag off a new piece of clothing with your teeth. Use a nutcracker for nuts. A quality dental crown can cost you hundreds of dollars.

4. Grinding your teeth is detrimental to your dental health in Comstock Park. If you know or suspect that you are a tooth grinder, speak with your dentist so you can address the problem with stress reduction techniques or a mouth guard. Frequent headaches or jaw pain can often be attributed to nighttime teeth grinding.

5. Lastly, make sure that you visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. For those of you concerned about your dental health in Comstock Park, your dentist can alert you to conditions that might predispose you to a cracked tooth, such as having an uneven chewing surface or brittle teeth. Your dentist may also discover tiny cracks you aren’t aware of. Take care of these cracks before the whole tooth is in danger.

If you already have a cracked tooth, never fear! Treatment is available for cracks small and large. Veneers, cosmetic dental bonding, inlays/onlays, fillings, and dental implants are all used to repair or replace damaged teeth.

If you live in the Comstock Park area and are seeking a friendly, experienced, and gentle dentist, please give us a call and ask us about our general and family dentistry services.

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

Jun22

Replace Missing Teeth With Durable Dental Implants In Comstock Park

Implants? Crowns? Veneers? Invisible braces? As dental technology and services have expanded in the Comstock Park area, so has the vocabulary. Dentistry has advanced to provide many new solutions that address almost every possible dental issue.

In the past, if a patient in Comstock Park had a missing tooth or a severely damaged tooth, Michigan dentists regularly suggested dental bridges or dentures, because they were the best options at the time. These days, dental implants in Comstock Park have proven to be superior to dental bridges for most of our patients. They can also replace dentures or anchor dentures for some patients.

Dental implants in Comstock Park provide many important advantages over a dental bridge or dentures, such as:

Longevity – Dental implants are durable and permanent, meaning with proper care they can last ten years or more.
Seamless – Fabricated to have the same shape, size, and color of the original tooth, the implant will blend seamlessly with all the other teeth. If the original tooth had aesthetic issues, these can often be corrected with the implant crown.
Function – A dental implant functions like a natural tooth allowing for normal eating and speaking.
Convenience – Unlike dentures, no adhesives, rinsing, or removal is necessary.
Independent – Like the missing tooth, the dental implant is treated individually. No damaging of adjacent teeth is required, as with dental bridges. This independence allows nearby teeth to remain intact. Cleaning is easier than with most dental bridges which can require the threading of floss under and around the artificial tooth.

Let’s Consider the Dental Implant Method

If you are interested in getting a dental implant, Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry will carry out an exam, take x-rays and give you a consultation. If it is determined that you are a good candidate for the procedure, the process will begin.

The titanium implant, which looks like a dark screw, will be place into the bone of your jaw. Over the next couple of months, the bone and implant will bond together to form a root for your new tooth.

After the necessary time has passed for bonding of the bone and implant, an extension (called an abutment) is placed on top of the initial implant post. We will then place the beautiful permanent crown on top of the full post. This tooth will match your other teeth to create an exceptional new smile. You will find that the new tooth will look and feel the same as your natural teeth; You may even forget which tooth is the implant. The upkeep is the same, with brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups needed.

If you want to confirm if dental implants in Comstock Park are the right choice for you, call Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry for more specifics. We also provide other dental services, such as gum disease treatment, Invisalign orthodontics, porcelain veneers and teeth whitening.

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

Jun1

Dental Sealants: Another Tool For Dental Health in Comstock Park

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we encourage all our patients to brush and floss regularly, because it’s essential to good dental health.

But brushing and flossing can’t do it all. Teeth have grooves and depressions where bacteria can hide, and start tooth decay. This is where dental sealants are invaluable.

Dental sealants are a plastic material that is applied to the chewing surface of the back molars. They seal out the food particles and bacteria that cause cavities, and are an extra layer of protection against.

Sealants are usually thought of as something for children and their developing teeth, but they’re good for adult teeth, too. They do not, of course, eliminate the need for other care. Used along with a daily routine of brushing and flossing, and with fluoride treatments and a healthy diet, dental sealants are one of the tools we have to maintain excellent dental health.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, dental sealants are part of our regular care. We also provide popular cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. To find out more, call our office in Comstock Park. In the meantime, visit our smile gallery to see examples of what we can do.

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

May25

A Youthful Smile At Any Age: Cosmetic Dentistry in Comstock Park

Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry can help people facing any dental issues.

With modern cosmetic dentistry, mature men and women can have a terrific smile that looks as young as they feel. Regardless of your age, it is not too late to improve your smile.

Missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants. Provided the patient has enough bone mass, a titanium post is surgically implanted into the jaw. A restoration that looks and functions like a natural tooth is fitted on top of it. Implants can also anchor dentures and partials.
Damaged teeth, with chips or cracks, can be corrected with porcelain veneers to cover any flaws.
Yellowed teeth can be transformed with professional teeth whitening. We provide in office Zoom and home teeth whitening.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we pamper our esteemed patients. In addition to cosmetic dentistry, we offer general and family dental services.

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

May18

Clean and Beautiful: Dental Hygiene in Comstock Park

Unfortunately, not everyone smiles all the time. But even frowns need to be clean if you want to maintain a high level of oral health. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we always stress good dental hygiene.

What do we mean by good dental hygiene? We mean teeth that look healthy and are free of decay. We also mean gums that are pink, and don’t hurt or bleed after brushing and flossing.

No one, of course, is immune to dental problems. It’s essential to establish a good brushing and flossing routine at home, and that you stick to it. We recommend brushing and flossing twice a day.

In addition to that, you should see us twice a year for a professional cleaning and thorough examination. The most vigilant brushing and flossing at home cannot totally prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.

If your teeth bother you, or if your gums do bleed when you brush and floss, it’s a signal that you need to see us – the sooner, the better. Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park provides teeth whitening, Invisalign, porcelain crowns/veneers, and oral cancer screenings. 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

May11

Eat Like A Dentist: Dental Health in Comstock Park

Nothing impacts your dental health quite like your eating habits. At Stewart & Hull At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want you to develop good eating habits and nutrition. Your teeth and your smile will thank you.

1. Rinse after eating

Rinse your mouth with a swish of water after meals. Better yet, brush and floss your teeth. People who snack all day long subject their teeth to sugars and food debris. Planned meals with brushing and flossing in between keeps your oral health on top.

2. Avoid sugary gum

Sugar free gum doesn’t leave sugar to break down on your teeth and jeopardize your hard earned healthy gums. If you are gum chewer, do your smile a favor and go sugarless.

3. Avoid sticky foods

Sticky foods have a way of clinging to your teeth, which puts you at risk of decay. Toffee, gummy candy, fruit snacks, even excessive dried fruit can be ill-advised for smiles. Brushing doesn’t always eliminate the obstinate particles, so remember to floss after eating sticky items.

4. Consume nutritious foods

A balanced diet with a variety of vitamins and minerals can keep the immune system durable and able to combat infection.

5. Say ‘cheese!’

Cheese contains calcium and protects teeth from acid that weakens tooth enamel. If you’re lactose intolerant, consider calcium-rich alternatives like seeds (poppy and sesame, for example) and almonds. Floss afterward!

6. Avoid acidic foods

Acid will eat away at enamel over time: lemons, red wine, soda pop. Limit direct, constant, consistent exposure. All things in moderation.

If you have questions about your dental health, call Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. We provide family and cosmetic dentistry. Services include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, implants, and Invisalign clear braces.

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

May4

Our Team Takes Care Of Your Dental Health in Comstock Park

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, each member of our team helps us operate smoothly and provide an excellent standard of dental health care.

Dental assistants are an important part of the team. They perform many tasks, from patient care to office work.

Our dental assistants work alongside the dentist during procedures, when an extra pair of hands are needed. In addition to assisting the doctors, they prep examination areas, clean up afterward, and order new supplies before they run too low.

Dental assistants must have a basic understanding of dental medicine. They need to be familiar with our dental software and understand the content of the many documents and forms we use on a daily basis. It all requires an attention to detail, critical thinking, an ability to follow protocols, and sound judgment.

Whether a patient is receiving teeth whitening, Invisalign clear braces, or cosmetic dentistry, the dental assistant has set the stage for a comfortable and efficient procedure. Like the rest of the team at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, they’ve got your dental health uppermost in mind.

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

Dental Issues Associated With Root Canals

Performing A Root Canal

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Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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1. Protect Your Gums

2. Prevent Cavities

3. Check for Oral Cancer

4. Oral Health and Overall Health Go Hand in Hand

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Let’s Consider the Dental Implant Method

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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