Author: PM Blogger

Jan13

What Does Your Saliva Reveal?

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry

Saliva is an important part of good oral health. Without an adequate flow, you’d find it very difficult to chew and swallow. If you have a problem with dry mouth, let us know at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI.

Saliva is produced by several glands in and around the mouth, and it is mostly water. No surprise there! Aside from chewing and keeping your mouth moist, saliva fights germs in your mouth and helps prevent bad breath.

Sometimes people have a reduced flow of saliva, a condition known as xerostomia (pronounced zero-STO-me-uh). It’s a common side effect of certain medications, and can lead to discomfort and swelling.

Many commonly-used medications can cause dry mouth, including:

  • Antihistamines
  • Appetite suppressants
  • Certain blood pressure medicine
  • Antidepressants
  • Certain pain medication

Dry mouth can also contribute to tooth decay and gum disease, so if these symptoms sound familiar to you, let us know. At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we keep a close watch on the oral health of our patients. Our services include general and restorative dentistry, and see patients throughout 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

ArticleID 6797
Jan6

Peace Of Mind At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we make a conscious effort to help our patients feel comfortable. Though our chairs are cushy as can be, we are not talking about physical comfort here. We are talking about emotional comfort. In other words, peace of mind.

Here are some ways we are committed to your peace of mind.

  1. We Don’t Judge: Our communicative and empathetic team helps promote dental health and create beautiful smiles. We are here to help you, regardless of the state of your teeth. We have treated patients with severe tooth neglect, advanced gum disease, enamel erosion caused by eating disorders, tooth damage caused by illegal drug use, baby bottle tooth decay, tobacco-stained teeth: basically, every imaginable dental problem. We don’t live in a bubble. We understand and empathize with our patients.
  2. We Protect You From Pain: From topical analgesics to more in-depth numbing, we will eliminate or minimize pain as best we can. our communicative team will listen to any dental requests and make sure to fulfill them.
  3. We Communicate: Our practice has established a reputation as effective and understanding. Procedures are thoroughly explained and all your critical questions will be answered prior to treatment. If you are not sure you want to initiate treatment, we are happy to let you consider it for a while. There is no rush.

If you have postponed dental treatment for any reason, we encourage you to give Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI a try. Neglecting your oral health has serious consequences. We offer general and restorative dentistry, and serve 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

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

Dec23

These Holidays, Gift Yourself A New Smile!

We know the holidays can be a time to re-prioritize and think a bit on what’s important to you. While many are busy buying expensive gifts or gym memberships, Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI wants you to think of yourself first. Specifically, your smile.

After all, your smile is a window into well-being, and when it looks best, you not only feel best, but people treat you like you do.

So, in essence, when you look into cosmetic dentistry options like teeth whitening, dental veneers, or dental implants, you’re not only thinking of your appearance, but your whole quality of life. You deserve a social life that you’re a confident player in. You also deserve a pain-free smile that you’re proud to show off to your friends.

All this is achievable with our cosmetic options. Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI wants you to face this new year with a new smile. What’s more, with all those delicious – but sticky – holiday meals around the corner, it’s the best time to look into our general and family dentistry and prepare your enamel for what’s to come. 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

Dec16

Improve Your Smile for Yourself And Those That Look at You!

Categories: Dental Bridge, Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

long-term tooth replacement solution Comstock Park

Losing one or more of your natural teeth impacts your smile, and your ability to bite and chew. But with dental implants from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, you can regain your smile and the ability to eat just about anything.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are anchored into your jaw. They are solid foundations for artificial teeth. Because they are physically attached to your jaw, they also prevent the loss of bone that usually accompanies tooth loss.

If you’ve lost one or more teeth, a conventional dental bridge or a denture is certainly better than nothing. But because they are not solidly anchored to your jaw, they do not provide full biting and chewing function. This is, of course, a major drawback.

This is what makes dental implants so brilliant. They don’t look any different than natural teeth, and better still, they feel and function the same. Once the implants are in place and the jaw has fully healed, most patients report full chewing power. That means they can enjoy just about any food they choose.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI we provide single-tooth dental implants and implant-supported dentures. They look great! People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI trust us their dental health to our comprehensive restorative dentistry team! 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

ArticleID 8279
Dec9

Dental Implants Are Truly Life-Changing

Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

tooth implants Grand Rapids

Patients who are thinking about a dental implant from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI often ask how long they last. An implant is a significant investment, after all. Do they really last a lifetime, like people say? The answer is yes, but an explanation is in order.

A dental implant is not a replacement tooth, but the titanium post that is inserted into the jaw. Titanium is well-suited for implants, and cases of rejection by the body are rare. A big factor in how long the implant lasts comes down to how well you take care of it.

Dental implants are life-changing! With regular checkups and proper care at home, a dental implant can last a lifetime. When you get your implant we will have specific instructions for daily care. For most patients, we recommend brushing and flossing twice a day.

Dental implants like those from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI have become the tooth replacement solution of choice. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI also come to our office for general and restorative dentistry. 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

ArticleID 8546
Nov25

You Can Slow The Rate Of Bone Loss After Extraction

Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

bone loss after tooth extraction

A serious side effect of losing a tooth by extraction, accident, or disease is the potential for bone loss. This can be minimized, or even avoided outright, with a dental implant from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI.

The Alveolar Bone

The bone surrounding the teeth is called alveolar bone. Its main job is to support the teeth and provide a tough foundation for tooth roots. Normal mouth function maintains bone health. As you chew, it stimulates bone cells to consistently produce new bone.

What Can Cause Alveolar Bone Loss?

When a tooth is lost, the bone where the tooth once was is at risk. The forces of chewing no longer stimulate the bone in that area. The bone begins to get narrower, then shorter.

Studies have shown that a considerable amount of†alveolar bone loss can take place within six weeks of losing the tooth. Since it recedes so quickly, the sooner you can get an implant, the better. Unfortunately, conventional dentures do nothing to prevent bone loss. A dental implant, however, simulates the natural tooth root and stimulates the bone.

Whether it’s for one or more lost teeth, dental implants from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI help to prevent bone loss. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI also come to us for complete restorative dentistry. 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

ArticleID 8267
Nov18

Top 10 Reasons To Visit Your Dentist

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Visit Your Comstock Park Dentist

You smile deserves regular attention. If you haven’t had a dental exam in a while, give us a call at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI. Consider these important reasons for having regular cleanings and checkups:

  1. Check Up: It’s time, and this is the best way to prevent dental problems.
  2. Clean Up: Our dental hygienist is ready to give you a super clean smile.
  3. Brush Up: If it has been a while since your last dental visit, it’s probably time to come in for a refresher course on appropriate dental hygiene.
  4. Avoid Pain: If you have dental pain and have been putting off a trip to the dentist, come in now, because we specialize in relieving dental pain.
  5. Fillings: We can find and fill all your dental cavities in almost no time at all. This will help you skip more painful dilemmas down the road, and helps some of those sensitivities to hot and cold.
  6. Prevent Gum Disease: We’ll evaluate the health of your gums and make any suggestions to help you improve.
  7. A Whiter Smile: We can help. We have tooth whitening options available that will upgrade your smile and make your teeth whiter.
  8. Tooth Replacement: If you are missing a tooth, we can help restore your smile with a dental implant.
  9. Cosmetic Dentistry: Considering making improvements to your smile? We have the procedures to do it.
  10. Confidence: Nothing brings you more confidence than a healthy smile.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI we can maintain your dental health and improve your smile! People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to us for general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. 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

ArticleID 176
Nov11

What Are Possible Dental Implant Complications?

Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

risks of dental implants Michigan

Dental implants from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI are state-of-the-art, with a success rate in the area of ninety-eight percent. That number is a testament to implant technology.

But like any medical or dental procedure, there are certain risks involved. In this post, we will consider possible complications of a dental implant.

  • Infection: Any surgical procedure poses an infection risk. That’s why we often prescribe an antibiotic beforehand. Beginning the second day post-surgery, the implant site should also be rinsed with a salt water solution.
  • Slow Healing: A patient is more likely to experience slow healing if they have another medical condition. Possible conditions include gum disease, diabetes, cancer, alcoholism, or poor circulation due to smoking. We take preexisting conditions into account.
  • Sinus Problems: Upper implants are placed very close to the floor of the sinus. Because of this proximity, an implant can perforate the floor of the sinus cavity. This is rare.
  • Implant Failure: If an implant fails to integrate with the surrounding bone, it is usually due to insufficient blood supply. Teeth grinding, smoking, and the medical conditions discussed previously can impair blood circulation.
  • Nerve Damage: Nerve damage occurs in a very small percentage of implant procedures. Patients may have pain, tingling or numbness at the implant site.

An informed patient makes the best decisions, and at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI we make sure every dental implant patient knows exactly what is involved. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI trust us with implants and other restorative dentistry procedures. 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

ArticleID 8296
Nov4

6 Quick And Healthy Tooth Tips

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Rockford cosmetic dental and tooth implants

It doesn’t have to take a lot of time to improve your oral hygiene. In fact, Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI has six 10-second dental health tips that can greatly improve your chances of preventing cavities and gum disease.

  1. Find a Better Place for your Toothbrush: Look around. In 10 seconds you can probably find 5 places to set your toothbrush that will allow air drying and can inhibit the growth of microorganisms that a closed, moist environment would encourage.
  2. Leave the Floss On the Counter: If you want to build consistency, you need reminders. Deliberately setting out the floss will give you more commitment to use it. And if you see it, you’ll remember that commitment.
  3. Swish: Grab the fluoride rinse and rinse away bits of food after flossing in order to freshen your breath. 10 seconds is the minimum, but 20 is twice as good.
  4. Smile in the Mirror: Check out those pearly whites! Examine for a full 10 seconds. Inspect gums for bleeding or tenderness, missed fragments of food, staining, or other concerns.
  5. Have a Water Chaser with Dark Beverages: Rinse your mouth with a sip of water after drinking cola, tea, or coffee. A mere 10 seconds will help suppress discoloration.
  6. Call Eric Hull DDS: 10 digits, 10 seconds, a short conversation, and you can secure yourself a consultation with our dental professionals. We will examine your teeth for far more than 10 seconds and help keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we answer questions about general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI also come to us for gum disease treatment. 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

ArticleID 7142