Dental Implants

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

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Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, General Dentistry

When they are properly cared for, dental implants from Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park can last a lifetime. That’s just one of the reasons why they have become the tooth replacement option of choice.

A dental implant, in case you haven’t heard, is a titanium post that is secured to your jaw bone. One dental implant can support a single artificial tooth. Several implants can support a dental bridge, or even a set of dentures.

FUSING TO BONE

Dental implants become replacement tooth roots. What makes them so secure is a process called osseointegration. That means the titanium fuses with the jaw.

Once an artificial tooth, called a crown, is attached to the implant, it looks and functions like a natural tooth. Most patients say their biting and chewing ability is normal. Just as important, of course, is getting your smile back.

LONG LASTING

As for their longevity, there are several factors involved. Cleaning a dental implant and crown is just as important as cleaning your natural teeth, and the process is about the same. You’ll need to brush away the filmy plaque that can build up on it, and floss between the implant and the neighboring teeth.

We also recommend that you avoid things like using your implant like a tool. In other words, don’t use it to open things. You should also avoid biting down on hard things like shelled nuts, and pen or pencil tips. Of course, you should never do any of those things with your natural teeth, either.

If you are missing one or more of your teeth, dental implants may be just what you’ve been hoping for. We also offer a full complement of general, family and cosmetic dentistry. 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

Think A Missing Back Tooth Is No Big Deal?

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Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants

dental implants Comstock Park

Most people are self-conscious about a missing tooth in the front of their mouth. It may not be fair, but a gaping hole in a smile has negative connotations in most social circles. Dental implants from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park are an ideal solution.

A person who loses a front tooth usually makes a plan for a dental restoration ASAP. But when someone loses a molar, they are more likely to leave the gap. “You can’t really see it when I smile, right?” “I have other teeth back there, I can chew with those.” If the tooth had been hurting, sometimes they are so relieved that the pain is gone, they consider the extraction the final answer.

The aim of this article is to dispel the myth that a missing back tooth has no consequences.

Bone Recession

Since we can’t see the bone that anchors our tooth roots, we don’t often consider its condition. The health of the jawbone plays an essential role in overall oral health. When a tooth is extracted, the bone at the extraction site shrinks and recedes over time. Since a dental implant replaces the tooth root, it maintains the health of the bone. In so doing, it also protects the bone for the adjacent teeth.

The jawbone is the foundation of the lower face. If it shrinks and recedes, everything that sits on top of it will follow suit. An individual with bone recession will eventually get that “sunken in” look that can make them look a lot older than they really are. A dental implant, unlike a dental bridge, preserves the framework of the face.

Shifting Teeth

Another vulnerability is shifting teeth. If teeth adjacent to the extraction site start moving, it can trigger a domino effect. The unopposed tooth on the opposite arch can also move, though it typically moves outward from the bone (over-eruption).

In addition to esthetic implications, teeth that are displaced are in jeopardy of gingivitis, decay, TMJ pain, or bite problems. There will also be additional stress on the teeth that take over the chewing functions—compromising their strength as well.

A dental implant from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park is the most optimal way to treat a missing tooth but not the only option. Call our office to schedule a complimentary consultation to see if you would be a candidate for implants and other options that are available. Our office also offers restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign orthodontics, partials/dentures and much more! 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 8080

Better and Better: The Future of Implants

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Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, Oral Health

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we are always reminding patients to brush and floss. It’s the best way to ensure healthy teeth and gums. We know that in spite of everyone’s best efforts, some of our patients may still lose a tooth. When that happens, we recommend dental implants as the best solution.

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed in the patient’s jaw. One implant can support a single artificial tooth. Multiple implants can support an implant bridge or a denture.

To find out whether dental implants are right for you, call Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park to schedule a consultation. We also offer family dentistry, Zoom whitening, Invisaling orthodontics, and porcelain veneers/ crowns. Schedule your next 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

 

Missing Teeth? Don’t Miss Out On A Beautiful Smile

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Crowns, Dental Implants, Dental Veneers, Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Teeth Whitening

Comstock Park cosmetic dentistry

If you have missing spaces in your smile due to tooth decay, injury or any other reason, there is hope! If your existing teeth are stained, decayed, or cracked, there is hope. If your teeth have always been misshapen, or crooked, there is hope. Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry can fix it all!

Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, in Comstock Park, Mi, have restored and improved smiles with advanced dentistry since 1974.We know how to handle the toughest cosmetic dental problems. Regardless of the problem, it is usually ideal to retain your natural teeth. If this is not feasible or you have already lost some teeth, we offer numerous options. We can help you preserve (or regain) your ability to eat, drink, speak, laugh, and smile with confidence!

Dental Veneers

If you still have your teeth, but are not happy with them, these might be the best answer. Stunning veneers offer an affordable approach to cosmetic adjustments – uneven color, size, or shape. These are very thin shells bonded to the front of the teeth.

Dental Implant

An implant is a tooth replacement that includes an artificial tooth PLUS an artificial root. With local anesthesia, the artificial root is inserted into the jaw bone where it integrates with the bone. There are three parts to a dental implant: the artificial root, the connecting abutment, and the final crown, partial or denture.

A dental implant is often the best restoration as it offers beauty, strength, natural function, and protection from bone recession that often occurs at the site of a missing tooth.

Dentures/Partials

Most Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Rockford, Sparta and Walker residents have heard of dentures and partials: a plate holding artificial teeth that can be removed for cleaning. Dentures/partials are customized and can contain varying numbers of teeth. Sometimes the entire set of upper and lower teeth have to be pulled and a denture created. Modern dentistry offers a myriad of custom dental implant-denture combinations to restore missing teeth.

There is no need to miss out on an attractive smile. Schedule your consultation with us at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry today by call us at 616-784-2377 . We would be honored to provide you with advanced dentistry in the Comstock, Michigan area.

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

 

 

At Stewart & Hull Cosmetic Dentistry Is Our Art

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Categories: About Our Office, Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Crowns, Dental Implants, Dental Veneers, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Invisalign

Comstock Park Cosmetic Dental Artistry

Cosmetic Dentistry is part science and part art.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in the Comstock Park, Michigan, we enjoy using our extensive dental training and artistic skills to design treatment plans unique to each of our cosmetic dentistry clients.

In order to achieve an attractive, yet natural looking result, we do much more than recommend specific procedures. We consider the shape, alignment, color and condition of the teeth too. In order to create a balanced look, facial shape and coloring is also taken into account.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in the Comstock Park, Michigan area, we enjoy using our extensive dental training an, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. We have used our artistic abilities over several years to create smile transformations for cosmetic dentistry patients. There are so many options these days. Teeth whitening and porcelain veneers have advanced considerably. Dental implants are a truly remarkable solution for those who have lost one or more teeth.

One of the things that makes our practice stand out is our commitment to our craft. For example, Dr. Stewart was the first dentist in Michigan to be accredited by the prestigious American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Dr. Hull is currently pursuing his Accreditation (AACD).  There may be over 6,000 members of the AACD, but fewer than 400 have passed the rigorous process of becoming accredited. The process includes presenting “before and after” pictures of actual patients before a panel of examiners. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull have also has attained fellowship status in the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Fewer than 10 percent of dentists nationally have become fellows in the AGD.

Both Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull believe in individualized care. Every one of our patients gets the level of service and care that they need because we take the time to understand your needs and discuss a variety of options for you to consider. We are extremely proud of the dentistry we do. Be sure to check out some “before and after” pictures of our work.

We would love to perform a personalized smile makeover for you. When the work has been completed we believe that you will love your new look and others will assume you have always been blessed with a naturally beautiful and healthy smile. Call us today at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in the Comstock Park, Michigan area, for your personal consultation.

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 Implants Are The Solution For Your Missing Teeth

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Dentistry

teeth implants Grand Rapids

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 120 million Americans are missing one or more teeth. About 35 to 36 million are missing all of their teeth in one or both jaws. Think you don’t have time to fix your missing teeth? Our team at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry , your premier general and cosmetic dentistry practice in the Comstock Park, Michigan, want you to know that it may not take as long as you think.

If you have missing teeth, dental implants are an amazing option with countless benefits. Replacing your missing teeth with dental implants is now more aesthetically appealing and natural-looking than ever before. We can help restore your missing teeth with dental implants within just a few visits. If you’re wondering how many visits it takes to get dental implants, the answer is that each patient is different. In most cases, complete implant procedures take fewer visits than they used to which is great news.

Missing teeth are not just unattractive, but they can also be detrimental to your long-term health; replacing them can dramatically improve your confidence, make you more open to smiling and can aid in your ability to chew better.  Dental implant treatment offers patients both full dental function and optimal aesthetics.  They can also serve as a stable foundation for dentures, support a dental bridge, or replace a damaged tooth, all without disturbing the surrounding teeth. Since dental implants mesh with your jaw bone, they help prevent bone loss and gum recession too.

We invite you to visit our team at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in the Comstock Park, Michigan. You no longer have to be uncomfortable with missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures. Call us today to start the process of restoring your smile. We would love to schedule a consultation and design a treatment plan just for you!

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

 

Now is a Great Time to Fix That Unattractive Smile

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Porcelain Veneers

Kentwood cosmetic smile makeover

Yep, it’s true. It’s a great time for state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park because we provide several procedures to turn an unattractive smile into something unbelievably beautiful. Treatments such as teeth whitening can benefit almost every adult. Years of staining can be magically erased in a day at our dental office with Zoom whitening or over a few weeks with a competitively-priced at-home kit. This popular treatment gives you a lot of bang for your cosmetic dental buck.

If your teeth are slightly crooked or have small chips or cracks, minimally-invasive porcelain veneers could be the answer. A veneer is a translucent, wafer-thin cover that is attached to the front of a tooth. Many people get veneers on the upper front teeth for a fabulous smile transformation. Call Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 616-784-2377 to learn more about veneers. Have your gums receded and thereby exposed the metal base of an old dental crown? Soft tissue grafts and/or crown replacement can fix this common trouble. Call Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 616-784-2377 to schedule a consultation.

A missing tooth detracts from your smile, even if your other teeth look great. Many people have benefited from dental implants. A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The post integrates with the bone to provide a stable foundation for the natural-looking crown. Dental implants can also anchor full or partial dentures and significantly improve life for denture wearers.

If your teeth have severe alignment troubles, we encourage you to think about Invisalign orthodontics. Dental patients of all ages are undergoing Invisalign orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth and transform their smile. The newest braces are faster, less noticeable, and more comfortable than ever before. If you have an unattractive smile, our team of outstanding dental professionals is devoted to making it remarkable. Call 616-784-2377 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

Save Money with Dental Implants at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry

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Categories: About Our Office, Dental Implants, Oral Health

Grand Rapids Tooth Implants

hen is the least expensive tooth replacement method really the most expensive? The answer is, when it ends up costing far more in the long run. Many dental patients who lose teeth do not understand the importance of replacing them with dental implants.  They believe that one missing tooth is not a significant problem. In fact, some people who have an abscessed tooth extracted are so glad the pain is gone that they forget that the extraction is not the solution. When a tooth is lost, the risk of losing the adjacent teeth increases dramatically. Dr. David Scharf, a Board Certified Periodontist and Dental Implant Surgeon and a Clinical Assistant Professor at New York University College of Dentistry says:

“Many times consumers will choose to replace a missing tooth with a removable partial denture because it is the least expensive option. In the long run however, removable partial dentures may be more costly due the loss of adjacent teeth and the need for future replacements. Many people opt to replace teeth with dental implants because they do not compromise the survival of the adjacent teeth.”

Choosing the least expensive option for your dental needs will sometimes have consequences for your smile and budget.. If you are missing a tooth, you may be a candidate for implant replacement. An implant bonds with the jaw bone and helps maintain its stability. To schedule a consultation regarding dental implants, please call Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 616-784-2377. In addition to implant dentistry, we provide cosmetic dentistry, comprehensive general dentistry, Invisalign orthodontics and Zoom whitening for families in the Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker, and Rockford Michigan area.

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

Gap-Tooth Smiles Aren’t Quite As Adorable Anymore

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Categories: Dental Bridge, Dental Implants, Dental Veneers, Missing Teeth

dental implant cost Rockford missing teeth

Have you lost teeth recently? It’s a lot different than when you lost your baby teeth way back in the day. Unfortunately, these don’t grow back and a gap-toothed smile doesn’t look as adorable as it did when you were in elementary school. If you have had teeth extracted or if your teeth are compromised by staining, decay, chipping, or brittle aging, then it’s time to visit Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

When it comes to the prospect of losing your adult teeth, the preference is always to save your natural teeth. If this is not viable, we offer several ways to maintain your ability to eat, drink, speak, laugh, and smile with confidence.

Dental Veneers
If you still have your teeth but are not satisfied with them, these might be your answer. Stunning porcelain veneers offer a reasonably-priced approach to cosmetic adjustments—uneven color, size, or shape. These are very thin shells bonded to the front of the teeth. They improve unattractive, but structurally sound teeth.

Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is used where a tooth is missing. It “bridges” a gap between teeth. It is a restoration with a false tooth attached to the surrounding teeth. Dental bridges have been used successfully for decades.

Dental Implant
A dental implant is a more extensive replacement for a missing tooth. An implant consists of an artificial tooth plus an artificial root. With local anesthesia, the artificial root is actually inserted into the jaw bone where it integrates with the bone tissue. An implant is often the prime restoration as it offers beauty, strength, natural function, and protection from bone recession that often occurs at the site of a missing tooth.

Dentures
A denture is a plate holding artificial teeth that can be removed by the wearer. These are custom-made and can contain varying numbers of teeth. Sometimes the entire set of upper and lower teeth have to be pulled and a denture created. Modern dentistry offers a myriad of custom dental implant-denture combinations to restore missing teeth.

Don’t worry about losing the adult teeth you’ve been enjoying all these years. Schedule your initial consultation at 616-784-2377 or visit us at 769 York Creek Dr NW in Comstock Park, Michigan We are perfectly situated for our neighbors throughout the Grand Rapids area. Your consultation will include a customized treatment plan for restoring teeth, an outline of associated costs, and a schedule for completing the work. Come with questions and leave with answers.

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

The Health And Beauty Consequences Of Missing Teeth in Comstock Park

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Categories: Bone Recession, Dental Implants, Missing Teeth

Rockford tooth implants missing teeth in Comstock Park

Today’s post focuses on bone health and missing teeth in Comstock Park. Our teeth have many important functions and we need them to chew our food, talk, and smile. But have you ever considered their role in holding up your face? When we lose teeth, the bone around the site of the extraction begins to shrink. This, in turn, causes our facial muscles to sink in.

Bone Metabolism

We sometimes think of bone as a solid mass, unlike the softer tissues in our body. In reality, below the seemingly rock-hard surface, bone tissue is full of small holes – kind of like a sponge. In the interior bone tissue, the bone is consistently regenerating itself. This important process is sometimes called “bone metabolism.” In the jaw bone, the movement of the teeth stimulates this process of rebuilding. When the tooth is gone, the bone starts to shrink as blood flow is reduced.

People with missing teeth not only have a gap in their smile, but they also begin to look older because of the bone recession and eventual facial sagging.  It is not simply an issue of attractiveness – it also poses serious health dangers. It may become difficult to chew food, making it harder to get adequate nutrition. Mental health can also be affected when a patient with missing teeth loses confidence or withdraws from social situations because they are self-conscious about their smile.

Dental Implants Can Prevent Bone Recession

Dental implant technology provides a tooth restoration solution that maintains healthy bone metabolism while providing near-normal tooth function. For patients missing many or all of their teeth, it may not be possible to replace every single tooth with an implant. In many of these cases, dental implants can be used to provide an anchor for a partial denture. What if your bone has shrunk so much that there is not enough to support an implant? You may be a candidate for bone augmentation or bone grafting. This procedure is routinely carried out with success. If you are missing teeth, don’t resign yourself to dentures. Tooth implants can provide a brilliant smile! Schedule a consultation with Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry by calling 616-784-2377. Our practice also offers patients services such as teeth whitening, dental crowns, Invisalign orthodontics, and porcelain veneers.

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