Dental Implants

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

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

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

Sometimes when people lose a back tooth they wonder whether they should bother doing anything about it. After all, the gap doesn’t show when they smile and there are other teeth to do the chewing. Why not leave it be and save some money? Actually, there are several very good reasons to replace a back tooth with a dental implant from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI.

The adjacent tooth (or teeth) may start shifting. If a tooth tilts, moves, or rotates, it can impact the bite. The unopposed tooth can also move, though it generally moves outward from the bone, which causes over-eruption. Teeth that are displaced can become more vulnerable to gum disease, decay, or TMJ pain.

The underlying bone will begin to atrophy. Without the tooth root, the jaw bone shrinks. This changes the dimensions of the face and gives it a sunk-in look due to a decline in supporting bone. The vertical shortening progresses and becomes more pronounced as you get older.

There will be additional stress on the teeth that take over the chewing functions. This can bring about excessive wear, fracture, or pain.

If you have a missing back tooth and want to learn about dental implants, call Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to us for implants and for comprehensive restorative dentistry services. 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

Dental implants have been placed in the mouths of millions of people. They look and function just like natural teeth and are available at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI.

An implant is a titanium post that is inserted into your jaw. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, the implant/implants may be restored with a custom abutment and crown/bridge or denture. One implant is a solid support for one artificial tooth. Several implants can support a bridge or a denture.  Its’ ability to fuse with the bone is what makes implants so successful.

Dental implants dramatically improve your ability to bite and chew, restoring your smile. They also help prevent bone loss that is common for people with missing teeth.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI we have placed many implants, on patients from Ada, Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI. People also come to us for cosmetic and family 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

Implant-supported dentures  may sound like a dream come true: dentures that are attached to the jaw, and surpass traditional dentures in appearance and functionality. At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, they are a reality!

When it comes to artificial teeth, implant-supported dentures are a whole new ballgame.

Here is the process:

1. Examination and Assessment
   During your first visit, we take X-rays and assess your mouth and the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone.
2. Implant Placement
   Dental implants are titanium posts that are inserted into the jaw at an oral surgeon’s office.
3. Integration
   What makes implants so effective is that they actually fuse with the jaw bone. It takes at least a few months for them to fully integrate, a process called osseointegration.
4. Final Restoration
   Once the implants have fused they are strong enough to support the final dental arch or arches.

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we have placed implant dentures in patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI. We also offer cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign clear braces, and much more. Call us for an appointment 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