How Tooth Grinding Can Damage Your Smile

tooth grinding treatment Comstock Park

What is Tooth Grinding?

Tooth grinding (or bruxism in doctor-speak) is a common behavior among individuals of all ages. It is when a person involuntarily clenches their jaw or rubs their teeth together. Tooth grinding can transpire during the day or night and can affect children and adults. Some individuals grind their teeth intermittently when they are going through periods of unusual stress. For other men and women, it becomes a habit over a period of time.

Regardless of the cause, tooth grinding can be painful and damaging to your smile. It can also have a long-term influence on physical and mental health.

The Dangers of Teeth Grinding

  • It can bring about loose teeth
  • It can cause physical pain in the teeth or face
    • Headaches
    • Jaw pain
    • Ear pain
    • Tooth pain
  • It can break teeth
  • It can wear down the enamel
  • It can cause abnormalities with the alignment of the bite

Tips/Ways to Help Stop Grinding Your Teeth

  • Wear a mouthguard to bed
  • Botox (injections of Botox into the jaw muscles can prevent the muscles from contracting in some individuals)
  • Biofeedback
  • Physical therapy
  • Stress relief exercises
  • Avoid caffeine
  • Avoid alcohol

Resources to Help Stop Grinding Your Teeth

  • Speak with Drs.Hull  about a custom night guard or splint
  • Talk to your primary care physician about possible underlying medical conditions
  • Talk to a sleep medicine specialist
  • Talk to a medical professional who is experienced in using Botox to treat medical conditions–these include dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, TMD specialists, and some dentists

If you grind your teeth, we invite you to set up a consultation with Drs. Hull. We can discuss creating a custom night guard to help protect your teeth. We can also refer you to other specialists that can help you overcome the underlying reason for the .

Do You Already Have Tooth Damage from Bruxism?

If you have already damaged your teeth, let’s discuss options for correcting the problems. These might include porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or full crowns to shield against further damage.

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

Starting Chemo? How Are Your Teeth?

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If you are scheduled for cancer treatment due to a recent diagnosis or relapse, oral health is probably not your first priority. However, the team at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry advises you to give some attention to your teeth to prevent or minimize common cancer-related dental complications.

According to the National Institutes of Health, cancer treatment often takes a heavy toll on dental health.

Common Complications of Chemotherapy and/or Radiation

Inflammation of the mucous membranes
Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections
Mouth dryness (increases risk of cavities)
Poor nutrition due to eating difficulties
Mouth pain
Oral bleeding
Lifelong risk of tooth decay
Loss of elasticity of masticatory muscles (may make opening mouth difficult)
Bone recession due to decreased blood flow
Tooth loss

Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park wants to help you maintain oral health before, during, and after your cancer treatment. We offer comprehensive preventative and restorative dental services including implant dentistry, Zoom! teeth whitening, restorative dentistry

We extend to our dental patients battling cancer our sincere hopes for your successful treatment. It is a pleasure to serve your oral health needs.

“Oral Complications of Cancer Treatment: What the Dental Team Can Do,” National Institutes of Health, http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/CancerTreatment/OralComplicationsCancerOral.htm, accessed on May 27, 2014

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

General and Family Dentistry in Comstock Park

general and family dentistry Comstock Park

Are you looking for a general and family dentistry practice in the Comstock Park area? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We are taking new patients at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

11 Reasons to Visit Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park

Let’s discuss some reasons to call today to set up an exam and consultation at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

  1. Dental Exam: This is the best way to prohibit dental problems. Perhaps you already have some problems. Address them as early as possible. Then you can avoid more extensive (and expensive) treatments in the future.
  2. Cleaning: Our dental hygienists are ready to give you a super clean smile. A professional dental cleaning makes your mouth look and feel amazing!
  3. Brush Up: It’s a good idea to come in for a refresher course on correct dental hygiene if it’s been a while.
  4. Toothache: If you have dental pain–from a cavity, abscess or other reason–call now to schedule an appointment. Don’t live with pain another day.
  5. Cavities: We can fill any dental cavities quickly. This will help you skip more painful dilemmas later. Plus, we can replace old silver fillings with tooth-colored fillings.
  6. Tooth Sensitivity: Let’s figure out what is making your teeth sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages.
  7. Keep Gums Healthy: Let’s check the health of your gums and discuss treatments to help you improve them or reverse gum disease.
  8. Brighten Up: If your smile is yellow, gray or has stains, we can help. There are several tooth whitening options available that will improve your smile.
  9. Replace a Missing Tooth: If you are missing a tooth, we can help restore your smile with the latest in tooth replacement technology.
  10. Cosmetic Dentistry: We can help you evaluate the options for achieving a stunning smile.
  11. Confidence: Nothing brings you more confidence than a healthy, remarkable smile.

If you are new to our practice, I want to discuss anything that will help you feel confident in me and my team:

  • My education and experience, including specialties and certifications
  • My philosophy of preventative dentistry
  • My recommendations about your dental needs
  • Before and after photos of my smile redesign patients
  • My office atmosphere and the attentiveness of my helpful professional dental team
  • All the extras and amenities at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry that make dental visits pleasant and comfortable
  • My ability to explain the technical details of procedures and characteristics of restorative materials

Thanks for visiting the Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry blog. We look forward to meeting you!

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

The Good, Better and Best for Dental Health

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Even if you value a healthy smile, it’s easy to become somewhat lax about smile-friendly lifestyle choices. In today’s post, our goal is for you to analyze where you stand and examine whether you could step it up a notch. Committing to oral health best practices can prevent future problems and support your quality of life.

Brushing

Good: Brush teeth once a day.
Better: Brush teeth effectively after each meal.
Best: Brush after each meal and floss appropriately before bed.

Dental Checkups

Good: See your dentist if you get a toothache.
Better: See Drs. Hull once a year even if you don’t notice any dental dilemmas.
Best: Twice-yearly, have a thorough dental exam and professional dental cleaning at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

A White Smile

Good: Use a whitening toothpaste.
Better: Use a tooth whitening system at home.
Best: Schedule an in-office tooth bleaching procedure.

Missing Tooth

Good enough for some people: Ignore it. (We don’t recommend this.)
Better: Get a quality dental bridge.
Best: Restore your smile with a beautiful, stable, and natural-functioning dental implant. (Consult with Drs. Hull to find out if you are a good candidate for an implant.)

Smile-Friendly Nutrition

Good: Eat a healthy diet.
Better: Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary snacks and beverages.
Best: Eat a wholesome diet, limit between-meal snacking, eat lots of calcium-rich foods, limit sugary snacks, abstain from energy drinks and soda, and sip water throughout the day to keep acid at bay.

For Young Smiles

Good: Never put your infant to bed with a bottle. When your toddler starts drinking from sippy-cup, don’t let them sip juice or milk all day.
Better: Follow the previous guidance and schedule his/her first dental checkup before the first birthday.
Best: In addition, speak with Drs. Hull about dental sealants when your child is young. When your little athlete starts participating in sports, make sure he/she wears a protective mouthguard. Set a good example of daily dental hygiene and healthy lifestyle choices.

Hello, I am Drs. Eric Hull. At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we are dedicated to the best in dentistry. We invite you to call 616-784-2377 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you.

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

What is the Recovery Time for a Dental Implant?

dental implant recovery time Comstock Park

What is the recovery time for a permanent tooth implant procedure?

There isn’t a standard timeline because there are many variables involved.

Each patient’s treatment plan is unique.

Here are some factors that affect the recovery time for a dental implant procedure.

  1. Is a tooth extraction necessary?
  2. Will I need to have a bone graft (and/or sinus lift) before getting the implant?
  3. Will I receive anesthesia during the procedure?

Tooth extraction

If you need a non-viable tooth pulled, it may be possible to receive a tooth implant on the same day. As long as you have enough strong, healthy jawbone in which to anchor the implant.

Bone graft

As soon as a tooth is removed, the bone begins to recede. A dental implant is the only tooth replacement procedure that prevents or (greatly reduces) bone deterioration.

If teeth at the implant site have been gone for a while, the bone may have shrunk. Bone can also be weakened or destroyed with a severe infection.

An important decision is whether an implant patient needs bone augmentation.

In a bone grafting procedure, an oral surgeon or dentist packs bone material into the area where the implant will be placed.

If the implant will be placed in the upper arch, you may need a sinus lift treatment. When bone matter shrinks in parts of the upper jaw, it may cause the floor of the sinus cavity to fall into the space created.

A sinus lift procedure is done in conjunction with a bone graft. The goal is to raise the floor of the sinus cavity to make room for the additional bone material.

After the bone graft, you need to wait until the new bone has integrated with the existing bone. This will create a strong and stable foundation for the implant.

Recovery after a bone graft procedure

Day of procedure: Though bone grafting requires oral surgery, don’t let the term “surgery” give the impression that it has a long recovery time. The site will be sore, but most patients can take care of it with Ibuprofen or aspirin.

It doesn’t take much longer than filling a cavity. Most patients can return to work the next day.

If swelling or pain increases a few days after the procedure, contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

After a bone graft, how long until I can get my implant?

The fusing process can take several months. You don’t want to rush this because successful implantation requires a sturdy foundation.

Recovery after implant placement

Just as with the bone graft procedure, the implant placement procedure can be completed in less than two hours. If you elect to have IV sedation, however, you will need to wait until the effects of the sedation have worn off.

You will probably experience the following post-procedure:

  • Pain at the implant site
  • Minimal bleeding
  • Swelling and/or bruising of the gums and cheeks

These effects should subside after a few days. Ice packs used on the outside of the face can alleviate swelling. Call our office if these symptoms persist.

NOTE: It is not necessary for a permanent tooth implant recipient to be unconscious for the dental process. A local painkiller is usually sufficient. However, people with dental anxiety may elect stronger sedation.

Healing abutment

Your dentist may mount a temporary healing abutment to the post during the initial surgery. A healing abutment is sometimes called a ‘healing cuff’ or ‘healing cap.’

Make sure you practice daily oral hygiene but be extra careful when cleaning around the surgical site.

It’s vital to follow all post-procedure instructions. And be sure to make the recommended follow-up visits.

Smoking can make it harder to heal from any type of oral surgery.

After a permanent dental implant has had time to fuse with the bone, you will have an appointment to attach the abutment.

Attaching the abutment

This is a fairly quick and easy service. Your dentist will make an incision in your gum tissue at the implant site to expose the post. Then the abutment is attached. Your dentist may place the prosthesis (artifical tooth crown, dental bridge, or denture/partial denture) at the same time. Or your dentist may wait until your gums have healed.

Tooth implants can give you a beautiful new smile. To keep it beautiful and avoid further issues (like decay or an infection):

  • Practice proper oral hygiene—keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy
  • Eat a nutritious diet
  • Don’t chew on hard foods or other items
  • If you grind your teeth, seek treatment.
  • Have a twice-yearly dental exam and cleaning

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we restore missing teeth with dental implant procedures. Dental implant placement studies have found a five-year success rate of 98%.

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

Focusing On The Top 3 At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry

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I’m Eric Hull. I’ve been practicing dentistry here in Comstock Park, Michigan since 1974. I have found amazing people in this community. At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we focus on three important things as we endeavor to be your dental provider of choice.

Family

We want to be the dental practice families count on for quality care, whether for routine preventative services, tooth restoration, or cosmetic dentistry. If your son chips a tooth and is in extreme pain, we want to be the first choice that comes to mind. We offer variety for any family’s various dental needs.

porcelain veneers
Six Month Smiles
implant dentistry
Zoom! teeth whitening
restorative dentistry

Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry focuses on your Family.

Facts

When we sit down in consultation and you say “Drs. Eric Hull, I need to know the cost of veneers, dental implants, the cost of a dental bridge… I need to know my options.” We’ll give you the bottom line on cosmetic dentistry, and Invisalign. Whether it’s affordable dental care for quality of life or affordable cosmetic dentistry for increased confidence, we’re here. Look us up or call: 616-784-2377

Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry focuses on the Facts.

A Friendly, Comfortable, and Safe Environment

We focus on clean, bright, and inviting and follow rigorous standards of sterilization. Our team here at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry is friendly, professional, and considerate.

Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry focuses on a Friendly atmosphere.

We can whiten, brighten, and straighten your smile!

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

Tooth Cavities Are An Urgent Problem That Demands Immediate Attention In Comstock Park Michigan

Tooth Cavities Are An Urgent Problem That Demands Immediate Attention In Comstock Park Michigan

Tooth cavities are a prevalent oral health issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds in Comstock Park Michigan.

While cavities may seem like a common occurrence, they are not to be taken lightly. Ignoring or delaying treatment for tooth cavities can have serious consequences for your oral health, overall well-being, and quality of life.

Cavities are an urgent problem that demands immediate attention in Comstock Park Michigan. Here are a few reasons why…

Cavities are a progressive condition.

Tooth cavities are not static; they are dynamic and progressive. When bacteria in the mouth produce acids, they attack the tooth enamel, leading to the formation of cavities. If left untreated, cavities continue to grow and penetrate deeper into the tooth structure, eventually reaching the sensitive dental pulp.

This progression can cause severe pain, infection, and even tooth loss. By addressing cavities promptly with Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, you can prevent further damage and the need for more invasive and costly dental procedures.

Discomfort and pain will continue to get worse.

As cavities progress, they can cause varying degrees of discomfort and pain. Initially, you may experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or discomfort while eating sweet or acidic foods. However, as the cavity advances and reaches the inner layers of the tooth, the pain can become intense and persistent.

This can severely impact your ability to eat, speak, and carry out daily activities. Seeking immediate treatment at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry for cavities can alleviate pain and prevent it from worsening, allowing you to maintain a comfortable and pain-free oral condition.

Cavities pose a risk of infection.

One of the most critical reasons to address cavities promptly is to prevent the risk of infection. When cavities reach the dental pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, bacteria can invade and cause an infection known as pulpitis. Symptoms of pulpitis include severe toothache, swelling, and abscess formation.

Dental infections can spread to surrounding tissues, leading to serious complications such as cellulitis, facial swelling, and even systemic infections. Timely treatment of cavities at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry can help prevent the spread of infection and safeguard your overall health.

It is important to preserve your natural teeth.

Every effort should be made to preserve natural teeth, as they play a vital role in oral function, aesthetics, and overall well-being. If cavities are left untreated, they can weaken the tooth structure and eventually lead to tooth loss. Losing a tooth can have far-reaching consequences, including difficulty chewing, altered speech, and changes in facial appearance.

Moreover, replacing missing teeth can be costly and may require invasive procedures such as dental implants or bridges. By addressing cavities promptly at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, you can protect your natural teeth and avoid the need for more extensive restorative treatments.

Prevention of long-term expenses.

While it may be tempting to postpone dental treatment due to financial concerns, ignoring cavities can lead to more substantial expenses in the long run. The cost of treating advanced cavities, infections, and tooth loss is often significantly higher than early intervention and preventive care.

By addressing cavities immediately at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, you can avoid expensive procedures and potentially save yourself from financial burden and discomfort in the future.

Tooth cavities are not just minor dental issues to be ignored or taken lightly. They are urgent problems that demand immediate attention.

From their progressive nature to the risk of infection, pain, and the potential loss of natural teeth, the consequences of untreated cavities can be severe. By seeking timely dental care at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park Michigan, you can prevent further damage, alleviate pain, and maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

Remember, addressing cavities promptly is an investment in your oral health, overall well-being, and long-term financial stability.

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

Preventing Gum Disease At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Preventing Gum Disease at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry Run your tongue along the gumline behind your lower front teeth. Do you feel a ridge? This is probably tartar or dental calculus.

Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can gradually accumulate. If not removed, these bacteria-breeding substances cause the gums to become irritated and swollen. Eventually, the gums become detached from the tooth, creating a ‘pocket’. This creates a new space for plaque and tartar to grow. In advanced stages of periodontal disease, the toxins created by the bacteria literally rot the gum, teeth, and bone.

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we perform the most thorough dental cleanings possible. Gum disease can be reversed in its early stages.

Our goal is to help our Grand Rapids dental patients prevent gum disease before any damage occurs. Cleanings include root planing and periodontal scaling. Scaling removes the plaque and calculus above and, especially, below the gumline where your toothbrush cannot reach. Planing smoothes root surfaces so it is more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate and grow. It also creates a healthy surface for the gums to reattach to the root if necessary.

To schedule a deep cleaning, call 616-784-2377. We are located at 769 York Creek Dr NW in Comstock Park. In addition to providing comprehensive dental cleanings, we create mega-watt smiles for cosmetic dentistry patients in the Rockford and Walker area. See for more information about our state-of-the-art dental practice.

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

 

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Saving Teeth at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park

Root Canals in Comstock Park When a tooth is threatened by severe decay, periodontal disease, or damage from an injury, a skilled dentist or endodontist must make a judgment call concerning the course of treatment. If the pulp of the tooth is infected or inflamed, a root canal is typically the only way to save the tooth.

During a root canal procedure (or endodontic treatment), the soft tissue in the root of the tooth is removed. This tissue contains veins, arteries, and lymph vessels. Once the roots are taken out and widened, they are filled with a special rubber material.

The root canal is only the primary step in complete tooth restoration. After the root canal, without a crown, the tooth will become dry and brittle. The concluding procedures are the core build-up and crown.

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we fabricate strong, natural-looking crowns that blend perfectly with the surrounding teeth. With proper oral hygiene and twice-yearly visits to your dentist, a tooth with a filled root can often function problem—free for the rest of a patient’s life.

I am Dr. Eric Hull, DDS, of Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry. I have been practicing dentistry since 1974. During that time I have seen hundreds of teeth saved by this effective dental procedure. Root canal therapy has a very high success rate.

Because teeth with infected pulp tissue often do not produce symptoms, it is critical to have regular dental examinations. I can determine which (if any) teeth have infected roots. If the infection in the soft pulp tissue is left untreated, it can progress to a point where the tooth cannot be saved.

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

6 Ways To Prepare For Your Dental Procedure

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Nervous about an upcoming procedure? Let Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry offer 6 ways to prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically before your big dental day.

First, remember Drs. Eric Hull is trained to provide the best care and comfort possible.

Second, take some time to relax and pinpoint what you are uneasy about. Take deep breaths and slowly let them out as you weigh the reasons for and against taking these steps to a better you. Remember that many men and women have been in your shoes and everything worked out fine.

Third, know your medical history. You may be asked to complete a medical history and medications form, so be sure you know what medications and supplements you are currently taking and review past hospitalizations and illnesses.

Fourth, have a dental plan. Come in for a thorough consultation. If we know all the dental work or cosmetic dentistry you want to get done, then we’ll know if combining any of it can save you time and money. We offer implant dentistry, restorative dentistry, porcelain veneers, Zoom! teeth whitening, and Six Month Smiles to name just a few.

Fifth, trust the outstanding staff at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry to guide you through the before, during and after the process. We’ve been doing this since 1974.

Sixth, our final important suggestion! Ask all the questions that you want to be answered before you have dental tools and gloved hands in your mouth!

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