Missing Teeth

Feb20

Comstock Park: Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Categories: Dental Implants, Missing Teeth, Restorative dentistry

Losing a tooth can impact more than just your smile; it affects your confidence, your ability to eat comfortably, and even the structure of your face. For those seeking a permanent and natural-looking solution, dental implants offer a remarkable option. At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we help patients from across the Grand Rapids and Rockford areas restore their smiles with this state-of-the-art treatment.

Leading our practice is Dr. Eric Hull, an award-winning dentist dedicated to excellence in patient care. His commitment to advanced education is highlighted by his recent achievement of Affiliate Associate Fellow status from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). This prestigious recognition was earned after completing rigorous, comprehensive coursework in implant dentistry, ensuring our patients receive care based on the latest knowledge and techniques.

What Makes a Good Dental Implant Candidate?

A good dental implant candidate typically has healthy gums, sufficient jawbone density, excellent oral hygiene, no chronic illnesses, and a commitment to maintaining long-term dental care

While dental implants have a high success rate, they aren’t suitable for everyone. Dr. Hull evaluates several key factors to determine if you are a prime candidate for the procedure.

A successful implant journey depends on a few major factors:

  • Good Overall Health: Your body’s ability to heal is crucial. Patients with uncontrolled chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, may need to manage these issues before proceeding.
  • Sufficient Jawbone Density: Implants are secured directly into the jawbone. If you’ve been missing a tooth for a while, you may have experienced some bone loss. Dr. Hull will assess your bone structure to ensure it can support an implant.
  • Healthy Gums: Your gums must be free of periodontal disease. Active gum disease needs to be treated and managed before implant surgery to prevent complications.
  • Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene after the procedure is essential for the long-term success of your implant. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
  • Non-Smoker: Smoking can significantly hinder the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. It is highly recommended to quit smoking before undergoing implant treatment.

Your Checklist for Success

Considering dental implants? Here’s a quick checklist to see if you might be on the right track:

  • I am in good general health.
  • I have one or more missing teeth.
  • My gums are healthy.
  • I am committed to maintaining my oral health.
  • I am looking for a permanent tooth replacement solution.

If you can check these boxes, your next step is a consultation. Dr. Hull can provide a thorough examination, including advanced imaging, to assess your specific situation and help you decide if implants are the right choice for you.

The Dental Implant Process Explained

The journey to a new smile with dental implants typically involves a few key phases. First, the implant, a small titanium post, is surgically placed into your jawbone. Over the next several months, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a strong and stable foundation. Once healing is complete, an abutment is attached to the implant, which serves as a connector for your new custom-made crown. Finally, the crown is secured, completing your beautiful, functional, and permanent new tooth.

If you’re ready to explore how dental implants can transform your smile, contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry today. Let Dr. Hull and our experienced team guide you toward a confident and complete 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

Jul11

Why Replacing Missing Teeth is Crucial for Your Oral Health and Confidence

Categories: Dental Bridge, Dental Implants, Missing Teeth

Losing a tooth is more than just a cosmetic concern. It can impact your ability to eat, speak, and even compromise your long-term oral health. At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, MI, we understand how vital every tooth is in creating a functional, confident smile. That’s why we proudly serve patients in Grand Rapids, Rockford, and surrounding communities with effective tooth replacement options that enhance both health and self-esteem. Here’s why replacing missing teeth is essential and how we can help.

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

When a tooth is missing, the effects ripple through your mouth and beyond. Here are some major reasons to address tooth loss promptly:

1. Preserving Jawbone Health

Your teeth play a crucial role in keeping your jawbone strong and healthy. Without the natural stimulation provided by tooth roots, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate, leading to a sunken facial appearance over time. Replacing missing teeth helps prevent bone loss, especially with options like dental implants, which mimic the function of natural roots.

2. Restoring Chewing and Speaking Abilities

A missing tooth can make daily functions like eating and speaking more challenging. For instance, it may force you to favor one side of your mouth when chewing, putting undue strain on certain teeth. This imbalance can eventually lead to further dental issues.

3. Preventing Teeth From Shifting

When a gap is left in your smile, the neighboring teeth may start to drift into the empty space. This change can alter your bite alignment, increasing your risk of uneven wear, gum disease, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.

4. Boosting Confidence

It’s hard to feel your best when you’re self-conscious about your smile. Filling gaps in your teeth can restore that sense of self-assuredness, helping you focus on what really matters in life, whether it’s your career, relationships, or personal goals.

Tooth Replacement Options

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, Dr. Eric Hull is committed to providing solutions tailored to your unique needs. Here are the three leading options available in our practice:

1. Dental Implants

Regarded as the gold standard in tooth replacement, dental implants are long-lasting and highly effective. An implant is surgically placed into your jawbone, where it integrates, mimicking the function of a natural tooth root. Once healed, a crown is added to create a natural-looking, fully functional tooth. Dental implants not only preserve your jawbone but also deliver unmatched stability and durability.

2. Maryland Bridge

For patients not suited for implants, a Maryland Bridge offers an excellent alternative. This option involves attaching a replacement tooth (or teeth) to the back of neighboring teeth using metal or porcelain wings. It’s minimally invasive and an ideal solution for smaller gaps.

3. Traditional Bridge

A traditional bridge is another effective choice for filling in gaps. It relies on adjacent teeth to support the replacement tooth and is particularly useful for patients whose surrounding teeth are strong enough to hold the restoration securely. This option restores function while blending seamlessly with your natural smile.

Dr. Eric Hull’s Commitment to Your Smile

Our mission at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry isn’t just to replace missing teeth—it’s to rejuvenate your smile in a way that enhances your overall well-being. Dr. Hull and his team are dedicated to restoring not only the function of your teeth but also the confidence that comes with a healthy, vibrant smile.

If you’re dealing with tooth loss, don’t wait. The sooner you address the issue, the better your long-term oral health and quality of life will be. Schedule a consultation today at our office in Comstock Park—proudly serving Grand Rapids, Rockford, and communities nearby. Together, we’ll design a tooth replacement plan that suits your needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

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

Sep27

Want to Fill Those Gaps in Your Smile?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Veneers, Missing Teeth

man getting dental veneers to improve his smile in Comstock Park, MI

Do you have gaps in your smile? Many U.S. adults are missing one or more teeth. You probably already know that missing teeth detract from an attractive smile. You may be self-conscious about your smile. Do you cover your mouth when you laugh? Perhaps you keep your mouth closed when someone takes a picture of you. Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry can help you sure up your smile.

You Don’t Have to Live With Missing Teeth

That’s no way to live. We provide multiple ways to maintain (or regain) your ability to eat, drink, speak, laugh, and smile in selfies.

We help hundreds of patients restore missing teeth. If you are interested in tooth restoration (actually, total smile restoration), we invite you to schedule a consultation.

Your consultation will include a treatment plan to restore missing teeth, an outline of the cost of required care, and a schedule for completing the services.

Dr. Eric Hull creates stunning smiles

If you have missing teeth, Dr. Eric Hull has solutions.

Dr. Hull has built a dental practice based on expertise, experience, and a patient-focused philosophy of care.

There have never been as many options for tooth restoration.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is used where a tooth is missing. Aptly named, it “bridges” a gap between teeth. It is a restoration with a false tooth (or teeth) attached to the surrounding teeth. Dental bridges have been used successfully by generations of dental patients who have lost teeth for various reasons.

A Tooth Implant Replaces the Root Also

An implant consists of an artificial tooth PLUS an artificial root (usually biocompatible titanium). A dental implant is a more extensive replacement for a missing tooth.

With local anesthesia, your dentist anchors the artificial root into the jawbone. In the following months, it integrates and meshes with the jaw bone tissue.

There are three components of a dental implant: the artificial root or post, the connecting abutment, and the final crown or denture. An implant is often the optimal restoration as it offers beauty, strength, and natural function. In addition, it offers something many patients don’t realize is important: protection from bone recession that often transpires at the site of a missing tooth.

Traditional and Implant Supported Dentures

Most people have heard of dentures: 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 extracted and a custome denture created. Modern dentistry offers a myriad of custom dental implant-denture combinations to restore missing teeth.

Dental Veneers

If you still have your teeth but are not satisfied with them, a dental veneer might be a great solution that preserves the healthy tooth structure. Beautiful porcelain veneers can remedy uneven color, oddly sized, or slightly misshapen teeth.

A veneer is a thin shell that your dentist bonds to the front of the teeth. In other words, a dental veneer can enhance unsightly, but structurally sound teeth.

 

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

Mar17

Teeth Protection for Exercise and Sports

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Missing Teeth, Oral Health, Oral Safety

Keep Your Teeth Safe, Comstock Park

There are more ways to exercise than ever before. In Comstock Park, we have personal trainers, all-purpose gyms, HIIT, barre, yoga, Zumba, spin classes, specialty facilities, and recreational sports.

Sports and Exercise Can Be Risky for Your Teeth

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we want our patients to be aware that many activities pose a risk to teeth.

You may believe that mouthguards are only for boxers and pro football players. Actually, mouthguards can and should be used during any activity where impact to the face is possible.

This includes many common sports such as pick-up basketball games, and volleyball, and bicycling. When you have a properly fitted mouth protector, you can prevent broken or lost teeth as well as lip, tongue, and jaw injuries.

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we remind our patients that sports mouthguards aren’t just for kids. Another misconception is that they are only necessary for contact sports. We’ve treated plenty of oral injuries that happened during solo activities like mountain biking.

All Mouthguards Aren’t Create Equal

Mouth protectors come in three main types: stock, boil and bite, and custom-fitted. The stock mouth protectors are pre-formed and ready to wear. Unfortunately, they rarely fit well.

You can find boil and bite mouth protectors at sporting goods stores. They are to be softened in water and then formed to your mouth (make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions).

Custom-fitted mouth protectors can be made by your dentist to make sure you have a perfect fit.

The soft tissues that line your cheeks and lips are especially susceptible to injury when you have braces or fixed bridge work. Plus these expensive appliances can be damaged as well. For these reasons, a mouth protector is extremely important for patients undergoing these treatments. Your orthodontist may even recommend a mouth protector for your lower teeth as well.

If you have questions about sports dentistry any other dental issues, please contact our office and 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

Feb10

A Missing Tooth Can Lead to Bone Loss

Categories: Dental health, Missing Teeth, Oral Health, Oral Safety, Restorative dentistry

Rockford tooth implants

Dental implants from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI support teeth so lifelike, patients have been known to forget some of their teeth aren’t real. That’s now natural their look and function is.

Those simple facts are enough to make most people choose dental implants if they need to replace one or more of their teeth. Then they learn that in addition to those benefits, implants can actually preserve and promote healthy bone mass in their jaws.

Dental Implants and Bone Loss

An unfortunate consequence of losing teeth is that the surrounding bone begins to atrophy. This begins almost immediately, and is usually noticeable within a year or so. The person’s face takes on a shrunken or sagging appearance. The more teeth that are missing, the more pronounced it is.

This happens because of the missing tooth root. But because dental implants are physically attached to the jaw, they mimic the root. The natural biting and chewing motions stimulate the bone and encourage new tissue to grow around the implant.

One dental implant can support one artificial tooth, and several can support a bridge, and even a full dental arch. At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI we have placed them in patients fromAda, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI. They also come to us for restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry . Please give our office a call to schedule 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

Aug27

Implant Dentures: Strength and Stability

Categories: Dental Implants, Missing Teeth

Implant dentures Comstock ParkDentures that rest on the gums have been the standard in tooth replacement for many generations. But a change is underway, and they are no longer the only option. At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we offer dentures supported by dental implants.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are inserted into your jaw, where they fuse with the bone. One implant can support one artificial tooth. Multiple implants can support a full dental arch.

Implant-supported dentures have many benefits:

  • Stability. They don’t move around in your mouth.
  • Like a New Root. Dental implants promote healthy bone by mimicing a tooth root.
  • Bone Retention. The implant prevents bone recession and stimulates blood circulation.
  • Comfort. No gum irritation.
  • Appearance. Get your smile back!

Implant-supported dentures from Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park can transform your life. We have placed them in patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI, who also come to us for Invisalign clear braces and complete family and cosmetic dentistry. Call our office to schedule 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

 

ArticleID 4958
Aug13

Implants Prevent Denture-Related Health Problems

Categories: Bone Recession, Dental Implants, Missing Teeth

tooth implants Comstock ParkAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of adults over 65 have no remaining teeth. Many people with missing teeth choose conventional dentures. But there is a better, state-of-the-art alternative at Eric Hull DDS in Comstock Park.

PROBLEMS WITH DENTURES

Conventional dentures usually fit properly at first. But the mouth changes as you age and normal wear and tear takes its toll. Eventually, the dentures will need to be relined or replaced. In addition:

  • Ill-fitting dentures can aggravate gums and cause inflammation. Inflammation can result in additional health issues.
  • Dentures can change a person’s bite, which impacts the (jaw) joint. This, in turn, can lead to pain in the face, neck, and head.
  • Dentures trap food debris. This can result in gum disease.
  • Missing teeth eventually result in bone loss. When the jaw no longer has tooth roots, it shrinks and recedes.
  • With dental implants you can avoid these issues.

Dental implants are titanium posts inserted into your jaw. Once the post fuses with the bone, it provides a solid base of support, much like a natural tooth root. One implant can support one artificial tooth, and several can support dentures.

Implant-supported dentures from Eric Hull DDS in Comstock Park may be the best investment you ever make. We have placed them in patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI. People also come to us for Invisalign clear braces, and our full range of general and cosmetic dentistry services. Call today!

Contact Eric Hull DDS:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 8088
Apr3

Chew On This: Dental Implants

Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, Missing Teeth, Oral Health

Losing one or more of your natural teeth can be a devastating loss. But with dental implants from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, you can regain your normal ability to bite and chew virtually anything you find on your dinner plate.

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 dentures are certainly better than nothing. But because they are not solidly anchored to your jaw, they don’t provide full biting and chewing function. This is, of course, a big 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 them. 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 Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we provide single-tooth dental implants and implant-supported dentures. Call to 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

Nov1

How Dental Implants Are Changing Dentures

Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, Missing Teeth

How Dental Implants are Changing Dentures in Comstock Park

For anyone who has lost all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park may sound like a dream come true: dentures that are attached to the jaw, and surpass traditional dentures in appearance and functionality.

You know what they say: if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But set aside any skepticism. Implant-supported dentures are already worn successfully by hundreds of thousands of people.

Dental Implants

As you may know, a dental implant is a titanium post that is placed in the jaw, where it fuses with the bone. One post can support one artificial tooth. Multiple posts, strategically placed, can support a dental arch.

Implant-supported dentures have a number of advantages over traditional dentures:

  • More stable. Because they are attached to titanium posts that have fused with the jaw, people have much greater biting and chewing power.
  • Natural in appearance. They look more like natural teeth, and are easier to care for.
  • Built to last. Because they are physically attached to the jaw, implants are long-lasting.
  • Prevents bone recession. With traditional dentures, the bone around missing tooth roots begin to deteriorate. The titanium posts replace some of the tooth rootes, so the bone is preserved.

Implant-supported dentures can transform your life, and they are among the procedures available at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park. We also offer family dentistry services. 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

 

ArticleID 7726
Jan11

Gap-Tooth Smiles Aren’t Quite As Adorable Anymore

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