Missing Teeth

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

Dec21

The Health And Beauty Consequences Of Missing Teeth in Comstock Park

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