Restorative dentistry

May9

Why It’s Critical to Repair Broken or Cracked Teeth in Rockford, MI

Categories: Dental Crowns, Dental health, Restorative dentistry

Nobody wants to deal with a broken or cracked tooth, but ignoring the problem can lead to far more serious dental health issues. At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, serving Rockford, MI, and surrounding areas such as Belmont, Grand Rapids, and Sparta, we specialize in restoring smiles and protecting oral health. Below, we’ll explore the dangers of damaged teeth and why timely care is essential for you and your family.

Causes of Broken or Cracked Teeth

Cracked or broken teeth can happen for a variety of reasons. Common causes include:

  • Accidents, like a fall or sports injury
  • Biting on hard objects, such as ice or hard candy
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Weak enamel due to poor dental hygiene or age
  • Old fillings that no longer support the tooth

While accidents happen, it’s important to know that no matter the cause, leaving a broken or cracked tooth untreated can lead to significant oral health risks.

Dangers of Leaving a Broken or Cracked Tooth Untreated

A damaged tooth is not just a cosmetic issue; it’s a serious health concern. Here’s why you shouldn’t delay treatment if you suspect a tooth is cracked or broken:

1. Bacteria Can Enter the Tooth

Even a small crack in your tooth provides an entry point for bacteria. Over time, bacteria can infiltrate the interior of the tooth, leading to decay, infections, or abscesses. This can cause severe pain and may even require root canal therapy or tooth extraction if left untreated.

2. Risk of Further Damage

Small cracks can easily expand into larger fractures, compromising the structural integrity of the tooth. The more the tooth deteriorates, the more complex (and expensive!) the necessary treatment will become.

3. Pain and Discomfort

Even if your broken or cracked tooth isn’t causing pain now, it could lead to extreme tooth sensitivity or sharp pain when eating certain foods. Ignoring this can make daily life uncomfortable and reduce your quality of life.

4. Gum and Jaw Problems

Untreated cracks can result in issues beyond the tooth itself. For instance, infections can spread to the gums or jawbone, jeopardizing the health of surrounding teeth and tissue.

How We Can Help at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry

At Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we know how disruptive a broken or cracked tooth can be, which is why we focus on fast, effective, and pain-free solutions. Whether through dental crowns or bonding, we repair your teeth to restore both functionality and aesthetics.

Dental Crowns

A crown can protect and reinforce the structure of a heavily damaged tooth. Made from high-quality, natural-looking materials, our crowns are custom-fitted for both comfort and durability.

Dental Bonding

For minor chips or cracks, dental bonding is a quick and efficient option. Using tooth-colored composite resin, we can restore the appearance and strength of your damaged tooth in just one visit.

Protect Your Smile, Protect Your Health

Your teeth are essential to your overall well-being and confidence. Don’t wait until small issues become large problems. Here at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we’re here to help residents of Rockford, Belmont, Grand Rapids, and Sparta maintain healthy, beautiful smiles for years to come.

If you have a broken or cracked tooth, don’t hesitate to contact us. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward protecting your oral health.

Your smile deserves it! 😊

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

Apr18

Why Dental Implants Are the Ideal Choice for Tooth Replacement in the Grand Rapids Area

Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

Missing teeth can do more than just impact your smile. They can affect your confidence, oral health, and even your overall well-being. If you’re in the Grand Rapids area and seeking a solution, dental implants might just be the perfect choice. Here at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, MI, Dr. Eric Hull specializes in providing dental implants to help restore both the beauty and function of your smile.

Why Replacing Missing Teeth Is Critical for Oral Health

Tooth loss isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can lead to a host of oral health problems. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth can shift, leading to misalignment. Additionally, the bone in the jaw where the tooth was lost can begin to deteriorate over time due to lack of stimulation, which can result in changes to your facial structure and even further tooth loss. Replacing a missing tooth is essential to maintaining oral health, preserving jawbone density, and ensuring proper function when chewing and speaking.

Dental Implants: A Permanent, Healthy, and Beautiful Solution

Dental implants are widely regarded as the gold standard for tooth replacement, and for good reason. Unlike other solutions such as dentures or bridges, a dental implant mimics the natural structure of a tooth, with a titanium post acting as the tooth root. This post is surgically embedded into the jawbone, which integrates with the bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a secure and permanent foundation.

Once the implant has fused with the bone, it is topped with a custom-made crown that is designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. The result? A tooth replacement that not only looks stunning but feels and functions just like the real thing.

What Makes Dental Implants Ideal for Tooth Replacement?

There are a number of reasons why dental implants are an excellent option for adults in the Grand Rapids area:

  • Longevity: Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care, making them a long-term investment in your oral health.
  • Natural Appearance: The customized crowns are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth, giving you a seamless, confident smile.
  • Improved Comfort: Because they are securely anchored to your jaw, dental implants eliminate the discomfort often associated with traditional dentures.
  • Better Oral Health: Implants preserve the health of your jawbone and prevent the shifting of adjacent teeth, both of which are common problems after tooth loss.
  • Enhanced Functionality: Enjoy eating, speaking, and laughing without worrying about your replacement tooth moving out of place.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Dental implants are a versatile solution that can work for anyone with good oral health and sufficient jawbone density. During a consultation at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, Dr. Eric Hull will assess your needs and determine if implants are the best option for you. Even if you’ve experienced some bone loss, additional treatments like bone grafting can be performed to prepare your jaw for implants.

Teeth Implants – The Roots of a Beautiful Smile

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we understand how important your smile is. Our team is committed to providing patient-centered care and crafting solutions that fit your unique needs. That’s why Grand Rapids residents trust us for high-quality, lasting dental implants that restore confidence and improve oral health.

If you’re ready to learn more about how dental implants could transform your smile, contact us today to schedule your consultation. Reclaim the beauty and functionality of your smile with the trusted expertise of Dr. Eric Hull!

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

Aug23

How Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Michigan Can Fix a Chipped Tooth

Categories: Dental health, Restorative dentistry

How Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Michigan Can Fix a Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth can be a distressing experience, impacting not only the aesthetics of your smile but also your overall oral health.

The good news is that modern dentistry offers several effective solutions for repairing a chipped tooth, restoring both the function and beauty of your smile. In this article, we’ll explore how Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Michigan can mend a chipped tooth and help you regain your confidence.

Understanding Chipped Teeth

Chipped teeth can result from various causes, including accidents, biting down on hard objects, or even tooth decay. The severity of the chip can vary, from minor enamel damage to more significant fractures that expose the inner layers of the tooth. The approach to fixing a chipped tooth depends on the extent of the damage.

Treatment Options for Chipped Teeth

Dental Bonding: For minor chips, dental bonding is a common and minimally invasive solution. If appropriate, we can apply a tooth-colored resin to the chipped area, shape it to match your natural tooth, and then harden it with a special light.

Porcelain Veneers: When the chip is more significant or if you’re looking for a more long-term and cosmetic solution, porcelain veneers are an excellent choice. These thin, custom-made shells are bonded to the front of the tooth, covering the chip and improving your tooth’s appearance.

Dental Crowns: For larger chips or when the structural integrity of the tooth is compromised, a dental crown may be necessary. Crowns are caps that completely encase the damaged tooth, restoring its strength and appearance.

Tooth Contouring: In some cases, minor reshaping and contouring of the chipped tooth can provide a simple and quick solution, improving its appearance and function.

The Restoration Process

When you visit Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Michigan for a chipped tooth, here’s what you can expect:

  • Evaluation: We’ll thoroughly assess the extent of the chip and discuss the most suitable treatment options with you.
  • Preparation: Depending on the chosen treatment, we’ll carefully prepare the tooth. This may involve reshaping the tooth for bonding, removing a thin layer of enamel for veneers, or resizing it for a crown.
  • Treatment: The selected procedure will be performed, and the restoration will be carefully crafted to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
  • Fitting and Bonding: The restoration will be fitted, bonded, and polished to ensure it blends seamlessly with your smile.

A chipped tooth need not be a permanent blemish on your smile.

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Michigan, we offer a range of effective solutions to mend chipped teeth and help you regain your confidence.

Whether it’s a simple bonding procedure or a more extensive restoration with veneers or crowns, our team is dedicated to delivering the best care for your oral health and aesthetics.

Don’t let a chipped tooth affect your self-esteem or oral health; contact us today to discuss your options and embark on the journey to a beautifully restored 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

Aug16

Rather Have A Root Canal?

Categories: Dental health, Oral Health, Restorative dentistry, Root Canals

Comstock Park Endodontics Have you ever heard the phrase ‘I’d rather have a root canal’ to describe something painful or unpleasant? At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we perform a root canal (endodontic) therapy routinely for our patients, and many report minimal discomfort.

Root canal procedures have advanced significantly in recent years. For many root canal patients, the procedure is no more stressful than getting a filling.

If root canal therapy is necessary to preserve a tooth, we provide the most advanced endodontic treatment in Michigan.

How do you know if you need a root canal? You should meet with your dental professional immediately if you experience tenderness or pain, hot or cold sensitivity, tooth discoloration, tooth injury, gum swelling, gum pain, or lymph node tenderness or drainage. However, for some endodontic patients, there are no symptoms. That is why it is critical to visit your dentist regularly for a thorough dental examination and dental cleaning.

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

Mar8

What Is More Valuable Than A Diamond?

Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

Comstock Park cosmetic dentistry “Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.” -Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote, 1605

When Cervantes wrote Don Quixote, there was no way to replace teeth that were lost to decay or injury. We are fortunate to live at a time when there is a permanent state-of-the-art replacement for missing teeth performed by Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry: the amazing dental implant.

A dental implant, or tooth implant, is anchored into the jaw bone. It does not slide around like a removable denture. It functions just like a natural tooth.

With a dental implant, you can talk, chew, and brush like normal. Eat that steak. Laugh out loud. Sing at the top of your lungs!

Dental implant placement is not an experimental treatment. Dental implants have been available for many years. You can be sure it has been fully tested and tweaked to perfection.

If you have a missing tooth and want to get a tooth implant, it is critical to decide on an experienced dental specialist to perform your implant procedure. To schedule a dental implant or cosmetic dentistry consultation at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, call 616-784-2377.

We offer the full spectrum of restorative, cosmetic, and general dental services. If you need a gentle family dentist to put your kids at ease or a precision smile design artist, we invite you to speak with us today by calling 616-784-2377. We are dedicated to providing singular dental care for our valued patients.

 

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

Jan26

How Do Implant Dentures Work?

Categories: Dental Implants, Dentistry, Restorative dentistry

implant dentures Comstock Park

Many individuals know that a tooth implant is an ideal tooth restoration. Some don’t realize, however, that two or more can support a partial or full denture. This can be a less expensive option than having many implants while still providing many advantages as compared to conventional dentures.

Today’s post answers the most frequent questions about implant dentures.

The first thing to know is that a fixed implant denture is called an “implant-supported” denture while a removable one is called an “implant-retained” denture.

What Are Implant Dentures?

Like traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures replace missing teeth. The difference is that they are attached to titanium posts which are surgically inserted into the jawbone.

Each post is called an implant. The implant fuses with the surrounding bone structure to create an incredibly secure restoration. These posts are similar to the implants that hold a crown, except instead of a crown, they have a clip that attaches to the denture, partial denture, or metal bar that holds the denture connectors. Implants can be used for both upper and lower dentures.

Bar-Retained and Ball-Retained Systems

There are two types of implant stabilization methods: bar-retained and ball-retained. For both, the denture is created with gum-colored acrylic for the base to which porcelain (or acrylic) false teeth are attached. The denture necessitates, at a minimum, two implants for stabilization.

With the ball-retained system, each post holds an attachment (male or female) that fits into a corresponding connector on the denture. These are sometimes called “stud-attachment.”

With bar-retained dentures, a metal bar is anchored to two to five implants. The bar holds the clips that connect to the denture.

If you are currently wearing standard dentures, talk to us about superior restoration procedures.

 

CONTACT ERIC HULL AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY:

616-333-6445

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Jan5

How Do You Choose a Dental Practice For a Dental Implant?

Categories: Dental Implants, General Dentistry, Restorative dentistry

implant dentist Comstock ParkToday’s message is for men and women who have decided to replace a damaged tooth with a tooth implant. Great choice!

Now you need to choose the right dental implant dentist to perform the procedure.

This is a key decision. A dental implant is permanent. It involves oral surgery. It requires a significant financial investment. Making a bad choice of provider can lower your chances for success.

Here are the vital factors to consider:

Experience

  • How many years has the dentist been performing implants?
  • How many tooth implants has he/she done?
  • How many years has the dentist been practicing dentistry?

Patient Reviews

Online reviews are a great resource. Former patients not only give a five-star rating, but some of them share details about their experience. Be sure to check out the reviews for any dentist you are considering. Visit multiple online platforms.

Office Atmosphere

A modern dental practice with the latest technology helps ensure an effective outcome. When you visit the office, ask about their patient amenities. Observe the cleanliness of the office and the friendliness of the team.

What About Price?

You may wonder why we didn’t list price as one of the factors. This was intentional. Choosing an implant dentist by price alone is a bad idea. In the Grand Rapids area, most implant dentists’ prices are comparable. If you find a provider that has slashed the price for implants, be cautious. Find out exactly what is covered. A dental implant consists of a post, abutment, and crown (or denture). Some implant-only clinics advertise the price for the post alone. This is misleading.

How much does a tooth implant cost at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry? Call 616-784-2377 to schedule a consultation. We can take a look at your specific implant needs and discuss financing options.

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

Aug25

Captivate Audiences Once Again

Categories: Dental health, Restorative dentistry

porcelain veneers cost Grand Rapids

Hello Comstock Park! Remember when being a toothless five-year-old captivated friends and family? When a lisp was considered precious and endearing? Doesn’t really work for adults. Toothless smiles are embarrassing and lisps can make you self-conscious.

But your days of drawing delighted looks and commanding a conversation may not be gone forever—even if you have teeth missing. Don’t keep your fans waiting any longer. It is time to find out what can be done to fill in those gaps and restore what you reveled in as a child—your brilliant smile and a healthy self-image. Calling at 616-784-2377 is the first step out of the wings and onto the stage of a new life.

If you are missing teeth, have unappealing gaps or are just not happy with your smile’s current state, the talented group at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry look forward to offering you the remedies to all your vital smile makeover, dental restorations, and cosmetic dentistry questions.

A simple consultation will bring not only clarity but hope that possibilities for implant dentistry, restorative dentistry, or porcelain veneers are well within your reach. Drs. Eric Hull is ready to end your stage fright and restore confidence at this stage in your life. We know we can’t stay children forever but don’t despair, YOU can still be captivating!

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

Jul7

Crowning Achievements In Dentistry

Categories: Porcelain Veneers, Restorative dentistry

dental crowns Grand Rapids

Today’s article looks at one of the miracles of modern dentistry: the dental restoration.

Let’s pretend you are a biomedical engineer working in the field of dentistry before the introduction of dental restorations. The men and women of your generation who have missing or damaged teeth want to repair or replace them with a man-made substitute. You have been hired to find or create a material that can be used to manufacture fillings, crowns, and dental bridges.

Consider the various physical and chemical requirements of this incredible substance. It must tolerate forces of 162 pounds per square inch (PSI), hundreds of times a day–day after day, year after year. It must be resistant to cracking and chipping. But there’s a catch regarding its stability; it must not weaken the enamel on opposing teeth. This material must also maintain its size and shape and be resistant to shrinking.

It must be bondable to living tooth structure as well as other materials necessary for specific appliances. It must be biocompatible with the soft tissues in the mouth as well as tooth enamel, dentin, and bone. It can’t generate allergic reactions in the wearers. It must be corrosion-resistant to the chemicals in saliva, foods, and beverages. It must resist infection regardless of ever-present bacteria in the mouth. And it can’t contain toxic chemicals that could be absorbed into the bloodstream.

And we haven’t even thought about the esthetics yet. Ideally, this amazing material would be indistinguishable from genuine teeth in color, opacity, and translucence.

Of course, we know that such a substance exists because dental restorations have been around for a long time. Nowadays, there are numerous materials used alone or in combination including porcelain, ceramic, and metals such as gold and silver amalgam. Though the metals are extremely strong and malleable, they don’t meet some patient’s esthetic requirements and are used mainly for back teeth.

It is interesting to note that porcelain, one of the ideal materials used in modern restorations, was developed over 2000 years ago in China.

I wonder if the ancient Chinese porcelain inventors who developed the techniques for molding, firing, and painting the beautiful tableware and vases highly regarded around the world ever imagined that their invention would live beautifully in the mouths of millions of individuals more than twenty centuries later!

Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry offers porcelain veneers, Six Month Smiles, implant dentistry, Zoom! teeth whitening, and restorative dentistry. For more information, call Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry today at 616-784-2377 or visit us. 

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

Jun16

Know The Facts About Oral Piercings

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Restorative dentistry

health risks of oral piercings Comstock Park

Body piercings are a common form of self-expression seen around Grand Rapids. Today’s post is for those who currently have an oral piercing or are considering one.

Since this is a dental blog, I am sure you expect us to raise all sorts of alarms warning of the dangers of piercings. You are right. Unfortunately, these piercings and the jewelry they accommodate can lead to serious issues with not only your teeth and mouth, but your entire body. These piercings can bring about tooth damage, cavities, periodontal disease, tooth loss, bone recession, compromised immune system function and, in rare cases, death.

In general, any oral piercing is going to open you up to an array of dangerous oral infections and complications. The mouth is full of germs and introducing foreign objects permanently is not natural for your body’s health.

A tongue piercing can bring about difficulty chewing with unnatural chewing patterns that may lead to swallowing dilemmas. The jewelry produces excess saliva from the salivary glands, which throws off the natural balance of your oral cavity. Permanent nerve deterioration, excessive bleeding, and allergic reactions can also occur.

Metal jewelry also can easily come in contact with your teeth, leading to cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth. Your teeth are built to last a lifetime. Chips, cracks, and enamel erosion compromise their strength and shorten their lifespan.

Complications with some piercings develop by the introduction of hepatitis and herpes simplex viruses, and even more complications have occurred with bacteria entering the bloodstream and eventually lodging in the heart valve. In rare cases, such infections are fatal.

Though not technically a piercing, some Michigan people drill small holes in their teeth to place rhinestones or other jewelry. Drilling into a tooth is harmful for many reasons, including damage that can make a root canal required. The jewel also can attract bacteria that can directly go into the drilled cavity of the tooth.

Dr. Hull encourages patients with oral piercings to remove their jewelry before it puts their health at risk. However, if you have an oral piercing and plan to keep it, we advise you to have scheduled dental cleanings and check-ups. It’s important to repair problems in their early stages before they become more extreme. Do not wait if you suspect you may have a dental or physical issue.

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