What Is More Valuable Than A Diamond?

Comstock Park cosmetic dentistryEvery 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

How Do Implant Dentures Work?

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

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

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

Captivate Audiences Once Again

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

Crowning Achievements In 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

Know The Facts About Oral Piercings

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

Denture Wearers Can Preserve Their Jaw Bone and Facial Shape

invisible braces for adults Comstock Park

More than 36 million Americans don’t have any teeth. And 120 million are missing at least one tooth. (American College of Prosthodontists) 90% of people without teeth wear dentures. Are you one of them?

Dentures aren’t the ideal tooth replacement

If so, how are your dentures working for you? Do they slip around in your mouth? Are they uncomfortable? If so, it may be time for a reline. Dentures need to be relined from time to time so they fit right. The reason for this is because of bone loss and gum shrinkage. Think about that for a minute. Bone loss?!! Gum shrinkage?!!

Let’s discuss it.

What causes bone loss?

To remain strong and vital, your jawbone needs to be consistently stimulated by the pressure of chewing, biting, and talking. Each tooth has a root structure that extends into the surrounding bone material. As each tooth absorbs the forces of everyday mouth function, it stimulates blood flow in the bone surrounding the root.

In other words, your jaw bone has an important job to do, but can diminish if it’s no longer needed.

Look at this for a minute. When tooth roots are gone, your jawbone starts shrinking. And what happens when the underlying structure shrinks? The outer structure changes as well. Eventually, the shape of your face will change.

Bone loss isn’t unavoidable

Before you resign yourself to a shrinking jawbone and eventual hollowed-out cheeks, consider a better option. We’re talking about implant-secured dentures.

What are implant-secured dentures?

A dental implant is a replacement for a tooth that includes the tooth root and the visible part of the tooth. A single implant would have an abutment (connector piece) with a crown affixed. With implant-anchored dentures, the denture composes the visible part of multiple teeth connected to a fewer number of implants. In other words, instead of 1 post + 1 crown for each tooth, you may have all-in-4 which means one complete arch anchored to 4 posts.

Dentures secured by implants are held in place with permanent metal screws or posts–the root replacement part of the implant.

Tooth implants can be used in many different ways. For example, an implant can replace one missing tooth. Or, an implant attached to a dental bridge can replace two or three missing teeth.

In this post, however, we will first describe how implants can serve as a strong base for securing a denture to either the upper or lower arch.

How are the implants inserted?

Dental implant placement works like this: first, the posts are surgically implanted into the jaw bone. Though “oral surgery” might sound extensive, implant placement is an outpatient procedure at your dentist’s office. For most patients, it doesn’t take much longer than filling a cavity. As with other procedures, your dentist will use a numbing agent so you will feel very little pain.

Osseointegration

The next part of the process is vital, although the patient doesn’t have to do anything except practice good oral hygiene. In the months after implant surgery, the post integrates with the jaw bone. This biological process is called osseointegration. Your jawbone integrates into the post as if it was a natural tooth root.

Remember what we discussed earlier? The jaw bone stays healthy when stimulated by tooth roots. Your jawbone works with artificial tooth roots similarly to natural tooth roots. This is what can prevent bone recession! (When you see ads that say dental implants are truly revolutionary, it’s not hyperbole.)

Custom dentures anchored to the implants

Once the implant has securely meshed with the jaw bone, the implant recipient receives a final fitment for their new implant-secured dentures. Just as with any restoration at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, implant-anchored dentures are custom-fit and designed to blend perfectly with remaining teeth. If you don’t have any natural teeth, you will choose the appropriate color with the guidance of Drs. Hull.

Am I a suitable candidate for implant dentures?

When considering whether to get implant-secured dentures, traditional dentures, or some other restoration option, the number of missing teeth affects your specific treatment. If you have suffered extensive tooth loss but still have healthy, bone then implant dentures might work for you.

Implants bonded to a dental bridge

People with three or four adjacent missing teeth may consider two implants bonded to a dental bridge. This configuration is similar to dentures secured by but the bridge covers less gum tissue at the location.

Implant-anchored dentures can change your life

Modern dental implant procedures, cutting-edge materials, and the proficiency of dentists such as Drs. Eric Hull, combine to create truly sensational smiles.

Call us today for dental implant consultation and learn what’s possible for 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

Implant Dentures: Fixed or Removable?

implant dentures Comstock Park

Today, dental patients with missing teeth are fortunate to have a tooth replacement choice that is far better than both traditional dentures and dental bridges. Implant-retained or implant-stabilized dentures both provide numerous advantages over traditional dentures.

  • Secure in the mouth—no slipping
  • Offers up to 100% natural chewing function
  • Upper denture doesn’t cover as much of the palate
  • Comfortable
  • Little or no gum irritation
  • Doesn’t impair speaking ability
  • Strong and durable
  • Implants prevent bone loss and “sunken face”
  • Allows user to eat any type of food—even steak
  • No adhesive required
  • Minimally invasive oral surgery for implant placement

What Are The Differences Between Fixed and Removable?

Fixed implant-retained dentures (sometimes called screw-in) require more implants than the removable type. They can restore 100% of chewing capacity.

Removable implant dentures (sometimes called snap-in) may require just 4 implants to stabilize the upper arch and just 2 for the lower denture. Removable implant-stabilized dentures can restore up to 90% of chewing ability.

How Do I Choose?

Call 616-784-2377 to schedule an implant denture consultation with Drs. Hull. The following factors will impact the recommendation.

Bone Condition

Implants require the patient has a sufficient amount of healthy bone structure for placement. The condition of your jawbone affects whether or not it can support implants and where the posts can be inserted.

Cost

Fixed implant dentures cost more but some men and women believe the advantages outweigh the extra expense.

Convenience

Fixed implant-stabilized dentures don’t have to be removed for cleaning. Patients who have found it inconvenient to clean standard dentures would face the same issue with removable implant-retained dentures.

Diet

Fixed dentures are sturdier than removable dentures. Patients who choose foods that are harder to chew should consider this.

Sleep Conditions

Men and women with TMJ or sleep apnea may find it more difficult to manage these conditions if they have to remove their dentures at night.

For an implant denture consultation, call us at 616-784-2377.

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 You See And What You Don’t

invisible braces Grand Rapids

If you have had restorations, orthodontia, or a complete smile redesign, you want people to notice the final outcome – your sensational smile. There is a lot, however, that is going on behind the scenes. Today’s post talks about three critical smile makeover components that are not readily apparent when you smile, but are often necessary for a successful result.

Invisible Braces
Not everyone in Comstock Park wants to flash a metal smile while their teeth are being straightened. Invisible braces keep your secret safe because it is nearly impossible to see them while they are being worn.

White Fillings

If you have metal fillings, you might be interested in replacing them with composite fillings that match your surrounding teeth. You can’t undo the decay, but you can make the metal disappear.

Tooth Implants

A dental implant is a metal (usually titanium) rod implanted into the bone to replace the missing root after tooth extraction. The crown and supporting structure are securely and permanently attached to the post. Titanium is super strong and well tolerated by the jaw bone. When the final crown is placed, your new tooth is indistinguishable from the others. Dental implants have many important advantages over dental crowns. If you are missing teeth, schedule a consultation with Drs. Eric Hull to discuss your options.

Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry is located at 769 York Creek Dr NW in Comstock Park. We have been providing quality dental care since 1974. In addition to the services previously mentioned, ask us about veneers, tooth whitening, and sedation dentistry. We look forward to meeting you. Call us today at 616-784-2377.

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

7 Ways To Fix A Chipped Tooth

fix broken tooth Comstock Park

In a perfect world, each of your prized teeth would stay healthy, strong, and brilliantly white throughout your life. The truth is, however, that most Michigan men and women will need to restore a tooth at some point.

A tooth can be compromised by decay, enamel erosion, a chip or crack, gum disease, or injury. Sometimes old restorations break and need to be replaced or root canals performed decades ago develop an abscess.

Here are 7 different options for repairing a damaged tooth:

Dental Bonding
Bonding, officially called direct composite veneers, is used to repair minor cosmetic issues – small chips, cracks, discoloration, and spaces between teeth. A skilled cosmetic dentist applies moldable tooth-colored composite resin and shapes as desired. The resin is then cured with a special light to harden and adhere tightly to the tooth. Composite bonding is ordinarily the most cost-effective option for improving healthy teeth with minor cosmetic issues.

Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin tooth-shaped fronts that are permanently bonded to your natural teeth. They are used when the underlying tooth is structurally sound and free of tooth decay. A beautiful veneer can cover a chip or crack or correct the alignment of a tooth that appears slightly off-kilter as compared to surrounding teeth.

Fillings
Modern white fillings are strong and inconspicuous. A minimally invasive filling at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry leaves you with more of nature’s ideal dental material — your own enamel and dentin. We can also replace old amalgam fillings with white fillings. This makes your teeth look a lot better every time you open your mouth. Get rid of all that metal!

Inlays and Onlays
A traditional filling is shaped and molded after it is applied to the tooth. Because inlays and onlays are created in a dental lab, they are ordinarily called indirect fillings. A less invasive inlay or onlay may be used instead of a traditional filling or, in some cases, a crown. Inlays are applied to just the center of the biting surface of a tooth (not to a cusp or point) and are commonly smaller than onlays. An onlay restores one or more cusps of a tooth.

Crowns
A crown replaces the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring appearance, strength, and function. A crown is frequently necessary for a tooth that has had a root canal, a tooth with severe decay, or as the replacement tooth in a dental bridge. Attaching a crown to the abutment is the final step of a tooth implant procedure. Crowns can be made of all metal (such as gold), porcelain-fused-to-metal, all ceramic, or all resin.

Soft Tissue Grafts
Gum recession puts teeth and underlying bones at risk. Soft tissue grafting can cover the exposed root of a tooth to prevent further damage. Gum surgery is also performed for cosmetic reasons such as reshaping a gumline to eliminate a “gummy” smile.

Dental Implants
What if a tooth has to be extracted because it is beyond saving? For many Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry patients, a dental implant anchored into the bone is the ideal solution. A tooth implant consists of a strong metal post (artificial root), abutment (connecting piece), and beautiful crown. A dental implant has many advantages over a dental bridge. They are stronger, provide virtually natural function, prevent bone recession, and do not influence the surrounding teeth. For patients with many missing teeth, tailor-made implant-anchored dentures can be created in any configuration needed.

For more specifics about any of these procedures, call Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 616-784-2377. Thanks for visiting the Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry blog. We appreciate your interest in our Comstock Park 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