Jan20

Still Have Your Wisdom Teeth?

Categories: Extractions, General Dentistry, Wisdom teeth

wisdom teeth removal Comstock Park

Wisdom teeth usually come in between ages 16 and 24. They aren’t always troublesome, but they often are. We extract wisdom teeth at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI.

Wisdom teeth are sometimes called “third molars.” That’s because they really are: the molars furthest back in the mouth. For some people they never present a problem. Unfortunately, such people are in the minority.

Wisdom teeth have a tendency to grow in crooked or sideways. Sometimes they don’t break through the gums, but instead grow into them, or even into the jawbone. They can let in bacteria and cause infection.

These and other complications can be very painful. That’s why we often recommend extraction. When it comes to wisdom teeth extraction, the younger you are the better. By middle age they could have fused with the bone. Extracting them is still possible, but more involved.

If you’re having issues with wisdom teeth or any other teeth, please give us a call at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI trust our extractions, implants and other dental care. 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 63
Jan13

What Does Your Saliva Reveal?

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry

Saliva is an important part of good oral health. Without an adequate flow, you’d find it very difficult to chew and swallow. If you have a problem with dry mouth, let us know at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI.

Saliva is produced by several glands in and around the mouth, and it is mostly water. No surprise there! Aside from chewing and keeping your mouth moist, saliva fights germs in your mouth and helps prevent bad breath.

Sometimes people have a reduced flow of saliva, a condition known as xerostomia (pronounced zero-STO-me-uh). It’s a common side effect of certain medications, and can lead to discomfort and swelling.

Many commonly-used medications can cause dry mouth, including:

  • Antihistamines
  • Appetite suppressants
  • Certain blood pressure medicine
  • Antidepressants
  • Certain pain medication

Dry mouth can also contribute to tooth decay and gum disease, so if these symptoms sound familiar to you, let us know. At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we keep a close watch on the oral health of our patients. Our services include general and restorative dentistry, and see patients throughout Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI. Contact us 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 6797
Jan6

Peace Of Mind At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we make a conscious effort to help our patients feel comfortable. Though our chairs are cushy as can be, we are not talking about physical comfort here. We are talking about emotional comfort. In other words, peace of mind.

Here are some ways we are committed to your peace of mind.

  1. We Don’t Judge: Our communicative and empathetic team helps promote dental health and create beautiful smiles. We are here to help you, regardless of the state of your teeth. We have treated patients with severe tooth neglect, advanced gum disease, enamel erosion caused by eating disorders, tooth damage caused by illegal drug use, baby bottle tooth decay, tobacco-stained teeth: basically, every imaginable dental problem. We don’t live in a bubble. We understand and empathize with our patients.
  2. We Protect You From Pain: From topical analgesics to more in-depth numbing, we will eliminate or minimize pain as best we can. our communicative team will listen to any dental requests and make sure to fulfill them.
  3. We Communicate: Our practice has established a reputation as effective and understanding. Procedures are thoroughly explained and all your critical questions will be answered prior to treatment. If you are not sure you want to initiate treatment, we are happy to let you consider it for a while. There is no rush.

If you have postponed dental treatment for any reason, we encourage you to give Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI a try. Neglecting your oral health has serious consequences. We offer general and restorative dentistry, and serve patients in Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI. Contact us 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

Jan5

Optimum Oral Health Includes Exams and Cleanings

oral health Comstock Park

If you’ve ever visited our blog, you’ve probably heard the counsel to have dental exams and cleanings twice a year. In fact, dental professionals have been advising the twice-yearly frequency for over 50 years. The American Dental Association counsels men and women to visit their dentist twice a year as well.

Is that an arbitrary schedule? Let’s explore the reasons why regular dental visits and cleanings are an essential part of preventative dentistry and optimum oral health.

What does your dentist and dental hygienist do during an exam and cleaning?

Look for Signs of Decay

Your dentist has tools that allow him/her to see places in your mouth that would be extremely difficult for you to see. While a cavity usually takes over six months to become serious, your dentist can see the telltale white spots that reveal that a cavity is forming. In the earliest stages, your dentist can stop the development of a cavity. If a cavity drills into your teeth without you knowing it, it will eventually hit the pulp–Ouch!–and you may need a root canal and a crown. As you might imagine, both are far more expensive than an exam and cleaning. Besides, your dental insurance may cover twice-yearly exams and cleanings at 100%.

Clean Out Your Pockets

If you think dental care is unnecessarily pricey, you might not like this joke. We aren’t talking about your wallet here. We are talking about the gap that forms between your gums and tooth roots when bacteria and plaque build up. It’s not only acute decay that can damage a tooth until it is beyond saving. Gum disease that leads to bone loss is just as dangerous. A buildup of plaque creates pockets of infection between the gums and tooth roots. This leads to periodontitis, gum recession, and eventual bone loss. A professional cleaning removes the plaque before it can cause the gums to loosen.

Check for Oral Cancer

The Oral Cancer Foundation reports this unfortunate stat: oral cancer claims one life every hour—that’s 48,250 deaths a year.1

Clean Plaque and Tartar

Even if you brush and floss your teeth morning and night, plaque can build up. We have many patients who are faithful brushers but are surprised when our hygienist uncovers plaque on their teeth.

Polish Your Teeth

When the hygienist polishes your teeth, it gets rid of the bacteria that allows the plaque to form. If you have , your hygienist can smooth away uneven areas below the gumline where bacteria can flourish. Plus, it feels amazing when you run your tongue over polished teeth!

Oral Health is Physical Health

Your mouth is connected to the rest of the body, but many men and women treat it as a separate entity. Some get regular preventative services for physical conditions but fail to recognize their oral health.

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we’ve often wondered about this common disconnect. Did you know that there is compelling evidence to suggest that the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes increases with poor oral health? Besides, your lifestyle is dramatically impacted when you have tooth pain, tooth loss, gum disease, or dentures.

Even if you don’t have dental insurance, cleanings and exams are one of the most economical ways to keep optimal oral health.

Call 616-784-2377 today to schedule a dental exam and cleaning at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

1https://oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/

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 8678
Dec30

2023 Is The Year To Replace Missing Teeth

Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

If you or someone you care about lost a tooth this year, but haven’t yet dealt with the issue, Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI suggests a consultation with our dental implant team immediately.

Why the rush? Though your missing tooth might not be an aesthetic issue now – maybe it’s far enough back that the gap is not visible, or perhaps you don’t mind a sort of rugged look – it could very well become one in the future.

When we lose a tooth, the root and jaw bone eventually atrophy. This causes neighboring teeth to begin to shift into the empty spaces, causing misalignment and pain. Worse, it causes your facial features to take on a “sunken” look; especially round the cheeks.

Dental implants are the best way to avoid this, as they protect and stimulate the remaining teeth, keeping them in place and bolstering their strength. The good news is that dental implants and their associated restorations mimic natural enamel perfectly, so nobody will be able to tell that you’ve achieved your New Year’s resolution early this coming year!

If you’ve been dreaming of a more complete smile for years, 2023 is the time to do it and Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI can help! We offer implants and complete restorative dentistry. We serve satisfied patients in Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI. Contact us 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

Dec23

These Holidays, Gift Yourself A New Smile!

We know the holidays can be a time to re-prioritize and think a bit on what’s important to you. While many are busy buying expensive gifts or gym memberships, Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI wants you to think of yourself first. Specifically, your smile.

After all, your smile is a window into well-being, and when it looks best, you not only feel best, but people treat you like you do.

So, in essence, when you look into cosmetic dentistry options like teeth whitening, dental veneers, or dental implants, you’re not only thinking of your appearance, but your whole quality of life. You deserve a social life that you’re a confident player in. You also deserve a pain-free smile that you’re proud to show off to your friends.

All this is achievable with our cosmetic options. Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI wants you to face this new year with a new smile. What’s more, with all those delicious – but sticky – holiday meals around the corner, it’s the best time to look into our general and family dentistry and prepare your enamel for what’s to come. We serve satisfied patients in Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI. Contact us 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

Dec16

Improve Your Smile for Yourself And Those That Look at You!

Categories: Dental Bridge, Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

long-term tooth replacement solution Comstock Park

Losing one or more of your natural teeth impacts your smile, and your ability to bite and chew. But with dental implants from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, you can regain your smile and the ability to eat just about anything.

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 a denture is certainly better than nothing. But because they are not solidly anchored to your jaw, they do not provide full biting and chewing function. This is, of course, a major 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 the same. 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 Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI we provide single-tooth dental implants and implant-supported dentures. They look great! People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI trust us their dental health to our comprehensive restorative dentistry team! Contact us 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 8279
Dec9

Dental Implants Are Truly Life-Changing

Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

tooth implants Grand Rapids

Patients who are thinking about a dental implant from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI often ask how long they last. An implant is a significant investment, after all. Do they really last a lifetime, like people say? The answer is yes, but an explanation is in order.

A dental implant is not a replacement tooth, but the titanium post that is inserted into the jaw. Titanium is well-suited for implants, and cases of rejection by the body are rare. A big factor in how long the implant lasts comes down to how well you take care of it.

Dental implants are life-changing! With regular checkups and proper care at home, a dental implant can last a lifetime. When you get your implant we will have specific instructions for daily care. For most patients, we recommend brushing and flossing twice a day.

Dental implants like those from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI have become the tooth replacement solution of choice. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI also come to our office for general and restorative dentistry. Contact us 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 8546
Nov25

You Can Slow The Rate Of Bone Loss After Extraction

Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

bone loss after tooth extraction

A serious side effect of losing a tooth by extraction, accident, or disease is the potential for bone loss. This can be minimized, or even avoided outright, with a dental implant from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI.

The Alveolar Bone

The bone surrounding the teeth is called alveolar bone. Its main job is to support the teeth and provide a tough foundation for tooth roots. Normal mouth function maintains bone health. As you chew, it stimulates bone cells to consistently produce new bone.

What Can Cause Alveolar Bone Loss?

When a tooth is lost, the bone where the tooth once was is at risk. The forces of chewing no longer stimulate the bone in that area. The bone begins to get narrower, then shorter.

Studies have shown that a considerable amount of†alveolar bone loss can take place within six weeks of losing the tooth. Since it recedes so quickly, the sooner you can get an implant, the better. Unfortunately, conventional dentures do nothing to prevent bone loss. A dental implant, however, simulates the natural tooth root and stimulates the bone.

Whether it’s for one or more lost teeth, dental implants from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI help to prevent bone loss. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI also come to us for complete restorative dentistry. Contact us 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 8267
Nov18

Top 10 Reasons To Visit Your Dentist

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Visit Your Comstock Park Dentist

You smile deserves regular attention. If you haven’t had a dental exam in a while, give us a call at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI. Consider these important reasons for having regular cleanings and checkups:

  1. Check Up: It’s time, and this is the best way to prevent dental problems.
  2. Clean Up: Our dental hygienist is ready to give you a super clean smile.
  3. Brush Up: If it has been a while since your last dental visit, it’s probably time to come in for a refresher course on appropriate dental hygiene.
  4. Avoid Pain: If you have dental pain and have been putting off a trip to the dentist, come in now, because we specialize in relieving dental pain.
  5. Fillings: We can find and fill all your dental cavities in almost no time at all. This will help you skip more painful dilemmas down the road, and helps some of those sensitivities to hot and cold.
  6. Prevent Gum Disease: We’ll evaluate the health of your gums and make any suggestions to help you improve.
  7. A Whiter Smile: We can help. We have tooth whitening options available that will upgrade your smile and make your teeth whiter.
  8. Tooth Replacement: If you are missing a tooth, we can help restore your smile with a dental implant.
  9. Cosmetic Dentistry: Considering making improvements to your smile? We have the procedures to do it.
  10. Confidence: Nothing brings you more confidence than a healthy smile.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI we can maintain your dental health and improve your smile! People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to us for general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Contact us 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 176