Jun12

Oral Cancer: Early Diagnosis Makes A Big Difference

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral cancer screenings, Oral Health

oral cancer screening Comstock Park

Oral cancer claims some fifty thousand lives in the United States every year. That’s a scary number and one of the reasons why we perform oral cancer screenings at every checkup at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

Oral cancer refers to cancer in not just the mouth, but also the face, neck and lips. Each of those areas is part of a screening.

During an oral cancer screening we look for anything out of the ordinary: swellings, bumps, patches of color, lesions, or any other irregularities. This is one of those times we’ll ask you to say “Ahh,” because making that sound exposes parts of the throat that are hard to see.

Oral cancer screening also includes a physical exam. We’ll feel your head and cheeks, around your jaw, under your chin, and in your mouth to see if there are any masses or unusual nodules.

Also available is a device called the VELscope. This non-invasive device stimulates cells with a blue light, with which we can better see changes in tissue. It won’t diagnose cancer, but helps us identify abnormalities we might not see with a simple visual exam.

Early diagnosis of oral cancer increases the odds of successful treatment. Patients come to Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI for general and cosmetic dentistry. Please call to schedule your next checkup 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

 

ArticleID 7428
Jun5

Schedule Your Coronation

Categories: Dental Crowns, General Dentistry

dentist crowns Comstock Park

Dental crowns are one of the best ways to restore a tooth that has been damaged or broken. They are one of most common restorations we perform at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

The word “crown” is sometimes referred to a “cap”. Dental crowns are fixed restorations that are made to cover the tooth. Once they are in place, they protect the tooth and restore its appearance and function.

There is a difference between a crown used for a restoration and a crown used in a dental implant, even though they have the same name. In a restoration, they cover a tooth that has had work done on it, such as removing decay or a root canal. The crown completely covers the dental work and is cemented in place.

A dental implant is actually a titanium post that is inserted into the jaw, where it fuses with the bone. A connecting piece fits into the post and a crown is attached to that.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we use restorative crowns to repair teeth that have been damaged, cracked, or broken. Our patients come from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI for complete family and cosmetic dentistry. Please 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 7214
May22

Correcting Flaws With Cosmetic Dentistry

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental health

Having a beautiful smile is something many people desire. If your smile makes you feel self conscious, Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park can help. An improved smile goes a long way to boosting your self-esteem and self-confidence.

Before we continue, though, we must point out a misconception. A lot of people think that cosmetic dentistry is all about appearance. Yes, it will make your smile look a lot better, but your teeth will be healthier too!

Available procedures include:

  • Porcelain veneers. Thin shells of medical-grade ceramic are attached to the fronts of your teeth. They can cover up chips, cracks, and gaps between teeth. They are also good for covering damaged tooth enamel.
  • Teeth whitening. Years of consuming tea and coffee and other tooth-staining foods and drinks really take a toll on your smile. You’ll find a lot of over-the-counter whitening products at the store, but none can match the power of professional-strength whitening.
  • Dental implants. One of the true marvels of modern dentistry, dental implants are titanium posts inserted into your jaw. One can support an artificial tooth, and several can support a full dental arch. Because the implant fuses with the bone, your biting and chewing power is restored while maintaining bone levels.

Correcting problem teeth can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues. Plus you’ll have a smile that you’ll love! At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, the smiles of our patients are important. They come to us from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI for family and cosmetic dentistry, and Invisalign clear braces. 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

 

May15

Between-Meal Cleaning

Categories: Dental health, Dental hygiene, General Dentistry

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we always remind our patients to brush their teeth after every meal. Happily, most of our patients take that advice to heart.

But what are you supposed to do in the middle of the day? You’re out and about, and your usual stuff – that favorite toothbrush and paste, the container of dental floss – is at home in the bathroom.

What’s the best way to keep your teeth clean between meals?

One of the best things you can do is rinse your mouth with water after you eat. It’s no substitute for brushing and flossing, of course, but will give your whole mouth a quick cleansing.

A quick brushing is good, too. One trick is what we call dry brushing. That means brushing your teeth without toothpaste. Yes, it sounds a bit strange – but it’s effective, especially if you can use a little water, too. It isn’t the way you would brush at home, of course, but it’s going to clean the surfaces of your teeth – and that’s half the battle.

The other half of the battle is the stuff that gets between your teeth. A good solution here is using floss picks. In the short-term they’re a good stand-in for regular dental floss, and because they have a little handle, you can do it one-handed and without the aid of a mirror. (Just be sure you use regular floss later on, before bed.)

Another effective trick is chewing sugarless gum. It only takes about five minutes of chewing to get the benefits. The gum will remove a lot of the surface debris from your teeth. It also gets your saliva going, which in turn promotes re-mineralization, the process of replacing minerals in your teeth.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want all of our patients to take care of their teeth during the day. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI schedule appointments for cosmetic, family and restorative dentistry. Call for your next checkup 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

May8

Clean Teeth, Happy Mouth

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral Health

Good dental health means having healthy teeth and gums. Maintaining it is something that you have to work at every day. It can be a real balancing act: using the right oral care products, your personal oral care habits, and seeing us at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park twice a year.

Your dental health strategy should include:

  • Daily brushing and flossing. You should brush and floss twice a day. Just before bedtime is especially important, because it cleans out the germs and plaque that build up during the course of the day.
  • Proper brushing. It’s important not only to brush, but to brush properly. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush in a gentle, circular motion along the gum line. Take your time; a minimum of two minutes is recommended. Don’t forget to brush your tongue!
  • Using fluoridated toothpaste. There are dozens of choices when it comes to toothpaste. Whether you prefer mint flavored or bubble gum, fluoride is the most important consideration. It is your best defense against cavities.
  • Limiting sugary and acidic foods. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee contributes to enamel erosion. Sugar converts into acid when it’s in your mouth. You don’t have to avoid these foods entirely, but choose carefully and minimize.
  • Seeing us twice a year. You saw this one coming, right? Your daily dental health care habits are essential, but so is the attention and care of a dentist. A professional teeth cleaning alone is worth the trip, but we can also identify issues before they become serious, and treat them.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want all of our patients to enjoy good dental health. People call us from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI for cosmetic, family and restorative dentistry.  Schedule your next checkup 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

May1

Toothbrush Tantrums: When Your Child Won’t Brush

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, Oral Health

how to make your child brush their teeth Comstock Park

Children’s dental experts generally recommend that parents brush their kids’ teeth until they’re around seven years old. That’s about the time most kids begin to assert their independence, so it’s a good time for them to take over. But sometimes kids get stubborn about brushing. Then what? Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park has some tips.

Ideally, children should brush their teeth twice a day. Setting the right example can make a big difference. Let your kids know how important good dental health is to you, and make sure they see you brush and floss without fail.

Here are some other tips that are tried and true:

  • Make it fun. Try singing some of your children’s favorite songs as they brush, or even do a silly dance. Make it special, something reserved for brushing.
  • Choices. Like we said, issues can arise as children begin to assert their independence. Get them more involved by letting them choose the toothbrush and toothpaste they want to use. Make sure their choice has the American Dental Association label on it – and let them know why that label important.
  • Be positive. This is one of the most important things. If your child digs in her heels and won’t brush, don’t issue any ultimatums. It’s okay to let brushing go now and then. It’s a good time to emphasize how important good dental health is. A small reward, like staying up a little later on Friday night or control of the TV remote, can help.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want to help our young patients start on a lifetime of good dental health. People come to us from Rockford, Walker, and Kentwood for cosmetic, family and restorative dentistry. Call us to schedule your child’s next 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 7046
Apr24

Seeking A Relationship In Comstock Park?

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral Health

Affordable Grand Rapids Cosmetic Dentistry

The relationship you have with any health care professional is more important than you might think. This is as true for a dentist as any other provider. That’s just one reason why, at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we work hard to make our office a friendly and welcoming place.

When it comes to your dentist, you should want more than someone who just happens to have an office near where you live. Likewise, you should want more than someone who can clean your teeth and fill cavities. Your dental health is important: studies show beyond any doubt that there is a clear connection between healthy teeth and gums and your general health.

We want all our patients to be fully informed. Never hesitate to ask us questions about what we’re doing: whether you’re curious about an instrument we use, about a procedure you need, or a problem we’ve found.

Our office is meant to be fully functional, in the sense of meeting the needs of our patients. In addition to regular checkups and cleanings, we want to provide you with everything you need to know to care for your teeth and gums between visits. We believe that a clean mouth is a happy mouth!

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, the dental health of every patient who settles into one of our chairs is our absolute top priority. People come here from Rockford, Walker, Kentwood, and throughout the area for general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, and much more. 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

 

ArticleID 1391
Apr17

When Brushing Is A Battle: Tips For Comstock Park Parents

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry

kids dentist Comstock Park

Good dental hygiene should start early in life. When kids are really small, it’s up to parents to make sure their teeth are brushed at least once a day. As they get older and assert their independence, daily brushing can be more difficult. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we have some suggestions that we hope will help.

Four Tips

  • Set The Right Example. One of the most important things to do is set the right example. This applies to so much parenting! Make sure you child sees you brushing and flossing, and understands that you consider it essential to good health.
  • Don’t Worry About Toothpaste. Some kids hate the way toothpaste tastes. When their small, don’t make too much of it. If toothpaste keeps them from brushing, then skip it. Early on, most important thing is to establish the good habit of regular brushing.
  • Be Positive. When a youngster refuses to brush, it can be incredibly frustrating. Believe us, we know! Don’t let it get to you. Don’t tell them of the consequences of not brushing: “Your teeth will all fall out!” Instead, use positive reinforcement when they do brush: an extra ten minutes playing video games before bathtime, for example.
  • Keep It Short. Don’t insist that your youngster does as thorough a job on his or her teeth as you do on yours. This is especially true when they’re just taking over their brushing duties. As with forgoing toothpaste, the critical thing is to get them in the habit of regular brushing.

Above all, be patient and don’t give up! If you keep it positive and keep at it, your child will get the message before long. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we offer family, restorative, cosmetic dentistry, and much more. Schedule your child’s next checkup 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 8102
Apr10

6 Reasons To Ditch Your Dentures For Dental Implants

Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants

Implant dentures Comstock Park

Dentures that rest on the gums have a long history in dentistry. But a revolution is taking place, and these traditional dentures are no longer the only option. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we offer implant-supported dentures.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are inserted into your jaw. Within a few months the post has fused with the bone. This forms a rock-solid foundation for a replacement tooth.

One implant can support one artificial tooth. Multiple implants can support a dental bridge, or full dental arch.

Dental implants provide the following benefits:

  • Stability. Implants don’t move around in your mouth.
  • Form and Function. Implants look and function like natural teeth.
  • Like a New Root. Dental implants mimic a natural tooth root, promoting healthy bone
  • Bone Retention. The implant prevents bone recession and stimulates blood circulation
  • Comfort. No gum irritation
  • Appearance. Get your smile back!

Before you can get a dental implant, we must make sure you’ve got enough healthy bone to support it. Even if you have lost bone mass due to recession, though, a bone graft can stimulate new bone growth. In a matter of months you should have enough bone mass in the jaw to support the implants.

Implant-supported dentures from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park can change your life. We also offer complete 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 4958
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