The Future Of Tooth Decay In Comstock Park

The Future Of Tooth Decay In Comstock Park

Tooth decay is the single most common dental issue there is. Unlike a cut on your finger, a cavity will not heal itself. In a worst case scenario, an untreated cavity can lead to future problems, up to and including tooth loss. That’s why we stress regular brushing and flossing to all of our patients, at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park!

Cavities form when acids in the mouth attack the enamel and dentin of the teeth. The acid is produced by bacteria in plaque, that sticky film that forms on the surfaces of teeth. When sugar is introduced it interacts with the bacteria in the plaque, and makes the acids, which attack the teeth and cause cavities.

That’s why it is so important to choose food and drink wisely. But it isn’t easy, is it? Sugar seems to be in just about everything. Health experts say the average person in the United States consumes about 19.5 teaspoons of sugar every single day! That’s twice as much as is recommended by the American Heart Association.

Knowing how much sugar is in the food that you buy is vital: not just to your teeth, but to your overall health. Reading ingredient labels on processed foods is essential.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want the best possible dental health for all of our patients. So cut back on sugar, brush and floss your teeth, and see us for a cleaning and checkup every six months. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. 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

 

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Is A Tooth Implant The Same As A Dental Crown?

tooth implants and crowns Comstock Park

What’s the difference between a dental implant and a crown? The relationship between a dental implant and a crown can be confusing. They can be combined in one procedure. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, both can be used with other dental restorations.

Let’s clear up the confusion.

1. A tooth implant can work as a foundation for a crown.

A complete dental implant restoration includes the implant itself – a strong metal post (artificial root) – a connecting piece (abutment), and a crown.

2. A crown can be used to protect a weakened tooth.

Removing tooth decay weakens the tooth. Once the decay is removed, a filling may not be enough to restore necessary strength. Likewise, after a root canal procedure, the remaining tooth may need strengthening. A crown may be used in both of these circumstances. A strong, natural looking crown protects the remaining tooth and functions like a natural tooth.

3. A crown can be attached to a dental bridge.

When a tooth has been taken out, a dental bridge may be used to restore part of it. The reason we say ‘part’ is because a dental bridge does not restore the root of the tooth. A crown can be attached to a dental bridge to restore the visible part of the missing tooth. A dental bridge used to replace one tooth requires the removal of tooth structure from adjacent teeth. With a bridge, it commands three crowns to replace one missing tooth!

Do you think there can be issues with this type of restoration? You are correct. A dental implant makes much more sense for most patients. Talk to Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry for more details about why this is true.

 

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

 

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Like A Third Set of Teeth

We only get two sets of teeth in life: our baby teeth, which are gone by adolescence, and our permanent teeth. Permanent teeth can last a lifetime, but it doesn’t always work that way. For people who have lost some or all of their teeth, implant-supported crowns and dentures from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park are a state-of-the-art solution.

Implant-supported dentures are, in fact, almost like getting a third set of teeth. If you are not familiar with dental implants, here are the essentials:

Dental implants are titanium posts that are placed in your jaw, where they fuse with the bone. Titanium is ideally suited to this, which is why it is commonly used in joint replacements, like the hip and the knee.

Once the titanium has fused with the bone, you are left with a rock-solid support for an artificial tooth or denture that looks and functions like the real thing.

IMPLANT-SUPPORTED DENTURES

While one implant can support one artificial tooth, several – typically four or more – can support a full dental arch.

One caveat: you must have enough healthy bone to support the implant. Even if you don’t, bone grafting can promote new growth, enough so that there is enough mass to support an implant.

Implant-supported crowns and dentures are a permanent solution for missing teeth. They look completely natural, and can replace both the upper and lower sets.

To find out more about custom and implant dentures, please call us at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. They are among our restorative dentistry procedures. Call our office for 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

Our Top Priority

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, our top priority has always been our patients. Not only do we want each one of you to enjoy excellent dental health, we want you to have a positive experience in our office.

What do we mean by a positive experience? No one really enjoys going to the dentist, and we understand that. One of the things we always aim for is efficiency. Rest assured, we’ll be thorough. But we won’t have you in the chair any longer than is necessary.

Above all, we will answer your questions in detail and we will keep you fully informed about what we’re doing. Dentistry is a science with a lot of big words, but we’ll always make sure you know what’s involved with your unique situation.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, each patient is our top priority. We want you to be happy with your experience here. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Call us to schedule your 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

Artistic Smile Masterpieces

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

Artistic Smile Masterpieces At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Many people would like to reinvent their smiles. Does that sound like a tall order? With cosmetic dentistry at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, it’s easy!

Cosmetic dentistry is an umbrella term for a range of procedures that can enhance your smile. Even a small improvement can have a big impact. We have many techniques we can use, depending on the state of your smile: we can correct teeth that are discolored, chipped, mis-shapen, and even missing.

General dentistry addresses the health of your teeth and gums. That is never overlooked, but cosmetic dentistry aims to complement overall dental health. We consider the shape, alignment, color and condition of the teeth, and the facial shape and coloring of each patient. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment.

It’s been said that cosmetic dentistry is part science and part art. That’s a pretty good definition. We use sound dental techniques to bring positive changes to the smiles of our patients.

Cosmetic dentistry from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park can have positive changes on your life. Other services include complete general and family dentistry. Set up 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

 

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Are Dentures Inevitable?

Implant Anchored Dentures in Comstock Park

Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and with good dental hygiene at home and regular checkups at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, they should. But even with the best intentions things sometimes go wrong. Implant-supported dentures are an ideal solution for anyone who has lost their natural teeth.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are inserted into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone. Once they do, they become rock-solid supports for replacement teeth.

Those posts are what make all the difference. Conventional dentures rest on top of the gums, with only a little adhesive paste to keep them in place. Consequently, biting and chewing is not very easy. They can also cause sore spots on the gums.

Furthermore, bone recession is often associated with conventional dentures. That means the jaw bone shrinks, because there aren’t any teeth to stimulate it. An unfortunate by-product of this is a sagging appearance in the face.

Since they are physically attached to the jaw, dental implants prevent bone recession. The implants act as new tooth roots and provide the stimulation needed for healthy bone. They also don’t slip, giving you virtually normal biting and chewing ability.

Properly cared for, implant-supported dentures from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park can last for decades. Along with custom dentures, they are among our many restorative dentistry options. 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

 

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Been A While Since You Had Your Teeth Cleaned?

Comstock Park Tooth Whitening

How long has it been since your last cleaning from a dental hygienist? You don’t have to answer that. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we provide thorough cleanings and checkups to ensure they have healthy teeth and great smiles.

We are devoted to giving each patient personalized care in our state-of-the-art office.

Maintaining your dental health 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 for regular checkups and cleanings.

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. Use a fluoridated toothpaste and take your time; a minimum of two minutes is recommended.
  • Seeing the dentist twice a year. We have to include this one. A professional teeth cleaning alone is worth the trip to our office, but the dentist can also identify issues before they become serious.

If you’re due for a cleaning, please call us at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Our services include family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. 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

 

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Dental Checkup – How Often?

Dentist in Comstock Park, MI

When is the last time you had a dental checkup? At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we recommend you have one every six months. If you have a higher risk for oral diseases, we recommend every three to four months.

KNOW THE RISK FACTORS FOR ORAL PROBLEMS

Most people are in a medium-to-low risk category for dental problems. However, if you use tobacco or alcohol, eat a lot of sugar, have an eating disorder, don’t brush and floss twice a day or experience medical conditions that affect your mouth, you are likely in a higher risk category.

Dentists analyze many factors to determine the status of your oral health. We want you to have the healthiest teeth possible so you can enjoy a beautiful smile for life.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we believe that a healthy mouth is a happy one. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry. Call our office to schedule your next cleaning and 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 16

Save Your Breath

bad breath treatments Comstock Park

This post from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park focuses on a problem experienced by many people, bad breath.

Bad breath, or halitosis, has several causes. The most common is poor oral hygiene. Halitosis often happens in the middle of the day, due to an inability to brush between meals. Small food pieces on the teeth, gums, and tongue grow bacteria. This in turn creates a sulfur compound, which emits the unpleasant odor.

While poor oral hygiene is the most common cause, other circumstances can contribute to or worsen the problem. The best remedy is regular brushing and flossing, but other actions might also be needed.

For example, a salivary gland problem or certain medications can cause dry mouth. Saliva moistens the teeth and gums, clearing away odiferous dead cells. Saliva also neutralizes the ever-present acids on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. Limiting caffeine, chewing sugar-free gum, using OTC saliva substitutes, and using a humidifier can add moisture to the mouth.

Remember, the best defense against bad breath is a good dental care routine – daily brushing and flossing, and regular visits to the dentist.

If you struggle with bad breath in spite of vigilant oral hygiene, ask about it at your next checkup with Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Our services include family, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. 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 7100

The Gift Of Oral Health

Sometimes our patients wonder why, with all the developments in dentistry, we still send you home with a complimentary toothbrush and roll of floss after a checkup at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

It’s true, they do seem a little old-fashioned in our high-tech world. But don’t let their simplicity fool you! These tools are your best friends in preventing cavities, plaque build-up, and gum disease!

When done properly and consistently, brushing and flossing are an important part of everyday oral hygiene.

HOW TO BRUSH

We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush for at least two minutes. Make sure to get the front and sides of all your teeth, the inside and outside and the top biting edge. When you do the sides, be sure you brush along the gumline. Use a gentle touch, and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle. Replace your toothbrush every three months.

Use whatever toothpaste flavor you like best, but make sure it has fluoride in it. Use a pea-sized blob – or more than pea-sized, if you’re so inclined. Too much toothpaste is no big deal, but be sure to use enough!

We strongly recommend flossing, too. Should you floss your teeth before or after you brush? There is no hard-and-fast rule on that, and it may come down to personal preference. We think before is better, but the most important thing is that you do it.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we think that good oral health is a gift that keeps on giving. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry.

Schedule your next cleaning and 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