Aug10

Dental Health: Are You At Risk For Bone Recession in Comstock Park?

Categories: Bone Recession, Dental health, Dental Implants

Bone Recession in Comstock Park

We all know that a healthy smile requires decay-free teeth and healthy gums, but how often do we appreciate our jaw bone? Our teeth need a strong firm foundation to remain healthy and beautiful.

Today’s post looks at bone recession. Occasionally, a patient experiences bone recession in their jaw which can cause tooth loss and other troubles. However, it is generally the other way around. The bone loss occurs as a result of a lost tooth because the blood supply and stimulus required for maintaining healthy bone is taken away. Let’s look at a few common causes for jaw bone recession in Comstock Park, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker, and Rockford, MI.

Extracted Teeth

Your bone is a living tissue and needs stimulation to stay healthy and retain its size and density. Biting, chewing, talking and all the other normal mouth functions keep the portion of the bone surrounding the tooth root healthy. When a tooth is extracted, the bone that used to anchor the tooth root recedes as if it understands that it is no longer needed. A dental implant provides stimulation similar to that of a natural tooth and can prevent bone recession.

Gum Infection

A gum infection can result when gum inflammation goes untreated and progresses to periodontitis. With periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth creating pockets which provide the perfect breeding ground for the dangerous infection. Gum infections can proceed undetected, though there are usually warning signs. Swollen, painful gums, loose teeth, and gums that bleed when brushed are symptoms of periodontitis. The infection dissolves bone as the gums pull away from the tooth. Inadequate oral hygiene increases the risk of gum disease but other factors can compromise gum health. These include smoking, hormone levels, diseases that lower immune system effectiveness, medications that cause dry mouth, and genetic predisposition. If you suspect that you have periodontitis, schedule an appointment with our office for a thorough evaluation and we’ll discuss gum disease treatment options with you.

Abscessed Tooth

An abscess is a pus-filled pocket of infection that occurs in the nerve and roots of a tooth. As the infection attacks the tooth, bone, and tissue it creates a space that fills with pus. There are several treatments for a tooth abscess including antibiotics to kill the infection, a root canal, or extraction if needed.

If you have experienced bone recession due to gum disease or an abscess, or if you have had a tooth extracted please call our office to discuss your options. You may benefit from a dental implant, soft tissue grafts, or bone grafts. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, dental implants can significantly improve your quality of life and prohibit further recession. Call 616-784-2377 to make an appointment for an informative exam and consultation.

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

 

Aug3

Cosmetic Dentistry in Comstock Park: You Be the Judge

Categories: Dental Implants, Porcelain Veneers, Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic Dentistry in Comstock Park:

If you are researching smile redesigns, you have probably heard that cosmetic dentistry can provide you with a perfect smile.

Call 616-784-2377 to schedule a complimentary smile makeover consultation with Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry. You can discuss your smile makeover goals and see before and after photographs of actual patients. Our office can show you what your new smile could look like with cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures:

There are several procedures with cosmetic dentistry that could improve your smile. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we offer cosmetic dentistry, as well as general and family dentistry services.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a metal screw implanted into the bone to replace the missing root of a tooth that has been extracted. The crown and supporting structure are then securely attached to the post. Furthermore, a tooth implant is a healthy permanent option to replace any missing teeth. The implant itself stimulates the jaw bone, preventing bone recession from the site of the extraction.

Tooth Colored Fillings

If you had dental cavities in the past, you may have old amalgam fillings. Composite filling material blends in with your natural tooth color to enhance your smile. It may be used to restore teeth that have decay, chips or cracks. Large spaces between healthy teeth can be filled with composite to prevent food traps. It can also be applied to protect the roots and decrease sensitivity if the gums have receded.

Dental Crowns

There are many different kinds of crowns that serve different purposes. We carry out a comprehensive examination to ensure the crown you receive is perfect for you and your smile.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers are thin, durable covers that are placed over teeth. Veneers can fix chips, cracks, minor tooth misalignment, tooth discoloration, unattractive tooth shape, and disproportionate tooth size.

Teeth Whitening

There is nothing like an extraordinary white smile to give you maximum confidence. Teeth whitening is the process of removing stains from your teeth and restoring them to their natural white color. We offer both home whitening and in-office Zoom whitening.

For more information about cosmetic dentistry in Comstock Park, please call 616-784-2377. We also offer Invisalign clear braces, gum disease treatment, partials/dentures, and TMJ treatment.

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

 

Jul27

3 Dental Issues in Comstock Park Which May Require A Root Canal

Categories: General Dentistry, Root Canals

dental issues in comstock

The root canal may be an intimidating dental procedure commonly done today, so it is important that dental patients know what is happening during the process. It will help them understand just why this treatment can be so necessary, especially if they are exhibiting serious dental issues in Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Rockford, Sparta, or Walker.

Dental Issues Associated With Root Canals

At the center of each tooth is a very small tissue called the pulp. This thread-like tissue can become damaged due to a:

  1. An Injury to a Tooth
  2. A Very Deep Cavity
  3. A Crack in the Tooth

If this tissue becomes damaged or infected due to dental issues, it can build up at the root tip inside the jawbone and form an abscess. If left untreated, this can actually destroy the bone around the tooth and cause serious discomfort.

Performing A Root Canal

When an endodontist or general dentist performs a root canal, the dead or diseased pulp is taken out and the space that is left is cleaned. It is then reshaped and filled. This eliminates the need for a diseased tooth to be pulled and continued cosmetic dentistry to fill in the gap. Furthermore, with today’s advanced dental techniques, there’s nothing to be afraid of during a root canal!

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we hope that today’s dental blog post has helped you to better understand root canals. We want our patients to have the best oral health possible and accurate dental information. Additionally, we want them to look their best, so if you have any questions about a smile makeover, dental implants, or teeth whitening, please call our office at 616-784-2377.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry we offer:

We can whiten, brighten, and straighten your smile!

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

 

Jul20

Connection Between Type 2 Diabetes and Gum Disease

Categories: Dental health, Diabetes, Gum Disease

gum disease in Comstock Park

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we are concerned not only with the condition of your mouth but also with how it affects your complete physical health and general well-being.

Today’s post looks at the connection between diabetes, oral health, and gum disease. This topic may be of interest to Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI residents with diabetes, as well as individuals who are trying to reduce their risk factors.

Scientists have known for quite some time that people with diabetes have higher rates of gum disease, therefore maintaining proper blood glucose levels is the key to minimizing risk.

Additional research is exploring the reverse relationship. In other words, whether poor oral health increases the risk of developing diabetes. Findings from a long-term study suggest that it does.

“We found that over two decades of follow-up, individuals who had periodontal disease were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life when compared to individuals without periodontal disease.” -Ryan T. Demmer, PhD, MPH

Additional trials are exploring how tooth and gum health bumps the ability of diabetics to manage the disease.

“Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.”

If you have diabetes or gum disease, it is vital that you see a dentist regularly and are committed to daily oral hygiene, proper nutrition, and other critical practices. Moreover, your success in controlling your blood glucose levels will improve your overall oral health.

If you don’t have a dentist and live in Comstock Park or the greater Grand Rapids area, we invite you to call us at 616-784-2377. We also provide other dental services such as gum disease treatment, Zoom teeth whitening, and dental implants. When you visit us at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we will complete a thorough examination of your oral health and create a valuable plan for improving and maintaining your dental health for life. Schedule your visit 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

 

Jul13

Dental Hygiene in Grand Rapids: 5 Reasons to Schedule a Cleaning Today

Categories: Dental health, Dental hygiene, General Dentistry

professional dental cleaning Grand Rapids

1. Protect Your Gums

We always tell our patients that it isn’t only acute cavities that they need to worry about. Other dental issues can slowly damage your teeth until they are beyond saving. For example, gum disease that leads to bone loss is just as harmful. Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque that creates pockets of infection between the gums and tooth roots. This leads to periodontitis, gum recession, and eventual bone loss. A professional cleaning gets rid of the plaque and restores your dental hygiene before it can cause any more damage to your smile.

2. Prevent Cavities

Even if you brush and floss your teeth, morning and night, plaque can start to collect in your mouth. We have many patients who are faithful brushers but are surprised when our hygienist discovers plaque on their teeth. A dental cleaning can easily remove plaque and eliminate the risk of gum disease.

3. Check for Oral Cancer

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, oral cancer claims one life approximately every hour—that’s 48,250 deaths a year. During a dental cleaning, your hygienist can perform a screening and look for signs of oral cancer. If you have concerns about oral cancer or your dental hygiene in Grand Rapids, please schedule an appointment with us today and we’ll provide you with all the necessary information.

4. Oral Health and Overall Health Go Hand in Hand

Your mouth is not a separate entity from the rest of your body, it’s all connected. For some reason, many individuals find themselves treating their dental hygiene as if it doesn’t affect their overall health. A lot of people in Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker, and Rockford, MI settle for getting regular preventative services for physical conditions but miss out on vital dental appointments. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we’ve often wondered about this frequent 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? Your lifestyle is significantly affected when you have tooth pain, tooth loss, or gum disease, so please call Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry today to schedule an appointment.

We also offer other services, such as cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, implant dentistry, veneers, and teeth whitening. Please call 616-784-2377 to schedule a professional dental cleaning at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

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

 

Jul6

Dental Health in Comstock Park: 5 Tips to Avoid a Cracked Tooth

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral Health

dental help in comstock park

A cracked tooth can be painful, unattractive, and pricey to repair. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we hope to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Today’s post contains an easy-to-follow list of tips for your dental health in Comstock Park.

1. We have to state the obvious but don’t chew on hard foods. People should steer clear of ice, hard candies, hard nuts, popcorn, and beef jerky. Watch out for stone fruits—that peach may be soft but if you bite hard into the pit, you could damage a tooth.

2. It is important to protect your teeth while engaging in any physical activity where your mouth can be hit. If you enjoy pick-up basketball games, indoor soccer leagues, recreation center flag football, or any other outdoor activities, you should be using a well-fitting mouth guard.

3. Don’t use your teeth as a tool. Take a minute to find a pair of scissors before you tear open a package of lunch meat or rip the price tag off a new piece of clothing with your teeth. Use a nutcracker for nuts. A quality dental crown can cost you hundreds of dollars.

4. Grinding your teeth is detrimental to your dental health in Comstock Park. If you know or suspect that you are a tooth grinder, speak with your dentist so you can address the problem with stress reduction techniques or a mouth guard. Frequent headaches or jaw pain can often be attributed to nighttime teeth grinding.

5. Lastly, make sure that you visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. For those of you concerned about your dental health in Comstock Park, your dentist can alert you to conditions that might predispose you to a cracked tooth, such as having an uneven chewing surface or brittle teeth. Your dentist may also discover tiny cracks you aren’t aware of. Take care of these cracks before the whole tooth is in danger.

If you already have a cracked tooth, never fear! Treatment is available for cracks small and large. Veneers, cosmetic dental bonding, inlays/onlays, fillings, and dental implants are all used to repair or replace damaged teeth.

If you live in the Comstock Park area and are seeking a friendly, experienced, and gentle dentist, please give us a call and ask us about our general and family dentistry services.

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

 

Jun22

Replace Missing Teeth With Durable Dental Implants In Comstock Park

Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, General Dentistry

dental implants in comstock park

Implants? Crowns? Veneers? Invisible braces? As dental technology and services have expanded in the Comstock Park area, so has the vocabulary. Dentistry has advanced to provide many new solutions that address almost every possible dental issue.

In the past, if a patient in Comstock Park had a missing tooth or a severely damaged tooth, Michigan dentists regularly suggested dental bridges or dentures, because they were the best options at the time. These days, dental implants in Comstock Park have proven to be superior to dental bridges for most of our patients. They can also replace dentures or anchor dentures for some patients.

Dental implants in Comstock Park provide many important advantages over a dental bridge or dentures, such as:

  • Longevity – Dental implants are durable and permanent, meaning with proper care they can last ten years or more.
  • Seamless – Fabricated to have the same shape, size, and color of the original tooth, the implant will blend seamlessly with all the other teeth. If the original tooth had aesthetic issues, these can often be corrected with the implant crown.
  • Function – A dental implant functions like a natural tooth allowing for normal eating and speaking.
  • Convenience – Unlike dentures, no adhesives, rinsing, or removal is necessary.
  • Independent – Like the missing tooth, the dental implant is treated individually. No damaging of adjacent teeth is required, as with dental bridges. This independence allows nearby teeth to remain intact. Cleaning is easier than with most dental bridges which can require the threading of floss under and around the artificial tooth.

Let’s Consider the Dental Implant Method

If you are interested in getting a dental implant, Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry will carry out an exam, take x-rays and give you a consultation. If it is determined that you are a good candidate for the procedure, the process will begin.

The titanium implant, which looks like a dark screw, will be place into the bone of your jaw. Over the next couple of months, the bone and implant will bond together to form a root for your new tooth.

After the necessary time has passed for bonding of the bone and implant, an extension (called an abutment) is placed on top of the initial implant post. We will then place the beautiful permanent crown on top of the full post. This tooth will match your other teeth to create an exceptional new smile. You will find that the new tooth will look and feel the same as your natural teeth; You may even forget which tooth is the implant. The upkeep is the same, with brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups needed.

If you want to confirm if dental implants in Comstock Park are the right choice for you, call Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry for more specifics. We also provide other dental services, such as gum disease treatment, Invisalign orthodontics, porcelain veneers and teeth whitening.

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

 

Jun15

Dental Marvels: Implants in Comstock Park

Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Sleep apnea, Snoring

At least three million Americans have replaced a missing tooth with a dental implant and that number grows each year. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we are providers of these dental marvels.

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically implanted into your jaw. An artificial tooth fits on top of the post.

One of the things that make dental implants so popular is that they blend in so easily with the patient’s remaining teeth. They look and function like natural teeth and are an excellent, long-term solution.

Another benefit of dental implants is that they prevent bone recession, which is common in people who have lost teeth. The titanium post goes where the tooth root used to be, and integrates with the bone.

For patients missing all of their teeth, implants can be used to anchor dentures or partials, providing a much firmer, more secure fit. Many patients report newfound confidence in themselves, after years of embarrassment caused by missing teeth.

Dental implants are one of the biggest advances in dentistry. To find out more, contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. We also provide family and cosmetic dentistry, and treat conditions suchas sleep apnea.   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

 

Jun8

Oral Cancer Screening: Essential Exams in Comstock Park

Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Oral cancer screenings, Oral Health

Oral cancer screenings consist of a physical and visual exam of a patient’s mouth and surrounding tissues. When it comes to oral cancer survival rates, two numbers are key: 40% and 90%. 40% of those who receive a late-stage diagnosis die within five years. However, the survival rate for early stage diagnosis is 90%.

Oral Cavity and Oropharynx—Mouth and Throat
Cancers that originate in the mouth (oral cavity) are labeled oral cancers. The oral cavity is comprised of the inside tissue of the mouth and cheeks, the lips, the tissue below the tongue, the roof of the mouth, and the front two-thirds of the tongue.

“Why only two-thirds of the tongue?” you might ask. Fair question. The answer is that the back third of the tongue is considered part of the throat.

Throat cancers, or oropharyngeal cancers, start in the oropharynx, the part of the mouth behind the parts considered part of the oral cavity. The oropharynx consists of the soft palate, the tonsils, and the throat.

How Are Oral Cancers Diagnosed?
Some oral cancers produce symptoms that prompt the patient to see a doctor. Others are found by dentists and doctors during exams. Thousands of lives could be saved every year if more people received regular screenings.

A visual oral cancer exam is relatively quick and convenient compared to other cancer screening tests. If an abnormality is discovered, the patient is referred to an appropriate specialist for further testing and diagnosis.

Be proactive. Ask Stewart & Hull Aesthetic Dentistry in Comstock Park about an oral cancer screening. We use the non-invasive VELscope as an aid in finding oral abnormalities. We also provide general and family dentistry, 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

 

Jun1

Dental Sealants: Another Tool For Dental Health in Comstock Park

Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral Health, Porcelain Veneers, Teeth Whitening

Dental Sealants - Another Tool For Cavity Prevention In Rockford

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we encourage all our patients to brush and floss  regularly, because it’s essential to good dental health.

But brushing and flossing can’t do it all. Teeth have grooves and depressions where bacteria can hide, and start tooth decay. This is where dental sealants are invaluable.

Dental sealants are a plastic material that is applied to the chewing surface of the back molars. They seal out the food particles and bacteria that cause cavities, and are an extra layer of protection against.

Sealants are usually thought of as something for children and their developing teeth, but they’re good for adult teeth, too. They do not, of course, eliminate the need for other care. Used along with a daily routine of brushing and flossing, and with fluoride treatments and a healthy diet, dental sealants are one of the tools we have to maintain excellent dental health.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, dental sealants are part of our regular care. We also provide popular cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. To find out more, call our office in Comstock Park. In the meantime, visit our smile gallery to see examples of what we can do.

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