Comstock Park dentist

Nov21

5 Sneaky Signs You’ve Been Grinding Your Teeth at Night

Categories: Dental health, TMD/TMJ treatment

Do you wake up with a sore jaw, dull headache, or sensitive teeth? You might dismiss these as minor annoyances, but they could be subtle warnings from your body. Many people grind or clench their teeth during sleep without even realizing it. This condition, known as bruxism, can quietly cause significant damage to your oral health.

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we help patients from Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, and Rockford identify and treat the hidden signs of bruxism. Here are five sneaky symptoms to watch for.

1. Persistent Headaches or Facial Pain

Waking up with a dull headache centered around your temples is a classic sign of bruxism. The intense pressure from clenching your jaw all night strains the surrounding muscles in your face, head, and neck. This can also lead to unexplained earaches or a feeling of fullness in your ears.

2. Jaw Soreness and Popping Sounds

Bruxism puts immense stress on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. You might notice soreness, stiffness, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth. A clicking or popping sound when you chew or speak is another red flag that your TMJ is under duopoly. This strong link means that untreated bruxism often leads to painful TMJ disorders.

3. Worn, Flattened, or Chipped Teeth

One of the most direct signs of teeth grinding is visible damage to your teeth. Over time, the constant friction wears down the enamel, causing teeth to appear flattened or shorter. You might also notice small chips or fractures, especially on your front teeth. This damage not only affects your smile but also makes your teeth more vulnerable to decay.

4. Increased Tooth Sensitivity

As bruxism erodes your protective tooth enamel, the sensitive layer beneath, called dentin, becomes exposed. This can lead to sudden, sharp pain when you consume hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. If you find yourself wincing at a sip of coffee or a scoop of ice cream, grinding may be the culprit.

5. Indentations on Your Tongue

Take a look at your tongue in the mirror. Do you see scalloped or ridged marks along its sides? These indentations are often created when you clench your jaw, pressing your tongue against your teeth throughout the night. It’s a subtle but clear indicator that you’re exerting pressure in your sleep.

The Hidden Dangers of Untreated Bruxism

Ignoring these signs can lead to serious oral health complications. Chronic grinding can result in cracked teeth, damage to existing dental work, severe jaw pain, and the development of debilitating TMJ disorders. Protecting your smile means addressing the root cause.

Find Expert TMJ Treatment in Comstock Park

You don’t have to live with the pain and damage caused by bruxism. At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, the award-winning Dr. Eric Hull and our dedicated team offer personalized solutions to protect your teeth and relieve your discomfort. We can create custom-fitted night guards and other treatments to manage bruxism and TMJ-related issues effectively.

If you recognize any of these signs, schedule a consultation today. Let us help you protect your oral health and achieve a pain-free 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

Jan31

Revolutionizing Smile Enhancements with Injection Molding Technology

Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Injection Molding

injection molding cosmetic treatment before and afterAt Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, MI, we’re committed to delivering state-of-the-art solutions for enhancing your smile. One of the advanced techniques transforming cosmetic dentistry today is injection molding technology. Renowned for its precision, minimally invasive approach, and efficiency, this breakthrough process underscores our dedication to providing cutting-edge treatment options.

What is Injection Molding Technology?

Injection molding, a process traditionally used in manufacturing, has been adapted for the dental world to create customized and precise restorations. By utilizing specialized molds, pliable composite materials are injected to create restorations perfectly tailored to a patient’s unique dental structure. For cosmetic dentistry, this technique allows us to craft stunning, uniform smiles with improved efficiency and accuracy.

The Hallmarks of Injection Molding in Dentistry

Precision and Consistency

When it comes to smile enhancements, precision matters. Injection molding allows Dr. Eric Hull to achieve accuracy that’s nearly impossible with traditional restorative methods. Using carefully crafted molds, the composite material is shaped and placed directly onto your teeth with unparalleled precision. This ensures that every restoration is consistent, fitting natural contours perfectly while creating a smile as unique as you are.

For patients with chipped teeth, gaps, or uneven structures, the technique is a game changer. The final results are smooth, seamless, and incredibly lifelike, giving you confidence in your smile!

Minimally Invasive Approach

Not everyone wants a highly invasive dental procedure to enhance their smile—and injection molding offers an ideal solution. Unlike techniques that require extensive alterations to your natural teeth, injection molding removes only what is necessary to prepare the surface. This preserves more of your natural tooth structure, making it an excellent choice for patients looking for less invasive yet effective solutions.

Additionally, the process involves less drilling, making it much more comfortable for the patient. Whether you’re addressing minor imperfections or achieving a full smile transformation, injection molding minimizes discomfort and recovery time.

Efficient Process without Compromising Quality

One of the biggest advantages of injection molding technology is its efficiency. The process speeds up the creation and placement of restorations, reducing the time you spend in the dentist’s chair without compromising results. For busy patients balancing work, family, or other priorities, this efficiency makes achieving their dream smile more attainable than ever.

By eliminating the need for multiple appointments or extensive laboratory work, Dr. Hull can provide same-day results that combine aesthetics, durability, and functionality.

Empowering Smiles, One Innovation at a Time

Thanks to advancements like injection molding, Dr. Eric Hull and his team can offer patients in Comstock Park world-class options for refining their smiles. The combination of precision, comfort, and efficiency reflects our commitment to helping you achieve optimal results with the least amount of disruption to your daily life.

If you’re ready to discover how injection molding or other innovative techniques can transform your smile, schedule a consultation today at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry. We’d love to help you achieve the smile of your dreams!

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

Dec27

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Categories: Dental health, Dental hygiene, Tooth pain

woman in a business suit sipping from a dark blue coffee mug Have you ever been eating an ice cream cone when you experienced a sudden shot of pain in one of your teeth? If the enamel has eroded, or the gums have receded, the dentin layer of the tooth is exposed. The substances that cause tooth pain travel to the pulp where the nerves of the tooth are located. Ouch!

Tooth sensitivity can be an alert that something is wrong. It may be caused by a cavity, periodontal disease, gum recession, or bacteria build-up in a crack in a tooth.

A number of conditions can lead to gum recession including consuming acidic foods and drinks, teeth grinding, or cracked teeth. Surprisingly, one cause of gum recession is brushing too hard. That’s right; it is possible to brush too hard!

If your teeth are sensitive following professional teeth whitening such as the ones we do here at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, the sensitivity will probably be gone in a few days.

If you experience constant or intermittent pain in your teeth or gums, reach out right away to make an appointment. Dr. Hull takes tooth pain seriously.

There are many treatments for tooth sensitivity including desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatments, and gum grafting. Of course, if you need a restoration, that is the first order of business.

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we not only treat tooth sensitivity, but we also perform entire smile makeovers for our patients in the Comstock Park area.

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

May10

Preventing Facial Injuries in Comstock Park

Categories: Dental health, Dental hygiene

Grand Rapids Sports Dentistry Facial injuries occur all too often in the Grand Rapids area. Rockford Little Leaguers get hit by inside pitches, Kentwood construction workers suffer falls and other accidents at the worksite, and Michigan motorists sustain injuries in detrimental collisions every single day. Accidents at home can also result in serious injury to the face. At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we are committed to the use of protective equipment to safeguard teeth for every type of sport, whether it is a team sport or individual activity.

Serious facial injuries can affect the victim’s ability to eat, breathe, and speak. Because of the vital physical processes at risk, a person who has suffered a facial injury should receive medical care as soon as possible. Injuries to the mouth are treated by general dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Likewise, the Grand Rapids workplace injury rate can be reduced with increased use of appropriate protective equipment and adherence to important safety procedures. With respect to Comstock Park motor vehicle injuries, the following instructions bear repetition: Wear your seatbelt, and don’t send or read text messages while driving!

If you have suffered a recent injury to your face, mouth, or jaw, schedule a dental consultation with Eric Hull of Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry. If you are having dental problems (functional or aesthetic) due to an untreated past injury, we can develop an effective treatment plan.

 

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

Feb13

Are You Getting Your Dose of D?

Categories: Oral Health

pediatric dentist

Most Rockford, MI people know that vitamin D is important for healthy teeth and bones, but many of us fail to get adequate amounts. Today’s article is a friendly reminder to our patients – especially expectant mothers – about the importance of vitamin D.

Here is a sampling of vitamin D findings from around the web:

“Several recent reports demonstrate a significant association between periodontal health and the intake of vitamin D.” 1

“Researchers who took a second look at a series of clinical trials conducted on 2,000 children in several countries between the 1920s and 1980s determined vitamin D — which we often garner from sunlight — was associated with around a 50 percent reduction in the incidence of tooth decay.”2

“Inadequate vitamin D levels in pregnant women may be associated with dental caries in their children during the first year of life.”3

“The sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, but it is hard to quantify how much vitamin D you get from time in the sun and the risk of skin cancer may outweigh the benefits. Food first, says Baylor College of Medicine dietitian Keli Hawthorne. “Supplements can fill in the gaps but it is always better to try to meet your nutritional needs with foods that contain fiber, phytonutrients, and so much more,” Unless you enjoy a diet that includes fatty fish or fish liver oils, it may be hard to get enough vitamin D naturally without eating fortified foods or taking a supplement. “The major dietary source of vitamin D comes from fortified diary, along with some yogurts and cereals,” Hawthorne says. Mushrooms, eggs, cheese, and beef liver contain small amounts.” 4

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull of Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park, MI encourage all of their patients to practice preventative medicine by eating a healthy diet complete with all vital nutrients. At Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry, we offer the full complement of dental services in our conveniently located office. Ask us about porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, or restorative dentistry.

We are currently accepting new patients at Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry. Our friendly team of dental professionals would love to serve your family with all of their dental needs. Please call to schedule an appointment: 616-784-2377.

1 SH Stein, DA Tipton, “Vitamin D and its impact on oral health–an update., Spring 2011, PubMed.gov NIH,” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21748977, accessed on June 23, 2014
2 1University of Washington, “Vitamin D linked to lower rates of tooth decay,” ScienceDaily, November 27, 2012, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121127130321.htm, accessed on June 23, 2014
3 “Maternal Vitamin D Levels and Early Childhood Caries May be Linked, Researchers Find,”Journal of the American Dental Association, June 1, 2014, https://jada.info/content/145/6/526.3.full, accessed on June 23, 2014
4 “Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?,” WebMD, 2011, https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/are-you-getting-enough-vitamin-d?page=2, accessed on June 23, 2014

Oct17

Why Aren’t You Smiling?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

Rockford MI DentistryStewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry  is located at 769 York Creek Dr NW in Comstock Park (49321), and you can reach us by calling 616-784-2377.

You can probably imagine why we look at smiles everywhere we go in the Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford area – whether working with dental patients, visiting local restaurants, or attending sporting events, we tend to notice whether the people around us smile. Whenever we encounter someone with obvious tooth problems, we want to tell them about the procedures that can completely transform their frown into a healthy and beautiful smile.

Are you one of those people who don’t want to show their teeth? We would love to talk to you about a smile makeover. Whatever your excuse is for not seeking dental treatment, we can discuss all of your concerns with you during a free consultation.

You can contact our office at 616-784-2377 or online at https://www.greatmismiles.com/. Our Comstock Park family dental website contains information about all the general, restorative, and aesthetic services we provide.

We can transform your smile into one that you will want to show all the time!

Dr. Bruce Stewart & Dr. Eric Hull

Oct10

Has Your Toddler Had A Dental Exam?

Categories: Family Dentistry

If you have a toddler who has not been to a dentist, we urge you to consider making an appointment today by calling Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry at 616-784-2377.

The best time to start dental checkups for young children is near their third birthday.  This may seem a bit early; however, it’s a great time to become acquainted with preventative dentistry options such as sealants and fluoride supplements. Your dentist can assess the health of your child’s teeth before problems begin, and it’s also helpful for parents to get a refresher course on proper oral hygiene for young children. If you have questions about pediatric dentistry, please call our office at Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry.

Children with an increased risk of dental problems should receive a dental examination as early as possible. Here are some of the risk factors:

  • Sleeping with a bottle
  • Drinking juice continually during the day
  • Abnormal tooth development
  • Thumb sucking
  • Tooth grinding
  • A mother with significant tooth decay
  • Other health problems

Bring your questions to our friendly and thorough staff at Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry. We are located at 769 York Creek Dr NW in Comstock Park, Michigan. You can reach us at 616-784-2377. We want your child to have a healthy smile right from the start and enjoy a lifetime of oral health.

We can whiten, brighten, and straighten your smile!

Oct3

Chipped Tooth? No Need To Panic

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

porcelain veneers cost Rockford MI

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull at Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry can fix a chipped tooth by determining the right solution and expertly performing the procedure. Decay, missing teeth, braces, and even crowns can impact the course of treatment.

Time is often an important factor when it comes to tooth repair, so don’t wait; call 616-784-2377 to schedule an appointment. Our address is 769 York Creek Dr NW, Comstock Park, Michigan 49321.

We’ve been around since 1974 – serving your neighbors and improving smiles in Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI.

We offer porcelain veneers, general dentistry, implant dentistry, Invisalign, teeth whitening and much more.  Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull deliver exceptional results.

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull
Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan 49321
616-784-2377
https://www.greatmismiles.com/meet-dr-bruce-stewart

Sep19

Missing Pieces in the Mouth Puzzle for Grand Rapids, MI

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

cost of dental crowns Rockford MI

Missing Pieces in the Mouth Puzzle for Grand Rapids, MI

A 500-piece Eiffel Tower puzzle is still easy to recognize with 32 pieces missing.
A 50-piece kitten puzzle will probably still give warm fuzzies without 3 or 4 pieces in place.
But…
A 32-piece dental puzzle is just not complete without ALL of the pieces.

If you’re missing teeth, cutting your mouth on chipped edges of teeth, or struggling with eating because of broken or cracked teeth, there are solutions. To understand the types of braces available, the cost of veneers, or the price of dental implants, sit down today with Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull for the helpful consultation you deserve.

Let us fill in those missing pieces – there has never been a better time to look into cosmetic dentistry. Modern cosmetic dental procedures, state-of-the-art materials, and the expertise of cosmetic dentists like Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull combine to create truly celebrity-caliber smiles.

In 1974, Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry undertook the task of serving Comstock Park’s dental needs. Since then, we have served satisfied patients in many cities:  Belmont, Grand Rapids, Walker, Sparta, Rockford and beyond!

Your lucky smile could be the next puzzle to be put back together beautifully, no matter your dental disarray. We offer the missing pieces: porcelain crowns/veneers, Invisalign, implant dentistry, teeth whitening, and restorative dentistry.

We can whiten, brighten, and straighten your smile!

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull
Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan 49321
616-784-2377
https://www.greatmismiles.com/meet-dr-bruce-stewart

Sep5

Floss Pick Facts For Rockford

Categories: Oral Health

fast teeth whitening Rockford MI

Dental patients who live in the Grand Rapids, Walker, and Sparta areas want to keep their mouths as healthy and clean as possible. However, they are also looking for convenience, and that’s why many of them turn to floss picks instead of old-fashioned dental floss.

These little tools are quite handy. They usually have a handle that is pointed and can double as a toothpick, and a length of floss strung in a U-shaped groove. They are inexpensive and can be used more discreetly than floss.

While this may seem like a dream come true for Rockford residents hoping to make flossing a more regular part of their oral health routine, floss picks are still a step below actual floss in effectiveness.

The American Dental Association has only approved dental floss for cleaning in between teeth. One issue is that floss picks can’t curve and form the angles needed for superior cleaning.

So, what is a responsible dental patient to do? The first thing is to speak with your Comstock Park dentist and see what their opinion is. If you love floss picks, continue to use them when convenient, but still try to use regular dental floss daily.

If you are looking for a new dentist, we hope that you consider Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry. We have been serving the Rockford area since 1974 from our Comstock Park practice.

Our friendly and thorough staff would love to answer any questions you have about flossing and other dental health concerns, as well as questions about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers.

Call 616-784-2377 today to schedule an exam or consultation.

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull
Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
616-784-2377
https://www.greatmismiles.com/meet-dr-bruce-stewart

The following website was used as source material for this blog: https://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/product-category-information/floss-and-other-interdental-cleaners, accessed on August 1, 2014