Author: Dr. Eric Hull

Nov10

Protect Those Nooks And Crannies

Categories: Family Dentistry

dental sealants Comstock Park

We’re passionate about the prevention of dental caries, which is the foundation for a healthy and beautiful smile. Preventative dentistry such as brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings with a dental hygienist are vital for keeping your smile bright and free of cavities. There are some places where enamel damage can occur even with dedicated oral hygiene.

The very back of the mouth is the most problematic area to brush and floss. Deep pits in molars and spaces between teeth are the perfect environment for dental caries to flourish. Food and bacteria that is lodged in pits of molars and spaces between teeth, create acid that has direct contact with tooth enamel and immediately goes to work.

While brushing and flossing frequently is critical, an additional safeguard against dental caries is the application of dental sealants. Dental sealants are placed on the biting surface of the tooth to protect its exterior. Dental sealants are not just for kids. Our adult patients choose sealants to help fight cavities and protect enamel. We will examine you sealants every time you come in to make sure a new application is not needed.

Sealants are relatively inexpensive. If you consider the cost of filling cavities and restorative care that may be needed in the future, sealants may be the best investment you ever make in your child’s smile.

To keep a healthy smile, follow these essential steps:

  • Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush that is replaced every few months.
  • Floss daily.
  • Brush with ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste after each meal.
  • Eat a diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and low fat protein sources.
  • Limit or avoid sugary foods and drinks, especially soda and hard or chewy candy.
  • Visit us at least twice a year and have your teeth cleaned and examined.
    Consider having sealants to help protect the enamel in the hard-to-clean places

Call today for an appointment ( 616-784-2377) to meet the friendly and thorough team at Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry to help keep you smiling.

Contact Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry: 616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

Nov3

Suspect A Bite Problem?

Categories: General Dentistry

malocclusion examination Comstock Park

 

Edward Angle, a pioneer in modern orthodontics, invented the term malocclusion. Malocclusion is fairly common and in most cases the misalignment is so slight that it does not cause problems.

When you combine multiple teeth on two arches and a jaw joint with a considerable range of motion, it is easy to see how these elements can fail to align properly. In fact, it is a wonder that they work correctly for most people – allowing them to talk, eat, and breathe without giving it a second thought.

There are many causes of malocclusion – some originating with the teeth and some originating with the jaw. Misshapen teeth, extracted teeth, impacted teeth, crowded teeth, widely spaced teeth and injury to the jaw can impact the bite.

Children with a normal bite can develop bite problems with prolonged pacifier use, thumb sucking or bottle drinking. In rarer cases, oral tumors can move a bite out of alignment.

The treatment for malocclusion depends on the cause. Orthodontics can move teeth into alignment to correct bite trouble. Misshapen teeth that affect the bite can often be fixed with crowns or dental bonding.

If your jaw hurts or you experience unusual wear to your teeth, it is critical that you are examined by a professional. Call 616-784-2377 to schedule an appointment. Our friendly and thorough dental team has been serving patients at our comfortable Comstock Park office since 1974. We can give you more details about malocclusion, porcelain veneers, implant dentistry, Invisalign orthodontics and Zoom teeth whitening.

We can advise parents about important issues such as tooth development, thumb-sucking, water fluoridation, dental sealants, oral sports protection, and orthodontia. If you suspect that your child has any degree of malocclusion, schedule an exam ASAP. Untreated bite issues in children can inhibit proper nutrition, breathing, tooth development, and speech development.

 

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

 

Oct27

Why a Water Flosser Might be a Good Idea

Categories: Oral Health

Comstock Park should I use waterpik?

 

 

 

Today, we’re highlighting the water flosser, also known as interdental cleaner, interdental irrigator, or water jet. The first water-shooting device for cleaning between teeth was created in the early 1960’s by Colorado dentist Dr. Gerald Moyer and John Mattingly, a hydraulics engineer. The gadget is now known by the brand name Waterpik, though many people use the term generically. Since its inception, many other companies have entered the market with similar products. (Note: Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry does not necessarily endorse any particular brand.)

A water irrigation device oscillates a stream of water through a small, targeted tube to shoot out bits of food and plaque from around and between teeth. To use it, you put the tube into your mouth, turn it on, and then lean over the sink with your mouth slightly open to let the water dribble out as you maneuver the stream of shooting water around the gumline, pausing momentarily at each gap between neighboring teeth.

There have been over 65 studies that have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of water flossing for calculus reduction, plaque biofilm removal, bleeding reduction, inflammation reduction, and gingivitis treatment.

Should I Use a Water Flosser?
First, speak with us to receive an oral care treatment plan that factors in your tooth and gum health, physical dexterity, and lifestyle. The following circumstances may affect whether or not Drs. Stewart and Dr. Hull counsel you to use an interdental irrigation device.

Braces or other orthodontic appliances
A physical restriction that diminishes ability to brush and/or floss
Periodontitis
Gums that bleed when flossing
Bleeding around dental implants when flossing
Aversion to flossing
Sensitive teeth

The friendly and thorough team at Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry would love to help you learn the best suited processes for keeping your gums pink, healthy and firmly attached to cavity-free teeth. To schedule an appointment, call 616-784-2377.

Sources:
Jacquelyn L. Fried, RDH, MS, “Interdental Cleansing,” The American Dental Hygienist Association, https://www.adha.org/resources-docs/7123_Waterpik_Irrigation.pdf, accessed March 10, 2017
Carol A. Jahn, RDH, MS, “The Water Flosser: Your Tool For Optimal Oral Health,” https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/pro/education/pdf/Waterpik_WaterFlosser_ContinuingEducation.pdf, accessed March 10, 2017
“Water Flossing,” MouthHealthy (ADA), https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/water-flossers, accessed March 10, 2017

Contact Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry: 616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

Oct20

A Dentist’s Indispensable Tool

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

Grand Rapids cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Providing quality dental care is much easier for dentists when they have extensive, comprehensive information about their patients’ oral health. Most dentists want complete and up-to-date x-rays. X-rays show below the visible surface of your teeth and gums and help dentists find cavities, evaluate gum health, and identify any major changes to your teeth and mouth.

Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry is currently accepting new patients. If you are looking for a friendly, skilled, and experienced dentist and are living in Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker or the Rockford, MI area, we hope you will schedule a consultation. We are located at 769 York Creek Dr NW in Comstock Park, Michigan, and our friendly and thorough staff is second-to-none.

Along with basic dental health issues, we are happy to discuss the many cosmetic dentistry procedures available, such as dental implants, teeth whitening, and full smile makeovers. We want you to have the healthy, dazzling smile that you deserve!

Our top services here at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry are:

implant dentistry
restorative dentistry
porcelain veneers
Zoom teeth whitening

Please call us at 616-784-2377 today!

 

The following website was used as source material for this blog: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/x/x-rays, accessed on August. 1, 2014

 

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

 

Oct13

Tooth Whitening: In-Office Or At Home?

Categories: Teeth Whitening

affordable teeth whitening Comstock Park

If you are planning to whiten your teeth, the critical first step is to opt for a whitening method. It may seem like there are a multitude of options, but it’s important to remember that they all employ a peroxide-based whitening solution. The difference lies in the strength of the bleaching solution and method of delivery. In-office whitening procedures generally use a solution with a relatively higher concentration of peroxide. In other words, it is stronger.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of DIY and in-office teeth whitening.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Advantages
Generally less pricey
Doesn’t require a trip to your dentist
May cause less tooth sensitive and pain

At-Home Teeth Whitening Disadvantages
Takes longer to achieve desired level of lightening
Whitening appliances don’t protect gum tissue
Solution must be applied many times over a period of weeks

In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Advantages
Pros
Same day results
Administered by a dental professional
Gum tissue is protected

In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Disadvantages
More expensive

Did you know that in order to maintain the brightness achieved from an in-office teeth whitening treatment, a patient must follow up with at-home touch-ups? Therefore, a combination of in-office and DIY methods is often the most effective solution.

A note about non-professional teeth bleaching kiosks:
A few years ago during the height of the tooth-whitening craze, teeth whitening kiosks starting popping up in area malls. Though some have closed their doors, a few remain in business. we urge patients to avoid these establishments. There is little regulatory oversight and customers have no guarantee of the safety of their services or the qualifications of their employees. As always, it is critical to only trust your smile to dental professionals.

Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry advises patients to meet with with us before starting any tooth bleaching regimen. An oral examination will help your dentist know if tooth whitening will deliver the results you are seeking. This is especially important when you have tetracycline stains or multiple restorations.

 

 

 

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

 

Oct6

Just Like Natural Teeth (Naturally Perfect Teeth, That Is!)

Categories: Porcelain Veneers

porcelain veneers Comstock Park

Hello, friends and neighbors in the Comstock Park area! Have you been searching for the right dentist to correct your crooked, stained, or chipped teeth? The team at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry wants to end your search!

Porcelain veneers are custom-fitted porcelain shells permanently attached to the surface of the teeth. Porcelain veneers are an outstanding, minimally-invasive solution for cracked, stained, or chipped teeth.

A veneer beautifies a tooth’s color, shape, size, or length. The porcelain closely resembles authentic tooth enamel so you will look like you were born with a perfect smile that is indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Fix chips and cracks without compromising the healthy tooth structure. When done the right way, porcelain veneers stay strong and beautiful for many years.

Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry will ensure that your porcelain veneers look beautiful and natural. Our experienced staff is committed to making sure you have all the information you need to maintain your unforgettable new 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

 

Sep29

Oral Health For Comstock Park Diabetics

Categories: Oral Health

Oral Health For Rockford, MI Diabetics

Many people with diabetes have dental problems. However, gum disease, tooth loss, and periodontal disease are avoidable.

Blood sugar is the complicating factor. Diabetics who control their blood sugar have lower rates of dental problems. In fact, many dentists have noticed no increased risk of dental disease among diabetics who maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

When blood sugar levels rise, the amount of sugars and starches increase in your mouth. These substances combine with the bacteria naturally present to create enamel-eroding plaque. Untreated plaque creates cavities.

In addition to cavities, dental patients with diabetes need to be vigilant about gum health. Because diabetes can make it harder to control the growth of bacteria, the amount of plaque in your mouth can multiply quicker. Plaque not only causes cavities, it inflames and weakens gum tissue and eventually the bone surrounding teeth.

Untreated gum disease progresses to periodontitis, a more severe infection. Because diabetics have a lower resistance to infection, it can be difficult to reverse periodontitis in people with diabetes. To make matters even worse, the presence of infection can make it harder to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

Bottom line? 1: Brush and floss regularly to prevent plaque build-up. 2: See your dentist  2-4 times per year for cleanings to remove any plaque and tartar that has accumulated under the gumline.

Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry is accepting new patients and have helped many patients from the Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Walker, Sparta and Rockford, MI area. We can help diabetic dental patients keep their smile beautiful. If you are in need of cosmetic dentistry because of diabetes related decay or gum disease, we can restore your beautiful smile with the latest tooth restoration options. Ask us about crowns, dental implants, implant anchored dentures, porcelain veneers, inlays/onlays, Invisalign and same-day restorations.

Our practice is located at 769 York Creek Dr NW in Comstock Park. Call us at 616-784-2377 to schedule a consultation. Thanks for visiting the Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry Comstock Park dentistry blog!

 

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

 

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

 

Sep22

Tooth Replacement For The 21st Century

Categories: Dental Implants

Grand Rapids tooth implant supported dentures

Not everything was better back in the “good old days.” Take dentures, for instance. Dentures have been around for generations and have certainly improved the lives of thousands who have lost many or all of their teeth.

I have fabulous news for those with missing teeth: Dentures have evolved!

Implant-anchored or implant-supported dentures are far superior than conventional dentures for many patients. So much better, in fact, that there really should be another term for this industry-leading tooth replacement system – a term that doesn’t include the word “denture.” (If you can think of a good name, let us know.)

There are two types of implant anchored dentures; removable and permanent. No adhesive is needed for either system. With the permanent type, screw retentions are anchored in the jaw to serve as attachment points for the denture. Permanent implant-supported dentures are very stable. In addition, they are usually less expensive than replacing each missing tooth with an implant. (The cost varies depending on the number of implants necessary and other factors.)Screw retentions require enough bone thickness to allow the implant to securely mesh with the existing bone. Removable implant anchored dentures have a locator attachment which allows the wearer to snap the appliance in place. Some patients prefer this type because they can remove them at night for cleaning.

The terrific benefits of implant-supported dentures include:

Increased comfort
Natural appearance
Normal tooth function
Improved strength
Better bone retention
Denture relines not necessary
Minimal gum irritation
No denture adhesive necessary

For more specifics about dental implants, call 616-784-2377 to schedule a complimentary consultation. Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry is located at 769 York Creek Dr NW in Comstock Park. We have been providing quality care and personal attention since 1974.

“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

 

 

 

Sep15

Sinus Pain Or Abscessed Tooth?

Categories: Oral Health

Sinus Pain Or Abscessed Tooth?

Your maxillary sinuses are very close upstairs neighbors of your top teeth. In some areas, only a sliver of tissue separates the upper tooth roots from the bottom of the sinus cavity. It’s no wonder that when there is pain in that area, the exact location can be hard to pinpoint.

Allergies, infections, and the common cold can irritate sinus tissues. When sinus tissues become swollen and infected, it can affect the teeth.

An abscess can cause total tooth loss and the infection can also destroy jawbone.

An abscess is an infected pocket of pus in a tooth and/or the surrounding bone and tissue. The most prevalent type of oral abscess begins in the pulp of the tooth and is commonly caused by cavities. When an abscess is small, it may go unnoticed but it will eventually cause pain. If an abscess impairs the tooth until it is beyond saving and requires extraction, a dental implant is one replacement option–only if there is enough bone to anchor the implant.

How can you tell an abscessed tooth from a sinus infection?
Sinus pain usually manifests itself as a dull, continuous pain while the pain from an abscessed tooth increases in intensity. If you tap on an abscessed tooth, you will probably feel a sharp zap of pain.

You have several sinus cavities, so if you have infection in more than one sinus cavity, you may have pain behind the nose and eyes. As mentioned previously, it’s possible to be in a world of hurt with both issues – an abscessed tooth and a sinus infection.

Please call Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry if you have pain in your upper jaw and lower sinus area. An abscessed tooth should never be ignored. If it’s a sinus infection, your doctor can help you. This is a situation where you need advice from both your dental and medical care provider.

 

 

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

 

Sep8

Tonsil Questions?

Categories: Oral Health

porcelain veneers price Rockford, MI

Today in the Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental blog, we are going to focus on the two lumps of soft tissue in the back of the throat: the tonsils.

Your tonsils sit at the base of the tongue, one on each side. They are gland-like masses that function as part of the lymphatic system. Tonsils are made of infection-fighting tissue known as lymphocytes.

Tonsils have many areas where dead cells, mucous, and bacteria can become trapped. If this debris accumulates and becomes concentrated, white formations can occur in the pockets. In rare cases, it hardens and becomes a tonsil stone, or tonsillolith.

Here are some signs of tonsil infection:

Bad breath
Sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
Ear pain
Swelling of tonsils

Some people (usually children) have persistent tonsil infections that eventually require surgical removal. If your tonsils begin to hurt, it’s important to discuss treatment with your family doctor as well as your dentist.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we’re enthusiastic about the oral health of our patients. If you aren’t happy with your smile, I invite you to look at the many cosmetic dentistry procedures available, such as teeth whitening, veneers, Invisalign invisible braces, dental bonding, and dental implants.

For general or cosmetic dentistry, call 616-784-2377 today to schedule an appointment.

 

 

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