Dr. Eric Hull, Author at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry - Grand Rapids Dentist

Grand Rapids Dentist » Archives for Dr. Eric Hull » Page 34

May20

Stick Out Your Tongue In Rockford, MI!

mother and daughter As health professionals, we know that Rockford, MI dentists diagnose and treat conditions of the teeth and gums, but we sometimes overlook the importance of the tongue.

Have you ever considered all the amazing things your tongue can do? It helps us talk, perceive the texture and flavor of food, chew, and swallow. This strong and nimble gymnast is in near-constant motion during our waking hours. It is a wonder that we don’t accidentally bite it more often as we smile, chew, drink, breathe, swallow, cough, and laugh.

Your tongue can also reveal problems with your health, including digestive problems, infections, and diseases of the blood.

When Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull perform oral exams, the tongue is always checked for signs of oral cancer and other serious diseases.

Here are some tongue abnormalities and possible causes:

Swollen tongue: reaction to food/drink/medication, strep infection, leukemia, hypothyroidism
White tongue: dehydration, yeast infection, irritation to tobacco, enteritis, gastritis, colitis, anemia or other nutritional deficiency
Canker sores: may be triggered by stress or reaction to food, toothpaste, or mouthwash.

If you have persistent canker sores, you may want to try eliminating products that contain sodium lauryl (or laurel) sulfate (SLS). SLS is a cheap foaming agent that is found in many personal care products. It can be difficult to find SLS-free dental products in Belmont, Cedar Springs, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI. The following brands have previously offered SLS-free versions but check labels carefully every time you buy a new tube.

If you can’t find an SLS-free toothpaste at your local grocery store, we would suggest trying health food stores, specialty drug stores, or trusted online sites.

Many of our Rockford, MI patients have asked about tongue-scraping. We recommend thorough dental hygiene including cleaning the tongue. To schedule a consultation to discuss any dental health issues, please call our office at 616-784-2377.

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull DDS
Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry
We can whiten, brighten, and straighten your smile!

May13

Tooth Whitening For Whiter Whites

smiling woman2 One of the most common requests Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull get from their dental patients is whiter teeth.

We are happy to say that our Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI dental patients are in luck when it comes to teeth whitening, because cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening and veneers are safe, effective, and affordable.

Some patients might be interested in bleaching their teeth at home. We offer a very safe and effective home whitening system that allows you to whiten your teeth at your convenience at home.

We also offer in-office teeth bleaching which can often be done in one visit. Grand Rapids residents who do in-office bleaching appreciate the care that is given to protect the soft tissues of the mouth from the bleaching agent.

As you can see, there are a lot of great ways to keep your teeth nice and white here in Rockford, MI.

If you’re interested in any of these whitening methods or a complete smile makeover, please call Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry at 616-784-2377 and ask about our KöR whitening, Zoom whitening, or home whitening. Our friendly and thorough staff will schedule a cosmetic dental consultation at your convenience.

We hope to hear from you soon!

May6

New Information For Dental Implant Patients

dentist-shining-smile

Hundreds of dental implant recipients have replaced missing teeth with jaw-bone anchored tooth implants. Unlike a dental bridge, a tooth implant consists of a titanium post inserted into the jaw bone. The bone meshes with the post to create a strong base for the natural-looking prosthetic tooth and crown that attaches to the post.

Dental implants are usually the ideal restoration for Belmont, Cedar Springs, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI people who want to replace a missing tooth.

For information about tooth restoration options including tooth implants, dental bridges, and porcelain crowns, call Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry at 616-784-2377.

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, MI
49321

Apr22

Dental Crowns For Replacing Weakened Or Damaged Teeth

dental crowns Comstock Park

It might surprise a lot of people to know that dental crowns have been used in dentistry for more than 2000 years. According to archeologists, the Etruscans experimented with crowns on teeth using ivory and bone as early as 700 B.C. By 200 A.D., materials became more sophisticated and they began using gold crowns to construct artificial teeth. There is evidence that the ancient Egyptians made tooth replacements out of seashells, shaping them and then hammering them into their gums.

Porcelain crowns were first used in the 1800s. After the refinement of metal casting methods in the 1900s, crown dentistry began to improve dramatically.

Today, crowns are strong, comfortable, and made to match your surrounding teeth.

Dental crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line and are cemented in place after the tooth is treated. Crowns are used to strengthen teeth that have been worn down or weakened by decay or injury. Crowns are also used to brighten and improve the appearance of one’s smile.

If you suspect you need a crown, want to replace an old crown, or want to learn about other cosmetic dentistry procedures, please call Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull at 616-827-7019. Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry is located at 769 York Creek Dr NW in Comstock Park. We have been serving patients in the Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI area since 1974. We can recommend the best tooth restoration or cosmetic dentistry option for you.

Apr15

Dental Implants—Restoring the Form and Function of Your Mouth

dental implants Comstock Park

If you are missing one or more teeth, you should know that you are not alone. Like other Comstock Park men and women with missing teeth, you know that chewing can be difficult, painful and sometimes embarrassing.

Dental implants are generally the best permanent tooth replacement for missing teeth. Not only do they look natural, but they will make it easier to chew and eat. If you are considering dental implants in Comstock Park be sure to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull at Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry to find out whether dental implants might be right for you.

During your consultation, you can get straightforward advice about how dental implants might be able to restore your smile. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull in Comstock Park can provide patients in the Belmont, Cedar Springs, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker, and Rockford, MI areas information about dental implants. Call to set up your complimentary consultation today: 616-784-2377

Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry is experienced in cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, implant dentistry, Invisalign, and Zoom teeth whitening. We are happy to take the time to answer questions you might have about any of our procedures. If you have missing teeth, come in to our office to talk about how dental implants can improve your quality of life. Don’t wait any longer!

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull
Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan 49321
616-784-2377

Apr8

Should You Consider Cosmetic Dentistry?

cosmetic dentist Grand Rapids

Many of the patients who visit Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry have questions about cosmetic dentistry. You can find quite a bit of reliable information online, but there are a lot of questions that only Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull can answer—particularly concerning your own goals for your smile. But keep in mind that new developments in cosmetic dentistry have made many procedures safe, affordable, and worth your consideration.

If you have questions about how cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile, restore a tooth, or change a gum line, please call our office. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull will give you straightforward answers to your cosmetic dentistry questions.

You may reach one of our friendly office staff at 616-784-2377 to schedule a complimentary consultation. We would love to meet with you and go over what you would like to see with your smile. We can give you an oral assessment to help you decide what procedures might be best for you. We can help you determine the level of cosmetic dentistry you will need to get the smile you want.

Sometimes easy can be surprisingly effective. We can often achieve great results with procedures that don’t require a lot of recovery time. Tooth whitening, dental bonding, porcelain crowns and veneers can all work miracles and can often be completed in as little as one or two visits.

We want you to be comfortable with any dentistry decisions you make. Please call our office for a complimentary consultation. We look forward to answering your questions.

– Dr. Bruce Stewart & Dr. Eric Hull, 616-723-863

Apr1

Orthodontic Options for Today’s Patient

If you are considering having your teeth corrected, this post is for you. Today’s article provides specifics Invisalign orthodontics.

The name Invisalign is an apt description of what this technologically advanced system does: align teeth invisibly. With Invisalign, patients receive custom plastic aligners that fit snugly over the teeth. Every couple of weeks, as the teeth move, the patient changes the aligners. Patients appreciate the fact that Invisalign trays are barely noticeable and they don’t restrict a normal diet. It is also beneficial that they are easy to keep clean.

For an evaluation of your orthodontic needs call 616-784-2377 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull at Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry.

At Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry, we are zealous about first rate dental care including comprehensive restorative and cosmetic dentistry. In addition to Invisalign, ask us about porcelain veneers, and implant dentistry. Whether you need an exam and cleaning or a complete smile transformation, we look forward to serving you.

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

Mar25

How Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Swollen and painful gums are symptoms of periodontal disease, an inflammatory gum disease. Swelling occurs from an auto-immune response of the body reacting to an infection. Infections are noticeable through pain, redness, and warmth. If the infection is left untreated, it can affect the bone near the teeth. The body’s immune system wants to rid the bone of the harmful material the bacteria is creating. Over time, bone loss will develop. It is important to seek gum disease treatment. The earlier gum disease is treated, the better.

Inflammation in the gums also is associated with atherosclerosis, the occurrence of fatty deposits inside of the body’s arteries. Inflammation coincides with an increase of the blood protein CRP (C-reactive protein), produced by the liver. The more inflammation there is, the more the liver produces CRP. The more CRP present, the more likely cardiovascular disease is present, along with related troubles. CRP production is also related to arthritis, auto-immune disorders, and intestinal issues.

Scientists are currently looking into the relationship between periodontal inflammation and CRP level and the effects outside of the oral cavity. Links have already been discovered between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

If inflammation is left untreated, gums can develop pockets that provide the perfect breeding ground for infection. The longer the infection persists, the more likely bone loss will occur, eventually causing tooth loss.

It is indispensable to practice preventive dental care daily at home and have regular visits to the dentist. Dental appointments should include an exam, cleaning, and full mouth x-rays, along with the essential knowledge and instruction on how to properly care for teeth and gums at home. It is also very important to see your dentist straightaway if a tooth suddenly becomes sensitive or you observe any other changes.

Thanks for visiting our blog. For more details about inflammation or periodontal disease, please call our office at 616-784-2377.

Mar18

Find Out How Your Smile Can Benefit From Tooth-Colored Fillings

tooth colored fillings

Most adults will have at least one cavity in their lives, so it’s no surprise that dealing with tooth decay is one of the most common problems addressed by dentists. When teeth have been damaged by decay, dental fillings are generally used to fill in the spot of the decay to prevent it from getting worse. In the past, a mixture—also called “amalgam”—of metals was used, but today we have other options, including composite, tooth-colored fillings.

About Dental Fillings

Dental fillings have been used for about the past 150 years. They are small dental restorations that are used for treating cavities, which are also called dental “caries.” Metal amalgam used to be the filling of choice until the 1990s and 2000s when composite materials began to be vastly improved. Now the benefits of tooth-colored fillings in Comstock Park have become quite well known and popular for dental restorations.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

There are a number of advantages that only tooth-colored fillings provide, including:

They are more attractive than metal fillings. Because they are color-matched to the rest of your teeth, tooth-colored fillings blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. They will not discolor with time either. You can smile with confidence at your cavity-free appearance. No one will even know the restoration is there!
They are less destructive. With tooth-colored fillings, more of the natural tooth can be kept intact than with metal fillings. This helps to maintain the tooth’s natural strength.
They are durable. Tooth-colored fillings last a long time; with the proper care, they can last for as long as a decade or beyond.

Learn More About the Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings

For more information about tooth-colored fillings and your many other options for effective dental restoration, be sure to contact us at Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry at 616-552-8307.

Mar11

Dental Implants

Hello Comstock Park visitors; welcome to Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry. Let’s talk about a tooth replacement option common in Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparte, Walker and Rockford, MI: dental implants. Most Rockford, MI people with missing teeth are great candidates for dental implants.

A dental implant looks just like the beautiful tooth restoration on a high-quality dental bridge, but the important part is what you don’t see.

A dental implant stands alone and is not attached to the adjacent teeth like traditional dental bridges. In a way, a dental implant is a more conservative tooth replacement because it leaves the adjacent teeth intact. The bone and gum tissue mesh permanently with the titanium post that serves as the replacement tooth root.

Dental implants do not have the same decay risk as the teeth that anchor dental bridges. Of course patients with dental implants need to brush and floss, but cleaning a dental implant is usually no more difficult than cleaning a normal tooth.

With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime for smile-smart Rockford, MI dental patients.

At Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry, dental implants can replace one or more teeth providing stability, beauty, and natural function. In addition, they can also serve as anchors for full or partial dentures. No more embarrassing slipping!

If you want more specifics about dental implants, I invite you to call Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry at 616-784-2377. We are Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull. Call today to schedule a dental implant consultation. A dazzling smile can be yours with dental implants.

Ask us about dental financing options.

Author: Dr. Eric Hull