You Can Slow The Rate Of Bone Loss After Extraction

bone loss after tooth extraction

A serious side effect of losing a tooth by extraction, accident, or disease is the potential for bone loss. This can be minimized, or even avoided outright, with a dental implant from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI.

The Alveolar Bone

The bone surrounding the teeth is called alveolar bone. Its main job is to support the teeth and provide a tough foundation for tooth roots. Normal mouth function maintains bone health. As you chew, it stimulates bone cells to consistently produce new bone.

What Can Cause Alveolar Bone Loss?

When a tooth is lost, the bone where the tooth once was is at risk. The forces of chewing no longer stimulate the bone in that area. The bone begins to get narrower, then shorter.

Studies have shown that a considerable amount of†alveolar bone loss can take place within six weeks of losing the tooth. Since it recedes so quickly, the sooner you can get an implant, the better. Unfortunately, conventional dentures do nothing to prevent bone loss. A dental implant, however, simulates the natural tooth root and stimulates the bone.

Whether it’s for one or more lost teeth, dental implants from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI help to prevent bone loss. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI also come to us for complete restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

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

ArticleID 8267

Top 10 Reasons To Visit Your Dentist

Visit Your Comstock Park Dentist

You smile deserves regular attention. If you haven’t had a dental exam in a while, give us a call at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI. Consider these important reasons for having regular cleanings and checkups:

  1. Check Up: It’s time, and this is the best way to prevent dental problems.
  2. Clean Up: Our dental hygienist is ready to give you a super clean smile.
  3. Brush Up: If it has been a while since your last dental visit, it’s probably time to come in for a refresher course on appropriate dental hygiene.
  4. Avoid Pain: If you have dental pain and have been putting off a trip to the dentist, come in now, because we specialize in relieving dental pain.
  5. Fillings: We can find and fill all your dental cavities in almost no time at all. This will help you skip more painful dilemmas down the road, and helps some of those sensitivities to hot and cold.
  6. Prevent Gum Disease: We’ll evaluate the health of your gums and make any suggestions to help you improve.
  7. A Whiter Smile: We can help. We have tooth whitening options available that will upgrade your smile and make your teeth whiter.
  8. Tooth Replacement: If you are missing a tooth, we can help restore your smile with a dental implant.
  9. Cosmetic Dentistry: Considering making improvements to your smile? We have the procedures to do it.
  10. Confidence: Nothing brings you more confidence than a healthy smile.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI we can maintain your dental health and improve your smile! People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to us for general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

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

ArticleID 176

What Are Possible Dental Implant Complications?

risks of dental implants Michigan

Dental implants from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI are state-of-the-art, with a success rate in the area of ninety-eight percent. That number is a testament to implant technology.

But like any medical or dental procedure, there are certain risks involved. In this post, we will consider possible complications of a dental implant.

  • Infection: Any surgical procedure poses an infection risk. That’s why we often prescribe an antibiotic beforehand. Beginning the second day post-surgery, the implant site should also be rinsed with a salt water solution.
  • Slow Healing: A patient is more likely to experience slow healing if they have another medical condition. Possible conditions include gum disease, diabetes, cancer, alcoholism, or poor circulation due to smoking. We take preexisting conditions into account.
  • Sinus Problems: Upper implants are placed very close to the floor of the sinus. Because of this proximity, an implant can perforate the floor of the sinus cavity. This is rare.
  • Implant Failure: If an implant fails to integrate with the surrounding bone, it is usually due to insufficient blood supply. Teeth grinding, smoking, and the medical conditions discussed previously can impair blood circulation.
  • Nerve Damage: Nerve damage occurs in a very small percentage of implant procedures. Patients may have pain, tingling or numbness at the implant site.

An informed patient makes the best decisions, and at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI we make sure every dental implant patient knows exactly what is involved. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI trust us with implants and other restorative dentistry procedures. Contact us today!

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

ArticleID 8296

6 Quick And Healthy Tooth Tips

Rockford cosmetic dental and tooth implants

It doesn’t have to take a lot of time to improve your oral hygiene. In fact, Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI has six 10-second dental health tips that can greatly improve your chances of preventing cavities and gum disease.

  1. Find a Better Place for your Toothbrush: Look around. In 10 seconds you can probably find 5 places to set your toothbrush that will allow air drying and can inhibit the growth of microorganisms that a closed, moist environment would encourage.
  2. Leave the Floss On the Counter: If you want to build consistency, you need reminders. Deliberately setting out the floss will give you more commitment to use it. And if you see it, you’ll remember that commitment.
  3. Swish: Grab the fluoride rinse and rinse away bits of food after flossing in order to freshen your breath. 10 seconds is the minimum, but 20 is twice as good.
  4. Smile in the Mirror: Check out those pearly whites! Examine for a full 10 seconds. Inspect gums for bleeding or tenderness, missed fragments of food, staining, or other concerns.
  5. Have a Water Chaser with Dark Beverages: Rinse your mouth with a sip of water after drinking cola, tea, or coffee. A mere 10 seconds will help suppress discoloration.
  6. Call Eric Hull DDS: 10 digits, 10 seconds, a short conversation, and you can secure yourself a consultation with our dental professionals. We will examine your teeth for far more than 10 seconds and help keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we answer questions about general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI also come to us for gum disease treatment. Contact us today!

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

ArticleID 7142

Relax in Comfort and Style at Eric Hull

Kentwood cosmetic dental and tooth implants

On this blog post from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we want to talk about an often-overlooked feature in practices: the modern dental chair. Did you know that dental chairs don’t come from your local furniture store?

Dental chairs were designed especially for the comfort of patient and dental provider alike. At our practice, we take advantage of advanced ergonomics and top-of-the-line comfort technology to bring you an experience like no other. You’ll be amazed with the recent innovations in seat technology.

Our chairs offer fully adjustable seats and are lined with comfortable, sturdy materials that mold to your weight and shape. It really feels like you’re floating! The cushioned seats allow us to treat our patients easily, while also ensuring your comfort.

The last place you want to feel discomfort is at a dental visit. It can already be stressful to deal with a dental problem; a bumpy, uncomfortable seat is like adding fuel to that fire.

In addition to a comfortable seat, Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI boasts a professional dental team that is trained in direct patient communication and is ready to answer any questions you might have. Whether you need general dentistry for dental maintenance, cosmetic dentistry for aesthetic problems, or dental implants for tooth replacement, take a seat! Your dental assistant will see you shortly. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI visit us every day. Contact us today!

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

ArticleID 5524

Fluoride Treatments: Not Just For Kids

fluoride treatment Comstock Park

You rarely hear the word “toothpaste” without it being preceded by “fluoride.” Fluoride toothpaste is good for teeth, and at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we encourage its use.

Fluoride is an essential mineral that helps your teeth stay strong. It is found in some foods and water and makes toothpastes more effective at fighting cavities. Fluoride helps teeth by making them stronger and more resistant to the harmful acid that is formed by bacteria.

If you wonder if you or your child is getting enough fluoride, talk to us about fluoride supplements. We will let you know if they are required and determine the precise supplement dosage.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI we are committed to maintaining the dental health of each of our valued patients. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to us for family and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

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

ArticleID 7073

Our Team Works To Earn Your Trust

Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI is staffed by committed health care professionals who want the best possible dental health for every one of our patients. We work hard to earn your trust! With daily home care and regular checkups in our office, your teeth can last a lifetime.

As you may know, the link between dental health and overall health is† well-established. That means good dental health has benefits that last.

Regular Checkups

Twice-yearly dental appointments allow us to keep track of the overall health of your teeth and gums. We’ll also do regular screenings for oral cancer.

We promote preventative dental care and education, and view them as the keys to good dental health. That is why we encourage all our patients to see us for a cleaning and checkup every six months.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, our entire staff wants each one of our patients to have a positive experience in our office. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to us for general and family dentistry. Contact us today!

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

 

ArticleID 1267

Think It’s Not Necessary To Replace Missing Back Teeth?

dental implants Comstock Park

Sometimes when people lose a back tooth they wonder whether they should bother doing anything about it. After all, the gap doesn’t show when they smile and there are other teeth to do the chewing. Why not leave it be and save some money? Actually, there are several very good reasons to replace a back tooth with a dental implant from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI.

The adjacent tooth (or teeth) may start shifting. If a tooth tilts, moves, or rotates, it can impact the bite. The unopposed tooth can also move, though it generally moves outward from the bone, which causes over-eruption. Teeth that are displaced can become more vulnerable to gum disease, decay, or TMJ pain.

The underlying bone will begin to atrophy. Without the tooth root, the jaw bone shrinks. This changes the dimensions of the face and gives it a sunk-in look due to a decline in supporting bone. The vertical shortening progresses and becomes more pronounced as you get older.

There will be additional stress on the teeth that take over the chewing functions. This can bring about excessive wear, fracture, or pain.

If you have a missing back tooth and want to learn about dental implants, call Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to us for implants and for comprehensive restorative dentistry services. Contact us today!

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

ArticleID 7768

Everything You Never Wanted To Know About Saliva

In this post from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we review the complexity and importance of your saliva. Saliva makes some people a little squeamish, but it’s important stuff: a finely balanced body fluid that not only maintains dental health but also helps with the digestion of your food.

So, without further ado, here are the main components of saliva.

  • Water: No surprise here! Your saliva is composed of water, for the most part.
  • Enzymes: Enzymes are vital biological catalysts that speed chemical reactions. The enzymes in saliva begin the process of digestion.
  • Immunoproteins: These are powerful cells that fight invaders, such as bacteria. The immunoproteins in saliva inhibit the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth. This is essential for avoiding gingivitis and keeping the appropriate pH balance in the mouth.
  • Minerals: Saliva minerals aid in maintaining the protective enamel surface of the teeth.

Most people produce enough saliva, but there is a condition called dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. Dry mouth can be dangerous to your dental health, so be sure to talk to us about it if you experience it.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we offer our patients a full range of general and cosmetic dentistry. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI also come to us for dental implants. Contact us today!

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

ArticleID 6725

Are You Watching For Cavities?

prevent cavities Comstock Park

Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems there is. Are you doing everything you can to prevent it? In this post from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we have some practical ideas that can help.

  • Avoid Refined Sugar: This one is probably obvious, but avoiding sugar should be your number one strategy to prevent cavities. Sugar and starch forms plaque, that sticky film that can coat the teeth. The acids in plaque start the process that forms cavities.
  • Consider Xylitol: Xylitol is a type of sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some plants. It is not the same kind of alcohol that makes people drunk, so it’s okay for anyone who is avoiding that type of alcohol. It is popular as a sweetener and can actually be good for dental health.
  • Maintain Your Brushing Habits: Daily brushing and flossing is still your best bet for preventing cavities. It cleans off the plaque that leads to cavities, and also helps to prevent gum disease.

Along with brushing, regular checkups at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI help you maintain good dental health. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to our practice for general and family dentistry. Contact us today!

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

ArticleID 8555