Happy Teeth Don’t Just Happen

Your Michigan Dentist And Cleaning Your Teeth!At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we know keeping your teeth clean is a critical factor in maintaining a beautiful smile. One of the advantages of visiting your dentist typically is receiving thorough teeth cleanings and a review of your brushing practices.

Your Partner in Oral Health

Our dental hygienist can professionally clean and polish your teeth at your twice-yearly dental check-up. The hygienist also helps you keep your teeth clean by assessing the condition of your teeth and recommending improvements to your daily teeth-cleaning habits.

Having a professional dental cleaning is the only way to eliminate plaque (a sticky substance in which bacteria thrive) and tartar (a calcium deposit that forms on teeth and contributes to cavities).

Don’t Forget Basic Dental Hygiene

Brushing and flossing at least twice each day can keep plaque and tartar from accumulating on your teeth and results in cleaner, healthier teeth.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist at least once every 6 months for a dental checkup and dental cleaning.

To keep that beautiful smile in top condition, come in for a dental check-up and teeth cleaning. Call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry to make an appointment.- Dr. Steven Gustafson

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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What Makes Teeth Hurt and How Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry Near Detroit Can Help You Avoid Pain

What Makes Teeth Hurt and How Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry Near Detroit Can Help You Avoid Pain.

Tooth pain, often described as one of the most agonizing experiences, can stem from various causes, from the mundane to the serious.

Understanding the root of tooth pain and seeking professional care is paramount to maintaining a pain-free smile. At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Detroit, we’re committed to helping you prevent and alleviate tooth pain, ensuring that your smile shines as brilliantly as a radiant orange sunrise.

The Culprits Behind Tooth Pain

  • Tooth Decay: Cavities, the most common cause of tooth pain, occur when acids from bacteria in your mouth eat away at the enamel, creating tiny holes that expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth.
  • Gum Disease: As the gums become inflamed and recede due to infection or poor oral hygiene, the roots of your teeth can become exposed, leading to pain and sensitivity.
  • Cracked or Fractured Teeth: A broken or cracked tooth can cause excruciating pain, especially when chewing or exposing it to extreme temperatures.
  • Tooth Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity can result from exposed dentin, a layer beneath the enamel, due to gum recession or enamel erosion. It can cause discomfort when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages.
  • Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to grow properly, they can become impacted, leading to severe pain and potential infection.

Preventing Tooth Pain through Dental Visits

Regular dental visits at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Detroit are a crucial step in avoiding tooth pain. Here’s how professional care can help:

  • Early Detection: Routine check-ups can identify dental issues in their early stages, preventing them from becoming painful problems.
  • Professional Cleanings: Our dental team can remove plaque and tartar buildup, which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Education: We provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices and offer tips to protect your teeth from sensitivity and pain.
  • Treatment Options: If tooth pain is already an issue, Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry offers a range of treatments to alleviate pain and restore your oral health.

How Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry Can Help You

Our team at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry is committed to providing compassionate and expert dental care. We understand that tooth pain can be debilitating and have a significant impact on your quality of life. By choosing us, you’re making the proactive choice to maintain a pain-free smile.

Tooth pain can be disruptive, but it’s not something you have to endure alone. At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Detroit, we are your partners in preventing and alleviating tooth pain.

Don’t let your smile be overshadowed by discomfort. Schedule a visit with us today, and together, we can ensure that your teeth remain pain-free and brilliantly beautiful.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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Want to Fill Those Gaps in Your Smile?

Tooth replacement options in Royal Oak.

Do you have gaps in your smile? At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we know many Royal Oak adults are missing one or more teeth. You probably already know that missing teeth detract from an attractive smile. You may be self-conscious about your smile. Do you cover your mouth when you laugh? Perhaps you keep your mouth closed when someone takes a picture of you.

You Don’t Have to Live With Missing Teeth

That’s no way to live. We provide multiple ways to maintain (or regain) your ability to eat, drink, speak, laugh, and smile in selfies.

We help hundreds of patients restore missing teeth. If you are interested in tooth restoration (actually, total smile restoration), we invite you to schedule a consultation.

Your consultation will include a treatment plan to restore missing teeth, an outline of the cost of required procedures, and a schedule for completing the services.

Dr. Steven Gustafson creates stunning smiles

If you have missing teeth, Dr. Steven Gustafson has solutions.

Since 1984, Dr. Gustafson has built a dental practice based on expertise, experience, and a patient-focused philosophy of care.

There have never been as many options for tooth restoration.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is used where a tooth is missing. Aptly named, it “bridges” a gap between teeth. It is a restoration with a false tooth (or teeth) attached to the surrounding teeth. Dental bridges have been used with success for generations of people who have lost teeth.

A Tooth Implant Replaces the Root Also

An implant consists of an artificial tooth PLUS an artificial root (usually biocompatible titanium). A dental implant is a more extensive replacement for a missing tooth.

With local anesthesia, your dentist anchors the artificial root into the jawbone. In the following months, it integrates and meshes with the jaw bone tissue.

There are three components of a dental implant: the artificial root or post, the connecting abutment, and the final crown or denture. An implant is often the optimal restoration as it offers beauty, strength, and natural function. In addition, it offers something many patients don’t realize is important: protection from bone recession that often takes place at the site of a missing tooth.

Traditional and Implant Supported Dentures

Most people have heard of dentures: plates holding artificial teeth that can be removed by the wearer. These are custom and can contain varying numbers of teeth. Sometimes the entire set of upper and lower teeth have to be extracted and a custome denture created. Modern dentistry offers a myriad of custom dental implant-denture combinations to restore missing teeth.

Dental Veneers

If you still have your teeth but are not comfortable with them, a dental veneer might be a great solution that preserves the healthy tooth structure. Beautiful porcelain veneers can remedy uneven color, oddly sized, or slightly misshapen teeth.

A veneer is a thin shell that your dentist bonds to the front of the teeth. In other words, a dental veneer can enhance unsightly, but structurally sound teeth.

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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Retaining Brightness After Teeth Whitening Treatment

Learn about professional tooth whitening treatments at Royal Oak.

If you decide to brighten your smile with a professional teeth whitening treatment, you want the results to last as long as possible. Unfortunately, the same things that stained your teeth prior to the treatment can stain them after the treatment. Over time, common staining will take place. To help slow down that process, Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry offers useful recommendations to make your beautiful smile last.

Do’s

First, rinse daily with an anti-cavity rinse. This boosts oral hygiene, curtails bacteria, slows the growth of plaque and also helps whiten your teeth. Additionally, there are many over-the-counter rinses with an additional whitening agent which will help prolong the results of the teeth whitening procedure.

Don’ts

There are some daily practices to abstain from because they will stain your teeth over time. These include drinking coffee, tea, soft drinks, red wine, smoking, and even some medications. If you cannot entirely cut these out of your life, rinse your mouth out after you use them.

Avoid acidic foods and beverages. These can weaken or wear away the enamel on your teeth, and eroded enamel allows the yellow dentin to show through.

Artificial coloring in any foods and condiments can stain your newly whitened teeth. Candy, popsicles, and fruit punch are examples.

Remember the Basics

We probably don’t need to remind you, but brushing your teeth effectively a couple times a day will help you keep your white smile. You may choose a toothpaste with extra whitening or baking soda to help the process. Proper brushing should take you at least two minutes using short brush strokes, paying close attention to the gum line and hard-to-reach areas. Clean the outer surfaces of your upper, then lower teeth, as well as the inner surfaces. Finally, don’t forget the chewing surfaces and your tongue. Using good brushing techniques for 120 seconds will support oral hygiene, and permanent stains will not build up as fast.

It doesn’t take too much effort or money to make your whitened smile last. If you have any questions or would like additional tips on how to retain your fresh, white smile, call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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The Rate of Bone Loss After Extraction Can Be Slowed or Stopped With an Implant

Alveolar bone loss after tooth extraction treated by Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry.

The Alveolar Bone

The bone surrounding the teeth is called the alveolar bone. Its main job is to support the teeth and provide a heavy-duty foundation for tooth roots. Normal mouth function maintains bone health. As you chew, it stimulates bone cells to consistently create new bone. Alveolar bone loss, a common dental condition, refers to the gradual deterioration of the bone surrounding teeth, often resulting from periodontal disease or tooth loss. This loss of bone density can lead to complications such as loose teeth and compromised jaw structure. Seeking prompt treatment is crucial to prevent further deterioration and maintain oral health. Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry offers advanced diagnostic techniques and effective treatments to address alveolar bone loss, ensuring patients regain both the function and aesthetics of their smile.

What can cause alveolar bone loss?

Extraction

When a tooth is removed, the bone at the extraction site is no longer needed.

It’s not just that the root is gone, the forces of chewing no longer stimulate the bone at that site. First, the bone gets narrower. Then it gets shorter.

Studies have shown that a considerable amount of alveolar bone loss can occur within six weeks after an extraction.

Periodontal disease

Gum disease is not just a problem with the soft tissues. The infection caused by gingivitis (gum disease) can destroy the alveolar bone. Advanced periodontal disease can result in the loss of teeth. The rate of bone loss caused by periodontal disease may be accelerated when the tooth roots are gone.

What if I can’t get an implant immediately after a tooth extraction?

If you plan to get a tooth implant after having a tooth extracted, it’s best to do it as soon as your implant dentist recommends. Bone diminishes quickly.

Some implant dentists use socket preservation grafts. With this service, your dentist fills the extraction socket with bone grafting material. The grafting material should start integrating with the surrounding bone. This won’t halt all bone loss, but it may slow it down.

Dentures don’t preserve the alveolar bone

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of adults over 65 have no original teeth. Many people with missing teeth or no teeth at all choose dentures. This is understandable. It’s challenging to eat and speak with no teeth in the mouth. And nobody wants a toothless mouth.

It’s important to understand, however, that dentures don’t replace the roots of the missing teeth and they don’t preserve the alveolar bone. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that helps preserve jawbone structure.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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Whitening vs Bleaching At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry

Whitening vs Bleaching At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry In Royal Oak

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental service that Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry provides in-office or through a take home kit. Results vary, but most patients notice significant lightening that lasts up to a year.

Want to feel more confident?

Our teeth whitening patients affirm that a whiter smile boosts self confidence and can take years of wear and discoloration away to reveal a brighter smile.

Whitening vs bleaching

Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching, however, describe two different things. Surface cracks and stains develop on tooth enamel, exposing the yellower dentin below the surface. Discoloration can be the result of the natural aging process, illness, genetics, or dark-colored food or drink. Foods and beverages that are both dark-colored and acidic— like wine, coffee, and tomato sauce—have even greater staining power.

What is a teeth whitening product?

Teeth whitener can refer to any product used to remove stains from tooth enamel: toothpaste, DIY strips, and some mouthwashes are safe and economical and can beautify teeth with continued, regular use. The extent of whitening varies, and it takes dedicated, regular use to see results.

Whitening products that do not contain bleach can usually make teeth two to four shades lighter. These are a good choice for men and women with sensitive teeth and gums that can react to products containing harsher whitening chemicals. Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry guides pregnant or nursing mothers to choose non-bleach whitening products.

Bleaching is more powerful

The term “bleaching” is used to mean a tooth-whitening product that contains a form of bleach, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, in varying concentrations. For best results, teeth bleaching should be carried out in-office by your dentist. Bleaching can often achieve more noticeable results, sometimes up to seven shades lighter. Intrinsic stains on the dentin, as well as surface stains, can be efficiently lightened under an experienced dentist’s supervision.

Call the friendly team at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry to schedule a consultation!

Feels Like Coming Home

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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Which Tooth Whitener Works Best?

Dazzling White Teeth in Royal Oak What is the best professional tooth whitening system to use in Royal Oak?

There are two types of dentist-supervised tooth whitening systems available in Detroit. In order to determine the best choice for your teeth, schedule, and budget; you need to understand the differences in the systems.

Both systems use a bleaching agent containing peroxide. Royal Oak dentists who offer professional in-office tooth bleaching use a whitening gel with a high concentration of peroxide. Some Berkley in-office tooth whitening systems use a light that causes the tooth-bleaching agent to work faster.

There are different types of lights including halogen, plasma arc, metal halide, and laser; but they all work the same way. When the light is shined on teeth on which the whitening gel is applied, it causes the peroxide to break down into free radicals, which are active oxygen molecules. This process naturally occurs without light, but the light makes it happen faster. That is why you can get whiter teeth in just one hour.

Most Royal Oak cosmetic dentists also offer take-home tooth whitening systems. Although these procedures take a bit longer to work, they achieve the same dramatic results. For many Madison Heights and Birmingham patients, this is the most affordable teeth whitening system.

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we offer safe and effective teeth bleaching. Our Royal Oak cosmetic dentistry patients can’t believe how great their teeth look when they remove the stains and restore the brightness. If you would like to learn why our system is superior, schedule a consultation by calling our office at 248-541-8770.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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Battling Bad Breath Causes and Prevention with the Help of Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in the Detroit Area

Battling Bad Breath Causes and Prevention with the Help of Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in the Detroit Area

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be an embarrassing and distressing issue.

However, understanding its root causes and seeking professional guidance can help you maintain fresh and pleasant breaths. Let’s review some common causes of bad breath and how Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in the Detroit area can be your ally in preventing bad breath and keeping your confidence high.

The Usual Suspects of Bad Breath

Poor Oral Hygiene: One of the primary reasons for bad breath is inadequate oral hygiene. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, food particles and bacteria can accumulate in your mouth, leading to an unpleasant odor.

Gum Disease: Untreated gum disease can produce a foul odor. The pockets created by gum recession can trap bacteria and food particles, contributing to bad breath.

Dental Issues: Cavities, infected teeth, and abscesses can release unpleasant odors. These issues should be addressed promptly by a dental professional.

Dry Mouth: Saliva plays a crucial role in rinsing away bacteria and food particles in the mouth. Dry mouth, often caused by certain medications or medical conditions, can lead to bad breath.

Diet and Lifestyle: Consuming strongly flavored foods like garlic and onions can lead to temporary bad breath. Additionally, smoking and alcohol can contribute to foul odors.

How Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry Can Help Prevent Bad Breath

Comprehensive Dental Cleanings: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in the Detroit area are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. Our dental professionals can remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing alone can’t reach.

Treatment of Dental Issues: If you have cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems contributing to bad breath, our team can provide effective treatment to resolve these issues.

Oral Hygiene Guidance: We offer guidance on proper oral hygiene practices, including the use of mouthwash and tongue scrapers to eliminate bacteria.

Addressing Dry Mouth: If dry mouth is a concern, our dental experts can recommend strategies to alleviate this condition and reduce the risk of bad breath.

Lifestyle Recommendations: Our professionals can advise on dietary choices and lifestyle changes to help you maintain fresh breath.

Bad breath doesn’t have to be a persistent issue in your life. Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in the Detroit area is your partner in preventing and overcoming this common problem. By addressing the underlying causes of bad breath, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, and seeking professional guidance, you can enjoy the confidence that comes with a fresh and pleasant breath.

Don’t let bad breath hold you back; schedule a visit with Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry today and embark on a journey toward lasting oral health and confidence in every breath you take.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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The Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry Guide To Preventing Gum Disease

gum disease Royal Oak

Hearing that you have gingivitis (gum disease) can be upsetting. Here at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak, Michigan, we are committed to educating and assisting patients in preventing gum disease. If you discover that you already have gum disease, don’t despair. We can help.

Symptoms of Gum Disease
Bleeding gums
Swollen, tender gums
Receding gums
Bad breath that won’t go away
Loose adult teeth
Sensitive teeth

Whether you are just being diagnosed, working to undo problems of the past, or trying to avert gum disease for the future, Dr. Steven Gustafson has s.

Steps for Healing or Preventing Gum Disease

Brush at least two times a day—morning and night
Brush with fluoride toothpaste
Floss at least once a day
Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings
Use a fluoride rinse before brushing
Abstain from between-meal snacking
Refrain from tobacco products

Solutions for Correcting Serious Gum Disease

Scaling
Root planing
Antibiotics
Surgery

Dr. Gustafson knows gum disease can sneak up on you. Regular check-ups and daily oral hygiene is vital for preventing the pain and health issues associated with periodontal disease. Gum disease can be successfully treated, but avoiding it is clearly best.

Dr. Gustafson is equipped with the education and experience to care for the full gamut of Detroit patients’ dental needs including cosmetic dentistry, teeth cleaning, and Invisalign clear braces.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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Top 10 Reasons To Visit Your Dentist

Visit Your Royal Oak DentistYou smile deserves regular attention. If you haven’t had a dental exam in a while, consider these important reasons:

  1. Check Up: It’s time, and this is the best way to prohibit 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 proper 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 help some of those sensitivities to hot and cold.
  6. Prevent Gum Disease: Let Dr. Gustafson assess the health of your gums and suggest treatments or practices that are available to help you improve the health of your gums.
  7. A Whiter Smile: We can help. We have tooth-whitening options available that will enhance your smile and make your teeth whiter.
  8. Tooth Replacement: If you are missing a tooth, we can help restore your smile with the latest in tooth replacement technology.
  9. Cosmetic Dentistry: Considering making improvements to your smile? We can help you analyze the options.
  10. Confidence: Nothing brings you more confidence than a healthy,  smile.

I’m Dr. Steven Gustafson of Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak, Michigan. Give us a call at 248-541-8770, or visit us on our website at https://gmdentistry.com/

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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