How Do Implant Dentures Work?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

implant dentures Royal Oak

Many men and women know that a permanent tooth implant is an ideal tooth restoration. Some don’t realize, however, that two or more can support a partial or full denture. This can be a less expensive option than having numerous implants while still providing many improvements as compared to standard dentures.

Today’s article answers the most prevalent questions about implant dentures.

The first thing to know is that a fixed implant denture is called an “implant-supported” denture while a removable one is called an “implant-retained” denture.

What Are Implant Dentures?

Like conventional dentures, implant-supported dentures replace missing teeth. The difference is that they are attached to titanium posts which are surgically anchored into the jawbone.

Each post is called an implant. The implant fuses with the surrounding bone structure to create an incredibly durable restoration. These posts are similar to the implants that hold a crown, except instead of a crown, they have a clip that attaches to the denture, partial denture, or metal bar that holds the denture connectors. Implants can be used for both upper and lower dentures.

Bar-Retained and Ball-Retained Systems

There are two types of implant stabilization methods: bar-retained and ball-retained. For both, the denture is fabricated with gum-colored acrylic for the base to which porcelain (or acrylic) false teeth are attached. The denture necessitates, at a minimum, two implants for stabilization.

With the ball-retained system, each post holds an attachment (male or female) that fits into a corresponding attachment on the denture. These are sometimes called “stud attachment.”

With bar-retained dentures, a metal bar is anchored to two to five implants. The bar holds the clips that connect to the denture.

If you are currently wearing conventional dentures, take to us about superior options.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 7787

Dental Crowns At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry In Royal Oak

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Restorative dentistry

Dental Crowns at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak Dental crowns have been used in dentistry for over 2000 years. There is evidence that the Etruscans experimented with crowns on teeth using ivory and bone as early as 700 B.C. By 200 A.D., they began using gold crowns to construct artificial teeth. Ancient Egyptians fashioned tooth replacements out of seashells and then hammered them into their gums. (Oral sedation, anyone?)

Porcelain crowns were first used in the 1800s. With the refining of metal casting methods in the 1900s, crown dentistry advanced significantly.

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

Dental crowns (also called caps) cover the entire visible portion of the tooth and are cemented in place. Crowns are used to strengthen teeth that have been worn down or weakened by decay or injury. Crowns are also used to restore the original shape of a tooth or solely to improve the appearance of a tooth.

The most common types of crowns are:

  • All-porcelain (ceramic)
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal
  • Gold

The material used is determined by several factors. If you suspect you need a crown, want to replace an old crown, or want to learn about other cosmetic dentistry procedures, call Dr. Steven Gustafson at 248-541-8770. Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry is located at 940 E 11 Mile Rd in Royal Oak. We have been serving patients in the Detroit area since 1984. We can recommend the best tooth restoration or cosmetic dentistry option for you.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 667

Multi-Procedure Dental Visits Save Time And Hassle

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Teeth whitening

Multi-Procedure Dental Visits in Royal Oak

 

 

 

Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry is a full-service family and general dental practice. We can address any dental need including total smile makeovers. If you are considering a smile makeover, you may be wondering whether to do it all at once or one procedure at a time over an extended period. Here are some factors to consider:

Cost
In the long run, it is less expensive to do it all at once. At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak, we are able to complete several procedures in one visit. We know that complete smile transformations are a significant investment for most Detroit residents. We would be happy to discuss affordable dentistry financing options. Call us at 248-541-8770 to schedule a no-pressure consultation.

Time
With the latest materials and cutting-edge dental techniques, healing is speedier than in the past. However, some procedures such as bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, root canals, and dental implants may require a healing period.

It is easier physically and psychologically to have the fewest possible visits to your Royal Oak dentist. You should also consider how your dental visits and needed healing periods will impact your employment and family life. You will have less downtime if you receive several procedures at once.

Aesthetic Results
While we routinely achieve great outcomes when doing a smile makeover in steps, multiple porcelain restorations are best fabricated in the same “batch” for the most precise color matching.

Sedation Dentistry
When you come in for a smile analysis, we can discuss oral sedation dentistry. Many dental patients benefit from this safe and effective solution for pain and anxiety management. Conscious sedation is especially beneficial for procedures such as multiple wisdom teeth extractions and dental implant placement.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 988

5 Critical Things To Know About Periodontal Disease

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Gum Disease

gum disease exam Royal Oak

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is inflammation or infection of the gums. For the most part, periodontal disease is preventable. This condition is so widespread in the US that it has been called a ‘health crisis’ by the ADA. Fortunately, periodontal disease can be treated.

  1. If left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage such as tooth loss.
  2. Practicing proper dental hygiene and having 6-month dental exams are the best way to prevent periodontal disease.
  3. Periodontal disease can occur without the presence of decay.
  4. Almost half of all 30+ adults in the US have periodontal disease.
  5. In some cases, periodontal disease generates no noticeable symptoms.

Risk factors for periodontal disease include tobacco use, dissatisfactory oral hygiene (especially failing to floss), genetics, teeth grinding, inflammatory conditions, and poor nutrition.

Even if you don’t feel any pain in your mouth, it is vital to see your dentist regularly. To schedule a periodontal disease exam, call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry today at 248-541-8770 or visit https://gmdentistry.com.

“Periodontal Disease Affects Nearly Half of the U.S. Population,” American Dental Association, June 15, 2015, http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/science-in-the-news/periodontal-disease-affects-nearly-half-us-population, accessed June 6, 2017

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

ArticleID 7464

Optimum Oral Health Includes Exams and Cleanings

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Categories: Dental Implants, General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Restorative dentistry

oral health Royal Oak

If you’ve ever visited our blog, you’ve probably heard the guidance to have dental visits and cleanings twice a year. In fact, dental professionals have been advising the twice-yearly frequency for over 50 years. The American Dental Association counsels people to visit their dentist twice a year as well.

Is that an arbitrary schedule? Let’s explore the reasons why regular dental exams and cleanings are an essential part of preventative dentistry and optimum oral health.

What does your dentist and dental hygienist do during an exam and cleaning?

Look for Signs of Decay

Your dentist has tools that allow him/her to see places in your mouth that would be practically impossible for you to see. While a cavity usually takes over six months to become serious, your dentist can see the telltale white spots that reveal that a cavity is forming. In the earliest stages, your dentist can stop the progression of a cavity. If a cavity drills into your teeth without you knowing it, it will eventually hit the pulp–Ouch!–and you may need a root canal and a crown. As you might imagine, both are far more expensive than an exam and cleaning. Besides, your dental insurance may cover twice-yearly exams and cleanings at 100%.

Clean Out Your Pockets

If you think dental care is unnecessarily costly, you might not like this joke. We aren’t talking about your wallet here. We are talking about the gap that forms between your gums and tooth roots when bacteria and plaque buildup. It’s not only severe cavities that can damage a tooth until it is beyond saving. Gum disease that leads to bone loss is just as harmful. A buildup of plaque creates pockets of infection between the gums and tooth roots. This leads to periodontitis, gum recession, and eventual bone loss. A professional cleaning eliminates the plaque before it can cause the gums to loosen.

Check for Oral Cancer

The Oral Cancer Foundation reports this unfortunate stat: oral cancer claims one life every hour—that’s 48,250 deaths a year.1

Clean Plaque and Tartar

Even if you brush and floss your teeth morning and night, plaque can build up. We have many patients who are vigilant brushers but are surprised when our hygienist discovers plaque on their teeth.

Polish Your Teeth

When the hygienist polishes your teeth, it eliminates the bacteria that allow the plaque to form. If you have, your hygienist can smooth away uneven areas below the gum line where bacteria can flourish. Plus, it feels amazing when you run your tongue over polished teeth!

Oral Health is Physical Health

Your mouth is connected to the rest of the body, but many individuals treat it as a separate entity. Some get regular preventative services for physical conditions but fail to recognize their oral health.

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we’ve often wondered about this common disconnect. Did you know that there is compelling evidence to suggest that the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes increases with poor oral health? Besides, your lifestyle is significantly impacted when you have tooth pain, tooth loss, gum disease, or dentures.

Even if you don’t have dental insurance, cleanings, and exams are one of the most affordable ways to maintain proper oral health.

Call 248-541-8770 today to schedule a dental exam and cleaning at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak.

1http://oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 8678

Swollen Gums?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Gum Disease

If Your Gums Are Swollen And Sore, Call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry

If you are a worried Royal Oak resident experiencing inflamed gums or an aching tooth, you are not alone.

There is an Epidemic of Dental Problems

About one-third of U.S. adults are by tooth decay, according to the CDC, and gum disease plagues one in seven people age 35 to 40. Don’t ignore these symptoms, call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry today at 248-541-8770 for immediate treatment.

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry we take gum disease, sometimes called gingivitis, seriously because left untreated it can lead to loss of bone and tissue that support the teeth.

Do Your Gums Bleed?

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. You will know you have it if your gums bleed easily and look red and swollen. If this ailment is not reversed it can lead to periodontitis. With this condition, your gums become loose and separate from the teeth forming cavities that can become infected. This can spread to the bone supporting the tooth. If this is damaged, the tooth can be lost. (If you have already lost a tooth to gum disease, ask us about dental implants.)

You Can Reverse Early Stage Gum Disease

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry we recommend daily brushing and flossing and regular dental cleanings to help combat gingivitis. Our team has been treating gum disease and other dental issues for Michigan patients since 1984.

If you want your teeth to feel fresh and bright, come in for a cleaning and check-up. Don’t become a statistic, prevent gingivitis by treating your teeth and gums with the TLC they deserve. (After all, they work pretty hard for you day in and day out.)

Looking for an Experienced Dentist in Royal Oak?

My name is Steven Gustafson and my staff and I at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry offer quality general and cosmetic dental services including cosmetic dentistry , dental implants, and dentures.

Take care of your beautiful smile by calling Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry today. 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

 

ArticleID 3782

Pregnancy and Oral Health

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Gum Disease, Teeth whitening

Pregnancy And Oral Health In Royal Oak

In today’s Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry blog, we will discuss how pregnancy impacts your dental health. I am Dr. Steven Gustafson and I want all expectant Michigan mothers to realize the importance of good oral hygiene during pregnancy. Because of the changes going on in a pregnant woman’s body, there are potential dental health issues that may arise.

Many Royal Oak women experience morning sickness accompanied with vomiting. The gastric acid increases the acidity in the mouth which can easily lead to enamel loss and tooth decay. Heightened levels of progesterone and estrogen may relax the ligaments that support the teeth causing them to loosen.

Hormonal Changes Affect Oral Health

Most Royal Oak residents have experienced gingivitis, but during pregnancy, the hormonal changes increase your risk for gingivitis. Without proper dental care, gingivitis can lead to gum disease.

Dental Hygiene During Pregnancy

If you are a pregnant Michigan woman, my staff and I at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush for daily brushing. Floss carefully and rinse your mouth with a fluoride wash. If you experience morning sickness, clean your mouth with a baking soda and water mixture.

Planning to Become Pregnant?

If you are planning to become pregnant, we recommend that you have a cleaning and exam prior to your pregnancy. If you need any dental procedures, it is a good idea to get them done as soon as possible. If you experience any dental problems during your pregnancy, please call and schedule an appointment at 248-541-8770. Untreated dental disease can affect your overall health.

We Pamper our Patients

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry we not only offer excellent dental care to our pregnant patients, we provide quality preventative care and cosmetic dentistry for the entire family. Our Royal Oak patients can expect professional cosmetic dentistry, teeth cleaning, and Berkley cosmetic dentistry.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 4245

We Understand Dental Anxiety

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Gum Disease

sedation dentistry Royal Oak

Dental professionals in the Royal Oak area (including the team at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry) are dedicated to oral health. Unfortunately, some individuals rarely go to the dentist. Others have the misconception that you only need to go to the dentist when you have a toothache.

In addition, there are those who have severe dental anxiety. Perhaps you fall into this category.

Dental anxiety is real, we get it.

If you are apprehensive about dental visits, here are a few guidance that may help ease you into scheduled dental checkups. Certainly, enriched oral health will elevate your quality of life.

Choose a dentist you can trust.

I understand how difficult it can be to seek dental treatment. That’s why I make sure my patients are comfortable before I examine their teeth. First, I ask you many questions. I want to get to know you, and help you get to know me. Communication builds a connection. A connection leads to a trusting relationship.

The more I know about you, the easier I can help you.

Be prepared to provide me with vital information about your lifestyle and health. Many men and women are intimidated at a dentist office. Because of this, they may hesitate to disclose sensitive issues.

We are here to help, regardless of your history or oral condition.

There is nothing in your past that we haven’t dealt with. Neglecting oral health. Drug use. Eating disorders. Regardless of your history, we have helped patients with similar dilemmas.

In order to help you, I need complete accurate details. Bring notes if you are worried that you will forget something.

Also, during treatment, tell me what you are experiencing so I can help you feel more relaxed. If we find that you are going to need a dental procedure more extensive than filling a cavity, let’s discuss sleep dentistry.

Oral sedation is safe and effective.

The most important thing to know is that oral conscious sedation or sleep dentistry is perfectly safe. At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we have been providing sedation since 1984. We offer different levels of sedation and a choice of medication including oral analgesics, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation.

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, our friendly staff will work to make your visit as pleasant as possible.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 8615

Avoid Bone Deterioration Following Extraction

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

Royal Oak Jaw Bone Deterioration Hello, friends of Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry! In today’s post, we will discuss jaw bone health.

Those tooth roots are important!

To remain healthy and dense, your jawbone needs to be continually stimulated by the pressure of chewing, biting, and talking. Each tooth has a root structure the extends into the surrounding bone material. As each tooth absorbs the forces of everyday mouth function, it stimulates blood flow in the bone surrounding the root.

Have you had a tooth extracted?

In some cases, tooth extraction is the only possible procedure for people with tooth damage beyond repair. However, we make every effort to retain the root structure. When a tooth is extracted, the jaw bone that surrounded the initial root structure begins to recede.

A dental implant replaces both the root and the crown of an extracted tooth

Fortunately, tooth implants provide a new, artificial root that helps to keep the surrounding bone healthy and strong. A dental implant is composed of a substantial titanium post that replaces the original root and eventually integrates into the surrounding bone.

After the implant has been placed and the surrounding bone has healed and integrated with the implant, a post is inserted into the implant. The new artificial tooth, or crown, is then attached to the post. Implant restoration is a safe and effective treatment for tooth loss.

Are dental implants a good option for you?

For more details about dental implants, call Dr. Steven Gustafson at 248-541-8770. The friendly team at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry provides world-class dental treatment for patients in Royal Oak and the surrounding areas.

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

 

ArticleID 693

What is a Beautiful Smile Worth?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Restorative dentistry

smile makeovers Royal Oak

What is a beautiful smile worth? Men and women who have received a smile makeover at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak say it was worth every penny.

Your smile is a part of you that you share with your family, friends, and colleagues every day. An attractive smile creates confidence. If you are uncomfortable with your smile, you waste mental and physical energy trying to hide it.

How would your life improve if you felt comfortable in every social and professional setting?

If you have been trying to hide your smile for years, what incorrect assumptions have others made about you? Do you come across as self-conscious or distant because you hardly laugh at jokes and barely crack a smile when you meet someone for the first time?

Cosmetic dentistry is life-changing and the ultimate anti-aging treatment. When you quit trying to hide your teeth, you are free to put all your energy into your work, play—everything!

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak, Dr. Steven Gustafson carefully contours perfect smiles for our smile-design patients.

We also make sure our smile makeover patients are completely relaxed during treatment. If you are afraid of dentists or have had negative experiences in the past, rest assured that we understand how you feel and our caring dental team will do our best to relieve your concerns.

Life is better when you love your smile. Call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak today!

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

ArticleID 2642