Dental Health

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

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

Bad Breath Is No Fun

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Gum Disease

Bad Breath Is No Fun For Royal Oak Residents Imagine you are starting a new job and are going to talk to your new boss for the first time. Confidence is key to your success. As you reach out to shake the extended hand your broad confident smile exposes rows of pearly white teeth, yet when you open your mouth to exchange greetings you worry about bad breath.

Perhaps your breath is not as pleasant as you had hoped. Bad breath is a worry and possible embarrassment for many men and women. Regular dental checkups at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry can help alleviate your concern over bad breath. We have been addressing bad breath since 1984.

The technical term for bad breath is halitosis. Many conditions and behaviors can cause or contribute to bad breath. One of these factors is the food you eat. Onions and garlic are both known for having a potent effect on your breath.

Brushing and flossing daily is a critical step in curing bad breath. Food particles can build up in your mouth and foster bacteria which can cause bad breath. This not only includes the food particles that may get stuck between your teeth, but also the food that collects around your gums or on your tongue. Brushing and flossing daily can help reduce the number of food particles that stay in your mouth and cause bad breath.

Other factors to examine include dry mouth, tobacco use, and health concerns such as infections. Come visit Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry located in Royal Oak, Michigan; we’ll provide you with information about bad breath in a professional environment. Give us a call at 248-541-8770 to set up 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

 

ArticleID 346

Avoid These 5 Smile Wreckers

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry

oral health hazards Royal Oak

We hope today’s post will alert blog visitors to some harmful oral health risks. At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, too often, we treat cavities and damage caused by the following:

1. Sports Injuries

Many parents send their children out on the playing field with a mouthguard but fail to shield themselves when they participate in activities that put teeth at risk. Talk to us at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry about custom sports mouthguards for every athlete in the family.

2. Ice Chomping

Many people like chewing ice, especially that irresistible pebble ice you can get in some fountain drinks. You may not even be aware that you chew on the ice when you have finished your drink. Breaking this habit can shield your teeth from cracks, chips, and tooth sensitivity.

3. Oral Piercings

Are you someone who expresses your personality with piercings in and around the mouth? We strongly discourage this. In addition to the risk of cracking or chipping, infection and permanent nerve damage can occur.

4. Gummy or Sour Candy

Of course, all sugary treats are no friend to your enamel, but gummy candy packs a double punch because it is both sugary and clings tightly to teeth. Sour candy triggers even more acid production than sugary candy alone. If your sweet tooth is extremely persuasive, chew sugarless gum.

5. Eating Disorders

These complex mental disorders have a plethora of mental and physical implications and, for most affected people, cannot be simply wished away with willpower. If you suffer from bulimia or anorexia, we hope you are receiving the appropriate professional treatment. Be advised, however, that there are some things you can do to acquire a measure of protection for your teeth while you work through the healing process. Dr. Gustafson can provide sensitive, discrete oral health counsel for those currently suffering or those who have overcome a disorder but have tooth damage as a result.

What If It’s Too Late?

If you have oral health dilemmas due to one of these, or for any other reason, there are still ways to heal your smile. Virtually all tooth damage can be treated with advanced dentistry. We pride ourselves on providing solutions to the dental issues caused by common smile wreckers. However, we are even happier when our patients are able to avoid them and just visit us twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry is located at 940 E 11 Mile Rd, in Royal Oak, Michigan. Call us at 248-541-8770 to schedule a consultation.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 7481

Does COVID-19 Affect Your Teeth and Mouth?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry

COVID and dental health Royal Oak

You’ve probably heard that COVID19 can make patients lose their sense of taste and smell. Hopefully, you haven’t experienced that yourself. Let’s consider other oral dilemmas connected to COVID-19.

Dry Mouth is as Common as Loss of Taste

A cohort of Brazilian scientists led by University of Brasilia researcher E.N.S. Guerra analyzed more than 180 studies of COVID patients and found that 43% of patients experience dry mouth. That’s slightly higher than the percentage that reported a loss of taste. The 43% of patients that experienced oral health issues amounted to 65,000 people.

Loss of Taste Comes in Many Flavors

The research also found that people with COVID can have a decreased sense of taste (hypogueusia); a distorted sense of taste, in which everything tastes sweet, sour, bitter, or metallic (dysgeusia); or a complete loss of all taste (ageusia).

Researchers also found that these conditions seemed to be more common among European COVID patients. However, only a third of U.S. patients and a quarter of Latin American patients reported them. The scientists couldn’t determine the cause of the disparity, but further research may provide clues.

Lesions and sores on or under the tongue were also reported.

“Regarding COVID-19 patients specifically, the important message is to maintain healthy oral health habits during their illness if they are able to do so. A dry mouth significantly increases the risk for tooth decay, so brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing once a day, limiting snacking, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks are the best ways to maintain their oral health.” Dr. Edmond Hewlett, a spokesman for the American Dental Association reviewed the research.

It’s Time to Get Your Dental Health Back on Track

Have you stayed away from the dentist due to the pandemic? Did you know that poor oral health puts you at greater risk of health complications from a wide range of diseases, including the coronavirus? We invite you to schedule a cleaning and evaluation. You can rest assured that we follow rigorous safety protocols to protect our patients and staff.

Source: https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20210908/heres-how-covid-19-can-affect-your-mouth#1

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 8675

Afraid of the Dentist? 5 Ways to Reduce Dental Anxiety

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Gum Disease

dental anxiety treatment Royal Oak

Talk to your dentist

There’s something about having knowledge of anything unknown that makes us feel less afraid or at least more self-assured handling the unknown. If you consider dentistry an unknown topic, maybe you can educate yourself by asking your dentist lots of questions. Find a dentist willing to listen to your fearful thoughts and concerns so they can better assure you there isn’t much to worry about. Usually, when we talk about our fears someone with more information can help by reducing our uneasiness. They may even eliminate it completely by showing our thoughts to be entirely irrational.

Meditate

Studies show how incorporating a 10-minute meditation routine can increase our overall feeling of wellness substantially. Think of meditation as a way for you to focus on the present moment and be comfortable with a subtle feeling of relaxation. This will provide a sense of tranquility we don’t always experience in our day-to-day lives. Ask yourself, “When was the last time I dedicated time to focus on the present moment and simply watch life pass, instead of trying to control everything.” With meditation, we can tune in to our natural way of being and more easily distinguish the difference between an actual threat or an anxious thought.

Bring a friend or family member to your appointments

Sometimes modifying your environment in a way that’s more familiar will reduce nervousness. A terrific way of doing this is to bring someone familiar to your dental appointments who can provide emotional support. This could be a close friend or family member who understands how you feel. You should bring someone who is prepared to talk you out of negative thinking patterns. Your companion ideally will realize they are there for you and that this isn’t so much about the two of you hanging out socializing. Make sure they are up to the challenge!

Practice good oral hygiene

By having exceptional oral hygiene you can feel more self-assured about your next visit to the dentist. With excellent dental care, you can go to the dentist with a lower chance of having a root canal or being diagnosed with gingivitis, the onset of periodontal disease. See why these conditions may worsen your uneasiness. If you were diagnosed with gingivitis, your mind would have logical reasons for feeling anxious which is not what we want. However, if you’ve been doing the regular brushing and flossing as recommended then there isn’t as much to stress about.

Seek out a therapist

Are you feeling anxious all the time or just while at the dentist? Seeking a therapist may help with dental anxiety. Your therapist may advise adjusting your daily routine to help combat both dental anxiety and any anxiety from day-to-day life. Or, your dentist may suggest specific techniques to focus on while at the dentist. The 3-2-1 technique involves naming 3 things you can hear, followed by 3 you can see, and lastly, things you can feel. Then you reduce the numbers to 2, then 1. This is a beneficial exercise you can do while in a dentist’s office or anywhere you may feel anxious.

 

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 8533

Do I Need A Dental Cleaning If I Brush And Floss At Home?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry

dental cleanings Royal Oak

Today’s post focuses on professional dental cleanings. You might wonder if you need a professional dental cleaning if you already practice dental hygiene daily at home.

The answer is that both processes are critical because they work in tandem to maintain oral health.

Dr. Steven Gustafson encourages patients to practice preventative dentistry by:

Brushing
Flossing
Healthy diet – fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts
Regular dental cleanings
Regular checkups

Dental cleanings increase the effectiveness of your daily oral care by removing the plaque and tarter that can accumulate regardless of daily brushing and flossing. In fact, when plaque hardens, it can only be removed with the special tools used by a hygienist.

A hygienist will first use a vibrating ultrasonic tool to dislodge the largest pieces of tartar. This process may tickle a bit. The hygienist will then use tools with finer attachments to remove the smaller pieces of calculus. When all plaque and tartar are gone, polishing is the final step in the cleaning process.

The goal is to make your tooth surfaces as smooth as possible, to prevent food particles from lodging in small spaces that are difficult to clean. If you are having an exam during the same visit, your technician may take dental x-rays. X-rays can reveal cavities while they are small and can be easily filled.

Let your hygienist know if your teeth are sensitive so he/she can make your cleaning as comfortable as possible. After the cleaning, a fluoride treatment may be given to help strengthen your teeth.

Before your hygienist leaves, you may want to ask if there are areas you can improve. Your hygienist can tell you which tooth surfaces had the most build-up. If the back teeth are presenting a problem, you can meet with Dr. Gustafson about sealants.

If you have braces, you may want more frequent dental cleanings because food can easily lodge between the wires.

Call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry at 248-541-8770 to schedule a professional cleaning today! Your smile will thank 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 7074

Your Dentist Provides Comprehensive Oral Care

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Restorative dentistry

top dental practice Detroit

How does your dentist help you stay healthy?

Most people know that they can go to their dentist if they chip a tooth or have a toothache. Because of this, they may not realize how many other health problems your dentist can help you with.

A full-service dental practice provides comprehensive oral health care.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is usually due to bacteria build-up in the mouth. Perhaps, however, you have unpleasant breath even though you brush and floss daily. If that’s the case, talk to your dentist. She or he can help you discover the cause of your problem. It could be an infection or a side effect of prescription medications. You need a professional diagnosis and we are here for you.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, technically called xerostomia, is caused by a lack of saliva and can be quite uncomfortable. Reduction of saliva flow is a common problem, especially among older men and women. However, people of all ages experience the symptoms of dry mouth at one time or another. These symptoms include a dry, red tongue, difficulty swallowing, and persistent sore throat.

Unfortunately, it can result in a myriad of dilemmas such as cavities and gum disease. A lot of individuals experience dry mouth because of medications or medical conditions. Make sure you bring a list of current medications with you to your appointment.

Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorder (TMD)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge-type joint that allows you to open and close your mouth. If you have pain or clicking in your jaw, you may have TMD. But the first step is diagnosing the cause of the malady. For example, teeth clenching or grinding can cause or exacerbate TMD. Your dentist can tell if you grind your teeth in your sleep. The condition can also be caused or aggravated by injury or arthritis. Some people who suffer from TMD notice flare-ups when they are under a lot of stress. If stress is the only cause, stress-reducing behaviors can help you prevent it or lower the severity.

Snoring

Your dentist may treat snoring and OSA. Many dentists in the Royal Oak area provide Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). With OAT, a custom-made mouthpiece helps keep your airway open throughout the night. If your bed partner tells you that you snore, do him or her a favor and get professional help!

Oral Cancer

Dentists also perform oral cancer checks when they examine a patient. Oral cancer accounts for about three percent of all cancers diagnosed each year in the U.S. This amounts to 53,000 new cases annually. That means thousands of Michigan residents receive the grim news every year. Early detection is critical for all types of cancer, but especially so for cancers of the mouth and throat.

Teeth Grinding

Your dentist may also be able to help you with teeth grinding. Teeth grinding is dangerous for teeth and it can trigger headaches as well.. If you suspect that you grind your teeth at night—schedule a consultation and checkup at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry. It’s not just an annoyance, teeth grinding can cause headaches, sleep problems and put you at risk of cavities and gum recession.

Sports Protection

Your dentist may also create custom sports mouthguards. If you or your child participates in a contact sport, talk to your dentist about a quality, custom-fitted mouthguard.

If you have questions about any of these issues or want to schedule an exam, give us a call today. We look forward to meeting 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 8683

There’s No Substitute for a Toothbrush and Floss

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Restorative dentistry

The Gift Of Oral Health In Detroit

Many dental patients wonder why, with all the developments in dentistry, we still send you home with a complimentary toothbrush and roll of floss.

The Most Important Tools to Keep Your Smile Healthy

It’s true, they do seem a little old-fashioned in our high-tech world, but don’t let their simple design fool you. These tools are your best friends to prevent tooth decay, plaque build-up, and gum disease for dental patients!

Brush and Floss Every Day

When done properly and consistently, brushing and flossing are an important part of everyday oral hygiene.

Brushing, which should be done at least twice a day, can be done effectively with any type of toothbrush. There is no need to pay a bundle for a fancy electric toothbrush. Just brush your teeth in small, circular motions for 2-3 minutes making certain to reach all the surfaces and nooks and crannies.

Flossing should be done once a day and is vital for reaching the areas where a toothbrush cannot. As we eat, fragments of food get caught between our teeth. If it’s not cleaned off, it allows bacteria to thrive. The bacteria and film create plaque which hurts both teeth and gums. Flossing daily removes bits of food before they turn into plaque.

I’m Dr. Steven Gustafson, and I want to help you enjoy your dental visits and adore your smile.

Our friendly staff loves sending our patients away with a new toothbrush and floss, but we also find it rewarding to see our patients gain renewed confidence with a smile makeover.

We’d love to answer any questions you have about cosmetic dentistry such as tooth whitening, veneers, dental implants, or any other dental health topic.

Give us a call today 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

 

ArticleID 3804

When Style And Oral Health Collide

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Teeth whitening

When Style And Oral Health Collide in Royal Oak

Oral piercing is a popular form of body art in Royal Oak, but just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s safe. I’m Dr. Steven Gustafson. When my patients ask me about the safety of oral piercings, I make sure they examine the possible dangerous consequences.

First, patients should know that infection is always a major concern with any piercing, but because the mouth is the perfect environment for breeding bacteria, oral piercings are especially problematic. Your capacity to chew, swallow, and speak can also be impaired by an oral piercing.

Oral piercings can lead to an increase in saliva flow and, possibly, excessive drooling, something my dental patients generally want to avoid. (I don’t know anyone who thinks drooling is attractive.) It’s also critical to know that chipped or cracked teeth, damage to dental fillings, and metal sensitivity are other possible issues.

Another serious risk associated with piercings that should concern people is nerve damage. Many people experience temporary numbness after a piercing, but for some, the damage is acute and sensations never return. An injured nerve can also impact facial movements as well as your sense of taste.

Do you really want to risk looking like a stroke victim for the rest of your life?

If you’ve read through this and still want to elect a tongue bar or lip piercing, please communicate with your dentist so you can consider the safest decision possible for your dental health.

If you are looking for an experienced dentist in the Royal Oak area to depend on for accurate information and the highest quality care, we welcome you to Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry. Call 248-541-8770 today to schedule an appointment. We offer dental implants, dentures, Invisalign, and more!

We may even convince you that safe, effective cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening, veneers, or bonding would be a smarter and safer way to express your personality and boost your confidence. Give us a call today!

 

 

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 3640