Mini Implants May Be Right For You

How Mini Dental Implants Can Help Your Smile in 48067 I’m Steven Gustafson of Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak. Today’s topic is mini dental implants, sometimes called “immediate implants”.

Though they are not as well known as traditional dental implants, mini implants are also being used successfully in the Royal Oak area to improve smiles. Like their larger diameter counterparts, mini implants can support a restoration for one or more missing teeth or replace a bridge or fixed denture. Denture wearers benefit dramatically from these slip-free dental implants that are anchored securely in the jaw bone.

In some cases, a patient is unable to receive traditional full-size dental implants due to insufficient bone thickness. There are also mini-implant patients who are not able to undergo dental implant surgery due to health issues. These patients are often excellent candidates for the mini version.

The placement of toothpick-size mini dental implants can sometimes be done in one dental visit. The placement usually requires no incisions or stitches. Recovery time, if required, is often very short. Most patients are able to eat dinner that evening.

Don’t let the word “mini” fool you; your smile can receive a maximum upgrade with mini dental implants. Call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry 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 1015

The 411 on TMJ

TMJ dentist Royal Oak

Do you have unexplained pain or clicking sounds in your jaw? They can be signs of serious oral issues.

Some problems with the jaw and the muscles that control it are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). But it’s also also called TMJ, because that’s the acronym for the name of the joint. Technically, that’s not correct.

“Temp-or-o-man-di-what?!

Let’s talk about what this means. The word temporomandibular (pronounced ‘temp-ur-o-man-di-bye-ler) is defined as ‘of, relating to, being, or affecting the joint that connects the temporal bone and the mandible.’

(We are not betting people, but if we were, we would bet that you did not foresee an anatomy lesson from your dentist.) The temporal bones are found at the sides and base of your skull and incorporate five parts, the squama, the petrous, mastoid, the tympanic parts, and the styloid process. The mandible is the lower jaw, and, anatomically speaking, holds your whole face together.

What are the signs of TMD?

If you have jaw problems, either due to an accident, arthritis, misalignment of teeth or jaw, teeth grinding and clenching, poor posture, or chewing gum, you may experience:

  • tooth grinding or clicking 
  • jaw pain
  • earaches
  • popping sounds in your ears
  • headaches
  • stiff or sore jaw muscles
  • locking of the jaw joint
  • pain in the temple area

Quite often, TMJ symptoms will go away on their own. Some individuals who suffer from TMD notice flare-ups when they are under a lot of stress.

TMD is an often misdiagnosed condition because facial pain can result from a variety of dilemmas, not just damage to the temporomandibular joints. Sinus infections, tooth decay, and facial injuries can cause jaw pain. A correct diagnosis is the first step in treating TMD.

If your TMD symptoms don’t go away on their own, seek professional help. Chronic TMD can be debilitating and your dentist can help. Dentists that treat TMD work closely with a network of specialists including ENT specialists, neurologists, and physical therapists. Talk to a healthcare professional.

 

 

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 8334

It’s Not About Vanity

Madison Heights cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Since 1984, Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry has been providing confidence and dignity to our amazing Detroit and Royal Oak patients through cosmetic dentistry and teeth cleaning.

Many Royal Oak people seem to have it all together with bright eyes and great smiles. We want you to be on the same footing as your friends, colleagues and customers. Wanting to look your best and feel your best is not about VANITY, it’s about reality in the Detroit professional community. A sensational smile creates a favorable first impression and demonstrates polish and attention to detail. These are advantages for Royal Oak people in every field of work.

Popular ways to achieve such a worthy goal might be found in the services we offer at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak. We offer cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and dentures as ways to improve your confidence and security. Don’t hesitate to ask us about teeth whitening, veneers, sedation, dental implants or any other questions that might be gnawing at you. We’ve got the answers and Dr. Steven Gustafson can set you up with a dental treatment plan that will make your jaw drop!

No matter your age, 20 to 70 – no matter your location from Birmingham to Berkley to Madison Heights – we invite you to see our friendly staff and take the step toward that impressive smile you deserve.

A phone call away at: 248-541-8770. Book a consultation 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 5680

Why a Root Canal Is Not Something To Fear

root canal sedation Royal Oak

Today’s Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry post addresses one of the most feared dental procedures: the infamous root canal.

If you are told that you need a root canal, don’t panic. Your dentist recommends this procedure when it is better for your tooth than the alternatives.

A successful root canal (or endodontic treatment in dental-speak) can save a tooth and prevent the need for an extraction followed by a dental bridge, dental implant, or gap in your smile.

If, after a thorough evaluation, we determine that a tooth needs a root canal, Dr. Gustafson will explain the procedure and costs that are involved.

Root canals are performed to save an infected tooth. If not treated, abscesses and complete tooth loss may occur.

During the procedure, Gustafson will remove the nerve and pulp, and then clean and disinfect the interior of your tooth (the canal). The next step is filling and sealing the cleaned area with a special rubbery material, and then protecting the restored tooth with a crown or filling.

Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but this is not the case anymore. There are several effective pain management methods available today at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry. We will make sure you are comfortable during the procedure. Once the infected tissue is removed, we will focus on helping the area heal.

If you are unfamiliar with our services at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, be sure to visit our website at https://gmdentistry.com to get more specifics.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 7119

The 4 Stages of Gum Disease

four stages of gum disease Detroit

You may be wondering why sometimes your gums are red and swollen, or your breath is bad. Maybe you’re just seeking information about improving your dental health and want to be more aware for your next appointment. Learn about the four stages of gum disease you may be overlooked when considering your comprehensive dental needs.

GINGIVITIS

Try not to worry if your dentist recently diagnosed you with gingivitis. There is still hope for a total recovery and you can take action to prevent the condition from worsening. The primary symptoms of gingivitis include red or swollen gums that cause discomfort while brushing and flossing. You may also notice undesirable breath on occasion. Gingivitis is usually caused by the buildup of bacteria on our teeth and along the gum line. The most common treatment is increased brushing and flossing in addition to more frequent dentist appointments. Be prepared to visit the dentist every 3 months for deep cleanings and professional attention instead of the usual semi-annual checkups.

EARLY-STAGE PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Unfortunately, if you hear “periodontal disease” or “periodontitis” in your next dentist appointment, you may be in danger of more serious effects. This means an infection has spread beneath your gums allowing harmful bacteria to slowly destroy the bone holding your teeth in place. Slight periodontal disease is the next step in the development of gum disease (or periodontal disease). This may result in redness and swelling of the gums, foul breath, and recurrent bleeding during brushing and flossing. It can be concerning any time our gums bleed while flossing, but it isn’t always a sign of gum disease and may simply be from inadequate dental hygiene. Also, early-stage periodontal disease can’t be completely reversed, but your dentist can design a treatment plan to keep it from getting worse.

MODERATE PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Moderate periodontal disease can also be managed by your dentist but involves more advanced treatment. Your dentist will need to remove plaque from below the gum line (this same treatment may also be used with early-stage periodontal disease) in order to help correct the condition. Since your gums are slowly detaching from your teeth at this stage, surgery can reshape your gums and close the pockets between your gums and teeth to reduce plaque buildup. This may sound intimidating, but don’t worry too much! With superb self-care and one of our skilled oral hygienists at your side, you can still prevent this ailment from worsening.

ADVANCED PERIODONTAL DISEASE

The concluding stage of periodontitis creates the most large-scale impact on your oral health. Most of the time dentists will use surgery to prevent tooth loss. Flap surgery is common for this stage and involves cleaning the roots of your teeth by scrubbing behind your gums. Your dentist may also smooth or reshape your weakened bone to prevent bacteria from collecting.

However, remember that we are all in control of our dental health. Occasionally genetic conditions can weaken our immune system and harm our gums and teeth, worsening periodontitis, but usually, we can prevent acute conditions like this from progressing by practicing careful dental health habits.

 

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 8543

Are Dentures the Only Answer for Extensive Tooth Loss?

total mouth reconstruction Royal Oak

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we restore smiles for patients with severe tooth loss.

What is total mouth reconstruction?

Modern restorative dentistry makes total mouth reconstruction a reality! Total mouth reconstruction restores all the teeth with dental implants and/or implant-anchored dentures.

What are dental implants?

  • Dental implants are strong, functional, and naturally-looking restorations
  • Dental implants replace the tooth root with a titanium post permanently anchored into the jaw bone
  • Dental implants can be used to provide a framework for bridges and anchored dentures

What are implant-anchored dentures?

Dental implants create a sturdy foundation for either a permanent or removable overdenture (dental appliance).

Total mouth reconstruction: a case study

“David” was a 54-year-old patient with severe tooth loss. This was the result of a lifetime of dental problems.

A lifetime of dental problems

David was injured in an automobile crash in his early twenties. Several teeth were damaged and had to be removed.

He got a dental bridge to fill the gap. It was difficult to clean under the bridge. The adjacent teeth eventually decayed and also had to be extracted.

Dentures weren’t ideal

This left David with few teeth left. These teeth developed severe decay.

He was in so much pain, he decided to have the remaining teeth removed so he could wear dentures.

His dentures never fit well and created painful sores on his gums.

He visited Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry for a consultation

Finally, he decided to look into a better tooth replacement. He visited us at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry for a dental implant consultation.

He explained the problems with his dentures:

  1. His dentures masked the taste of food
  2. He avoided social events because they slipped around in his mouth
  3. They caused painful mouth sores

Dr. Gustafson created a treatment plan for total mouth restoration with dental implants.

The treatment consisted of eight tooth implants. Four implants were placed on each arch, upper and lower.

Implant dentists use 3D digital imaging to determine where to place the implants. They have to account for bone, nerves and–in the upper arch–the sinuses.

Two custom removable overdentures were created, one for the upper and one for the lower arch.

Step 1: Placing the implants

David had the implant posts placed in February of 2020. The procedure only took a few hours. He felt minimal discomfort when the implants were screwed in. The gums are sewn in place over the implants so they are not exposed during the healing period.

In many cases (including this one), the implant dentist recommends an interim period for the osseointegration (fusing) to occur.

During this period, David wore temporary dentures specially designed not to place pressure at the implant sites.

Step 2: Creating custom dentures

Dr. Gustafson used 3D digital imaging to design two removable appliances (overdentures) to attach to the implants.

Step 3: Exposing the implants and placing the attachments

In August of 2020, Dr. Gustafson attached the abutments (connecting pieces) to the posts. Two custom dentures had been fabricated previously. Each appliance had corresponding hardware to securely attach to the implants.

David wears the dentures during the day. He takes them out at night and cleans them.

Step 4: He got his youthful smile back!

David couldn’t believe how beautiful his smile looked when it was finished. He was amazed at how the implant-anchored dentures worked just like natural teeth.

He said “I have my twenty-year-old smile again.”

David received a dazzling new smile and renewed confidence.

This case is representative of many of our patients who have many missing teeth.

Whether you are missing two teeth or twenty, give us a call to talk about total mouth restoration.

 

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 8230

Smile Like You Mean It!

Hey Royal Oak Smile Like You Mean It!

Hello Royal Oak friends! Have you ever noticed someone who refuses to flash a genuine smile? Even in a family picture, they stay tight-lipped. Even if they’re laughing at the funniest joke ever, they cover their mouths. Maybe this person is you and maybe you need a smile makeover.

Don’t be embarrassed! Here at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we provide the most advanced cosmetic dentistry services for our Detroit area patients.

There are many reasons a dental patient could be shy about their smiles, such as injury, tooth discoloration, or poor spacing.

You might even have gaps in your smile. Rest assured that there is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can help.

Wouldn’t it be fantastic to have the confident smile you’ve always wanted?

Many patients start with teeth whitening. Other procedures include dental implants, veneers, crowns, enamel shaping, bonding, and more! We can also refer you to an orthodontist if necessary.

Dr. Steven Gustafson is passionate about helping individuals have healthy teeth and dazzling smiles.

If you would like to know more about smile redesigns, give us a call at 248-541-8770 and our friendly staff can schedule an appointment.

Call today to get a smile you’ll never want to hide!

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 4384

Is It All About Flashy Smiles And Trendy Styles?

cost of dental crowns Detroit

It’s All About Location

If you can’t be in Paris, then bring fashion home to Royal Oak. Facial fashion, that is. The pouty, the flashy, the sultry, the glamorous, the gleeful. Our professional dental team is dedicated to keeping you looking great and feeling confident. We offer a wide variety of dental services for our Royal Oak area locals—dentures, general dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. You name it, we’ll explain it—orthodontics, dental implants.

It’s All About Working The Smile

For just about everyone out there, the way we look is critical to our self-concept. Our self-esteem influences our interactions and relationships, and perhaps even our success. Let us work with you to strengthen that smile and bring it up to your standards. Our own Dr. Steven Gustafson can discuss broken teeth, crooked teeth, and even missing teeth. Come down and see us. We will help you to work that smile on the proverbial runway of life.

It’s All About Being Uniquely You

Our single most singular feature is our welcoming and friendly staff. Right? So amazing. Be assured that your smile is in good hands. A dental restoration or smile transformation will set you apart. Be uniquely 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 5538

Is Perfect Possible?

cosmetic dentistry

Are you considering a smile makeover? Are you skeptical of promises of a “perfect smile” or a “celebrity smile?” Let’s address the most popular cosmetic dental procedures and the results that can be expected.

Composite Veneers

The application of porcelain veneers at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry can remedy several aesthetic dental issues and is commonly a better answer than dental bonding.

Veneers can repair chips, cracks, minor tooth misalignment, tooth discoloration, unattractive tooth shape, and disproportionate tooth size. Can a porcelain veneer create a perfect tooth? While a veneer cannot fix a decayed tooth, it can turn an unappealing tooth into an aesthetically perfect tooth.

Tooth Bleaching

Tooth whitening is a non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment that dramatically improves a smile. However, some tooth whitening dentists will guarantee fantastic results for any patient that wants a whiter smile.

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak, we only recommend tooth bleaching for patients that are good candidates for the process. If you have several crowns in the front of your mouth, or gums that have receded, conventional tooth-whitening may not improve your smile.

Call 248-541-8770 to schedule a tooth-whitening consultation.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Would you like to turn back the clock to your pre-filling smile? It is possible with white fillings at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry. To get an idea of how the inside of your mouth would look without unattractive metal amalgam fillings, have someone without any fillings open their mouth. Do you remember when your mouth looked like that?

These are just a few of the cosmetic dental solutions that create stunning smiles for our patients. Call us 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 1600

 


Gum Disease Linked To Alzheimer’s: Keep Those Gums Healthy!

gum disease treatment Royal Oak

As if you needed another reason to keep your gums in top condition.

Scientists have found a connection between a bacteria that causes periodontitis (advanced gum disease) and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Porphyomonas gingivalis is a bacteria that often leads to chronic periodontitis. The bacteria was discovered in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

The research study, “Porphyromonas gingivalis in Alzheimer’s disease brains: Evidence for disease causation and treatment with small-molecule inhibitors,” can be found at Science Advances.

The researchers concluded:

“Chronic periodontitis and infection with Porphyomonas gingivalis have been identified as significant risk factors for developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.”

Periodontal disease, typically called gum disease, is inflammation or infection of the gums. For the most part, periodontal disease is preventable.

Risk factors for periodontal disease include tobacco use, substandard oral hygiene, genetics, teeth grinding, inflammatory conditions, and poor nutrition.

This study should dispel the misconception that oral health is somehow separate from physical health.

It is vital to see your dentist regularly to keep your gums healthy (as well as your teeth). To schedule a periodontal disease exam, call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry today at 248-541-8770 or visit 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

 

ArticleID 8096