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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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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How Tooth Grinding Can Damage Your Smile

Get tooth grinding treatment in Royal Oak, MI.

What is Tooth Grinding?

Tooth grinding (or bruxism in doctor-speak) is a common behavior among people of all ages. It is when a person involuntarily clenches their jaw or rubs their teeth together. Tooth grinding can take place during the day or night and can affect kids and adults. Some individuals grind their teeth intermittently when they are going through periods of unusual stress. For other people, it becomes a habit over a period of time.

Regardless of the cause, tooth grinding can be painful and damaging to your smile. It can also have a long-term influence on physical and mental health.

The Dangers of Teeth Grinding

  • It can bring about loose teeth
  • It can cause physical pain in the teeth or face
    • Headaches
    • Jaw pain
    • Ear pain
    • Tooth pain
  • It can crack teeth
  • It can wear down your enamel
  • It can cause abnormalities with the alignment of the bite

Tips/Ways to Help Stop Grinding Your Teeth

  • Wear a mouthguard to bed
  • Botox (injections of Botox into the jaw muscles can prevent the muscles from contracting in some men and women)
  • Biofeedback
  • Physical therapy
  • Stress relief exercises
  • Avoid caffeine
  • Avoid alcohol

Resources to Help Stop Grinding Your Teeth

  • Speak with Dr.Gustafson  about a custom night guard or splint
  • Talk to your primary care physician about possible underlying medical factors
  • Talk to a sleep medicine specialist
  • Talk to a medical professional who is experienced in using Botox to treat medical conditions–these include dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, TMD specialists, and some dentists

If you grind your teeth, we invite you to set up a consultation with Dr. Gustafson. We can discuss creating a custom night guard to help protect your teeth. We can also refer you to other professionals who can help you overcome the underlying reason for your teeth grinding.

Do You Already Have Tooth Damage from Bruxism?

If you have already damaged your teeth, let’s discuss options for correcting the issues. These might include porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or full crowns to protect against further damage.

 

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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Chipped Tooth? No Need To Panic

How your dentist can repair a chipped tooth.

There are basically two ways to handle a chipped tooth:
1. Panic.
2. See Dr. Steven Gustafson right away and get on with life.

Dr. Steven Gustafson at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry can fix a chipped tooth in a jiffy by determining the right solution and expertly performing the procedure. Decay, missing teeth, braces, and even crowns can impact the course of treatment.

Time is often an important factor when it comes to tooth repair so don’t wait, call 248-541-8770 to schedule an appointment. Our address is:
940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067

We’ve been around since 1984 – serving your neighbors in Royal Oak and improving smiles for Birmingham patients.

When Royal Oak residents need cosmetic dentistry, we’ve successfully managed their treatment. When Madison Heights patients have needed teeth cleaning, we’ve watched happy, smiling patients leave our office. And when you need Invisalign clear braces, we are pleased with the opportunity to make a true believer out of you!

We offer dentures, general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and orthodontics. Trust Dr. Gustafson to deliver exceptional results. No panic. No mistakes. No worries.

Relax.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 6411

Gap-Tooth Smiles Aren’t Quite As Adorable Anymore

dental implant cost Berkley

Have you lost teeth? It’s a lot different than when you lost your baby teeth way back in the day. Unfortunately, these don’t grow back. (And a gap-toothed smile doesn’t look as cute as it did when you were in kindergarten.)

If you have had teeth extracted or if your teeth are compromised by staining, decay, chipping, or brittle aging, then it’s time to visit with Dr. Steven Gustafson at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry.

Since 1984, Dr. Gustafson has built a practice teeming with experience, filled with kindness, flowing with a gentle touch, and carrying all the wisdom of experienced professionals.

When it comes to the prospect of losing your adult teeth, the preference is always to save your natural teeth. If this is not feasible, we offer several ways to maintain your ability to eat, drink, speak, laugh, and smile in selfies.

Dental Veneers

If you still have your teeth but are not satisfied with them, these might be your solution. Stunning porcelain veneers offer a reasonably-priced approach to cosmetic adjustments—uneven color, size, or shape. These are very thin shells bonded to the front of the teeth. They improve unsightly, but structurally sound teeth.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is used where a tooth is missing. 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 successfully for decades.

Dental Implant

A dental implant is a more extensive replacement for a missing tooth. An implant consists of an artificial tooth PLUS an artificial root (usually biocompatible titanium). With local anesthesia, the artificial root is actually inserted into the jaw bone where it integrates with the bone tissue. There are three parts to a dental implant: the artificial root, the connecting abutment, and the final crown or denture. An implant is often the proper restoration as it offers beauty, strength, natural function, and protection from bone recession that often transpires at the site of a missing tooth.

Dentures

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

Don’t worry about losing your grip on the adult teeth you’ve been enjoying all these years. We have experience and training in many critical services to meet your dental needs including dentures, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and dental implants.

Schedule your initial consultation at 248-541-8770 to visit us at 940 E 11 Mile Rd in Royal Oak, Michigan. We are perfectly situated for our neighbors throughout the Detroit area.

Your consultation will include a customized treatment plan for restoring teeth, an outline of the cost of desired care and a schedule for completing the work. Come with questions and leave with answers.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 6945

7 Ways To Fix A Chipped Tooth

fix broken tooth Royal Oak

In a perfect world, each of your cherished teeth would stay healthy, strong, and brilliantly white throughout your life. The truth is, however, that most Michigan men and women will need to restore a tooth at some point.

A tooth can be compromised by tooth decay, enamel erosion, a chip or crack, gum disease, or injury. Sometimes old restorations break and need to be replaced or root canals performed decades ago develop an abscess.

Here are 7 different options for repairing a damaged tooth:

Dental Bonding
Bonding, officially called direct composite veneers, is used to fix minor cosmetic issues – small chips, cracks, discoloration, and spaces between teeth. A skilled cosmetic dentist applies moldable tooth-colored composite resin and shapes as desired. The resin is then cured with a special light to harden and adhere tightly to the tooth. Composite bonding is typically the most affordable option for improving healthy teeth with minor cosmetic issues.

Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin tooth-shaped fronts that are permanently bonded to your natural teeth. They are used when the underlying tooth is structurally sound and free of cavities. A beautiful veneer can cover a chip or crack or correct the alignment of a tooth that appears slightly off-kilter as compared to surrounding teeth.

Fillings
Modern white fillings are strong and inconspicuous. A minimally invasive filling at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry leaves you with more of nature’s optimal dental material — your own enamel and dentin. We can also replace old amalgam fillings with white fillings. This makes your teeth look a lot better every time you open your mouth. Get rid of all that metal!

Inlays and Onlays
A traditional filling is shaped and molded after it is applied to the tooth. Because inlays and onlays are constructed in a dental lab, they are frequently called indirect fillings. A less invasive inlay or onlay may be used instead of a traditional filling or, in some cases, a crown. Inlays are applied to just the center of the biting surface of a tooth (not to a cusp or point) and are typically smaller than onlays. An onlay restores one or more cusps of a tooth.

Crowns
A crown replaces the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring appearance, durability, and function. A crown is typically necessary for a tooth that has had a root canal, a tooth with acute decay, or as the replacement tooth in a dental bridge. Attaching a crown to the abutment is the final step of a tooth implant procedure. Crowns can be made of all metal (such as gold), porcelain-fused-to-metal, all ceramic, or all resin.

Soft Tissue Grafts
Gum recession puts teeth and underlying bones at risk. Soft tissue grafting can cover the exposed root of a tooth to prohibit further damage. Gum surgery is also performed for cosmetic reasons such as reshaping a gumline to eliminate a “gummy” smile.

Dental Implants
What if a tooth has to be extracted because it is beyond saving? For many Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry patients, a dental implant anchored into the bone is the proper solution. A tooth implant consists of a strong metal post (artificial root), abutment (connecting piece), and beautiful crown. A dental implant has many advantages over a dental bridge. They are stronger, provide virtually natural function, restrict bone recession, and do not impact the surrounding teeth. For patients with numerous missing teeth, individually-constructed implant-anchored dentures can be created in any configuration needed.

For more specifics about any of these procedures, call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry at 248-541-8770. Thanks for visiting the Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry blog. We appreciate your interest in our Royal Oak dental practice.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 7028

A Fast Way To Brighten Your Smile

white fillings Royal Oak

Teeth bleaching is a fast smile brightener

Teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to improve your smile. It is quick, affordable, and non-invasive. Though some cosmetic dentistry patients experience short-term sensitivity, most experience no tooth whitening pain at all.

If you have looked into teeth whitening systems, you probably already know the essentials. The one thing they have in common is that they use a solution containing peroxide to remove the stains that have settled in the natural microscopic cracks in your tooth enamel.

There are many DIY teeth bleaching products available and it seems like new varieties appear every time you visit the toothpaste section at your grocery store.

Do tooth whitening strips and pens work?

These tooth whitening strips and tooth whitening pens can sometimes whiten your teeth a few shades, but the peroxide concentration is much lower than the whitening solutions used in cosmetic dental offices. It may not be dynamic enough for your tooth stains.

Tooth whitening offered at Detroit mall kiosks is risky, also. Most of these teeth whitening businesses have no professional oversight and the employees have little dental training. (Except instruction on how to take advantage of customer naivety.)

Dr. Gustafson recommends that you use extreme caution when considering a take-home tooth whitener. If you have tooth decay, gum recession, crowns, or veneers, you definitely need professional guidance.

The area of your teeth below the gumline, if exposed, may respond differently to tooth whitener. Furthermore, the peroxide solution does not noticeably whiten crowns and veneers. If you use a DIY tooth whitener on teeth with extensive porcelain restorations, you should probably hope it doesn’t whiten too much – you may end up with a two- or three-tone smile!

Consider the consequences of teeth whitening gone wrong…

Even though teeth whitening seems manageable, your teeth deserve a professional opinion. After all, we are talking about teeth here. You can’t fix an uneven teeth whitening result like you can a bad hair-coloring job.

Schedule a tooth bleaching evaluation before you waste your cash on more white strips.

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 2992

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

 

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