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How Long Will A Dental Crown Last?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Restorative dentistry

cost of dental crowns Detroit

Detroit endodontists, oral surgeons, and general dentists use dental crowns (sometimes called caps) in many restorative treatments. A crown adds strength to a tooth that has a large filling or has been injured, a crown can correct bite misalignments, and a crown is usually necessary after a root canal. In a dental implant procedure, attaching the crown to the abutment is the final step.

Crowns are also used extensively for purely cosmetic problems: yellow teeth, stained teeth, too-small teeth, and teeth that are misshapen.

Dental crowns are fabricated from a variety of materials that vary in appearance and strength:

1. All ceramic (porcelain-based)
2. Porcelain fused to metal
3. Gold alloys
4. Base metal alloys

Your dentist can help you determine which type is right for you. Factors to consider are the location of the crown in the mouth, your budget, and any allergies to metal.

When many Royal Oak dentists provide a crown restoration, they use a process that requires two office visits. On the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth and take an impression for the dental lab. Then, the dentist will make a temporary crown for the patient to use until the permanent crown is ready. Some dentists have special technology that allows them to fabricate and place crowns in one visit.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last? Dental crowns can last for many years, but are not designed to last indefinitely. Even with proper care, dental patients should not expect crowns to be trouble-free for decades. There is encouraging evidence, however, that points to a high success rate: a 2009 study found that more than 90% of dental crowns will not require treatment within five years of placement. The study also found that 50% to 80% last from 15 to 20 years.1

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak, we provide quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry. In addition to dental crowns, we offer cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, and dental implants

1Bader JD1, Shugars DA., “Summary review of the survival of single crowns,” PubMed.gov, 2009, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19146146, accessed June 16, 2014

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 6517

Been A While Since You’ve Visited A Dentist in Royal Oak MI?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Royal Oak, Michigan Residents Visit the DentistWe are Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, located at 940 E 11 Mile Rd in Royal Oak. If you are looking for an experienced family dentist, we invite you to come in for a consultation.

Nervous? You Are Not Alone

The very idea of visiting a dentist holds a negative connotation for many men and women. If you are an adult with dental anxiety, here are a few counsel that may help ease you into regular dental checkups and put you on the path toward enriched oral health and quality of life.

Choose a dentist who is appropriate for your needs. If you decide to schedule an appointment with me, I will ask you many questions. I want to get to know you, and help you get to know me, so you feel comfortable and relaxed.

Knowledge is Necessary for Effective Treatment

Be prepared to provide me with important information about your lifestyle and health. Many men and women become intimidated in the office environment and avoid expressing pain or bringing attention to sensitive issues. As your dentist, I need to know your history and everything you are experiencing. I will be better prepared to help if I have accurate and complete information. Bringing notes can be helpful in case you forget something you want to discuss.

The best way to have a positive experience is to communicate. Let me know what you are experiencing so that I can make adjustments and help you feel more comfortable and secure. If we find that you are going to need a dental procedure more extensive than filling a cavity, let’s discuss conscious sedation.

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry our friendly staff will work to make your dental experience a pleasant one. We’ll do what we can to make you feel comfortable, secure, and among caring friends.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 354

How To Get The Whitest Teeth

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Teeth whitening

teeth whitening Royal Oak

Some people’s teeth are whiter than others, but I think it’s safe to say that most of us Royal Oak residents want our teeth to be pearly white! If you are one of those people, then Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry can help you achieve that beautiful smile you deserve. Today we want to share some tips on teeth whitening and what we can do for you!

Don’t Forget to Brush
The first tip seems like a no-brainer, but many men and women still miss this practice. We are talking about daily tooth brushing. Brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is one of the best ways to keep your teeth clean and prevent cavities. Often our teeth become discolored or stained because of what we consume (drinks, food, etc.) but when we brush our teeth, it limits the damage.

After brushing teeth, another tip is to use a fluoride rinse to finish the cleaning job. Fluoride helps get into the cracks where bacteria can be hiding away. When the bacteria is killed, it restricts it from spreading and discoloring your teeth. When you are shopping for a fluoride rinse, check the labels. Some ordinary mouthwashes don’t contain fluoride.

Sometimes the discoloration is too acute to be reversed by home remedies. That’s why we at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry offer other powerful care to lighten your smile. We provide in-office teeth whitening and take-home teeth bleaching kits. Each of these protocols provides an effective solution to teeth whitening. The friendly at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry will work with you to find the best solution to enhance your smile.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 7220

Cosmetic Dentistry vs. General Dentistry

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Categories: Gum Disease

Royal Oak Cosmetic Dentistry

Today’s article highlights how general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry are different.

General dentists are dedicated to preventing and treating oral diseases such as cavities and gum disease. When a problem is diagnosed, let’s say, a cavity between two teeth, a general dentist will identify the best way to restore the tooth involved.

Cosmetic dentists provide elective dental procedures that make a smile more attractive. Cosmetic dentistry procedures available at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry include teeth whitening, tooth-colored fillings, dental bonding, veneers, inlays, onlays, and dental crowns.

Some dentists, like myself, serve you with both general and cosmetic dentistry procedures. In some cases, there is a cosmetic component to restorative procedures. For example, if a dental patient comes in after receiving an injury that chipped a front tooth, the tooth needs to be restored to eliminate decay. The tooth is also less structurally sound, so it is vulnerable to further damage. In addition, the tooth affects the overall appearance of the smile. Depending on the specifics of the damage, there are several restorative options. Dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and crowns are all used to repair a damaged tooth.

As you can see, there is not always a definitive line between general and cosmetic dentistry. At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, my friendly team provides a full spectrum of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental procedures.

We treat area patients of all ages: from toddlers just beginning to get their baby teeth to mature patients who remember the days when many people were afraid of dentists and their whiny drills. (Some of our wonderful elderly patients might have crowns that are older than our hygienists.)

Experienced dental professionals who offer pediatric, general, orthodontic, and cosmetic dental procedures can meet all of your family’s dental needs.

If you are looking for a full-service dental practice in the Detroit area, I invite you to visit Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak. To schedule an oral examination or smile redesign consultation, call 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 2986

Why Sports Drinks Put Teeth At Risk

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Restorative dentistry

Royal Oak Dental Financing

Many health-conscious individuals exercise regularly, and some turn to sports drinks for hydration.

While it’s true that they help preserve electrolyte levels in the body (and pose fewer health risks than energy drinks), their acidity can erode tooth enamel. And when tooth enamel is compromised, those pearly whites are more  staining, discoloration, and decay.

Nobody wants darkened teeth, so next time you’re at the gym, try substituting water for sports drinks.

If you have already spotted staining or tooth discoloration and would like to know more about porcelain veneers or teeth whitening, give Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry a call at 248-541-8770.

We are an esteemed dental practice that offers:

cosmetic dentistry
dental implants
dentures

Dr. Steven Gustafson has been providing unmatched dental care since 1984. The friendly staff here can answer any questions you have about critical preventative oral care and cosmetic dentistry care such as veneers, gum contouring, invisible braces, tooth-colored fillings and smile transformations.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 4797

Let’s Take Care Of Those Tooth Stains

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Teeth whitening

Royal Oak Teeth BleachingThe effectiveness of teeth bleaching depends partly on the types of stains.

Extrinsic tooth stains are the simplest to remove. These surface stains have not yet penetrated through the enamel into the dentin. Extrinsic stains are caused by dark-colored foods and liquids like blueberries, carrots, coffee, red wine, and cola. And nicotine is no better for your smile than it is for your lungs.

Unfortunately, even if you avert these common teeth stainers, your teeth will become discolored over time. Like gray hair, wrinkles, and memory lapses, a dull smile is an inevitable part of aging for some individuals.

Intrinsic tooth stains arise from the inside out. Tooth injury or tetracycline are the usual culprits. Intrinsic stains are more difficult to remove completely, but it is possible to lighten them with professional tooth whitening available at your cosmetic dental office.

If your teeth are discolored, whether from coffee, tetracycline, or excessive fluoride, call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry at 248-541-8770. We have treated many patients with extreme tooth discoloration.

It is never too late or too early to enhance your smile.

Men and women can take years off their appearance by restoring the youthful white smile they once enjoyed. Teens and young adults with surface stains can prohibit them from becoming intrinsic stains with tooth bleaching.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 2991

Why Aren’t Dental Implant Prices Listed Anywhere?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

dental implants Royal Oak

You can’t buy tooth implants at Costco. You can’t compare relative costs on Amazon. The rates aren’t listed on your dentist’s web page.

There is a reason for this.

A permanent dental implant procedure isn’t one-size-fits-all.

The price of a tooth implant depends on many factors.

First, let’s specify what we are talking about.

A dental implant is a tooth replacement that is screwed directly into the jaw bone. It is not attached to the adjacent teeth like a dental bridge. The post replaces the tooth root and is anchored where the tooth root used to be. When the post fuses with the bone, the dentist attaches an abutment and then a crown for the visible portion of the tooth.

It’s important to understand that an implant involves several elements:

  1. The post (screw)
  2. The abutment
  3. The crown

So, how much does an implant cost?

Give me a rough estimate….

In Michigan, you can expect to pay from $1,000 to $3,000 for one implant (the post that is screwed in).

Then there is the abutment (connector piece) and crown. These elements could cost from $900 to $3,000.

This would bring the total cost from $1900 to north of $5,000.

Remember, this is for ONE post, abutment, and crown.

What if I need a whole bunch of implants?

Some people spend between $20,000 and $50,000 for a total mouth reconstruction.

Wow!

Implants seem really expensive…

An implant procedure is oral surgery. It requires consultation and additional visits. It requires X-rays and impressions. You might need bone grafting to augment the bone where the implant will be placed.

There are indirect costs as well…

Your dentist will buy the components from a dental supplier. The dental crown is custom-made in a lab. Dental laboratories have costly equipment. They employ professionals who are specially trained.

Consider your dentist’s schooling. Just one year of dental school costs between $30,000 and $70,000… (Don’t forget, your dentist earned an undergraduate degree before attending dental school.)

Your dentist employs a team of professionals. A dental office must pick up and maintain expensive equipment and supplies.

According to the American Dental Association, it costs at least $500,000 to open a dental practice. The yearly overhead can run over $200,000.

Does my dental insurance cover dental implant procedures?

Some Michigan dental insurance carriers cover dental implant procedures. Some only cover the crown portion. Others don’t cover any portion of the procedure. It’s unfortunate that more dental insurers don’t cover implants. They are less expensive over the long run. They preserve bone. They don’t require removing tooth structure like dental bridges. They don’t have as many complications as dental bridges.

Talk to your provider. If your insurance company doesn’t cover them, or if you don’t have dental insurance, meet with us about financing.

Tooth implants are costly. No doubt about it.

But if you talk to our patients, each one will tell you that they are worth every penny.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 8236

3 Reasons Not To Skip A Dental Checkup

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Gum Disease

cosmetic dental Royal Oak

Life gets busy. Sometimes it seems impossible to keep up with everything you “gotta do”. At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we understand that. But we encourage you to think twice before you cancel or postpone a dental checkup because you think it’s less important than the other twenty things on your to-do list.

Twice-yearly dental exams are indispensable for keeping your smile in proper shape!

“But my teeth feel fine.”
We’ve heard this excuse. The fact is that no news isn’t necessarily good news. Dental issues can be progressing without you being aware of it.

1. Your Gums May Be Receding
Gum recession doesn’t happen all at once. Gum tissue can move back almost imperceptibly until teeth and bone are in danger.

2. Decay May Be Lurking
When the acids in plaque start drilling into a tooth, we usually don’t feel it until it has passed through the enamel and dentin and hits the nerve. Ouch! By that time, there is a crater in the tooth. Regular cleanings remove plaque before it can do any degeneration.

3. Prevent Oral Cancer
About 50,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year.1 Dr. Gustafson will screen for oral cancer during your exam. As with all types of cancer, early diagnosis is vital.

After your entire mouth has been examined, Dr. Gustafson will detail what is needed moving forward. Whether that’s flossing more often or discussing major fixes such as braces, we will be certain that you get all the information you need to ensure your smile is bright and beautiful! Scheduling twice-yearly exams with Steven Gustafson at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry will ensure you avoid extreme dental dilemmas.

1http://oralcancerfoundation.org/

 

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 7291

Professional Teeth Whitening In Royal Oak

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Gum Disease

Professional Teeth Whitening at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry A stunning smile leaves a lasting impression. Professional teeth whitening can dramatically improve your overall appearance and give you a boost in self-confidence.

Our teeth often turn yellow or gray as we age. The things we eat and drink continually such as colored sodas, coffee and red wine worsen the staining.

Most men and women are aware that smoking is not only bad for our lungs, but can also discolor our teeth. There are even some medications that can influence tooth color.

If you are considering having your teeth whitened, you must first pick which method to use. At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we enjoy discussing treatment options with our patients. To schedule a consultation to talk about teeth whitening or any other dental procedure, call 248-541-8770.

At-home whitening treatments usually consist of trays filled with whitening solution. It generally takes 7-14 days to achieve 3-6 shades lighter. Brush-on teeth gels and whitening strips take up to 30 days to obtain results. Whitening toothpaste may lighten superficial stains but often provides no change in the appearance of teeth.

Professional teeth whitening treatments performed by a dental professional achieve dramatic results that can last longer than other treatments.

All of the whitening methods may cause tooth pain or sensitivity, but this usually goes away in a few days. If you have crowns, porcelain veneers, or dental bonding, it is crucial to talk to your dentist before choosing a whitening method.

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 592

What Is Lurking Under Your Gumline?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Gum Disease

Gum Disease Treatment Royal Oak

Hello Royal Oak! For ideal oral health, you need both healthy teeth and healthy gums. Proper oral hygiene helps keep both your teeth and gums in good shape.

When brushing, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle aiming the bristle tips at the gumline. The bristles of a soft toothbrush can clean the food particles in the pockets in front and in the back of the tooth, but you need floss to clean between the teeth. Be careful to (gently) get the floss down into the pocket between the tooth and gum. Scrape food particles up and out of the pocket.

Back to toothbrushing: if the toothbrush is not held at the correct angle, the bristles can’t get in the pockets to clean out the bacteria before it turns into enamel-damaging plaque. If plaque builds up in the pockets, the gums can start loosening.

Eventually, the pockets will become too deep for your toothbrush bristles to reach. Unfortunately, the tooth structure below the gum line is more susceptible to decay than the enamel above the gumline.

There is more than one way to damage your teeth—even if the visible parts of your teeth are cavity-free, gum disease can cause dilemmas with the parts you can’t see.

We work with our patients of all ages to establish essential oral hygiene habits.

If you haven’t had a check-up in a while, or are experiencing gum soreness or recession, call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry today at 248-541-8770 to schedule a thorough tooth and gum examination.

During your exam, Dr. Gustafson will measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth. If you already have gum disease, we will help you restore gum health.

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak, we provide comprehensive general and cosmetic dental services including cosmetic dentistry and dental implants. If your teeth are stained and you want to brighten your smile, ask us about teeth bleaching.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 4592