Starting Chemo? How Are Your Teeth?

cancer related tooth risks Royal Oak

If you are scheduled for cancer treatment due to a recent diagnosis or relapse, oral health is probably not your first priority. However, the team at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry counsels you to give some attention to your teeth to prevent or minimize common cancer-related dental complications.

According to the National Institutes of Health, cancer treatment often takes a heavy toll on a healthy smile.

Common Complications of Chemotherapy and/or Radiation

Inflammation of the mucous membranes
Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections
Mouth dryness (increases risk of cavities)
Poor nutrition due to eating difficulties
Mouth pain
Oral bleeding
Lifelong risk of tooth decay
Loss of elasticity of masticatory muscles (may make opening mouth difficult)
Bone recession due to decreased blood flow
Tooth loss

Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak wants to help you maintain oral health before, during, and after your cancer treatment. We offer comprehensive preventative and restorative dental services including cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, dental implants

We extend to our dental patients battling cancer our sincere hopes for your successful treatment. It is a pleasure to serve your oral health needs.

“Oral Complications of Cancer Treatment: What the Dental Team Can Do,” National Institutes of Health, https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/CancerTreatment/OralComplicationsCancerOral.htm, accessed on May 27, 2014

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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Beautiful Teeth Without Breaking The Bank

affordable teeth whitening Royal Oak

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak, our cosmetic dental smile makeover patients believe that life-changing cosmetic dentistry is a worthwhile investment. Indeed, for most people, the value of a healthy, appealing smile cannot be measured in dollars. We agree, however, that cosmetic dentistry is not cheap.

Do you have to spend thousands of dollars to upgrade your smile? Actually, no. Today’s post focuses on the most affordable cosmetic dental procedures.

Dental Bonding
In many cases, dental bonding can be used to correct a tooth that has been chipped.

When Steven Gustafson repairs a tooth with dental bonding, a pliable resin material is applied to the tooth. Dr. Gustafson expertly molds the material to create the desired shape. The resin is then hardened using a special light. After hardening, Dr. Gustafson performs any necessary trimming and shaping followed by a final polishing.

Dental bonding is typically less costly than porcelain veneers or dental crowns. Call us at 248-541-8770 to discuss cosmetic dental financing options.

Beware of brand-new Detroit area practices that advertise extremely low prices for dental bonding, veneers, or dental implants. The expertise and artistic ability necessary to attain minuscule tolerances should not be undertaken by a beginner. Thoroughly research any new cosmetic dentist you are considering for any cosmetic dental procedures or complete smile redesign.

Tooth Whitening
Most Royal Oak people are aware that there are several different tooth whitening methods. Steven Gustafson recommends scheduling a tooth whitening consultation to discuss your options. Even inexpensive OTC tooth bleaching systems can be misused and bring about tooth sensitivity, damage to tooth enamel, and irregular coloration.

Regarding the cost of teeth whitening: if you elect an at-home system from a drugstore, you may have to buy several packages to obtain even slight whitening. In-office whitening or a take-home system from our office may be more affordable in the long run.

 

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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Restorative Dentistry in Birmingham MI

Royal Oak Dental Implants and Dental BridgesTooth replacement is frequently requested at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry. When my patients here in Birmingham MI want information about this form of restorative dentistry, two of the things I tell them about are fixed (or traditional) dental bridges and dental implants.

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that replaces a missing tooth. The false tooth—called a pontic—is fused to porcelain crowns on adjacent sides of the extracted tooth.

Tooth Implants Replace the Root and Crown

Dental implants are also popular, and for some patients are a better choice. A dental implant includes a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The post integrates with the bone to provide a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.

After it has bonded with the bone (it usually takes three to six months), a smaller post is attached. This post extends above the gum line. The artificial tooth (crown) is then placed. The entire process takes several months, but consistently yields incredible results.

Preserving Facial Contour

Both of these restoration options maintain or restore facial contour and allow you to talk and eat normally. Tooth replacements prevent adjoining teeth from gradually shifting and can help correct bite troubles, as well.

Tooth implants and dental bridges can replace one or more missing teeth. Many men and women have been treated successfully with these restorative dentistry procedures.

Call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry to schedule a tooth restoration consultation.

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067