Dental implants for patients with diabetes

Here at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak, Michigan, we understand that dry mouth, gum disease, delayed healing and other health issues are all special concerns for our patients with diabetes. But what are your options when infection has weakened teeth beyond repair? In many cases, our team at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry recommends dental implants as permanent replacements for damaged teeth.

Recent studies of dental implants with diabetic patients show success rates of higher than 90 percent. In the rare case that the implant does not blend properly to the bone, Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar will remove and the procedure at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry can be repeated. While the process of implantation takes longer than conventional treatments like bridges, the strength and durability of implants make them an excellent long-term solution for your tooth replacement. If you have diabetes and have lost one or more teeth (and your diabetes is under control), you may consider implants. However, if your blood sugar is not controlled, Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar recommend putting off any non-emergency dental care, including implants, bridgework and dentures – until you’ve worked with your primary care physician to control it.

Otherwise, feel free to give us a call and our staff will try to answer any diabetes-related questions we can.

Access your account—any day, any time!

Did you know that patients at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our helpful website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on the left side of our homepage. Please give us a call at 248.541.8770 if you have any questions about getting started!

Have a GREAT rest of the week!

Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar, helping you prevent bad breath!

At Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry, we know bad breath can be a real downer. We want you to know, however, that bad breath can be easily prevented.

Bad breath, or as Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell.

Until recently, your only choice was to cover up the odor coming from your mouth. Now you can get rid of it with a professional product available through us. You'll find it costs marginally more than a mouthwash, but that's OK - it actually works, and it's more economical ounce for ounce because you don't need to use as much of it when compared to a mouthwash.

It's called BreathRx. We carry the anti-bacterial mouth rinse, which is scientifically designed to kill malodor and odor-causing bacteria. You'll note the label says it lasts all day, and it really does. It's also alcohol-free, so your children can enjoy it, too.

The BreathRx line features everything from a pocket spray to sugar free gums and mints, and even an anti-bacterial tongue gel and spray. We have free samples you can try - ask for one at your next visit or give us a call. It will change your mind about breath care.

Drs. Shari and Steve want to know: What should we blog about?

As summer quickly approaches, our staff at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry strive to continue writing about important topics related to dentistry and your treatment with Royal Oak dentists Drs. Shari and Steve.

To help us continue blogging through the course of the long, hot summer, however, we'd love your opinion: What would you like us to focus on our blog over the summer? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask our team for a while and just haven't found the right time/opportunity? Give us your ideas by posting here or on our Facebook page!

We look forward to your ideas and hope you have a fantastic upcoming week!

June is National Smile Month!

Our friends at the American Dental Association discovered that a person's smile outranked eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature. After all, there's a big reason why Americans spend about $2.75 billion each year on cosmetic dentistry: folks want to look and feel great.

That brings us to June, also known as National Smile Month. It's a great time to remind all of our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to Gustafson and Morningstar Family Dentistry.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks.
* Visit our office regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call at 248.541.8770. We hope you enjoyed your Memorial Day weekend everyone!