Livonia Dentist: Preparing for a Dental Implant Procedure

Posted September 24, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

For patients who have made the final decision to receive dental implants, this article may benefit you. Having dental implants placed is an involved process that requires a lot of time and patience. Thus, before the actual surgery takes place, it’s important to know the preparatory steps of the procedure.

Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, explains how to prepare for you dental implant procedure.

Step-By-Step Dental Implant Preparation Guide

Take care to have comprehensive dental exam, which includes full x-rays and models of your mouth. This allows your Livonia dentist to determine how the procedure will take place.
Inform your dentist of any medical conditions you’re currently experiencing. For example, patients with heart issues may need to take certain antibiotics before the implantation begins. Additionally, certain medications won’t mix well with the anesthesia, which would require the dentist to adjust the type of anesthesia used during the procedure.
Reduce or stop smoking and drinking in the weeks leading up-to the surgery. Smoking and drinking seriously inhibit your ability to heal properly. Furthermore, these habits could cause the implant to fail.
Roughly six hours before you undergo the dental implant surgery, avoid eating or drinking anything. You may drink small amounts of water, though, if you must.
On the day of surgery, wear loose and comfortable clothing. Since the dentist sedates you for the procedure, it’s important to feel comfortable for the duration of implantation process.
Additionally, ask a family member or friend to drive you home post-procedure. Due the medication, the dentist will not allow you to drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours. If possible, have someone in your home for roughly a day to help you adjust to the healing period.

For Dental Implant Procedures, Visit Your Livonia Dentist

If you’re planning on having a dental implant procedure soon, take care to follow the correct steps. Before the day of implantation, Dr. Stewart will walk you through the procedure to ensure you’re properly informed. To schedule an appointment with our Livonia dental practice at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia Dentist: Factors that Increase Gum Disease Risk

Posted September 19, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Did you know that gum disease doesn’t always develop from poor oral hygiene? Granted, a lack of proper dental care is one of the leading reasons for gum disease development, yet a number of alternative factors also increase your risk of the oral ailment.

To teach his patients about the other causes of gum disease, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist provides this post.

Know the Cause of Gum Disease

Changes in hormones. Women and teens have an increased risk of developing gum disease due to the major changes in hormones. For women, pregnancy has been known to cause small bouts of gum disease. This is why dentists usually recommend that pregnant women come into the office every three months during their pregnancy to monitor any changes in their oral health.
As for teenagers, the burst of hormones into the body tends to decrease the immune system, which makes the development of gum disease possible.
Tobacco use. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and any other type of tobacco products can wreak havoc upon your oral health. Using tobacco products decreases your ability to fight infections, which makes you more susceptible to oral illness and diseases. Furthermore, smoking interferes with your ability to heal; that alone makes it increasingly difficult to rid your mouth of gum disease.
Genetics. According to your Livonia dentist, sometimes the cause of periodontal disease has everything to do with genetics. Patients who have a family history of gum disease have a greater likelihood of developing the oral ailment.
Diet. A diet that’s low in nutrients tends to bring down your mouth’s defenses against diseases. To increase your intake of vitamins and minerals, try eating vitamin C rich foods like oranges and grapefruits, since vitamin C helps rebuild oral tissues. Also, you can opt for a multivitamin to reap the same benefits.

Visit Your Livonia Dentist for Gum Disease Treatment

If you display signs of gum disease and need treatment, visit Dr. Stewart. After an oral exam, he can discuss the possible causes for your bout of gum disease. To schedule an appointment with our Livonia dental practice at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia Dentist Explains Factors that Trigger Migraines

Posted September 17, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

As far as headaches go, nothing tops migraines. These headaches oftentimes prove debilitating for sufferers and finding relief never seems to come fast enough. The cause of migraines stems from a number reasons.

For some patients, it’s genetic and having bouts of migraines is very normal. For others, migraines may come from temporomandibular joint disorder (or TMD). With TMD, the jaw joints become clenched tightly enough to produce a migraine. Regardless of the reason for your migraine pain, having the appropriate relief therapy is key to try living a headache-free life.

In today’s article, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, shares the differing factors that can cause migraines.

Your Migraines Could Stem from One of These Factors

Hormonal changes. This is especially true for menopausal women. The frequent drops and elevations in estrogen and progesterone can cause migraines. Additionally, pregnant women and those who have begun an oral contraceptive regimen may also experience migraines. If this applies to you, make sure to inform Dr. Stewart about these hormonal changes when you begin migraine therapy.
Foods. Overly salted foods, aged cheese, and even processed foods can sometimes trigger migraines. Furthermore, skipping meals or long bouts of fasting can trigger a migraine. To better this ailment, trying eating more natural foods and have several small snacks throughout the day.
Stress. If you’re frequently under high levels of stress, migraines may happen to you quite often. This stress could come from work or home. Should this cause your migraines, learning some relaxation techniques can greatly improve migraine symptoms.
Sleep pattern changes. Receiving either too little or too much sleep can sometimes lead to migraines. Your Livonia dentist suggests establishing a regular sleep schedule and sticking to it—even on the weekends.
Environmental changes. This is probably the worst type of migraine trigger since no one can control the weather. However, for some people, changes in pressure or temperature can trigger a migraine. The best advice for these suffers is to closely watch the weather reports and stay prepared for sudden changes.

Visit Your Livonia Dentist for Migraine Therapy

If you regularly suffer from migraines, take care to visit Dr. Stewart. With a series of evaluations he can determine the cause of your migraines. To schedule an appointment with our Livonia office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia Children’s Dentist Describes Dental Treatments for Kids

Posted September 12, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Pediatric dentistry is specialized field of dentistry. In fact, pediatric dentists must undergo an additional two to three years of training before they’re certified to treat children. Therefore, if you’re looking for a dentist for your children, a pediatric dentist is the way to go. Not only do they have expertise in this area, their dental practices cater to children, too.

Your Livonia children’s dentist, Dr. James Stewart, discusses the types of treatments he offers that target the specific needs of children.

Treatments a Pediatric Dentist Offers

Infant exams. A dentist recommends bringing children in for a check-up when their first tooth erupts or, at the latest, by their first birthday. During this visit, the dentist checks the baby’s mouth for signs of any obvious issues. Then, your Livonia children’s dentist offers tips on how to clean their newly sprouted tooth and the teeth that follow.
Additionally, during this appointment, Dr. Stewart discusses preventative care treatments that your child can have when they have aged a bit. For example, the use of fluoride treatments and dental sealants alongside nutrition tips can fortify your kiddos’ teeth.
Habitual evaluations. This means that the doctor takes into account any habitual habits your baby has, like, using a pacifier or thumbsucking. Furthermore, the dentist discusses the disadvantages of long-term continuation of these habits.
Orthodontics. The need for orthodontic treatment is detectable at a young age. With frequent and periodic visits, the dentist can evaluate the oral structure. Then, should the child display signs that indicate the need for future orthodontic treatment, the doctor begins the preparations when it’s appropriate.
Minor dental ailment repair. For kids who need fillings or have endured some type of dental injury, Dr. Stewart can handle the situation with ease. Should your child need more in-depth dental care, don’t hesitate to contact, your Livonia children’s dentist. He an repair their smile to prevent further damage within the oral cavity.

Visit with Your Livonia Dentist for Pediatric Dental Care

Establishing sound dental care habits with your children is key for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Once your child is able to visit the dentist, go see Dr. Stewart. He can offer advice on how to maintain your child’s oral health in top-notch shape. To schedule an appointment with your Livonia children’s dentist, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website for services, testimonials, and patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia Dentist Suggests Proper Dietary Choices for Kids

Posted September 10, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Eating habits follow a child for life, which is why starting sound eating habits at young age is critical. Not only is eating properly necessary for growing bodies, the right nutrition can maintain a smile healthy and strong.

Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia family dentist, provides a proper nutrition guide to help parents and kids eat a little smarter to ensure your teeth and bodies become fortified daily.

What Your Children Need to Eat

Fruits and veggies. Throughout the day, at least half of your kids meals and snacks should consist of fruits vegetables. Once your child is able to eat solid foods, start introducing to healthy flavors. Items like carrots, apples, squash, and tomatoes each classify as sound healthy choices.
Grains. Alongside fruits and veggies, approximately a fourth of your child’s daily food intake should consist of whole grains. This includes, whole wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, and whole grain pastas. Ward off eating processed white breads, rice, and pastas since those have been stripped of their nutrients. Though many vitamins have been added after the fact, it’s best to stick to whole grain foods instead.
Dairy. Try balancing in a little dairy at each meal. Whether your child drinks milk with supper or has yogurt as a snack, dairy everyday is a must. Furthermore, when you give your child dairy products, try to choose low-fat or fat-free varieties.
For kids who have lactose allergies, you can swap milk products for soy, almond, and rice based dairy alternatives.
Lean meats. As for meats, it’s best to stick to the leaner varieties, such as: skinless chicken, fish, and leaner cuts of beef. If you can, your Livonia family dentist suggests incorporating about eight ounces worth of seafood into weekly meals.
Additionally, if your family chooses to follow a vegetarian diet, your child can receive their protein from eggs, beans, and legumes. However, using alternatives to protein like the aforementioned ones is great for any diet.

Children’s Dentist Provides Children’s Dental Care

For more information on kids nutrition, talk to Dr. Stewart. He can suggest the proper dietary choices for your children that promote healthy bodies and smiles. To schedule an appointment with your Livonia family dentist, call (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia General Dentist Discusses Cleft Palates and Oral Health

Posted September 5, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Children who were born with cleft palates require more in-depth dental care. If this applies to your child, then this article may provide some insightful information. In this blog, your Livonia general dentist, Dr. James Stewart, talks about the effects of cleft palates on a child’s oral health.

What is a Cleft Palate?

A cleft palate is a common type of birth defect that occurs when the hard and soft palates have an gap from an inability to close in the womb; approximately one in every 700 births result in a cleft palate, lip, or both. The opening begins on the upper lip, through one of the nostrils, and continues onto the soft palate. Cleft palates come in two variations: unilateral complete or bilateral complete.

A unilateral complete cleft palate only has one opening in lip through either the right or left nostril and both palates. On the other hand, a bilateral complete cleft palate affects both nostrils and palates. Though this ailment is correctable with surgery, it can pose some childhood oral health issues. Thankfully, with the help of your Livonia general dentist, your child can overcome said issues and still have a beautiful smile.

How a Cleft Palate Affects Your Child’s Oral Health

Since a cleft palate causes the lips to separate, dental growth and development may become affected. Typically, this separation changes how the incisors—and occasionally the canines— grow in.
Once your baby has sprouted his or her first tooth, take them to the dentist. During this visit, the doctor can begin to detect any dental issues that may arise in the future and keeps a record of each of those findings. With periodic visits, the dentist continues to track their dental growth until all of their baby teeth have erupted.
Additionally, the doctor notes the jaw growth and whether or not the child will need orthodontic treatment. In many cases, children who have had a repaired cleft palate require braces and other orthodontic care. However, in these cases, the treatment is quite successful, resulting in a flawlessly corrected smile.

Ask Your Livonia Dentist about Special Needs Pediatric Dental Care

If your child requires special pediatric dental care due to a cleft palate or similar reason, contact Dr. Stewart. He can examine your child to determine the best way to provide them with dental treatments. To schedule an appointment with your Livonia general dentist, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Twice-Daily Brushing Saves Teeth, Explains Livonia Dentist

Posted September 3, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

From the first time that you visited the dentist until now, you’ve probably been told that a proper teeth cleaning regimen is a must at least twice a day; if you can brush after every meal, that’s even better. While this advice may sound redundant, brushing routinely can not only save your teeth, it can keep your body healthy, too. To explain the consequences of insufficient brushing, your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, provides this information.

Consequences of Brushing Only Once Per Day

Halitosis. Brushing and flossing is one of the surest ways to remove lingering food particles from teeth. Without completing a regular teeth cleaning routine, though, those tiny bits of food begin to breakdown; thus, producing the cause of halitosis, or bad breath.
Cavities. The aforementioned process that causes bad breath also causes cavities. Over 600 types of oral bacteria live within in the oral cavity at any given time. However, the unhealthy varieties that cause cavities feed on the sugars left behind by food particles. This process creates an acidic by-product, which weakens the enamel and leads to cavities.
Gum disease. Alongside bad breath and cavities, brushing only once a day causes gum disease. Unlike tooth decay, which directly affects the enamel, gum disease affects your mouth as a whole. Since the gums and jaw bone anchor tooth roots in place, a diseased gum line is unable to sustain teeth. Therefore, when untreated cases of gum disease advance into periodontitis, patients experience tooth loss. Though the cause of gum disease isn’t exclusively due to poor oral hygiene, it is a leading cause. For this reason, your Livonia dentist urges patients to brush at least twice a day.
Increased heart disease risk. While many patients believe that gum disease is purely an oral issue, the truth is that gum disease affects the entire body—including the heart. Many studies have shown that oral infections can enter the blood stream, which can allow heart disease to develop.
Furthermore, untreated gum disease makes patients more susceptible to the development of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and even stroke.

Livonia Dentist Shares the Benefits of Teeth Cleaning

If you would like more information about the benefits of teeth brushing twice or more a day, talk to Dr. Stewart. With his help, you can begin and maintain a sound teeth cleaning regimen to ensure your smile stays in top-notch shape. To schedule an appointment with your Livonia dentist, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia Dentist Reports Health Issues Linked to OSA

Posted August 29, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Do you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and have yet to receive treatment? Then this article is meant for you. Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, explains the health risks associated with untreated cases of OSA.

Untreated Cases of OSA Could Lead to Following

Heart disease. Those who suffer with OSA lose valuable sleep each night, which places great strain upon the heart. When the heart doesn’t receive the right amount of oxygen, it must work twice as hard to maintain the rest of the systems functioning properly. Since sleep apnea deters that process, patients with untreated sleep apnea have an increased risk of developing heart disease.
Cancer. According to a study conducted in Japan, women with sleep apnea had a 62% increased risk of developing breast cancer than those women who didn’t have OSA. Moreover, people with sleep apnea were 47% more likely to have cancerous colorectal polyps, than those who didn’t have the sleeping dysfunction.
Diabetes. If you have diabetes and an untreated case of OSA, you may want to reconsider having a sleep apnea evaluation. Studies have shown that patients with diabetes and sleep apnea tend to have higher glucose levels by at least 9%. Furthermore, their morning insulin readings were 30% higher than OSA-free diabetics.
Urinary problems. Do you awake often at night to use the bathroom? Surprisingly, the cause may stem from sleep apnea. The lack of sleep caused by sleep apnea makes women up-to 90% more likely to wake during the night to use the restroom; men were 34% more like to wake.
Increased mortality rate. Having untreated OSA can increase the mortality rates of sufferers under the age of 45. This is due to the frequent interruptions of sleep on a nightly basis. To avoid this issue, your Livonia dentist suggests seeking treatment for your sleep apnea quickly.

Talk to Your Livonia Dentist about OSA Treatments

If you display the signs of OSA and would like more information about treatment, then take care to visit your Livonia dentist. Dr. Stewart can perform an evaluation of your nose and throat to determine if you suffer from the sleep disorder. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia Dentist Explains Menopause Headaches

Posted August 27, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Ladies, have you noticed a spike in the amount and intensity of your headaches lately? If you’ve answered yes, then the problem could stem from menopause. For women who have entered menopause, the hormonal changes tend to cause an increased level of stress, which can lead to nightly teeth grinding (or bruxism). Alongside the typical ailments, such as, hot flashes and mood swings, headaches cause by bruxism can also occur.

To explain more about menopause headaches, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist shares this information for women in the menopausal stage of their lives.

Cause of Menopause Headaches

When women enter menopause, it’s similar to entering puberty. A rush of hormones overtakes the body, which elevates stress levels and causes unwanted side effects–like teeth grinding and eventually headaches. This is due to the constant ups and downs in estrogen and progesterone levels.

Exposure to external stimuli also plays a role in menopause headaches. Controlling internal factors isn’t as simple, yet, limiting harsh lights, loud sounds, and monitoring daily caffeine intake is up to you. Making minor lifestyle changes can help ward off the frequency of menopause headaches.

Symptoms Associated with Menopause Headaches

Menopause headaches have three types: migraines, tension, and sinus. While the associated symptoms don’t pertain exclusively to menopause headaches, take care to notice if you have any of them during your next headache.

Nausea and vomiting
Sinus pressure
Sensitivities to light and sound
Neck pain
Visual distortions
Pulsing and radiating pain throughout the forehead and temples

To seek relief, many women simply take an over-the-counter pain relievers and wait for the discomfort to subside. However, if the pain proves more problematic for everyday pain relievers, talk to your Livonia dentist about starting a treatment regimen; prescribed medication may provide long-lasting relief.

Visit Your Livonia Dentist to Discuss Menopause-Induced Headaches

If you experience headaches due to menopausal symptoms, contact Dr. Stewart. He can provide treatment options to help you determine which treatment method you wish to begin. To schedule an appointment with our Livonia office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Braces for Baby Teeth? Livonia Dentist Explains How This Works

Posted August 22, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

While having braces is quite common for teenagers, braces have become much more common amongst kids, too. Since baby teeth predict how and where adult will erupt, ensuring baby teeth remain well aligned is important.

Despite this, some parents hold off on orthodontic treatment until their child is older. However, some dental ailments shouldn’t wait until the problem has had a chance to worsen. To explain which ailments require correction at an early age, your Livonia children’s dentist, Dr. James Stewart provides this information.

Conditions that Require Early Orthodontic Treatment

Crossbites. Kids with severe bite problems display those issues at an early age—especially with crossbites. With a crossbite, the upper and lower teeth don’t sit over one another correctly. Instead, the upper teeth become nestled within the lower teeth on one side—teeth also appear tilted towards the cheeks or even the tongue. Though this is usually seen with front teeth, a crossbite can affect any portion of the mouth.
Furthermore, crossbites don’t correct themselves. In fact, a crossbite only worsens with time and the problem is solidified once permanent teeth erupt. Since treatment is relatively simple, it’s best to not wait until the problem worsens; your Livonia children’s dentist can explain how the treatment works and how soon you can begin.
Severe overcrowding. Baby teeth guide adult teeth into place, and if the baby teeth don’t complete this process correctly, orthodontic-related issues arise. Overcrowding is one of those aforementioned issues.
When your child has too many teeth for their mouths, adult teeth can become impacted and erupt improperly. Or the teeth can grow-in misaligned. Should your kids fall into this category, the dentist may suggest extracting some teeth. Then, the doctor places braces upon the baby teeth to guide the underlying teeth into the right spot.
Impacted teeth. Though this doesn’t perfectly correlate with orthodontic treatment, impacted adult teeth can prove very problematic for children. Impacted teeth cause infections, cysts, and even damage to the surrounding healthy teeth.

Consult with Your Livonia Dentist about Childhood Orthodontic Treatment

Your Livonia children’s dentist is an expert at detecting early childhood dental problems. If you’re unsure if you’re child will need braces in the future, talk to Dr. Stewart. With a simple evaluation of your child’s teeth, he can determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.