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Dr. Anthony LaVacca

May 03

Do I really need All on 4 implants or can I get 3 instead?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants No Comments

I’ve lost all most of my teeth and the remaining ones are loose and need to be extracted. My dentist says that I have enough bone to do All-on-4 implants. It probably sounds bad, but I’m tired of dealing with teeth problems and am really looking forward to dentures. Anyway, I I am wondering if two or three dental implants will suffice. It seems like a great way to save money and there would be less to go wrong. Is this a viable solution?

Thanks, Ronny

 

Dear Ronny,

The All-on-4 process is well known because it has been heavily advertised. Some companies and practices may use the terms overdenture or implant-supported denture instead. There are versions that referred to as fixed or permanent because you cannot take them out. There are also removable or snap-on dentures, which you can take out as needed.

All-on-4 Implants Balance Your Prosthesis

Dentures with no additional support stay in place with suction or adhesives. While they are the traditional cost-effective replacement, may look natural, and work well, they don’t feel natural.  Some people struggle with movement in the appliance or keeping them in place. Imagine if you add a single dental implant to the appliance. You may be able to keep it in place better, but you won’t really improve the stability or balance.

If you add a second implant, the retention will improve, but again, there will still be a significant area without an implant, and stability will continue to be an issue. As you add additional anchors, the stability of the prosthesis will increase. You could theoretically function with a denture that’s only anchored in two or three places, but it won’t be as secure as a denture that is anchored in four or six places.

Dental Implants are Successful Up to 98% of the Time

Fewer implants don’t necessarily guarantee success. Generally, individual dental implants successfully integrate and remain healthy 98% of the time. But the largest determining factor of success is the dentist you choose.

Doctors who frequently place implants, such as oral surgeons, prosthodontists, periodontists, and a handful of general dentists with extra training, provide statistically better outcomes for their patients. In part, this is because they are more skilled, but another reason is that they look at each case and evaluate it individually. They know when a person isn’t a good candidate at all, as well as what options are going to provide the highest success rates. Find a doctor who routinely handles cases like yours to help you trust what he or she is recommending will provide the best outcome.

You might find a doctor who will only place two implants for you. That won’t necessarily reduce the risk though. It doesn’t hurt to ask a dentist you know and trust if two could work for you. Odds are, however, that he’ll walk you through the risks and challenges of doing so or he may insist on four or more if he doesn’t believe he can provide you with a successful outcome using fewer.

 

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Anthony LaVacca, a Naperville All on 4 implants provider. Dr. LaVacca is a board-certified prosthodontist with specialized training in replacing missing teeth.

 

Apr 17

Can a pediatric dentist prevent a parent from accompanying a child with dental anxiety?

By Pediatric Dentist

I have been looking for a new pediatric dentist for my 8 yr old daughter. We recently relocated to Illinois from Indiana. Two of the offices I called have policies that don’t allow parents to accompany their children in the treatment room. When we lived in Indiana, there was no problem with me going with her into the room during the appointment. She has anxiety and I just sit quietly with her without interfering. My being there makes a big difference in how she responds to the hygienist and dentist. Is it normal in Illinois for pediatric dentists to prevent parents from accompanying their children? – Ezra

Ezra – Some offices may have policies that don’t allow parents in the treatment room, but you can find a dentist for your daughter who welcomes you to accompany her.

You Can Find a Pediatric Dentist Who Understands Dental Anxiety

Both you and your daughter need to be comfortable with the dentist you select. Many parents choose not to leave their child alone with other adults. It’s important to many dentists to ensure a child’s dental anxiety is properly addressed. The right dentist will want you and your child to have pleasant dental visits so that dental care will be something she looks forward to—and not wants to avoid.

Both of you should have trust and confidence in the dentist you select. What can you do next?

  • Keep searching – Continue to call around to find a dentist who will allow you to come into the treatment room with your daughter. Any of our pediatric dentists would be happy to see her and welcome you to join her during the appointment.
  • Schedule consultations – Regardless of which pediatric dental practice you choose, we recommend that you schedule a few consultations first and take your daughter with you. It will give you both a chance to see the office, meet the staff, and determine if you are comfortable with the dental practice.
  • Ask questions – During the consultation, specifically ask if you are able to accompanying your daughter in the treatment room. Also ask the dentist how the practice ensures the comfort of children who have anxiety about dental appointments.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Anthony LaVacca of Naperville Dental Specialists and the pediatric dentists at Innovative Pediatric Dentistry.

Apr 15

Will I ever be able to get affordable dental implants?

By Affordable Implant Dentistry No Comments

I signed up for a discount dental plan in hopes of eventually getting affordable dental implants because most of my teeth are missing. On my first appointment I completed forms that I thought asked for more information than usual. I was told to wait a few minutes and really in less than 5 minutes the receptionist told me that I qualify for financing. Why were they trying to qualify me for financing before my teeth were even cleaned? After I got the x-ray and cleaning, the dentist came in. He didn’t look at my teeth at all. He told me that I needed several fillings and 4 crowns. Then they gave me this crazy cost of $4000 which I really though sounds excessive even though I don’t know how much crowns cost. I was really shocked and didn’t say much. When I was checking out, the receptionist was trying to schedule me for the fillings and crowns appointments but I told her I would have to call back to schedule. Of course I am not going back to the office at all. If I really need the dental work they say I do, it will be 3 or 4 years before I can even get affordable dental implants. Besides all that, I don’t have enough healthy teeth left to invest in them. I prefer overdentures. Today I got a call from them to schedule my appointment for the dental work. I haven’t been to a dentist in 3 years so I can believe that I might have cavities but is it normal for a dentist to tell you that you need all this work if he hasn’t even looked at your teeth? – Abrielle

Abrielle – Your dental appointment was unusual. In addition to your cleaning and x-rays, your teeth should be thoroughly examined by the dentist before treatment is recommended. The dentist should also be specific about what dental treatment is needed and why. High fees for treatment can make even the most affordable dental implants out of reach.

How You Can Get Affordable Dental Implants

  • You are wise not to return to the office. Consider contacting your dental insurance company to explain the situation and avoid any problems with coverage due to possible duplication of treatment.
  • Find a prosthodontist to examine your teeth and make any treatment recommendations. You may want to visit the office first or request a consultation with the dentist before you receive an exam.
  • Affordable dental implants can be made possible through financing or payment plants.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Apr 10

My dental implant dentures make me look and feel old

By Dental Implants No Comments

I’ve had dental implants since 2004. The current dentures on them make me feel old. They look old, even though I’ve only had them for about 18 months. I am tired of explaining what I want to my dentist. I couldn’t believe it when he put his hand on mine and told me to remember how lucky I am because some people can’t afford to secure their dentures with dental implants so they have to go about life with loose dentures or no teeth at all. I am insulted. This is a dentist that I’ve seen since childhood. I think it’s time to move on. I know I’m fortunate, but I don’t have an endless supply of money to keep getting new dentures because he can’t make them look youthful. There has to be something better than dentures that age me by at least 10 years. What do you suggest? Am I going to need new dentures? Judith

 

Judith – It is not unusual to receive dentures for their dental implants that look like, as many people call them, “false teeth.” Your experience is unfortunate, but not unique.

Your dentist’s response likely means that he has done his best in providing you with dentures for your dental implants. But you have the option of finding a prosthodontist, who specializes in dental implants and cosmetic dentures.

How to Get High-Quality Dental Implants and Dentures

  • You can find a prosthodontist with the training and artistic talent to personalize your dentures and make them look like they belong to you—not to someone else. Nor will they look like a generic set of dentures.
  • He or she will listen to your like and dislikes and take into consideration your facial features so you’ll have cosmetic dentures that compliment your smile.
  • Unfortunately, unless your current dentist has the talent to produce lifelike dentures, you probably need new ones. A prosthodontist will let you know your options for dentures that you will love.

Schedule a Consultation

Dental implants can last a lifetime. You should have natural-looking dentures that fit well. It affects your quality of life. We suggest that you schedule two or three consultations with prosthodontists—preferably those who are board certified. It will increase the chances of getting a smile that you love.

 

This post is sponsored by American Board certified prosthodontist and award-winning Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

 

Apr 09

Pediatric dentist didn’t find an advanced cavity

By Pediatric Dentist

We have had a very long ordeal with our pediatric dentist. My five-year-old really struggles in the dental chair and won’t sit still for long. He isn’t bad. He just wiggles a lot and makes treatment a little more challenging. We started going to this practice a little over a year ago and had two visits. During the second visit, they couldn’t get x-rays completed, so they just did a visual exam and cleaning, then sent us on our way.

I assumed everything was fine. Well, about a week ago, my son woke up in the middle of the night crying and holding his mouth. He said his tooth hurt, but I couldn’t see anything wrong with it, so I gave him some Tylenol, brought him to bed with me, and called the pediatric dentist’s office the next morning. Apparently, they’re closed on Friday, so I called our family doctor who thankfully agreed to see him right away. They actually managed to get an x-ray of the tooth and the poor little guy had a bad infection. Apparently, he had a cavity brewing for quite some time and the pediatric dentist missed it. It had not only progressed to the point where he was in serious pain, but when I took him back to the dentist, they couldn’t save his tooth. My son is only five years old and he had to have a molar pulled, so that means he’s going to be without a tooth back there for several years. The office gave him a little nitrous oxide and worked with him to keep him calm and steady, then did the extraction then and there.

I am so incredibly grateful that my doctor’s office was able to identify the problem. But I’m also really mad at the pediatric dentist. I asked a lot of questions about the timeline to see if the pediatric dentist was at fault for not catching it, but my doctor wouldn’t say much, only that, “These things take some time to grow to this point.” So, he’s not saying the dentist is at fault, but he kind of is. It makes me twice as mad that they weren’t there when we needed them most. What recourse do we have on this? Thanks, Simonia

Dear Simonia,

We are sorry to hear your little one had such a tough time, but kudos to you for following your intuition and getting him squared away quickly. Kids don’t always recognize what’s happening with their teeth, so they don’t always display obvious symptoms and a big issue can seemingly appear out of nowhere.

However, as your doctor noted, it takes time for a severe cavity to progress to the point where it causes such severe pain and results in extraction. How much time it takes varies based on the child, genetics, his health, and his habits. It’s very unlikely this cavity developed after his last visit, but there are no x-rays to prove it.

Should You Take Action Against the Pediatric Dentist?

Before you take any action, consider the following:

  • You could theoretically take this to a dental board, but it would be challenging to prove the pediatric dentist missed something or did anything unethical.
  • It’s somewhat common to forego x-rays when a small child doesn’t make taking them easy. In these cases, the office will likely make note of it and try again at the next visit.
  • Kids normally are more cooperative around age 5 or 6 and become active participants in their care.
  • Unless children in a high-risk group (such as those who use bottles for an extended period of time or eat high-sugar diets), developing cavities is somewhat uncommon. So getting x-rays is not often forced with a challenging patient.
  • If your son was squirming or clamping down during the exam, it would be difficult to complete the images.
  • In hindsight, it might be easy to suggest that your son should have been sedated given a full exam and x-rays, but the pediatric had to make a judgment call about what was in his best interests and what would be less traumatic for him. It sounds like the dentist made the wrong decision, but that can only be surmised because we know the end result.

It’s highly unlikely that if you follow up with this through any legal action or authority, that you’ll get the results you want because nobody can prove anything about this particular case. You can, and should, mention it to the pediatric dentist though so hopefully another child doesn’t have the same issues your son.

 

This blog is sponsored by NDS Care; offering Naperville pediatric dentist services as well as comprehensive dentistry for the whole family.

 

Apr 06
magnetic dentures Naperville Dental Specialists

4 Things You Should Know About Magnetic Dentures

By Dentures No Comments

4 Things You Should Know About Magnetic Dentures Before You Request Them

Opposites attract. That’s one reason why magnetic dentures work so well. But what should you know about them before you ask your dentist to secure your dentures with magnets?

1. Magnetic Dentures Are Implant Overdentures

Magnetic dentures are a type of implant overdentures. Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone. An magnetic abutment, or connector, is placed on top of the implants. Often, a healing period of several months is allowed before your permanent dentures are placed. Magnets in the base of the denture lock into place on the abutment.

2. Advantages of Magnetic Dentures

  • Stable magnetic force – Strong magnetic forces guide the denture to the right position and keep it in place. Close contact between the denture base and implant abutments is not required for the dentures to lock into place.
  • Easy handling – They are easier to place and remove by patients with impaired motor skills.
  • Better oral hygiene – There are no holes or notches in the denture base, which decreases the chances of food and debris getting trapped around them.
  • Less impact – The magnetic force limits lateral movement of the denture. This relieves some of the pressure that a denture can put on your gums, bone ridge, and dental implants.

3. What Are They Made Of?

Although magnetic denture systems often have the magnet enclosed in a capsule, some systems contact a trace of nickel. Some magnets are enclosed in a stainless steel case or are coated with ceramic to limit nickel exposure and add resistance to abrasion and corrosion. Let your implant dentist or prosthodontist know if you have metal sensitivities or allergies. Some dentists use magnets made of the minerals samarium-cobalt or iron-neodynium-boron. If you have concerns about the types of metals used, ask your implant dentist about it.

4. Request a Consultation

Before you choose any method of stabilizing your dentures, request a consultation with a skilled prosthodontist. Prosthodontists are specialists who, after dental school, completed two years of specialized training in restoring and replacing missing teeth.

After an examination and 3-D imaging, the doctor can let you know the following:

  • If you have adequate jawbone density to support dental implants, or if bone grafting is needed
  • The minimum number of implants needed to support your denture
  • The best method for stabilizing your denture

Magnetic dentures might be right for your case, but don’t insist on this method unless you understand the pros and cons. A conscientious prosthodontist will let you know the results you can expect with various methods for securing your dentures.

We recommend that you schedule at least two consultations with different prosthodontists so you can compare the options, costs, and methods of achieving the results you want. Keep in mind that the lowest fees aren’t always the safest and healthiest option for your smile.

This blog is sponsored by Naperville award-winning prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

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    Mar 21

    A denture tooth cracked on my affordable dental implants

    By Affordable Implant Dentistry No Comments

    I got affordable dental implants 8 months ago. They have been fine and I have had no problems whatsoever with them until now. The problem is actually with only one of the teeth. So I saw the dentist who did the arch of and she confirmed what I thought. There is a fracture in one of them and it’s making it feel like my bite is off. The dentist asked me how long I had the dental implants. I thought that was very strange because she was the one who did the dentures. Then after another 10 minutes of looking at all my teeth, she suggested that I replace the whole prosthesis “as a precaution.” I have never heard of this. Why would I replace perfectly good dentures that I’ve had no problem with, just in case something happens to them? Am I missing something? What was the purpose of getting affordable dental implants? Also she implied that I am somehow at fault so she is going to charge me for 75% of the cost of replacing the whole arch. – Traci

    Traci – No, you are not missing anything. The savings from your affordable dental implants would be consumed by replacing your dentures.

    We recommend that you get a second opinion. Have a second dentist—preferably a prosthodontist—examine the fractured tooth. It is possible to replace one or more teeth in a denture without replacing the entire prosthesis. Don’t mention anything to the second-opinion dentist about the recommendation you received from your dentist. If necessary, you can get a third opinion until you are comfortable with the diagnosis, recommended treatment for your affordable dental implants and dentures, and the explanation for both.

    This post is sponsored by Naperville prosthodontist and implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

    Mar 15

    Can I bypass my pediatric dentist if my inner lip tattoo is infected?

    By Pediatric Dentist No Comments

    I’m wondering if I can somehow bypass my pediatric dentist because my inner lip tattoo is infected and I need help. The problem is that I haven’t told my Dad about it. I’ve been rinsing my mouth with peroxide 3 times a day for the past 5 days or so. It has helped sooth it a bit, but the tattoo is still very itchy and it has fluid leaking out of it. I got the tattoo done in mid January.  At first there were no problems, but it started bothering me earlier this month. I’m 16 years old and have a part-time job so that’s how I was able to afford the tattoo. If there is something I can buy on my own to get rid of the infection, I would like to do that. Otherwise I’m wondering if I can avoid my pediatric dentist and be seen by another dentist. Thanks. Dari

    Dari – Keep in mind that since you are 16 years old, you are still a minor, so any medical or dental treatment you receive requires the consent of a parent or legal guardian. No reputable dentist will treat you without that consent.

    Why You Need to See Your Pediatric Dentist

    You need to see your pediatric dentist right away to examine your inner lip tattoo. If the infection is caught right away, it will be easier to treat. It will spread if you allow it to linger.

    You should really consider this a dental emergency. If you are unable to see your usual pediatric dentist, make an appointment with another dentist you can see you right away.

    Understand the Risks

    To our readers: If you are considering receiving a tattoo of any sort, be certain to find a licensed tattoo artist. Follow the instructions closely on how to care for the tattoo. An inner lip tattoo requires rinsing your mouth with alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash several times a day.

    It’s also important to understand the risks of an inner lip tattoo.

    • Swelling – This occurs with a new tattoo, but should gradually go away.
    • Infection – Our mouths naturally contain bacteria, so this increases the risk of infection. Also, improper healing can lead to irritation and infection.
    • Gum recession – The tattoo ink can rub against your gums and cause irritation, gum disease, and gum recession.

    Don’t ignore signs of irritation or infection. See your dentist right away.

    This post is sponsored by Dr. Anthony LaVacca of award-winning Naperville Dental Specialists and the pediatric dentists at Innovative Pediatric Dentistry.

    Mar 13

    Do I need a prosthodontist for dental implants?

    By Prosthodontist No Comments

    I just read an online article that says I should be looking for a prosthodontist if I want a dental implant. This was the first time I’ve heard of this. Don’t prosthodontists make dentures? Why can’t I safely go to my regular dentist for dental implants? I don’t really want to change doctors for this, but I also want to make sure I don’t have any problems.

    Thanks, Alina

    Alina,

    You’re right. Prosthodontists make dentures. However, they specialize in oral prosthetics, such as missing tooth replacements.

    General Dentists Can Provide Dental Implants

    A general dentist absolutely can offer you dental implants. Dentists learn how to do virtually all types of procedures during dental school training, and many take additional training on a topic as part of their continuing education requirements. If your dentist offers this service, it’s because he believes he’s proficient enough to provide you with good results. However, general dentists often work with specialists, such as oral surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontists to ensure the surgical portion is done perfectly.

    Why a Prosthodontist May Be a Better Choice

    While general dentists receive training on the bite and dental implants in school, there are several reasons that a prosthodontist might be a better choice:

    • They are specialists who have received extra years of schooling to better understand these processes.
    • Their skills are used more often, so they more proficient at it, which enhances patient outcomes.
    • Both the dental implant and the crown can be placed by the prosthodontist, which can decrease the chance of errors or miscommunication between an oral surgeon and restoring dentist.

    If you could choose between a dentist who learned about a procedure briefly several years ago and performs it once every month or two versus another dentist who spent years learning about it and does several cases similar to yours in an average week, you would likely choose the specialist. Again, that doesn’t mean that a general dentist can’t perform the work properly or is ill-equipped to do it, but if you’re undergoing surgery and investing in your smile, you undoubtedly want to have the most skilled doctor perform your surgery.

    Choosing a Dental Implant Doctor

    • Seek out someone who does the procedure regularly.
    • Ask if the dentist has received any additional training.
    • Ask about his or her success rate.
    • Read reviews and check out before-and-after photos.

     

    This blog is sponsored by Naperville American-board certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca. Dr. LaVacca is a specialist who offers comprehensive dental care for the whole family in addition to prosthodontic services.

    Mar 07

    Will diabetes prevent me from getting All-on-4 dental implants?

    By All-on-4 Dental Implants No Comments

    I’d like to know if I’m really a candidate for All-on-4 dental implants because I have diabetes. To be honest, I previously did not take good care of myself. I was more than 200 pounds overweight and subsequently developed diabetes. When I was diagnosed, I ignored medical treatment and spiraled into depression. My self-care was terrible. In addition to diabetes, I developed a number of other conditions, including gum disease, which resulted in me losing many of my teeth. My major wake up call, however, did not happen until about five years ago when I had a heart attack at age 46. Since then, I have made some major changes to my health. I dropped 150 pounds, quit smoking, and am diligent about taking my diabetes meds. I’m still not great about exercise, but I do get out and walk a couple times a week and watch what I eat.

    The last time I went in to see my dentist, he proposed that I have All-on-4 dental implants done. I was incredibly excited that there was a simple and affordable way for me to get my smile back, and I really feel like I earned it. However, I’ve been looking online trying to find out what to expect and there’s a lot of conflicting information. It seems like, because of diabetes, I may be in a high-risk category for failure with All-on-4, and I am very hesitant about it if I’m going to pour time and money into it and may still not get good results. I mentioned it to my dentist and he said I didn’t need to worry, but I also felt like he was brushing me off. Is this something I can safely have done now or should I explore other options? Thank you, Pete H.

    Pete,

    A lot of research has been done around the longevity of dental implants and the types of risk factors that impact the success rates.

    All-on-4 Dental Implants for Diabetic Patients

    • Studies have shown that as much as 98-99% of people will have successful outcomes with dental implants when they’re in the hands of an experienced dentist.
    • There are certain risk factors that can reduce the odds of a successful outcome, which include uncontrolled diabetes and smoking.
    • Newer research suggests that even people with uncontrolled diabetes may have success with these kinds of treatments, but conservative dentists tend to err on the side of caution until there is more evidence.

    With all that said, all your hard work has essentially eliminated the major risk factors for you. That’s no easy feat, so congratulations on your efforts and amazing results. While no dentist can ever guarantee a 100% success rate, even in patients who have no risk factors at all, it sounds like you’re probably a great candidate. If you’re unsure, it’s worthwhile to get a second opinion or consult with an All-on-4 dentist, to discuss your concerns and verify you’re a candidate for the treatment before going forward.

     

    This blog is sponsored by Naperville all-on-4 dental implants provider Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

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