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Dr. Anthony LaVacca

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.

Mar 01

Dental implants are darker after Zoom whitening

By Dental Implants No Comments

I’ve had dental implants for 3 years. In January, I got Zoom whitening. The dentist I’m seeing now isn’t the same dentist who did the implant crowns. Anyway, it took a total of 3 whitening sessions to get my teeth as white as I want them. After the first session, I was immediately worried that my own teeth were lighter than the implant crowns. The dentist told me that it takes time for the color to stabilize and I shouldn’t worry. 2 months later and the implant crowns are still noticeably darker. All 3 implants are on the top left of my mouth, immediately to the left of my center teeth. So I’m concerned about how this looks. My dentist has no explanation now. She just tells me that it’s not so noticeable. I have honest close friends who have told me that the color difference is noticeable. Am I stuck with this, or is there some way to darken my teeth or will I have to get new implant crowns? Kamila

Kamila – Zoom whitening and the acceleration light provide quick penetration of bleaching gel into your teeth. This makes the whitening process faster than take-home whitening. Your super white teeth might darken a little with time, but that will take considerable time. Teeth bleaching gel lightens the natural pigmentation of your teeth. It is unlikely that your teeth will ever darken enough to match your dental implant crowns.

Matching Dental Implant Crowns to Bleached Teeth

Ideally, teeth whitening should be completed before you receive dental implants. Crowns are colorfast, so they cannot be darkened or lightened. Your dentist should have explained to you that your implant crowns wouldn’t match your teeth after Zoom whitening. Receiving whitening first ensures implant crowns are made to match your newly whitened natural teeth. Unfortunately, the solution for you is to get new crowns to match your natural teeth. An experienced prosthodontist can perfectly match the color so no one can distinguish your new crowns from your natural teeth.

Before you choose a prosthodontist, check his or her website to learn more about the following:

  • Level of experience
  • Training
  • Credentials
  • Smile gallery before-and-after photos of actual patients at the practice

Although replacing the implant crowns will cost you more money, you’ll have the satisfaction of a smile that you’re comfortable with and really love.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Mar 01

5 Ways to Find the Best Pediatric Dentist for Your Child

By Pediatric Dentist No Comments

Finding the best pediatric dentist who can meet your child’s oral health care needs isn’t easy. But it can be done. With a little homework, time, and patience, you can find an understanding talented dentist to keep your child’s smile healthy and attractive. We’ll discuss five key ways to do it.

1. Know Your Child’s Needs

Know your child’s needs and make a list of them. Is he or she comfortable in a dental chair, or anxious and nervous? If anxiety is an issue, the best pediatric dentist is one who is gentle and understanding. It may helpful to find a dentist who offers some form of mild sedation to help your child relax during appointments.

Also consider the condition of your child’s teeth. Ask yourself:

  • Are my child’s teeth healthy and aligned, or will orthodontic treatment be needed in the future?
  • Does my child have TMJ issues?
  • Are there any problems with swollen, irritated, or bleeding gums?

A more experienced pediatric dentist will be alert to those issues and refer your child to a specialist as needed.

2. Ask for Referrals

Ask friends, family members, neighbors, or co-workers if they know a good pediatric dentist. If you receive a referral, remember to ask:

  • How long their children have been patients of this particular dentist
  • What they (including the kids) do or don’t like about the dentist
  • About the dental hygienists and how well they clean teeth and interact with children

A person may love his or her dentist, but not be so pleased with the hygienist, or vice versa. The best pediatric dentist for someone else might not be the right dentist for your child. Consider what qualities in a pediatric dentist are important to you. Also ask about the dentist’s fees for services.

3. Look for the Pediatric Dentist’s Credentials

Look for pediatric dentists who show a real interest in dentistry and in children.

  • Does the dentist’s website indicate how frequently he or she participates in continuing education?
  • Does the dentist only meet the minimum requirement, or more?
  • Is the dentist a member of certain dental organizations, or is he or she board-certified?

The best pediatric dentists are serious about continuing education, and their education, training, and credentials show it. A dentist’s credentials provide you with information on his or her skill, experience, and interest in healthy smiles.

4. Look for Best Pediatric Dentist Reviews

Dentists often have reviews or testimonials on their websites. Also look for Google+, Yelp, or other reviews. Reviews are not always positive. Pay attention to each review and whether or not parents give details about what they like or dislike about a dentist’s services. Do the reviews really indicate that this might be one of the best pediatric dentists in your area?

5. Schedule Consultations

Once you identify a few dentists that might be right for you, it’s not necessary for your child to become a patient right away. Schedule a consultation with each dentist and take your child with you. It will be brief, but it will give you a chance to see the office, get a feel for the environment and the staff, and briefly chat with the dentist. A consultation can reveal how your child will be treated as a patient and whether or not this is the best dentist for your child’s needs.

Don’t Be Afraid to Switch Until You Find the Best Pediatric Dentist

Your child’s oral health and smile are important. If you’ve done everything you can to find the best pediatric dentist only to discover that it’s not the right fit, don’t be afraid to switch. Save your list of possibilities for a dentist and move on to the next one. Your child’s dental records can be transferred to another dentist. If you decide to switch, ensure that it’s to a dentist with whom you have some familiarity through a consultation or a recommendation that gives you great confidence.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists, the office of Dr. Anthony LaVacca. Our office is conveniently located to Warrenville, Bolingbrook, and North Aurora IL.

Feb 24

Need pediatric dentist for special needs children

By Pediatric Dentist No Comments

I’m looking for some advice for a pediatric dentist. My middle child, Ian, is 8 years old, and he has Down syndrome. When we lived in Ohio, we had a great family dentist. Ian liked her and actually looked forward to going to the dentist.

We moved to IL last September and since that time, I’ve switched pediatric dentists twice because Ian is uncomfortable and so are the dentists. We have 3 other children, and although I’m a stay-at-home mom, my schedule is quite busy. All of our kids are homeschooled. The most recent pediatric dentist scolded Ian for not following her commands. He is usually very cooperative. But I’ve noticed that if he is nervous around adults, he freezes. It’s not that he isn’t cooperating, he is nervous.

When we got home, Ian told me that the dentist scared him. This confusion with different dentists is beginning to make me nervous that he isn’t going to want to go to a dentist at all soon. If you can give me some insight on how to increase the chances of finding a good pediatric dentist who works well with children with special needs, I would really appreciate it. Zuri

Zuri,

Ian’s experience definitely shows that his most recent pediatric dentist doesn’t work well with children who have special needs.

How to Find a Pediatric Dentist for Children with Special Needs

The good news is that you can find a dentist who will work well with all of your children. It just will take a little patience and research.

Ask for recommendations

Ask friends, neighbors, family members, or other associates for recommendations on a pediatric dentist. Search for dentists online and look for patient reviews. Some dentists’ websites show that they treat children with special needs. You can also call the offices and ask if any of the dentists have experience working with Down syndrome patients or patients with special needs.

Schedule consultations

After you identify two or three pediatric dentists, schedule consultations with them, and take Ian with you. You both will be able to see the office, meet the staff, and meet the dentist. Observe how the staff members and dentist interact with Ian and how he responds to them. It will tell you if your son is comfortable and if this dentist might be right for your son’s needs.

After the Switch to a New Pediatric Dentist

After you switch to a new pediatric dentist, if Ian is still anxious, carefully consider the cause of his discomfort. Is he anxious due to previous negative experiences, or is he uncomfortable with this particular dental practice? Sedation dentistry, or nitrous oxide, might be an option to help him relax until he is comfortable with the new dental team. If the way he is being treated at the office is the cause of his anxiety, don’t hesitate to find another dentist.

Your son’s comfort at a pediatric dentist can have long-term effects. Choose carefully.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca of Naperville Dental Specialists.

Feb 21

What’s the cost to get denture teeth replaced?

By Dentures No Comments

The false teeth in my dentures keep falling out and my dentist keeps putting them back. This has been going on for the past 9 months or so. After the 3rd tooth fell out, I started keeping track of it because I thought it might become a pattern. I am not proud to say I was right, but I was right. Over the past 9 months, 7 false teeth have fallen out. There is no pattern to it either. It doesn’t matter whether I was eating, talking, walking, or sitting. The teeth have randomly fallen out. Each of the 5 times I have gone back to the dentist for this, she asks me what I was doing when a tooth fell out. Unless I was biting something metal, does it matter? Can denture teeth fall out with everyday activity?

And why is she asking me questions like this after multiple teeth fell out? Shouldn’t she be concerned about what she or the lab did or didn’t do correctly to cause this problem? My time is valuable and so are my nerves. I see nothing to my advantage to make it a habit of going to my dentist’s office and having false teeth put back in my dentures as if it’s normal. I am wondering about my options and how much it would cost to take out all of the false teeth and replace them with new ones? Or am I going to need new dentures? Thanks. Dorcas

Dorcas – Before your denture teeth are replaced, your dentist—or a second-opinion prosthodontist—needs to determine why they keep falling out. The fact that your dentist has not taken the initiative to identify the real issue suggests a lack of desire, or a lack of proper training, to resolve it. There are several causes, though.

Possible Reasons Denture Teeth Fall Out

  • They weren’t bonded correctly

    If teeth aren’t properly bonded to the denture base, they won’t be secure. Pressure on the teeth from eating or chewing can gradually cause them to loosen and fall out.

  • A poorly constructed base

    If you received a poor-quality denture base, it won’t hold the teeth. After wearing your dentures regularly, teeth will randomly fall out.

  • Your bite is off

    Just as natural teeth should properly fit together when you bite down, so should denture teeth. Pressure from an uneven bite can cause teeth to loosen and fall out.

The Cost

If each denture tooth needs to be replaced and your dentures are still under warranty, you shouldn’t be responsible for the cost. It might be easier to replace the dentures in their entirety, though. This is especially true if there is an issue with the base.

Schedule an appointment with a prosthodontist. He or she is skilled and trained in providing high-quality, natural looking dentures that fit well and that will last. You can also consider having your dentures secured with dental implants to prevent them from floating around and to prevent jawbone shrinkage.

This post is sponsored by Naperville award-winning implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Feb 13

Bad experience trying to get affordable dental implants

By Affordable Implant Dentistry No Comments

I need affordable dental implants, but I’ve had a bad experience with my dentist. Although I won’t get into my life story about my childhood, because of my environment, I went through life without ever going to a dentist until my adulthood. My previous jobs didn’t provide dental insurance. I’m 27 years old and I have a great job with benefits. My teeth and gums are in horrible shape, and I lost 6 teeth already due to advanced gum disease. Dentures are the only way to go. I read enough about how your bone shrinks with dentures, so I also want affordable dental implants.

I unknowingly chose an unsympathetic dentist through my dental plan. There are not a lot of choices in the plan for dentists near my apartment. This dentist asked nothing about my medical or dental history. She just spewed out insult after insult. I didn’t even get to ask her about dentures or the cost. Honestly, I felt so bad that when the hygienist told me the dentist would return shortly I just slipped out of the office. I had to pay up front, so don’t worry, I didn’t walk out without paying. This was the most humiliating experience ever. If this is what I have to go through to get dentures and implants, I’m not sure if I can take it emotionally. What should I do if dentist after dentist keeps insulting me? My teeth are in horrible shape, but shouldn’t I be treated with respect? – Riya

Riya – We are sorry that your dentist was insulting and disrespectful. Her behavior was clearly unprofessional too. Every patient should be treated with dignity and respect. The good news is that you might not need dentures and low-cost implants to secure them at all.

Are Affordable Dental Implants and Dentures Necessary?

Unfortunately, you didn’t have an opportunity to speak with the dentist and discuss your options. Periodontal (gum) disease is treatable. You’ve lost several teeth, but even an advanced cased can be controlled—either through a family dentist or through a specialist, or periodontist. Well-controlled gum disease can prevent the need for dentures and affordable dental implants.

What can you do?

  • We recommend that you visit at least two prosthodontists, or dentists who are specialists in replacing and restoring teeth.
  • Keep in mind that you might need to drive a little farther to find prosthodontists in your plan and get proper care.
  • You can consider scheduling consultations with at least two different specialists. This will give you a chance to meet the dentists and see how they interact with you. A dentist’s first concern should be restoring your oral health. You shouldn’t be scolded or insulted.
  • When you find a specialist who treats you with respect and works to restore your oral health, it’s probably the right dentist for you, and it’s time to switch.

Dentures and affordable dental implants will be the last option a conscientious prosthodontist will offer. There are other ways to replace missing teeth, including a dental bridge or dental implants. You probably need a series of deep dental cleanings to regain your oral health. Every effort will be made to help you keep your natural teeth and restore any that are damaged.

This post is sponsored by board-certified prosthodontist and implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

 

Feb 13

Why Won’t Pediatric Dentist Treat Kids Teeth with Turmeric?

By Pediatric Dentist No Comments

My kids and I love their pediatric dentist. Teghan, our 5-year-old daughter, has beginning stages of a cavity. We brush her teeth twice a day and floss daily, but she still is developing a cavity. Our kids can have one sugary snack on the weekend, so that’s not the cause either.

We think that Teghan might be eating sweets at school. Regardless, something has to be done about the cavity. I prefer natural treatment. So I’ve done a lot of research online to find out what can work. Turmeric works well for tooth decay, but I am having trouble convincing our pediatric dentist to use it on my daughter’s filling. Her dentist is aware of the benefits of turmeric, but she won’t fill the tooth with it.

Although I don’t want to switch dentists, if I can find a holistic pediatric dentist who will work with me and fill the tooth as I’m requesting, that would be great. What are my chances of finding a pediatric dentist who will use turmeric for fillings? Thanks. Felicity

Felicity,

The primary ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. It is said to have many health benefits. But turmeric has not been approved for use in pediatric dentistry, or any other branch of dentistry, so it’s unlikely that you can find a pediatric dentist who will use it for fillings.

Turmeric and Dentistry

Studies show that turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial value. Clinical trials are being conducted to determine the medical and dental benefits of the spice.

One 2017 article in the International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry published a study is entitled, Clinical and Radiological Evaluation of Turmeric Powder as a Pulpotomy Medicament in Primary Teeth: An in vivo Study. The study can be found online on the website of the U.S. National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health.

Turmeric for Pulpotomy in Primary Teeth – An Overview

  • Pulpotomy is used to preserve primary teeth. It’s important to save primary teeth instead of extracting them because they maintain spacing between teeth and help permanent teeth erupt correctly.
  • 50 children who had dental cavities were included in the study. Their ages were between 4 and 9.
  • 15 out of 50 were selected. After tooth decay was removed, teeth were filled with a mixture of turmeric powder, distilled water, and radiolucent material.
  • Follow-up appointments were scheduled three weeks, two months, four months, and six months after the turmeric fillings were placed.
  • Treatment was considered successful if the following conditions were observed:
    • A tooth was free of decay.
    • No pain was felt when pressure or movement was applied to a tooth.
    • There was no tenderness in the tooth.

What were the results?

After six months, only one of the fifteen patients reported pain in a tooth that had a turmeric filling. There were no issues in the teeth with tenderness, mobility, and sinus/fistula.

Although this study was successful, more clinical trials are needed to prove the effectiveness of using turmeric in dentistry for children.

Your Pediatric Dentist Is Taking Preventive Action

You have a good routine for taking care of your daughter’s teeth. Keep it up. If your pediatric dentist is recommending a filling or a pulpotomy, her intent is to save your daughter’s primary teeth so they will guide the permanent teeth.

The post is sponsored by Dr. Anthony LaVacca and the pediatric dentists at Naperville Dental Specialists.

Feb 07

Dental implants or Invisalign first?

By Dental Implants No Comments

I would like your help in deciding whether I should get dental implants or Invisalign first. I have 3 upper teeth missing (left side) and 2 lower teeth missing (left side). The teeth have been out for probably 7 to 9 years, so my upper and lower teeth have shifted pretty bad. I want to replace the teeth, but I also want to straighten out my teeth so my smile looks good. I’ve done some online research for Invisalign and dental implants. I have a budget and I don’t want to get them both at the same time. Is there a priority of what is healthiest for my smile? Does it matter whether I get dental implants or Invisalign first? Thx. Owen

Owen – Here are a few facts about dental implants and Invisalign. They will help you understand the priority for your smile.

Invisalign

  • Invisible braces that people won’t notice
  • Move your teeth with precision
  • Treatment time is half that of traditional braces
  • Removable so you can eat, brush, and floss well
  • More comfortable than metal braces
  • Requires wearing a retainer full time for a year after treatment, then nightly for life

Dental Implants

  • Usually made of titanium
  • Surgically implanted in your jawbone
  • Require bone grafting if you don’t have enough jawbone density
  • Require a three to six month healing period so the implants fuse with your jawbone
  • Feel and function like natural teeth
  • Permanently in place, and don’t contain ligaments like natural teeth to allow them to be repositioned during orthodontic treatment

Get Dental Implants After Invisalign

Usually, it makes more sense to complete orthodontic treatment before you receive dental implants. Here’s why:

  • Dental implants are rigid.
  • As your teeth shift, the implants can damage them because Invisalign is unable to move the dental implants along with your teeth.
  • In some cases, orthodontic treatment is needed to ensure there is enough room for the implants.

Schedule an appointment with a prosthodontist and an orthodontist to discuss your goals for your oral health. They will work together to ensure you get quality tooth replacement and alignment.

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

 

Feb 02

Will All-on-4 dental implants or overdentures save me money in the long run?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants No Comments

I’m wondering if All-on-4 dental implants or implant overdentures will really save me money over the course of time. I’m in my 50s and have been struggling with my teeth since my 20s. I presently have a dental bridge on both my upper right and upper left. The bridges span across the back four teeth on both sides of my mouth, with two false teeth in the middle.

Lately, I’ve noticed that the bridge on the right side feels loose, which has happened before, and a tooth fell out of it. I’m honestly a little afraid to get it checked out. I don’t know how much it will cost to repair or replace it. When the last issue happened, the dentist told me I’m probably be a candidate for dental implants, but I’m not sure about implants. It seems rather expensive. I’ve searched online for on implant overdentures or All-on-4, and it looks like that might be a better option. It’s either that, trying to convince my dentist to do an even bigger bridge, or getting full dentures. Any idea on what the cost comparison here is? – Clifford

Clifford,

It’s important that you have your dental bridge examined. It could be simply loose, or it may have decay under it. In either case, the cost to repair it would be comparatively inexpensive. If it is more serious, the doctor may be able to stabilize it or, at the very least, he can give you options and costs for repair.

All-on-4 and Overdentures Cost Comparison

Prices vary depending on the dentist you see and where you live.

  • Individual dental implants – $2,000 to $6,000 each
  • Full arch of 14 teeth – $28,000 to $84,000. It’s more likely that the cost would be in the $40,000-60,000 range, but, again, that’s only if you had a dental implant replacing every single tooth.
  • Traditional dentures – Approximately $2,500 to replace a full arch.
  • Partial denture – Approximately $2,000. If you choose this option, you’ll likely be replacing the denture every 10 years or so.
  • All-on-4 dental implants or implant overdentures – $1,000-3,000 per implant. Can be retained with four to eight dental implants (All-on-6 or All-on-8), but doesn’t include the cost of the denture, which is an additional $2,500 or more. This is about half the cost of a full arch of dental implants.

Why Choose All-on-4 Implants?

  • Cost savings over an arch of dental implants
  • Preserves bone density and reduces facial collapse
  • Eliminates or reduces the need for bone grafting
  • More secure fit
  • More comfortable fit

We recommend that you schedule consultations with at least two prosthodontists to learn if you are a candidate for All-on-4 or other types of implant overdentures and to discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by Naperville American-board certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jan 29

Three Reasons Your Prosthodontist Won’t Give You a Mini Implant

By Prosthodontist No Comments

My prosthodontist refuses to give me a mini implant and I’m wondering if I should get a second opinion. I have a broken, abscessed top molar. It was weak already and I regret not getting a crown for it. Last week my dentist referred me to a prosthodontist for the tooth. She agreed with my dentist that  I need to have the tooth extracted and then replaced with an implant. I have already an implant for another tooth, but I don’t like the way it looks. The tooth looks fake. Now that I need another implant that I wasn’t expecting, I’m trying to do it in the most affordable way possible. So I asked the prosthodontist for a mini implant. She said that a mini won’t stand up under the pressure of biting and chewing. Why do other dentists still use them if they are no good? Do you have any advice? Is she just trying to upsell me? Thanks. Tegan

Tegan – Your prosthodontist is correct. Implants come in different sizes and are used for different purposes. A molar tooth needs a standard fixture—not a mini implant. Consider the facts.

Why Your Prosthodontist Won’t Recommend a Mini Implant

Mini implants have specific uses. They are 1/3 the diameter of standard fixtures, so they won’t work for every case of missing teeth, including molars. But they do work well in the following cases:

  • Support dentures – A mini implants are primarily designed to support dentures.
  • Replace smaller teeth and incisors – If you have a small tooth that needs to be replaced—such as an incisor or a small premolar—your prosthodontist would recommend a mini implant. They are not strong enough to support molar teeth. Molar teeth chew, crush, and grind food. A small implant fixture can easily bend or break under the pressure.  A standard dental implant will be needed.
  • Replace narrow teeth – These thin implants can also be used replace narrow teeth when standards implants are too large.

How to Find the Right Prosthodontist for Natural-Looking Results

So you will need a standard implant to replace your molar tooth. If your interest is in a mini implant because you don’t like the way your current implant crown looks, discuss your concerns with your prosthodontist. Ensure you choose a prosthodontist with extensive training in cosmetic dentistry. He or she will match the implant crown to the color, translucency, and look of your natural teeth.

Ask to see before-and-after photos of cases like yours. See if you can distinguish the patient’s implant tooth from his or her natural teeth in the photos. If necessary, get a second or third opinion until you find the right provider to give you the results you want.

This post is sponsored by board-certified implant dentist and international lecturer Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

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