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Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Jan 17

Can a gentle dentist give me sedation or a shot in my gums that I can’t feel?

By Sedation Dentistry

Will I need a shot in my gums? I’m sweating trying to find a gentle dentist or one who does sedation and can fit me in their schedule. There is a bump on my gums at one of my bottom left molar teeth. Yesterday, I sterilized a needle and stuck the bump with it. A bunch of yellow pus came out. It hurts pretty bad and the bump is seeming just to fill up with pus again. It’s been 4 years since I’ve been to a dentist. I have tried to avoid the dentist for this bump on my gums, but I might not have a choice. Will a dentist have to give me a shot in my gum? If I can find a gentle dentist will they be able to make it absolutely pain free?? Thanks. Jon

Jon – The bump on your gums that you described is an abscess that is caused by an infection. The infection will not go away on its own. It needs to be treated by a dentist. Sedation dentistry will help you get the treatment you need

After you are sedated, the dentist will clean the area around your tooth and numb your gum. There is no need to worry, though. A gentle dentist will use topical anesthetic or a hand-held pulsating device to numb your gum and give you a pain-free injection. The injection will relieve your pain and prevent you from feeling pain that may otherwise result from the dental procedure.

If there is an infection in your tooth, a root canal treatment will remove it. After that, the tooth will be protected with a dental crown. It is important that you get help right away to treat the infection and avoid further pain and discomfort.

Find a Gentle Dentist Who Offers Sedation Dentistry

You should speak to a gentle dentist about your anxiety. Sedation dentistry can help you relax during dental visits so you can get the treatment you need.

Nitrous oxide – This is also called laughing gas. During your appointment, you can breathe it in to relax.

Oral conscious sedation – A dentist can give you anti-anxiety medication to take before your appointment. You will be drowsy and relaxed.

Learn more about these options on our sedation dentistry page.

Don’t delay in getting the bump on your gums treated. A gentle dentist can use his or techniques and sedation dentistry make your experience pain free.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists, the office of Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jan 14

All on 4 implants or overdentures if I smoke?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants No Comments

Can you tell me if All on 4 implants will work better than standard implants if I smoke? Since the implants are put in at an angle I’m wondering if they will stay put better than standard implants. I’m not a chain smoker but I smoke every day. What’s the better option for me? – Thanks. Branton

Branton,

Whether you receive All-On-4 implants or implant overdentures with standard fixtures, your dentist will encourage you to quit smoking before you receive them.

Quit Smoking Before You Receive All-on-4 Dental Implants

Smoking will affect the success of your implants in several ways:

  • Nicotine restricts the blood flow in your mouth.
  • Smoking slows the implant healing process, and it can prevent the implants from healing properly.
  • When you smoke, it increases the risk of periodontal (gum) disease. You need healthy gums for your implants to heal.
  • The purpose of All-on-4 is to receive implants when you have low bone density. Studies show the effects of smoking are more pronounced in areas of low bone density. So All-on-4 will present an even higher risk than standard implant overdentures.

What about Smoking after Surgery?

  • Smoking after surgery increases the risk of inflammation at the surgical site.
  • Increased bleeding at the implant site is more common with smokers.
  • Although implant fixtures stimulate bone growth, increased nicotine hinders bone growth. So you can still experience jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse.
  • If you continue to smoke after surgery, it may cause your All-on-4 implants to fail. If even if a single implant fails, they will all need to be completely redone.

When Should You Stop Smoking?

At a minimum, it is recommended that you stop smoking at least one week prior to surgery and two months after. The recommendation from your implant dentist can differ. If you are unable to break the habit on your own, speak with your medical doctor about getting assistance to quit.

Smoking doesn’t eliminate your ability to get dental implants, but healing can be slower, and there is a greater risk of implant failure. Your investment in your overall health and in All-on-4 dental implants will be worth it.

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

Jan 09

Is the diamond in Drake’s tooth a dental implant?

By Dental Implants No Comments

Is the diamond in Drake’s tooth a dental implant? I recently read he has a pink diamond in one tooth. Or is it possible to insert a diamond in a natural tooth? It looks cool, but I’m wondering if it is safe to do? And if so, what does a dentist charge for something like that? – Ozzie

Ozzie,

Your dental implant question probably refers to a Twitter post between xxx and Drank that’s circulating. Drake’s photo was posted and there’s an awkward smudge on one of his front teeth. One of the comments made on the photo was:

“Lmao all that money and ur teeth still don’t look clean.”

Drake responded with:

“I have a pink diamond in my tooth…I brush with activated charcoal before any club night where I will see baddies know datttttttttttt”

Does Drake Have a Dental Implant for His Diamond Tooth?

Drake hasn’t clarified how he got the diamond in his tooth. We haven’t found any clear photos that show the tooth well. So, we can only guess what it could be. So here are the possibilities:

  • Natural tooth – The tooth with the diamond could be a natural tooth. Dentists are doctors, so their concern is to not harm natural teeth. Most dentists would view drilling into a natural tooth as causing harm, but a diamond in a tooth is considered cosmetic dentistry. So there are some dentists who would yield to the patient’s request.
  • A grill –  A lot of celebrities have grills. This doesn’t appear to be a grill because the diamond is only on a single tooth. If Drake wanted a grill, he would probably have gold added to it for more bling, similar to what Lil Wayne has done.
  • Dental implant or a crown – Unless Drake had a missing tooth, it’s probably not a dental implant. Most likely, he has a dental crown with a diamond in it. Although it’s not common, a dental lab can easily make a crown with a space in it to embed a diamond.

Is it Safe to Put Diamond in Your Teeth?

Safety depends on the dentist and the technique used. If the procedure was done in a dental office, it’s safe. Most dentists would not recommend removing natural tooth structure to embed a diamond in it. But if Drake has a dental crown, having it placed was likely a necessary procedure and bling was added to it. If anyone other than a dentist does the dental work, it’s not safe. Bacteria can collect around the crown and increase the risk of decay. Or permanent damage to the tooth can occur and ultimately result in the loss of the tooth. It isn’t wise to extract a tooth just to get a dental implant with a diamond in it.

How Much Does Something Like This Cost?

Pink diamonds are rare, but their value depends on the intensity of the hue, the clarity, and the number of carats. We can’t see the pink hue in the photos of the diamond in Drake’s tooth, but the diamond is likely graded as “fancy” or “fancy light,” meaning it is less rare and less valuable than one with more intense shading. The stone alone probably cost a few thousand dollars. A crown from a cosmetic dentist who caters to celebrities would also cost a few thousand dollars.

 

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

 

Jan 03

7 Reasons a Pediatric Dentist Might Recommend Treating Primary Teeth

By Pediatric Dentist

I am writing for a second opinion on what my daughter’s pediatric dentist  recommended. It’s hard to decide if a 5 year old should get all the treatment that is being recommended. She has cavities in 3 of her back molars and the dentist wants to fill them and put sealants over all of her molars. If these are baby teeth, should we really be that concerned?  – Sabreena

Sabreena,

Primary back molars aren’t replaced with permanent teeth until about 12 years of age. Although one of our pediatric dentists would need to examine your daughter’s teeth to give precise treatment recommendations, it sounds as if your daughter’s dentist is genuinely concerned about her oral health.  If you decide to leave your daughter’s cavities untreated, keep in mind the following factors.

Why a Pediatric Dentist Might Recommend Treating Primary Teeth

  • Untreated cavities will continue to spread.
  • If decay takes over her teeth, they can become infected and require treatment from an endodontist, or be lost prematurely.
  • Chewing without back molars will become difficult.
  • Absence of the molars may cause other teeth to shift.
  • Missing primary molars affect how permanent teeth grown in. This can create a need for orthodontic treatment as your daughter matures.
  • Failure to treat the teeth that have cavities can result in more costly dental treatment in the future.
  • Your daughter’s pediatric dentist is likely recommending sealants to protect your daughter’s teeth from bacteria and decay.

What Is Causing the Problem?

In addition to filling the cavities, it is helpful to consider the cause of the cavities. Some possible causes of frequent cavities include:

Nutrition habits

  • Inadequate or improper brushing and flossing
  • Frequent snacking
  • Frequently eating sugary snacks or drinking soda can accelerate tooth decay.

Limiting sugary snacks and drinks can improve oral health.

Medical conditions

If none of these nutrition issues exist, your dentist may more closely examine your daughter’s teeth and determine if a medical issue or any prescription medication your child may be taking is promoting cavities.

Fluoride mouth rinse or prescription fluoride toothpaste will help protect her teeth. Filling the cavities in your daughter’s teeth and protecting her molar teeth with sealants makes good sense. It can preserve your daughter’s teeth, help primary teeth grow correctly, and help her maintain good oral health.

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

Dec 29

Titanium or Zirconia Dental Implants? Three Things You Should Know Before Deciding

By Dental Implants No Comments

Are you trying to decide whether titanium or zirconia dental implants are best for replacing your missing teeth? There are three things you should know about each of them before making a decision.

Titanium Dental Implants

1. Their History

In the last 20 years, titanium has gained popularity for use in many medical and dental procedures, including:

  • Dental implants
  • Hip and knee replacement
  • Elbow and shoulder joint replacement
  • Protect vertebrae in some back surgeries
  • Cardiovascular devices
  • External prosthesis

2. Why Titanium Dental Implants Work So Well

Titanium is so successful because it’s biocompatible, extremely resistant to corrosion, and super strong. The element has been rigorously tested and researched.

3. What about Titanium Allergies?

The thought of receiving titanium dental implants causes many people to be concerned about metal allergies and sensitivities. Nickel, cobalt, and chromium are the most common causes of reactions to metal in humans. The human body needs to maintain microelements of certain metals, including iron, copper, and zinc for certain functions. But what about titanium? It is biocompatible. Studies show that .06% percent—an extremely low rate—of patients experience a reaction. That means the vast majority of patients have not experienced a negative reaction to the implants.

If you have a history of metal allergies, speak with your implant dentist about your concerns. Some patients choose to be tested for allergies before receiving dental work that contains metal.

Zirconia Dental Implants

1. What Are They Made Of?

Zirconia dental implants are made of zirconium oxide. Zirconium dioxide is known for its high flexural strength. It is used in aerospace, optoelectronics, and nuclear power.

This dental ceramic contains both metallic and non-metallic atoms, which makes it a transition metal. Unlike titanium, it is not classified as a true metal. Although titanium sensitivities are rare, people who have them can usually tolerate zirconia implants.

2. How do zirconia dental implants compare to traditional ones?

  • They are titanium-free.
  • They are durable and long-lasting.
  • They are white, so many people think they are more aesthetically pleasing than titanium implants.
  • Unlike traditional implants, some zirconia implants are a single unit—combining the implant fixture and abutment (which supports a dental crown).

3. What’s the success rate?

Although studies vary, results of a September 2016, Springer – Clinical Oral Investigations study reports that after one year of function, zirconia implants had a 92% survival rate. The success rate of titanium implants is about 95%.

So What Should You Do?

Each patient case is different. Consult with at least two skilled prosthodontists or implant dentists to discuss your options. If you are allergic to titanium or any other metal, let the dentists know. You will need an examination to determine if you’re a candidate for this form of tooth replacement. A highly skilled prosthodontist will let you know the results you can expect from either zirconia or titanium implants.

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

Dec 28

My tooth turned gray after I used teeth whitener

By Teeth Whitening

I recently applied a bleach-based tooth whitener to my teeth for the first time.  The next day, one tooth turned gray and my cheek inside my mouth has a small bump on it. Neither the tooth nor the bump hurt. I just think it’s strange. I don’t want to believe that it’s related to the tooth whitener, but I didn’t have any problems before that. What could have caused my tooth to turn gray? Is there anything I can do to reverse what the teeth whitener did and get my tooth back to its original color? – Brie

Brie – It is strange that your tooth would turn gray after using teeth whitener. Make an appointment with your dentist to examine your tooth, and bring the whitening agent with you to the appointment. Your dentist can examine it, the contents, and if necessary have it tested to determine what’s really in it.

Why Did Your Tooth Turn Gray After Whitening It?

There are several things to consider:

  • It may be that your tooth was damaged before you applied the whitening gel to it, and it became irritated afterward.
  • The problem might stem from the whitening gel. Depending on its source, the gel could be old, contain harmful ingredients, or not be bleaching gel at all.
  • Only a dentist can make the determination after examining your tooth and the bleaching gel.

Although many people prefer to whiten their teeth on their own, there are still many advantages to getting your teeth whitened by a dentist. In advance of providing you with the whitening gel, your dentist will examine your teeth, determine if whitening gel will work for you, anticipate any problems that will occur, and monitor your progress. The results will be predictable and exactly what you hoped to achieve.

The bump on the inside of your mouth will need to be examined to determine why your oral tissue is irritated. Whenever you have oral health issues, it’s best to receive an examination from a dentist and not to determine the cause and treatment. Prompt treatment can save you time and money, and prevent further damage to your tooth.

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

Dec 21

Is Bulimia or GERD Damaging Your Teeth? 3 Ways a Prosthodontist Can Help

By Prosthodontist

Why are bulimia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) being discussed in relation to your teeth and a prosthodontist? Both conditions increase the amount and the frequency of stomach acid on your teeth. The effects can seriously damage your teeth and your oral tissue.

Facts about Bulimia

  • Bulimia is characterized by binge eating followed by purging.
  • According to the National Institute of Mental Health, binge eating is the most common eating disorder in the U.S. At some point in their life, about one percent of the U.S. population is affected by the disorder.
  • Approximately 75% of bulimia sufferers are women and 10-25% are men.
  • Purging can include one or more of the following:

Facts about GERD

  • GERD is a gastric disease characterized by stomach acid or bile that irritates the lining of your food pipe.
  • It affects about 20% of the U.S. population.
  • Symptoms include:
    • bad breath
    • chest or upper-abdomen pain
    • difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
    • nausea
    • respiratory problems
    • vomiting

Ways a Prosthodontist Can Help

A prosthodontist is a specialist. After dental school, he or she completes two years of post-graduate training specific to the replacement and restoration of teeth. When your teeth are repeatedly exposed to stomach acid, you need a dental professional to help preserve or restore your teeth. A prosthodontist will take the following steps:

1. Examination

Your prosthodonist will thoroughly examine your teeth and oral tissue for signs of damage, which can include:

  • Thin tooth enamel
  • Rounded edges or tips of teeth
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Tooth erosion

2. Prevention

Your prosthodontist will have several suggestions to prevent further damage to your teeth, including:

  • Limit your intake of soda, sugary food and drink, and acidic foods
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day
  • Maintain good oral hygiene
  • Rinse your mouth after regurgitating
  • Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after vomiting, because they are weak from stomach acid
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Use non-abrasive toothpaste

3. Treatment

Depending on the condition of your teeth and your stage of recovery, your prosthodontist will recommend one or more of the following options.

  • Composite fillings – Tooth decay will be removed, and cavities can be filled with dental composite that matches your natural teeth.
  • Dental bonding – Chips or cracks in teeth can be seamlessly repaired with chairside bonding.
  • Dental crowns – Badly damaged teeth will need to be sanitized and protected with dental crowns.
  • Dental bridge or dental implant – If any of your teeth have fallen out, or if they need to be extracted, they can be replaced with a dental bridge or dental implants.
  • Other treatment – Your prosthodontist might recommend treatment for damage to your salivary glands, gum tissue, or other oral cavities.

Don’t delay getting help. Your oral health and overall well-being are closely related. Whether you have bulimia or GERD, a prosthodontist can help you preserve and restore your teeth.

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

Dec 16

5 Ways to Get Affordable Dental Implants that Last

By Affordable Implant Dentistry No Comments

If you are looking for affordable dental implants, you probably realize how important they are to your long-term oral health.

Deeply Rooted Advantages

  • Surgically implanted – They mimic tooth roots and are placed in your jawbone. They function and feel natural.
  • Stability – You can get maximum stability for a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or dentures.
  • Preserve jawbone – Implants stimulate bone and prevent jawbone shrinkage.
  • Prevent facial collapse – If all of your teeth are missing and your jawbone shrinks, your facial muscles will sag and make you look older. Implants help prevent facial collapse.

How to Get High-Quality, Affordable Dental Implants

There are several ways to make tooth replacement or stabilizing your dentures more affordable.

1. Limit the number

If you need to stabilize your dentures, it can be done with as few as two implants. If it’s within your budget, choose standard fixtures over smaller ones. Just remember that more implants will increase the stability. Most implant dentists recommend four to six fixtures. Some of your options include:

  • Snap-on dentures
  • Bar-retained
  • Ball-retained
  • All-On-4®

2. Limit the size

Although mini implants are not strong enough to replace a single tooth, they can secure dentures. Just two of these smaller fixtures will eliminate the anxiety and embarrassment of dentures slipping around or falling out. The diagram to the right shows how mini and standard fixtures compare.

3. Have the work done in phases

Ask your dentist about options for completing your dental work in phases. Some possibilities are below.

  • Receive your dentures first and have the base fitted for affordable dental implants later.
  • You can also receive implant fixtures in phases—two at a time—until you’ve reached the number you want.
  • If you are replacing individual teeth, get one or two implants at a time.

4. Consider financing

Most dentists offer financing or payment plans. Ask your dentist about in-office plans or low- or no-interest financing through healthcare credit companies. You can even request financing on your own through companies like CareCredit®.

5. Do Your Homework

Whether or not you get quality implants that last is mostly determined by the dentist you choose. Before you select a provider, research a few dentists to learn about their education, continuing education, and credentials. Affordable dental implants are a waste of time without quality planning, placement, and aftercare. Going the cheap route can cause many problems, including:

  • Loose implant fixtures
  • Infection
  • Nerve impairment
  • Pain, numbness, and tingling

Your choice of a provider is crucial to avoiding implant failure. For example, Dr. LaVacca is an American board-certified prosthodontist. In addition to receiving specialty training after dental school, he obtained board certification. He also teaches other dentists about how to obtain the best results with implantology. Find out what he does to ensure you get dental treatment that lasts.

Schedule Consultations for Affordable Dental Implants

We recommend that you schedule consultations with two or three highly experienced dentists to discuss your treatment and payment options. If you’re local to Naperville, Dr. LaVacca welcomes you to schedule one of your consultations with him.

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

Dec 11

Should I switch to a pediatric dentist from our family dentist?

By Pediatric Dentist No Comments

Will you please give me some advice on whether or not I should switch my daughter to a pediatric dentist? When I moved to IL, I chose a family dentist because I figured my husband and I, along with our 3 kids could all use the same dentist. We both had appointments and we really like the dentist.

At my last visit, I told our dentist that I have to schedule appointments for our kids. Then he asked me their ages. They are 8, 4 and 2. It’s hard to believe, but my dentist said, “I’ll see the 8-year-old.” So I went through all of this trouble to find a family dentist that we like and he doesn’t want to see 2 of my children? He said he sees kids ages 6 and up. Shouldn’t someone have told me that before we decided to use this dentist? Can the kids wait until they are 6 years old or should I switch them to a pediatric dentist? Thanks. Onya

Onya – Although your dentist is a family dentist, it’s clear that he is uncomfortable seeing kids who are under 6 years old. It’s good that you didn’t try to convince him to see your youngest children because the dental visits would probably stressful for your kids.

At What Age Should Your Child See a Pediatric Dentist?

The decision to switch dentists is ultimately yours, but there are several things to keep in mind:

  • Pediatric dentists recommend that parents schedule a visit when a child’s first tooth erupts.
  • Issues with tooth development can occur at an early age. It’s a good time to see a dentist for early detection.
  • Primary teeth that erupt incorrectly can affect the growth and development of permanent teeth.

A pediatric dentist will be happy to see your two- and four-year-old children. You can also find a family dentist who treats children your age. Another option is to find a dental practice that has both general and pediatric dentists in the same office.

We suggest that you schedule a consultation with at least two dental offices before you choose another dentist. Consultations give you the opportunity to meet the staff, see the office, and see how the staff relates to your children.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists, the office of Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

 

Dec 06

Five Reasons Your Dentures Might Fall Out When You Sneeze

By Dentures No Comments

I’ve worn dentures for 16 years. It’s been a very uncomfortable experience for me. Within the past 3 months, they have started to fall out when I sneeze. This isn’t happening when I cough, but I can’t sneeze without them coming out. I’m learning to try hard to sneeze with my mouth closed, especially when I’m in public. Of course I’ve talked to my dentist about this and he keeps relining them. He also mentioned that I might need to get new ones. Could this be the problem if I’ve only had them for 2 years? I’m only 67 years old and there is longevity in my family. I’ll probably live another 15 years. Am I going to have to replace dentures every 2 years? – Thanks. Marlon

Marlon – We understand your concerns and the embarrassment that comes with dentures that fall out. Dr. LaVacca would need to examine them to determine why they are falling out, but there are several possibilities.

1. Jawbone Shrinkage

After many years of wearing dentures, jawbone shrinkage is the most common reason for them to loosen or fall out. When your teeth are missing, your body resorbs the bone. Generally, bone shrinkage begins within 18 months of tooth extraction, and it continues throughout your lifetime. Dentures that rest on your jawbone accelerate bone shrinkage. It becomes increasingly difficult to them in your mouth if there is not enough bone to support it.

2. Poorly Made Dentures

If cheap materials are used, or if shortcuts are taken in constructing them, they won’t fit well. It’s common to experience problems with bargain dentures.

3. Improper Fit

Impressions of your mouth are taken to make a denture base that fits securely in your mouth. If there was a mistake in making or lining them, they can easily slip off. A skilled dentist or prosthodontist will try in a model of the prosthesis to ensure it fits right before your final dentures are made.

4. Old Dentures

As they age, they won’t fit well. Usually, they need to be replaced every five to eight years. If your prosthesis is getting loose before that time, the age of it probably isn’t the cause of them falling out when you sneeze.

5. Damage

If your dentures have been damaged, exposed to extreme heat or extreme cold, or improperly stored, it can cause them to lose their shape and not fit correctly.

How to Prevent Dentures from Falling Out When You Sneeze

If you’ve worn dentures for 16 years, it’s likely that the problem is due to jawbone shrinkage. When your jawbone starts to shrink, even a new appliance will loosen with time. Replacing them every two years is not the answer. What can be done?

  • As few as two dental implants can be used to stabilize your dentures and prevent them from falling out. The implants will lift them off your jawbone, stimulate the bone, and decrease shrinkage.
  • Increase the number of dental implants, and you’ll have even more stability.
  • We suggest that before you get new dentures, get a second opinion. Visit at least one skilled implant dentist or prosthodontist for an examination. The dentist will identify the issue and let you know your options.

Implant-supported dentures make it easier to eat, speak, and even sneeze without anxiety or embarrassment.

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

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