Skip to main content
All Posts By

Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Nov 30

When dentures don’t fit anymore or keep falling out

By Dentures No Comments

My dentures don’t fit anymore. They have been relined at least 5 times but they are still loose. My dentist doesn’t seem to be concerned. He just keeps relining them. I’m worried that the dentures will need to be relined so many times that I will wish I had just gotten a new set. Is this normal? I’ve been wearing dentures for about 16 year now. Maybe there is a certain brand of dentures that is known for fitting better. If so will you please let me know about it? Thanks. James

James,

When all of your teeth are missing—even if you wear dentures—your jawbone begins to shrink. This happens regardless of the brand of dentures you receive. Missing teeth are a signal to the body that bone is no longer needed in those places, so your body resorbs the bone and uses the minerals from it elsewhere.

After fifteen to twenty years of jawbone shrinkage, there is no longer bone to support your facial muscles, and you experience facial collapse. Jawbone shrinkage also makes it difficult to keep dentures in your mouth. You may find them slipping more often, even falling out.

The slippage of dentures and jawbone shrinkage can be prevented by securing your dentures with dental implants. Snap-on dentures secure dentures with just two dental implants. But there are other options available.

The cost for securing your dentures is per implant, but thee more implants used, the more secure your dentures will be. You will quickly notice that with implants, it is easier to eat and speak with dentures. They will feel more like your natural teeth.

 

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

Nov 17

4 Common Causes of Dry Mouth (xerostomia) and What Can Be Done About It

By Dry Mouth No Comments

No matter how much water I drink, my mouth is always dry. I work out a lot and sweat, but I don’t think that’s causing it. I don’t drink coffee or alcohol. It seems that I have to suck on cough drops all day just to keep some moisture in my mouth. I hate that because of the sugar in the cough drops, but I don’t want chemical sweetener either. What’s causing my dry mouth? Thanks. Katia

Katia,

Dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands don’t work properly and the amount of saliva in your mouth is decreased.

What are some of the causes of dry mouth?

  • Prescription medication – This is the most common cause of dry mouth. More than 400 prescription medications can contribute to dry mouth. Some of them are antihistaimes, antidpressants, antihypertensives, painkillers, diuretics, and tranquilizers. Check the list of common side effects for your medication to see if it may contribute to decreased saliva production.
  • Radiation therapy or chemotherapy – Radiation therapy—particularly to in the areas of the head and neck—can damage salivary glands and result in a decrease of saliva production. The glands may partially recover in about a year after the therapy is complete. Some types of chemotherapy can damage salivary glands. Glands often recover in about three months after chemotherapy ends.
  • Hormonal changes – Hormonal changes and the medication taken to combat them can result in decreased salivary flow.
  • Diseases such as AIDS, Sjögren’s Syndrome, and diabetes can affect the salivary glands and decrease saliva production. Alzhiemer’s disease and stroke patients may also experience dry mouth.

Dry mouth and your oral health

Decreased saliva can make speaking, chewing, and swallowing more difficult. Saliva reduces the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth and helps prevent tooth decay. It also keeps oral tissue healthy. Without saliva, your teeth will decay faster, and you will be more likely to lose teeth. Your teeth will need to be restored with composite fillings, dental crowns, or dental implants.

If you are experiencing dry mouth, pay close attention to the symptoms associated with it, and tell your dentist about it. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can also chew sugar-free gum. Your dentist may prescribe mouth rinse or saliva-producing medication.

Remember that persistent dry mouth should not be ignored.

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

Nov 09

Should a pediatric dentist or a pediatrician apply fluoride varnish?

By Pediatric Dentist

Should a primary care dentist or a pediatric dentist do fluoride varnish on my kids’ teeth? I took my 2 kids for their annual physical and the doctor did an oral exam for both of them. She suggested that I schedule an appointment for them to get fluoride varnish on their teeth. Neither of the kids have been to the dentist yet. They are 1 ½ and 2 ½ years old. Did I wait too long to take them to a dentist. I’m not going to let a primary care doctor do any dental work. Is this common? Should I take them to a pediatric dentist or can they wait to get fluoride varnish? – Galina

Galina – Both pediatric dentists and pediatricians coat kids’ teeth with fluoride varnish. It’s safe, preventive care to help prevent tooth decay. The entire white surface of teeth is coated with the varnish.

How Pediatric Dentists Apply Fluoride Varnish

It’s easy:

  • Your kids’ teeth will be cleaned and dried.
  • Varnish is painted on the teeth—from the gumline to the top.
  • The varnish will harden in a few minutes.
  • The varnish needs time to penetrate the teeth, so you’ll wait until the next day before brushing your kids’ teeth.
  • Although the outer layer of varnish will brush off, the varnish itself will have penetrated your kids’ teeth and help protect them from cavities.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist when their first tooth erupts. Tooth eruption allows a pediatric dentist to see if teeth are developing properly. The dentist can also look for signs of disease or improper spacing or eruption. Any problems can be caught early so permanent teeth can be healthy and correctly positioned.

Schedule Consultations

Schedule consultations with two or three pediatric dentists and take your kids with you. It will give you a chance to see the office, meet the staff, and determine if you and your children will be comfortable there.

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

Nov 06

Is my mom too old for All-on-4 dental implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants No Comments

My mom recently had a consultation for all-on-4 dental implants. She’s 76, and I usually go to all her visits with her. For some reason, she booked this appointment herself and had a friend take her. She’s been complaining about her denture for some time now, and I’ve tried to explain to her that dentures aren’t like her old teeth. They will always be somewhat uncomfortable but guess because she’s had this set for 15 years or so now, she wants to move onto something different.

In any case, I’m at least a little familiar with the process because I had one dental implant done two years ago. I’m happy with it, but I’m also in my 50s and am more tolerant of procedures and heal better. I’m worried my mom won’t do quite as well. Also, although my mom is in really good health for her age, she’s still getting up there.

I’m not sure this is going to be a good investment. Actually, I’m worried that it might diminish her quality of life. Obviously, it’s her mouth and she gets the final say. The doctor she saw told her she was a candidate for this, but I wasn’t there. I really doubt that he was looking out for her best interests. Is she really a candidate for All-on-4 dental implants, or should I try to convince her to stick with regular dentures?

Thank you,
Avril

Dear Avril,

Although you might feel your mom’s current dentures are sufficient, consider her reasons for her exploring her options, including All-on-4 dental implants. Your mom has an older denture that isn’t working for her.

A Patient’s Perspective

It probably goes without saying, but having teeth that function well, look good, and feel good are the foundation of eating well and keeping helping her feel confident. Teeth that aren’t functional would reduce her quality of life. So if she’s uncomfortable, or if her current dentures aren’t any good, she needs a better solution.

Additionally, her jawbone has likely been shrinking, so dentures won’t fit well. A more conservative approach would be to see if the dentures can be relined. If so, they’ll feel better, and the function will improve. If they can’t be relined, she needs new dentures. No one should have to live with uncomfortable dentures.

Is There An Age Limit for All-on-4 Dental Implants?

So is your mom really a candidate for All-on-4 dental implants? Here’s what we know:

1) The oldest patient on record to undergo dental implant surgery was 100-years-old. Her surgery was performed on December 2012. The surgery was successful.

2) Studies have shown that “dental implants and implant-retained and/or implant-supported prostheses are viable treatment options for older patients,” although doctors must understand how caring for an older patient is different than caring for a younger one.

3) Another study that tracked 133 patients who were at least 80-years-old concluded: “Implant treatment in the elderly patients showed treatment results comparable to those observed in younger age groups.”

In other words, your mom may be a perfect candidate. And if it’s within her means to have treatment, it could improve her quality of life, because she’ll eat better and feel better about herself.

Consult with an Implant Dentist

If you’re still unsure about the process, ask her if it’s okay if you talk to the dentist she saw. Due to patient confidentiality guidelines, he may require that she sign a waiver giving him permission to talk to you. He is the best one to talk to you about her specific risk factors and why he thinks she’s a good candidate.

You can do some homework to ensure the dentist is experienced and highly trained in implantology. You can also get a second opinion from a prosthodontist if it will give you more peace of mind. In any case, her age is not a factor.

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

Oct 29

Affordable dental implants don’t fit my dentures

By Affordable Implant Dentistry No Comments

I found a dentist for affordable dental implants for my dentures. After 12 years of pop-up dentures I couldn’t take it anymore. The dentist I had been seeing charged $700 more for the implants than my current dentist. I switched to the cheaper dentist but that was a huge mistake. It was August when I receive the affordable dental implants. My dentist snapped my dentures onto the implants but even he admitted he had trouble doing it. I’m very concerned about keeping my mouth and dentures clean, but whenever I take the dentures out I can’t get them back in. Honestly I can’t count how many times I’ve gone back into the dental office just to have my dentures put back on the implants. Even the hygienist can’t get them back on. I’ve noticed my dentist using some sort of tool to wedge between the denture and my jawbone, but of course I don’t have a tool like that at home. Last week I realized that the real issue is that the affordable dental implants just don’t fit my dentures. I’m sure my dentist knows it but doesn’t want to admit it. How do I handle this? K.L.

K.L.,

We are sorry to hear about the difficulty you’re having with your implant dentures. You should be able to snap them on and off to clean them. Your suspicion about the improper fit of your affordable dental implants and your dentures might be correct. Well-planned and well-placed dental implants for dentures don’t result in the problems you describe.

When Affordable Dental Implants and Dentures Don’t Fit Together

  • You can start by scheduling an appointment with your dentist. Speak with him about your concerns with having dentures that won’t snap onto the implants without going into the dental office. It’s really unacceptable.
  • Your dentist should willingly offer to identify the issue and correct it at no charge to you. If your dentist isn’t willing to admit there is a problem—and if he doesn’t offer to correct it—schedule an appointment for a consultation with another implant dentist.
  • It’s possible that a new denture base can be made to snap onto the implants, or new dentures might be needed. It is possible, but less likely, that your dental implants were incorrectly placed.

The issue needs to be corrected to prevent excessive pressure on the dental implants as they are forced on or off. The implant sites can become irritated if they are repeatedly jolted so your dentures fit on them.

Schedule a consultation with a board-certified prosthodontist.

 

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

Oct 20

There is pus around my dental implant

By Dental Implants No Comments

I have been waiting 2 months for my a couple of my dental implants to stop hurting. The doctor keeps telling me to give it more time. Last Friday I noticed that there was wetness around 1 of the 5 implants, and it looked too thick to be saliva. Yesterday morning, I dried the area in my mouth all around the implant and within seconds the liquid came back. It’s pus that is oozing from the implant. I am furious because I have gone back to the dentist about this problem and he keeps assuring me that I don’t need to worry. I can’t believe that it’s taking this long for 2 implants to heal when the other 3 seem to be just fine. Why are 2 implants hurting and 3 are okay? Isn’t this something that I should be concerned about? Troy

Troy – Absolutely. It is concerning that two implants are still painful while the others seem to be healing well. If pus is oozing from your implant site and it’s been two months since you’ve received it, you need to seek a second opinion right away.

Pus around your dental implants is a sign of an infection. If it’s left untreated, the following issues will result:

  • Prevent proper healing of the jawbone bone
  • Prevent healing of soft tissue around the implant
  • Spread to other areas of the mouth

What to Do If There Is Pus Around Your Dental Implant

Only see a skilled implant dentist for your second opinion and examination. The implant dentist will let you know what needs to be done to treat the infection. The following steps might need to be taken:

  • Remove the dental implant
  • Determine if bone grafting is needed at the extraction site
  • Wait for the area to heal before replacing the implant

You can schedule appointments with at least two board-certified prosthodontists to get reliable second opinions. Prepare your questions, take notes, and compare your options.

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

 

Oct 16

Some facts about immediate dentures

By Dentures

My mom needs dentures. She has horrible periodontal disease and it’s making her breath smell awful. I went with her to her dental appointment. She has already lost 8 teeth and more are coming out. The dentist was talking too fast and mumbled something about dentures and he said something about an immediate denture. Now I have to find out for my mom what he was talking about. So what is an immediate denture and what can you tell us about them? Do you have any helpful information for us? Thanks. Natasha

Natasha – An immediate denture is a complete removable denture that is placed the same day natural teeth are removed.

What You Should Know about Immediate Dentures

  • One of the obvious advantages is that the dentures are placed immediately. Your grandmother won’t have to spend a day without teeth. Before her teeth are removed, it’s easier to make the denture teeth in a shape similar and size to her natural teeth.
  • They dentures cost more than traditional dentures.
  • More time is needed to construct them.
  • Because an immediate denture is made before all of the teeth are extracted, as the gums heal, the dentures will become loose and need to be refitted—perhaps several times. At times, the dentures can be relined, or it is possible that a new denture may be needed.

Four to five visits may be required to make an immediate denture. In some cases, if there are back teeth that need to be extracted, they are removed in advance of the date the dentures are placed to allow healing time. Otherwise, the dentures would irritate the gums.

Ensure Your Questions about Dentures Are Answered

If you have additional questions about your mother’s options, schedule a visit to her dentist to discuss them. It’s important that you are clear about the treatment options before a final decision is made. It’s okay to ask her dentist to speak slowly so you understand the options.

You should also ask about the treatment plan for your mother’s periodontal disease. Get a second or third opinion if you don’t receive satisfactory information from her dentist.

One option you may want to read about on LaVacca’s site is securing dentures with dental implants. This will make your mother’s dentures stable so they won’t slip around or fall out.

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

 

Oct 13

Pediatric dental visit – should I stay with my child?

By Pediatric Dentist No Comments

We relocated to IL 2 months ago. My son needs to have a dental cleaning in January. I called 3 different pediatric dentist’s offices and asked a few questions. They all said it’s up to me whether or not I stay in the treatment room with my son. Our dentist in PA didn’t want me to come into the office with my son even though I wanted to do so. Now that I’m being given the opportunity, I’m wondering if I should go in with him, or if I will mess things up. My son didn’t hate going to the dentist, but neither was he eager to go. I’m just kind of curious about how he is responding while sitting in the dental chair. Should I go in the treatment room with him or leave things as they are? Thank you! Kristiana

Kristiana,

Some pediatric dentists encourage parents to come into the treatment room with their children, while other dentists discourage it. The reasons parents are asked to stay in, or leave, the operatory/treatment room can vary, including:

  • Some dentists want a parent to be present in the operatory at some point as a way to educate parents about their kids’ oral health.
  • The dental team might want to establish a positive relationship with the child without interference from the parent.
  • Some parents interject during treatment and create tension with the child and/or dental staff.
  • Many offices don’t have a preference and give parents the choice of joining their child or waiting in the reception area.

Tips for Staying or Leaving the Pediatric Dentist’s Treatment Room

If you stay in the treatment room during your son’s visit to the pediatric dentist, there are a few things you can do to make the visit more comfortable for you, your child, and the dental team.

  • Sit or stand in a location that doesn’t interfere with the movement of the dental staff. Let your child know you’ll be in the room, but not in front of or beside him.
  • Be careful with your facial expressions and body language. If your child is able to sense that you’re concerned about something, it can make him upset.
  • Observe, but don’t talk too much with the dental team or your child, unless the dental team invites you to do so. Allow time for the dental team to build a positive rapport with your child.
  • Young children might need reassurance, so the dentist or hygienist might ask you to hold your child’s hand or otherwise provide comfort.

If you decide to wait in the reception area, there are a few reminders:

  • The dental team will keep you informed about your child’s well-being.
  • Stay at the office. Avoid leaving to run errands or take care of business.
  • Issues might arise that can be treated during the visit. Before the pediatric dentist can provide treatment, your consent will be required.

Before You Choose a Dentist

Before you schedule an appointment for your son, we suggest that you schedule consultations at two or three pediatric dental offices. Take your child with you. During your visits, observe the following:

  • Office environment
  • How the staff receives you and your child
  • How your child reacts to the office and staff
  • Is the office really kid friendly?
  • How the pediatric dentist interacts with you and your child

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

Oct 05

Would a prosthodontist be willing to do porcelain veneers for me?

By Porcelain Veneers No Comments

I’m wondering if a prosthodontist would be willing to do porcelain veneers for me. I’ve been to 2 dentists about veneers and neither of them will do them for me because I grind my teeth a lot. They say the veneers would break under the pressure from grinding. I know that different dentists have different techniques and some can accomplish things that others won’t touch. The issue with my teeth is that they are too small. My smile is short and looks like it belongs to an adolescent. I’m 37 years old and would very much like a change. Is a new smile with porcelain veneers something a prosthodontist would be willing to do? Thanks. Jess

Jess – Many dentists would not recommend porcelain veneers if you’re a heavy teeth grinder. Bruxism (teeth grinding) can cause damage to natural teeth, porcelain veneers, and even porcelain crowns.

Before addressing the cosmetic issues with your teeth, a prosthodontist would try to determine the cause of your teeth grinding habit. Treatment, which can include relaxation techniques, minimizing stress, and wearing a custom night guard can help protect your teeth and dental restorations.

A prosthodontist wouldn’t give you porcelain veneers right away. Several things have to be done first. Some of them include:

  • Examine the health of your natural teeth and gums to determine if you’re a candidate for porcelain veneers.
  • Collaborate with you to determine the cause of your teeth grinding.
  • Determine if you need TMJ (temporomandibular joint) treatment.
  • Recommend therapy or jaw exercises to alleviate discomfort from teeth grinding
  • Provide a customized night guard to minimize grinding and protect your teeth

A prosthodontist is a specialist in the replacement and restoration of teeth. After general dentistry training, a prosthodontist receives up to four years of specialized training. They understand dental aesthetics and what is required to improve your smile.

Porcelain veneers aren’t the only option for lengthening the appearance of your teeth. A prosthodontist will let you know your options, based on your case and the condition of your teeth and gums.

We suggest that you find a specialist who can address your bruxism and your desire to lengthen the appearance of your teeth. A prosthodontist can do both. You can get a second opinion from a prosthodontist to discuss your options.

 

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

Sep 30

Can dental implants fail after 7 years?

By Dental Implants No Comments

Can dental implants fail after 7 years? I received 4 dental implants in 2010, and one of them is loose. There is also a lump just below where the crown meets my gum. I should also say that I feel the slightest wiggle in the implant. This is really bothering me because I like 8 hours away from the dentist who did the implants. As I think of it, I’m not sure that he is in the same location. I have to look it up. Until the last month or so, I’ve almost forgotten that I have dental implants. A little discomfort one evening as I was flossing my teeth gave me the clue. I just wanted to check with you first before I go to a dentist to take a look at it. I don’t want to be told that I need a new implant if it isn’t necessary. Just the thought of the time and monetary commitment is making me nervous. How could I have no problems at all and then 7 years later have a loose implant? – Joseph

Joseph,

Although it is rare, it is possible to have inflammation and infection around an implant that you’ve had for years. Usually an infection occurs within weeks or months of receiving a dental implant.

What Is Peri-Implantitis?

It is infectious disease that causes inflammation of the gum and bone that support an established dental implant.

It’s important to have a highly skilled implant dentist take a look at your implant site. If it’s left unchecked there are several risks:

  • The infection can worsen
  • Your jawbone can get infected or begin to dissolve
  • The implant can completely loosen and need to be replaced

There are several factors that can cause peri-implantitis

  • Smoking – It constricts blood vessels in your gum tissue and can cause inflammation and swelling
  • Loss of bone density – Certain medication, hormonal changes, or medical conditions can cause bone loss and interfere with the stability of dental implants
  • Periodontal disease – Unhealthy gum tissue will pull away from dental implants. Just as tissue that is infected or inflamed can cause natural teeth to loosen, it can also cause dental imnplants to loosen.

 

If your current dentist is aware that you have dental implants, he or she should ensure they are properly cared for and maintained. The issue you described should have been noticed during your dental cleaning and exam.

We recommend that you promptly schedule an appointment with a board-certified prosthodontist. He or she is trained and experienced in tooth preservation and restoration. The sooner you act, the less time and money it will cost to correct the issue.

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

Close Menu