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Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Sep 26

Do I need crowns or veneers if vomiting is making my teeth chip?

By Bulimia and Teeth, Implant Dentistry

For the past 2 years I’ve been vomiting after meals and I’m wondering if it’s affecting my teeth and if I need crowns or veneers to protect them. My doctors can’t figure out why this is happening. I’ve had all kinds of gastrointestinal tests but nothing is showing up. It doesn’t happen every day, but it does happen at least twice a week, and sometimes more often. I’m not bulimic. I was so concerned that this might be caused by an eating disorder that I went to a psychiatrist. I don’t have any issues with my weight or anything that is consciously causing me so much stress that I’m vomiting. Within the past month or so I noticed that my teeth feel sensitive to hot and cold. Also my left canine tooth is chipped. Is this coming from the vomiting? I already don’t know what’s causing my stomach problems and now I have to worry about dental care and the cost of veneers or dental crowns. Can anything stop the damage? Thanks. April

April – We regret to hear about the issues you’re having with your stomach and how your teeth are being affected. It’s good that you are seeking medical care and trying to find the cause of the problem. Vomiting from bulimia does affect the teeth, as well as the esophagus—but so does persistent vomiting for any reason.

In a short amount of time, if your teeth are repeatedly exposed to stomach acid, they can be damaged. Porcelain veneers only cover the front of your teeth and won’t protect them from the acid. Although dental crowns can help, they might not be necessary. Consider the factors.

How Persistent Vomiting Affects Your Teeth

  • Stomach acid wears away tooth enamel.
  • Damaged tooth enamel fails to be a protective layer and barrier from decay.
  • Repeated exposure to acid will wear away your teeth and expose tooth nerves, creating sensitivity.
  • Weak teeth can chip or crack easily, and become thin or translucent.
  • Over-exposure to stomach acid will also affect your gums and promote gum disease.

What You Can Do

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day to control the amount of acid in your mouth.
  • Rinse your mouth with water after vomiting. It’s good to keep a bottle of water with you.
  • Avoid brushing your teeth right after vomiting. If you brush your teeth right after they are exposed to acid, the abrasion will weaken them further.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste or toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for checkups. He or she might recommend prescription-strength fluoride. Your dentist will also monitor the damage to your teeth and determine if any of them need to be protected with dental crowns.
  • Continue to seek medical care and get a second or third opinion. Eventually, you will find the right gastroenterologist or another specialist to help.

Best wishes.

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

Sep 20

Should Front Teeth Be Replaced with Affordable Dental Implants, a Bridge, or Something Else?

By Affordable Implant Dentistry No Comments

How do I decide whether to get affordable dental implants, a bridge, or regular dental implants? I was given all three options to replace my top front teeth but I’m having trouble deciding. My dentist said that he would really recommend a bridge because it’s in the middle of being affordable and durable. But I had a bridge before and it didn’t last long and the teeth in it became loose. Plus it never really fit right.

Of course I’m concerned about the cost but I don’t want something cheap that is going to wear out in a few years and need to be replaced. Even though affordable dental implants cost more if that’s the way to go, I just want someone to tell me. Thank you. Siobhan

Siobhan – Whenever teeth need to be replaced, it’s good to think about their position and how much those teeth are involved in the force of biting, tearing, and chewing.

How Affordable Dental Implants Compare to Other Options

  • Dental bridge – Front teeth are directly involved in the chewing process, so they should be able to withstand a lot of force. A dental bridge will eventually weaken or loosen with the force that comes with biting and chewing. It isn’t your best option for front teeth. It’s understandable that the teeth in your dental bridge started to loosen.
  • Affordable dental implants – These are also referred to as mini implants, are used to support a denture. They are not designed to take the impact of biting and chewing with front teeth. Affordable dental implants definitely wouldn’t be a long-term solution for replacing your upper front teeth. Sometimes they are used to replace a lower, front tooth.
  • Traditional dental implants – These fixtures are like natural tooth roots in terms of size and durability. They are the strongest, longest-lasting option. It is possible to replace each tooth with a dental implant or to support a dental bridge with implants. This solution would not need to be replaced in a few years. Depending on your age, traditional implants can last a lifetime.

Schedule a consultation with one or two experienced implant dentists who can explain your options and what you can expect from each of them. Ask each dentist about:

  • His or her training and credentials
  • How many cases like yours he or she has completed
  • Photos of actual patient cases similar to yours

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

Sep 15

Is All-On-4 from a Local Dentist Really Better than Full Implants in Mexico?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants No Comments

I’m wondering if you can give me a little insight on All on 4 implants. Last month I thought I had made up my mind about going to Mexico to get dental implants. I’ve been wearing full dentures for 25 years and I have been frustrated with them since I got them. For the past 5 years I’ve been saving for dental implants. Costs have risen so much that I’ve said just a little more than 50% of the cost to have all of my teeth replaced with implants. I don’t want to wait another 4 to 5 years before I receive implants. I found information about getting implants in different places. Mexico is the closest location. I learned that I can find U.S. trained dentists there and even some dentists who are actually from the U.S.

I told my dentist about my plan and she asked me to reconsider getting implants done here. She told me about All on 4, which isn’t really what I want. Of course my dentist has to refer me to someone else get them, which is probably why she didn’t tell me about it before. I’m just wondering why I would just choose 4 implants when I can get all of my teeth replaced in Mexico for not much more than the 4? Is this just a form of nationalism that dentists here have because they think they are superior? Thanks. Lax

Lax – Your dentist’s concern isn’t a form of nationalism. She wants the best for your oral health. There are many countries that offer dental implants, but Mexico is among the most dangerous choices for dental work. Why the high risk? Consider a few reasons:

  • Quality and sterility requirements are not of the highest standard
  • You will have little or no recourse if something goes wrong
  • The government won’t require the dentist to correct any mistakes
  • Prompt attention is needed if there are implications with your dental implants. Can you return quickly to the country for dental care?

Why All-On-4 Dental Implants Are a Good Alternative

All-On-4 dental implants require skill, precision, and experience to properly place and evenly balance. Although many dentists offer the procedure, only prosthodontists or implant dentists with advanced training can successfully perform this method of stabilizing your dentures. What are the benefits?

  • Your dentures are secured with four dental implants
  • Your appliance will have more stability and feel more like your natural teeth
  • All-On-4 is a safer option than getting your implants from Mexico
  • Although the success rate is high, if you do experience complications, you can quickly see your dentist
  • The implants will still help to control facial sagging

Conduct an online search to find out which specialists in your area provide the All-On-4 procedure. We recommend that you schedule consultations with at least two specialists. Gather the following information:

  • How long the dentist has been treating patients with All-On-4
  • How many procedures he or she has completed
  • What type of training the dentist received
  • Ask to see before-and-after photos of the dentist’s actual patients

Compare your options, costs, and the results each dentist tells you to expect.

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

 

 

 

Sep 11

Why do teeth sealants from a pediatric dentist keep falling out?

By Pediatric Dentist

Can you tell me why teeth sealants from a pediatric dentist would keep falling out? It seems that whenever my son goes to the dentist, either he has a new cavity or a sealant has fallen out and needs to be replaced. At first I thought his dentist was just being thorough, but now I’m getting suspicious as to whether or not he is just looking for ways to make money. Even though we have excellent dental coverage, I do care about wasting money on unnecessary expenses. How long are sealants supposed to last? I don’t want my son to starting hating dental visits because he never has a cavity free or issue free checkup. Thanks. Ana

Ana – Dental sealants are very effective in preventing tooth decay—particularly in teeth with deep crevices. But they should not continually fall out.

When properly placed, sealants can last up to ten years. They should at least last several years, but your dentist should occasionally check them to ensure they are intact.

What Can Cause Sealants to Loosen and Fall Out?

  • Failure to properly clean, dry, or roughen the tooth surface before placing the sealant
  • Inadequate tooth coverage
  • Consistently chewing hard or sticky foods
  • Natural wear over time

Sealants should be placed to last. Take note of the age of the sealants that need to be replaced. If they were placed within the last year, ask your son’s dentist if he can redo the sealants free of charge. You can also ask why the sealants continuously need to be replaced. If you continue to suspect that unnecessary treatment is being recommended, or that you are being overcharged, consider taking your son to a reputable pediatric dentist for a second opinion.

You can ask friends or family members for recommendations of a new pediatric dentist. Also, check the dentist’s online reviews. Remember that you don’t have to commit to keeping the new dentist. You can even request a consultation before scheduling a regular visit for your son.

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

 

Aug 29

Is full-mouth reconstruction really necessary?

By Cosmetic Procedures No Comments

When I was a child I never had the privilege of seeing a dentist. Now that I’m 26 years old I’ve moved out and am on my own. I have a job and dental insurance. I also have horrible teeth. 4 of my teeth are missing and I have a few other teeth that are worn and chipped. I’m in treatment for periodontal disease that is really advanced. My current dentist recommends full mouth reconstruction. It should like a good idea, but I don’t know if it is really necessary. Even if it is a good idea, I don’t know how I could afford it. Do I really need full mouth reconstructions or are there other ways to give me a decent smile? – Bennett

Bennett – Full-mouth reconstruction is a huge project for the most skilled dentists. It requires skill, technical knowledge, and training that’s much more advanced that what is taught in dental school.

A dentist has to be trained in aesthetics and restorative dentistry to ensure your teeth are functional—individually and as a unit. Most dentists aren’t trained or qualified to provide it, but experienced prosthodontists and some cosmetic dentists have the training and experience required.

If you need full-mouth reconstruction and if you are considering it, cost should not be the primary consideration. This treatment requires meticulous planning, technique, and care. It is an expensive process.

Full-Mouth Reconstruction – Learn About Your Options

  • Find two to three board-certified prosthodontists or accredited cosmetic dentists and schedule consultations with me.
  • Check each dentist’s credentials in advance of your visit, and check patient reviews.
  • Take notes from each consultation you have and record the options and estimates you are given.
  • After each dentist explains your options, ask about the results you can expect with dental crowns, dental bridges, or dental implants. Carefully record the details you are given.
  • Ask each dentist what can be done to make treatment affordable for you. A dentist might offer payment plans or financing so you can pay for care over time.

Compare your options, as well as each dentist’s experience with cases like yours. It will help you make an informed decision.

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

Aug 29

How do you soft line a denture?

By Dentures No Comments

Will you please tell me how to soft line a denture? My dentures are only 2 years old and my dentist has soft lined them 6 times. The dentures are still loose and they fall out if I breathe too hard. I’m very frustrated about this whole thing, I am hungry and I am so disappointed with this whole process. I’m beginning to wonder of I need to scrap the whole thing and insist on new dentures from my dentist. Before I give up though, I want to try to reline them myself. He hasn’t done anything right so what do I have to lose? Can you please give me soft lining step-by-step instructions or tell me where I can look online preferably for a reliable video? If not, written instructions will do. Thank you in advance for your help. Clarke

Clarke – We’re sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience with your dentures. It is clear that soft lining your dentures isn’t the answer. When dentures continue to be lose and fall out, there are several possible causes.

Why Dentures Might Be Too Loose

There are many factors that can cause your oral appliance to loosen. Some reasons are listed below.

  • Jawbone shrinkage occurs after years of wearing dentures. As the bone shrinks, dentures will loosen.
  • Improper impressions of your teeth or bony ridge were taken, so the dentures don’t fit correctly.
  • The denture border is too wide, too long, or too short.
  • The base of the denture might be defective.

Is Soft Lining Them Really the Solution?

Your bony ridge and dentures need to be examined. Your dentist can determine if the problem is the result of jawbone shrinkage or the construction of the dentures.

If you decide to get a second opinion, find a prosthodontist or experienced dentist to examine the dentures and tell if they are being correctly relined. It is possible that you will need dentures.

If you need new dentures, consider having them secured with dental implants. Dental implants add stability to dentures and prevent them from slipping around or falling out. They also prevent bone shrinkage. If you have excessive jawbone shrinkage, grafting might be needed to build up the bone before implants can be placed.

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

 

Aug 18

All-on-4 implants are making me lose weight

By All-on-4 Dental Implants No Comments

In June I got All on 4 implants and I’ve lost 30 pounds since that time. I wanted to drop a few pounds but not this way. I wore dentures for 15 years. With the bone shrinkage from not having my own natural teeth, my dentist and I agreed that I needed dental implants. All on 4 sounded good to me because I didn’t want a whole bunch of implants and a long drawn out process. The whole thing has been a nightmare because I can’t eat because of the pain from chewing. And so the 30 pounds have dropped off in no time. My dentist keeps asking me to give it more time. I’m not sure what she has in mind but I don’t like going without eating and worrying that I am now too thin. I’m drinking protein drinks it seems by the gallon just to keep from malnutrition. Will you please tell me if waiting is the only answer or do I have options? Emil

Emil  – There is clearly a problem with your All-on-4 dental implants. What isn’t clear is why your dentist keeps asking you to wait. After two months, the symptoms you describe are alarming. Your dentist should have a sense of urgency to identity and resolve the issue. If your dentist can’t find the issue, she should refer you to a specialist, particularly a prosthodontist.

Quick Action Is Needed for Painful All-On-4 Implants

Below are a few reasons why you and your dentist need to act quickly to preserve your All-on-4 dental implants.

  • Although Dr. LaVacca would need to examine your dental implants, the pain and discomfort you describe seem to indicate there is an infection around the implants.
  • Usually with signs of infection, antibiotics are prescribed to stop the infection and help preserve your implants.
  • If there is an infection, and it continues, you could completely lose the dental implants.

Contact your dentist’s office again to request an urgent appointment. If your dentist is unwilling to see you, get a second opinion from an experienced implant dentist. Meanwhile, in addition to your protein drinks, to get more nutrition, you can puree food, or eat soup, low-sugar yogurt, or other soft foods that don’t require much chewing.

Don’t delay scheduling an appointment with your dentist or getting a second opinion. It can make the different between saving, or losing, your All-on-4 dental implants.

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

Aug 16

Does My Breastfed Baby Need a Pediatric Dentist Checkup?

By Pediatric Dentist No Comments

Do breastfed babies really need to see a pediatric dentist for a checkup? I’m getting conflicting information. My son is nine months old and has been exclusively breastfed the entire time. We’re now starting to introduce some table foods when he shows an interest in them. He has only had teeth for a couple of months and, because nursing is not the same as formula feeding, I don’t see any value in scheduling a visit. Is there a real reason a checkup is recommended regardless of how the baby is fed, or is it ok for low-risk groups (like breastfed babies) to skip the one-year checkup? Alya

Alya – This is a great question! Many parent wonder when they should take child for a first pediatric dentist’s visit. You made a lot of good points. Breastfeeding is totally different from formula/ bottle feeding.

First, the content is naturally different. Secondly, the mechanics are different. Instead of bringing the formula into his mouth where it would pool with a bottle, he pulls it farther back which stimulates the natural swallow response and very little (if any) tooth exposure happens.

Moreover, there is mounting evidence that breastfeeding may actually protect children against cavities. If the mom has built up enough cavity-fighting bacteria, she can share that in her milk, so it would seem these little ones have a whole lot going for them and might not need to see a pediatric dentist. But, it’s never that simple.

Breastfed Babies Need to See Pediatric Dentists for Checkups

There are many reasons why it’s wise to get your son’s teeth checked out by a pediatric dentist.

Genetics: Your baby’s teeth started developing in the womb. If there’s anything abnormal about his oral development, it’s good to catch and treat it early.

Bacteria: Parents usually share food with their kids. What they don’t realize is that they are sharing bacteria as well. This can be beneficial because some bacteria are good and help keep your oral health balanced. It fights off the bad bacteria that cause cavities. On the other hand, it can be bad, because you’re also sharing cavity-causing bacteria. Studies have shown that parents with periodontal disease and cavities have higher levels of bad bacteria. And they almost always pass it off to their kids through kisses and sharing food.

Cavities: Even exclusively breastfed (EBF) babies who haven’t received cavity-causing germs can still get cavities. At this point, there’s nothing to suggest they are at a higher risk, but it is possible that an EBF baby could still pool milk in his mouth if he falls asleep eating. That ferments and goes bad. Whether or not it causes cavities, science has not conclusively decided, but it certainly has the potential.

Follow Good Oral Hygiene Practices to Be Safe

The first pediatric dental visit is quick, and most insurances cover it in full. If spending a few minutes in the office can help you and your child avoid future dental problems, it’s well worth it. Yes, you’ll likely be told your son is fine, but how would you feel if he wasn’t and you could have helped him before something became a real problem?

Meanwhile, be sure you’re brushing your son’s teeth or using a special wipe/tool to clean his teeth after he eats and before bed. You can also offer him water after meals to help rinse away residue. Although these are only his primary teeth, they will impact the health of his adult teeth. It’s important to establish good practices early.

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

 

Aug 13

Are dental implants the best option for a hockey player?

By Dental Implants No Comments

As a semi-pro hockey player I’m wondering if dental implants are right for several teeth that have been knocked out. I’ve been wearing partial dentures but they are super uncomfortable. I’m also sort of worried about getting dental implants and having them knocked out again. Is there something less expensive but just as good as dental implants for people who regularly get teeth knocked out? I’m not sure how to handle this situation. I knew the risks going into the game, but now that it’s actually happening I’m getting nervous about my appearance. I’m proud to be in the semi-pros, but I also want a decent smile. Thanks. Jon

Jon,

If you’re playing hockey in the semi-pros, it’s most likely that you’ve been told to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth. Do you regularly wear it?

Protect Your Teeth and Your Investment in Dental Implants

If you don’t already do so, start wearing a custom mouth guard for every game. Dentists provide custom mouth guards that are made from impressions of your teeth. Several factors must be considered before you can receive dental implants.

If you regularly wear a mouth guard, dental implants might be an option for you. But if you experience a lot of impact to your mouth, implants can loosen and fall out, just like natural teeth. A dental bridge might be an option for you. It’s easier to add knocked out teeth to a bridge than to have individual implants replaced.

We recommend that you visit a prosthodontist for an examination and diagnostic studies. The health of your teeth will be assessed to ensure you don’t have periodontal disease. Gum disease reduces support for your teeth and can make them more easily fall out upon impact. Periodontal disease must be treated before receiving dental implants. Otherwise, the implants and your jaw bone won’t fuse to provide maximum support.

If you decide to get dental implants, there are several things to keep in mind:

  • There is a healing period of several months before they are completely stable.
  • During this time you should avoid any situation that might result in impact to your face and teeth. You will be advised to avoid games and practice sessions.
  • An impact to your face or mouth can cause infection around the implants or dental implant failure. The implants would need to be replaced.

Schedule an appointment with a skilled prosthodontist to determine your options and what you can expect from each of them. Be certain to let him or her know that you are a semi-pro hockey player. Regardless of the treatment you receive, it needs to be planned for a time that you’re not in the midst of game season. This will give you time to receive the treatment and to have a healing period if you opt for dental implants.

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

Aug 09

Is a prosthodontist right for my mom?

By Prosthodontist No Comments

I have been trying to get my mom to see a prosthodontist I believe, for about 2 years now. She’s almost 70 and her teeth are shot. She only sees a dentist when something hurts, and then she asks to have the tooth pulled. Her dentist is telling her that she needs to have a full exam done and so he can have a treatment plan. That probably means all her teeth have to go, but she says she will only do it under full hospital anesthesia, which we can’t afford and isn’t covered by insurance. From what I understand, she will need a full set of dentures, which I believe is best to have done by a prosthodontist. She might not even have to be hospitalized for that. I’m at a point where her constant surprise toothaches are causing me to miss work or sleep. I’m sure it’s causing her a lot of anxiety too. I’m not sure what to do about this tooth-at-a-time issue with her. I’m all out of ideas. What can I do?

Thank you,

Duane

 

Dear Duane,

You’re on the right track. A little more detail about how a prosthodontist can help make another conversation with your mom more convincing.

What Does a Prosthodontist Do?

Prosthodontists have specialized training replacing missing teeth. They have more in-depth training on the mechanics of the mouth, how biting forces work, and how to create a good bite by using various forms of tooth replacement. In some cases, this includes dentures or partials, but other times it might be something like a bridge or dental implant. In other words, whether you’re missing one tooth or all of them, the prosthodontist is the dentist to see. Yes, a general dentist can do the same procedures, but his or her expertise is obviously generalized, so you can benefit from the additional training and education of a specialist.

How to Encourage the Elderly to See a Dentist

Respect Autonomy: Your mom gets the final say in this, and it’s important that she understands the final decision is hers. Oftentimes, people of all ages will rebel by rejecting an idea when they feel like it’s the only control they have.

Provide Information: Keep giving your mom the tools she needs to make an educated decision. Keeping natural teeth is important. It helps with eating, talking, and maintaining the shape of her jaw. When teeth are lost, there is nothing that can be a true replacement, though dental implants are the closest thing to a natural tooth.

At the same time, having bad teeth isn’t a good solution. Keeping damaged and decayed teeth is painful. She isn’t living life to its fullest. She likely has trouble eating, too. Also, the bacteria associated with tooth decay and periodontal disease is linked to poor heart health, diabetes, and other conditions. If her teeth need to be removed or repaired, she’s putting her overall health at risk by not getting help.

Implant-supported dentures might be an option to stabilize dentures and make them look and feel like natural teeth.

Understand Logic: Perhaps your mom has dental anxiety. That would make sense if she’s requesting full anesthesia. If so, she may be comfortable with in-office methods of relaxation, such as medications or nitrous. If you ask her probing questions, you may find an easy solution to the underlying problems.

Take Small Steps: Schedule a consultation with a prosthodontist. Let her know that the first visit is only to get a diagnosis. She doesn’t have to agree to any treatment that day, nor is she committed to going back. The visit is only to let her meet the dentist and find out her options. At this point, we don’t even know if she needs full dentures. She may be able to save some of her teeth if she gets prompt treatment. It’s also wise to give the dentist some background when you call to schedule. That way, they can be sure to address your mom’s concerns while she’s there. It will help her feel more in control of the situation and they can also take steps to keep her comfortable and relaxed.

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

 

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