Skip to main content
All Posts By

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.

 

Jul 31

The brackets on my braces keep loosening

By Braces, Orthodontics No Comments

Hi. My name is Santiago. I am writing because the brackets on my braces keep getting loose. My dentist does fast braces but it isn’t going fast for me. She says it is taking longer because the brackets keep loosening due to bad fluorosis stains on my teeth and it’s making it harder for them to stick. I am worried that my treatment is going to take over a year because the brackets keep slipping. My mom and dad are worried about this, but they are no good with technology to find some answers. Also for some reason they feel like they would hurt the dentist’s feelings if we switch. I am wondering if you can give me some information on what I should tell them to help them think about getting me another dentist. Thanks.

Santiago – Your dentist is correct. It is more difficult to bond brackets to teeth with fluorosis stains. But there is a way to prepare the teeth to accept the bonding and prevent the brackets from slipping.

There are three points for you to remember:

  • In cases of severe fluorosis stains, the time for etching your teeth (roughening the surface) needs to be longer than usual.
  • This isn’t something you should ask your dentist to do, because she might not be sure how to properly do it.
  • You can also ask your parents to look at a June 2017 post on the mynewsmile.com/blog website on fluorosis stains and orthodontic treatment. The information there can help your parents decide if they want to schedule an appointment for you with an orthodontist.

If your brackets are slipping, it can affect the quality of your orthodontic treatment and affect your treatment time. You made a good decision to write us and ask for guidance. We hope you get a good solution, the treatment goes well, and that you’ll like the results.

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

Jul 26

Three tips for finding a new pediatric dentist

By Pediatric Dentist

Since May, I’ve been looking for a new pediatric dentist for my kids. I thought I found the right one, so I scheduled an appointment for my kids in mid-June. They went for their first cleaning appointment, but the kids don’t like the dentist and neither do I. I think that the dentist seems too much in a hurry. She seems like she really doesn’t like kids either. I asked her how many children she has, and she looked at me and said, “Are you kidding? None.” Why would I have been kidding, and why would she respond like that to me as the parent of her patients? It was rude. Based on her response with my children I was wondering if she likes kids at all. It does help me understand her behavior toward her patients, though. Now my search is back on, but I don’t want to keep putting my children through experiences like these. I want to get it right before their next cleaning in December. How can I find the right pediatric dentist for my kids? Thank you. Xenia

Xenia – There are several ways to find reliable information on a pediatric dentist. There is a lot of information online and there are other things you can do to help make your search successful. We have several suggestions:

Patient reviews – You can find candid patient reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. Read each review carefully, and look for details provided about the care received. Keep in mind that for each dentist, you can find good and bad reviews, but the negative reviews should be few. Don’t be overly alarmed about a few negative reviews, but pay attention to details given for reasons that a patient or parent isn’t satisfied. Ensure the dentist has plenty of reviews for you to be able to make a good decision.

Recommendations from people you know – If you have friends, family members, or co-workers who have children, ask them about their pediatric dentist. If you know their kids, ask the parent for permission to speak with the kids about their dentist. Ask them what they do or don’t like about their dentist. Sometimes the best recommendations come from referrals.

Request a complimentary visit – It provides an opportunity for you and your kids to see the dentist’s office, meet staff members, and meet at least one dentist in the practice before you schedule exams for your kids. Let the scheduler know you are looking for a new dentist. If an office refuses to schedule a complimentary visit, it’s probably not the best option for you and your kids anyway. A complimentary visit will give you a chance to see how your children respond in the environment and how staff members respond to children.

Best wishes.

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

 

 

 

Jul 25

Two of my affordable dental implants failed

By Affordable Implant Dentistry No Comments

When I finally found affordable dental implants I thought I was being blessed. It was December of last year when I received 6 dental implants for my dentures and since that time 2 of them have failed. They have turned out to be the curse of a lifetime. This has been one of the most bitter experiences of my life and I so regret that I ever got them. I had 2 implant consultations and picked my dentist because his implants were more affordable and he talked a good game about quality and all the reasons that I would be just as satisfied with the results as if I had paid $4000-$5000 more from another dentist. I checked his training and qualifications on his website, and I believed him.

After the 2 implants failed, I was told that I needed bone grafting and that the grafts need to heal. Then I could get new implants. I received the grafting last month and had a follow-up appointment. The dentist told me it doesn’t look good. He does all of the work himself. He claims that he has had hundreds of implant problems and has never seen a case like mine. During my last appointment, he suggested that the grafting needs to be done over again. A few days ago I started having chest pains and went to the emergency room. Everything checked out fine. My primary care doctor said it’s probably stress. I’ve never had chest pains in my life. I can’t let stress or this dentist send me off the deep end. I’m very nervous about returning to him but I can’t walk around with faulty grafts either. Is this a common issue with affordable dental implants? Thank you. Ingrid

Ingrid – Affordable dental implants that are placed by a highly qualified implant dentist or prosthodontist are highly successful.

When problems arise the reasons vary. Some of then are listed below:

  • The implant dentist lacks the skill required for proper planning and placement of dental implants.
  • Lack of training in current techniques and best practices can lead to implant failure.
  • Cheap implant fixtures can loosen, break, or cause infection.
  • Lack of jawbone density can prevent proper healing. Jawbone density should be measured before implants are placed.
  • If you smoke, it can restrict your blood vessels and interfere with proper healing.

We recommend that you get two more opinions from experienced prosthodontists. Take a copy of your dental records and x-rays with you. After an examination, you’ll be advised of your treatment options. You can also learn about the condition of the remaining dental implants and whether or not they are stable.

If the implants have failed due to faulty work from your current dentist, request a partial refund.

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

Jul 20

My dental implants hurt when I eat

By Dental Implants No Comments

I was thin enough when I got dental implant dentures. Now I look like Death Sucking on a Lifesaver. It’s horrible and I need help because my diet is very limited. My implants hurt when I eat and I’m losing weight fast. I think I have an incompetent implant dentist who keeps telling me to give it more time. I’ve also lost my appetite because of the stress of wondering about how many more thousands of dollars it’s going to cost me to get the implants replaced. Any pressure on the teeth just sends pains riveting through my mouth. I think chewing on the right side is worse than the left. Although I’m usually a right-side chewer I’ve tried to make the adjustment. Everything about eating is uncomfortable. As I’m mentioning it, I should say that I don’t have pain unless I am eating. I got the implants in March and this is an ongoing problem. My dentist is clueless. If you can give me any idea of what is going wrong so I can tell her what she might look for, I would really appreciate it. Thanks. Joan

Joan,

Pain after dental implants can be caused by several different factors. Pain and swelling during the initial healing phases is normal, but after four months of implant placement, you certainly should be able to eat without pain. And you shouldn’t be losing weight.

Your dentist should definitely be working hard to find the cause of your pain. It’s possible that there is a problem with the construction of the denture or the way your denture teeth fit together. But without an examination from Dr. LaVacca, it’s impossible to pinpoint the exact cause.

What to Do If Your Implant Dentures Hurt When You Eat

If your dentist isn’t addressing the issue, we have several suggestions:

  • Schedule an appointment with at least two, experienced implant dentists. Include a prosthodontist as one choice.
  • Avoid mentioning your dentist’s name, and don’t provide the full story.
  • Talk about your symptoms and when you feel them. Let each dentist know that you’ve experienced pain since you received your dental implants.

An experienced implant dentist or prosthodontist will examine your implants and implant dentures to determine the source of your pain. Additional diagnostics studies might be required, and your bite (the way your denture teeth fit together) will be checked.

It’s possible that rather than a dental implant mistake or failure, your denture teeth need minor adjustment, and you will be able to eat without pain. If the issue is more serious, the dentist who completed the work should accept responsibility and give you a refund or a partial refund to have the issues corrected. Your new implant dentist or prosthodontist will let you know what is needed to have your dental records transferred to his or her office.

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

 

Jul 14

What Is the Cost to Have My All On 4 Implants Replaced?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants No Comments

I’m wondering how much it would cost to have my all on 4 dental implants replaced. I don’t like the way they look. Would I have to go through the whole thing all over again? Before I decided on all on 4, my dentist talked a lot about how much I would like them better than regular dentures because they look and feel natural. Neither is true. It looks and feels like I have buck teeth. The implants make my lips poke out and they are very uncomfortable. My appearance has actually changed. I really want to find a new dentist or a prosthodontist to take them out and start all over again. How much would this cost? Jeff

Jeff – Dr. LaVacca would need to examine your All-On-4 dental implants, as well as the prosthesis (dentures) secured to them. But your description sounds as if only the denture portion of your implants needs to be adjusted or replaced.

It is possible that the denture teeth used in your All-On-4 implants are slightly longer than your natural teeth. Sometimes this is done to give you a more youthful appearance. Even so, longer teeth shouldn’t be placed in the denture base without your approval.

Cosmetic Dentures for All-On-4 Dental Implants

Cosmetic dentures look completely natural.

  • They are made of high-quality denture material.
  • Care is taken to ensure that the size, shape, and color of the teeth complement your facial features. That’s the difference a prosthodontist can make.
  • A prosthodontist who is trained in cosmetic dentistry is picky about ensuring your smile looks like your own natural teeth.

Although it’s unlikely you need new dental implant fixtures, if they do need to be replaced and you switch to a new dentist, the cost of diagnostic studies, surgery, implant fixtures, and other phases are applicable. But your current dentist should be willing to correct the flaws in your smile without additional cost to you.

Speak with your dentist about your concerns and ask him about the options for correcting your smile. He should willingly work with you to ensure you’re happy with your All-On-4 implants. Don’t compromise. People who are hesitant to smile have reduced self-confidence. It can even affect your social life. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to get the issues properly resolved.

If you want a second opinion, schedule an appointment with a board-certified prosthodontist—a specialist in tooth replacement and restoration.

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

 

 

Jul 12
rednose

Red Nose Day

By Events No Comments

JOIN US MAY 21ST FOR RED NOSE DAY

Donate Now!

rednose
Innovative Orthodontic Centers Naperville Dental Specialists & Innovative Pediatric Centers  are asking you to please help us by JOINING the FUN in our FUNdraising campaign. Help us reach our goal of $1500.00 for children in poverty. Our practices are all about “Growing SmileZ for Life™, so what better Fundraiser to get involved with than Red Nose Day? We are so excited to get involved with such a great movement to help those less fortunate. We’re raising money and making our patients laugh with all kinds of fun and silly antics! Please join us in the next 2 week by coming to the office and donating to a great cause!

Jun 28

How long can my teenage twins stay at the pediatric dentist?

By Pediatric Dentist

I have 17 yr old twins who still see their pediatric dentist. I’ve tried to encourage them to start going to my family dentist but they don’t want to do it. I’ve spoken with their pediatric dentist about it too but she doesn’t seem to see the need for them to change. I am concerned about the wisdom teeth stage and any other adult oral health problems that might come up and the pediatric dentist isn’t trained to handle them. Then the girls will have to switch to my dentist and there will be no transition time. Does this make sense? I’m trying to be reasonable about this, but at the same time just need to know if there are some factors I haven’t considered. Do we need to switch the girls to my family dentist? Miriam

Miriam – There are no age rules for when your teenagers have to switch from a pediatric dentist to a family dentist. Many family dentists see children from their early years through adulthood. As children mature, a pediatric dentist’s office environment and young patient base often make them want to progress to a new dentist. But if your children are still comfortable there, it’s not necessary for them to move on just yet.

Generally after age 18, a pediatric dentist will refer children to a general dentist. Some offices allow them to stay longer. Although it’s not the case with your children, some pediatric dentists even retain certain special needs patients.

Over the next year or two, on occasion, you can speak with your children about their transition to your family dentist. Ask them to come with you to a dental appointment so they can see the office and meet the staff. When the time is right, their pediatric dentist can also explain why it’s time to switch.

If your teenagers aren’t experiencing any major dental issues, it’s best to let the switch happen naturally. They will gradually become more comfortable with the idea of going to your family dentist.

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

 

 

 

Jun 22

I Can Only Get Affordable Dental Implants If I Switch Dentists

By Affordable Dental Implants

It doesn’t make sense to me that the only way I can get affordable dental implants is to switch dentists. I’ve had this dentist for 17 years. You would think that after I got 3 other consultations from other dentists and told her their price that she would be willing to go down on her cost. I think it’s ridiculous. She keeps telling me I need 3 implants but she is the most expensive of the 4 dentists. The thought of going to another dentist is making me a little nervous because my dentist knows my history and I trust her. I just want to go elsewhere for implants and return to her for my normal dental work. Am I risking my chances of being able to return to her as a patient? Thanks Jonah

 

Jonah,

There are no requirements for you to get your dental implants from the dentist you’ve had for years, but you should ensure that you’re getting high-quality, affordable dental implants. Your dentist is more familiar with your medical and dental history, and that has it’s advantages.

Most dentists’ rates in a given city are usually comparable. If your dentist’s costs are significantly more, you should find out why. There are several possibilities:

  • The actual services included in the rates might differ. Ask each office for the details.
  • The quality and cost of the implant fixtures might be different.
  • The type of dental implants used might differ (e.g., mini vs. standard).
  • Some dentists might take more precautions with 3-D diagnostic studies, while others just take x-rays only.
  • A dentist might have superior training, including board certification, or fellowship or mastership in a highly respected implantology organization.

We encourage you to dig deeper to learn why your dentist’s costs are higher. Also consider how much higher they really are and if it’s worth switching. Regardless of the provider you choose, ensure he or she is highly trained and experienced in implant surgery. You should also check the training and skills of restoring dentist (for implant crown placement).

If you decide to choose someone other than your current dentist for more affordable dental implants, it’s likely that she will be happy to keep you as a patient for ongoing care.

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

 

Jun 13

Dental bonding made my toothache worse

By Dental Bonding

I got dental bonding in September last year and it’s been an ongoing problem. My dentist filled a cavity on the inside of my tooth, but the tooth has never stopped hurting. For some reason it hurts worse than it did before it was filled. He did the filling over again but the tooth still hurts. I went back last week and my dentist prescribed steroids. He said if it doesn’t get better he’ll probably have to extract the tooth. Somehow I feel like everything hasn’t been done to try to save the tooth. It’s not that I know what steps to take, I just feel like more could be done. I don’t know how to stop tooth pain, but is the extraction the last possible option? Laney

Laney – Your description sounds as if the dental bonding is the source of your pain. It’s common for a tooth to be irritated after a filling, but the irritation gradually calms down within a few weeks. It’s possible that the bonding was placed too high and is interfering with your bite (the way your upper and lower teeth fit together).

Tooth pain can be a sign of an infection. Steroids will make it more difficult for your body to fight the infection, so that’s not the right option in this case. If there is an infection, it needs to be removed and the filling needs to be properly replaced. If your tooth pulp in affected, a root canal treatment and crown will be needed.

We recommend that you get a second opinion from a skilled prosthodontist. He or she is a specialist in tooth restoration. Your tooth will be examined, your bite will be checked, and if needed, x-rays will be taken to determine the best way to preserve your tooth. It’s likely that the bonding just needs to be correctly replaced. You can also get advice on preventing tooth decay.

Ask friends or family members for a recommendation of a prosthodontist, or search online for a board-certified prosthodontist. Be sure to check patient reviews.

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

 

 

Close Menu