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Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Dec 09

Will I have to keep replacing my dental implants?

By Dental Implants, Second Opinion

In 2012 I lost 3 teeth to gum disease. I had several deep cleanings and was able to have the teeth replaced with dental implants in early 2013. By the summer, my dental implants started to get loose. My dentist kept doing the deep cleanings but my June of 2014 all of the implants were lost. My dentist replaced the implants in 2015 but over the past 2 months I have noticed some loosening again. So am I going to have to get new implants every other year just because I have gum disease? If so, I just want to forget about this. The surgery, recovery, and healing periods take so long that just about when it’s done it’s time to get new implants again. Do I have other options, but not a partial denture? Elaine

Elaine,

Your experience is alarming. We understand that it must be frustrating. You’re battling with gum disease, lost three teeth, as well as the implants that replaced them. You have advanced periodontal disease, that hasn’t been properly treating. The deep cleanings are clearly not enough. There are other ways to improve your the health of your gums that your dentist isn’t using, and perhaps is not aware of. We can’t say that your dentist is negligent, but you need the attention of a specialist.

You should have been referred a periodontist—a specialist in the treatment of gum disease. Periodontal disease must be well controlled before you receive dental implants. If your gums and bone can’t support your natural teeth, neither can they support dental implants

We recommend that you visit a prosthodontist for a second opinion, or ask your dentist to refer you to a periodontist. A periodontist will help you recover from gum disease. You shouldn’t receive new dental implants until the issue is addressed, and don’t allow anyone to try to convince you otherwise.

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

Dec 07

Can I get a pediatric dentist to do porcelain crowns for my 10 yr old’s front teeth?

By Pediatric Dentist, Porcelain Crown

My 10 year old had an ice skating accident 3 weeks ago and chipped her front teeth almost in half. The pediatric dentist put crowns on her teeth but they don’t look good. My daughter is self-conscious about her appearance. There is enough stress for kids in school without her worrying about her teeth. She is hesitant to smile because she thinks people are looking at her teeth. I guess our dentist did the best she could but I am really thinking about getting another dentist to do porcelain crowns for my daughter. Do pediatric dentists do porcelain crowns for front teeth? Thanks Elaynna

Elaynna – Our first concern is the health of your daughter’s teeth. When a tooth is broken in half, there might be nerve damage to it. If so, a root canal treatment is needed. Has the pediatric dentist determined if there is any internal damage to your daughter’s teeth? If not, you should request a thorough examination.

Most pediatric dentists are not trained in cosmetic dentistry. But you can visit a cosmetic dentist to receive ceramic crowns for your daughter’s teeth. Before you request certain cosmetic treatment, schedule an appointment for an examination.

Before you make a final decision, there are several things to consider:

  • As your daughter grows, her teeth and jawbone will also get larger. Porcelain crowns will need to be periodically replaced.
  • Your daughter’s natural teeth will need to be tapered so the crowns will fit over them.
  • Depending on the extent of damage, an alternative is to use direct dental bonding to restore the broken teeth. A talented cosmetic dentist can use bonding to seamlessly fill in the missing portion of each tooth.
  • When your daughter’s physical growth is complete, porcelain crowns can be used to restore her teeth—if that’s necessary at all.

We suggest that you schedule appointments with two or three cosmetic dentists or prosthodontists. Compare the options provided by each dentist to determine the best way to restore your daughter’s teeth based on her age.

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

Nov 25

Why does my daughter’s pediatric dentist keep finding cavities?

By Pediatric Dentist

Every time I take our 9 yr old to her pediatric dentist for a checkup and cleaning, she has at least one new cavity. I don’t understand this, because every day I watch and assist her as she flosses and brushes her teeth, and still she gets cavities. The pediatric dentist’s questions make me feel like she thinks we don’t know how to floss and brush correctly. I took the extra step to ask the dental hygienist to make sure we were doing things the right way. She was very kind and gave us some tips, but there is nothing major that we weren’t doing. By the way, I strictly limit my daughter doesn’t drink soda, and I limit her sweets to one day twice a month. Why is she getting so many cavities? Thank you – Nevis

Nevis – It is frustrating to be proactive about your daughter’s oral health and still see her have repeatedly have cavities. Speak with your daughter’s pediatric dentist about your concerns and ask for her help.

If she is maintaining good oral hygiene, there may be other factors that are contributing to the cavities. Diet, medication, health issues, vitamins, and genetics can affect our oral health. Ensure that your daughter drinks plenty of water throughout the day to reduce the amount of acid in her mouth, which promotes bacteria and decay.

It is also possible that your daughter’s cavities are related to a medical condition. Ask your daughter’s dentist for recommendations on extra steps that you can take to help fight cavities, or that the dentist can provide to help. If the pediatric dentist is unable to determine the cause of the cavities, your daughter’s pediatrician can look for medical conditions that might be contributing to tooth decay.

If no problem is found with your daughter’s physical health, the problem might still be related to oral health. If her pediatric dentist can’t seem to identify the source of the issue, consider getting a second opinion.

 

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists.

 

Nov 22

How often do I need to change my dentures to keep my face from sagging?

By Dentures

My sister has worn dentures for 25 years and her face has sagged something awful. She is now 62 years old and going to see plastic surgeons for a facelift. Everything else she has tried hasn’t worked. Some of our Canasta club members are going through the same thing. One of the members insists that she read of you change your dentures more frequently they will keep your face from sagging. Although I had taken pretty good care of my teeth, I ended up needing dentures two years ago. I got cosmetic dentures so I like the way they look. Although they weren’t cheap I will get them upgraded as often as I need to if it will help control the facial sagging. I don’t want a plastic surgeon cutting on my face at all. I would rather pay for new dentures more frequently. How often do I need to change them? Thanks Lora

Lora- When all of your teeth are missing, your jawbone shrinks. The bone shrinkage is what causes facial sagging, because your jawbone supports your facial muscles. Complete removable dentures can last five to eight years, or longer. But the bone shrinkage will still occur even if you replace your dentures more often.

In order to prevent jawbone shrinkage, the bone must be stimulated. Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, and their effect is much like natural tooth roots. The implants stimulate the bone and prevent it from shrinking. Implants can be used to support your dentures. As few as two of them can stabilize your dentures and stimulate your bone, but if your goal is to prevent jawbone shrinkage, you’ll get better results with six to eight implants.

It is possible that your current dentures can be modified to accommodate dental implants. Before you ask for new dentures, speak with an experienced prosthodontist about the possibility of having your current dentures supported by implants. If your dentures are in good condition, it might be possible to use them. Schedule a consultation with one or two prosthodontists to discuss your options.

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

Nov 18

Dental implants and diabetes

By Dental Implants

I am 62 years old and after wearing dentures 8 years, I am ready for dental implants. I am already noticing some bone shrinkage and facial sagging so I feel that I need to act quickly. I know that dental implants are a great solution but I am a little hesitant and I have some concerns because I am diabetic. My worst nightmare is to go through the expense and time of getting implants only to find that they will not heal because I am diabetic. If I have an increased risk of not healing because of my medical condition, should I just stay away from the implants? Thanks. Dianna

Dianna – Diabetes can slow the healing process of any wound or injury, but it doesn’t mean that you should avoid dental implants.

Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, helps to control blood glucose levels. If the pancreas stops producing insulin (type 1 diabetes) or doesn’t produce enough insulin (type 2 diabetes), then blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels can become too low or too high. Why can there be a problem with healing?

High blood-sugar levels affect the healing process

When blood sugar levels are too high, it affects the body’s inflammatory response. Inflammation is needed to help the body heal, but if it is chronic, inflammation can be damaging to healthy tissue. When diabetes is not well managed, inflammation can become chronic. Dental implants in patients with poorly controlled diabetes can be successful too, but the healing process will be longer.

Managing diabetes – the key to healing

Well-managed diabetes control blood sugar levels and helps prevent chronic inflammation. If your diabetes is under control, you will likely be a good candidate for dental implants. Before you receive dental implants, your medical history is reviewed. Your implant dentist will ensure that your diabetes is well controlled first.

Dental implants can help a patient eat better, which in turn can improve the blood sugar levels. So implants shouldn’t be ruled out just because you have diabetes. Each patient case is different. Consult with a skilled implant dentist and your primary care doctor to determine if you are a candidate for this treatment. Your doctors will work with you to ensure your glucose level is sufficient to provide the best outcome for your dental implants.

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

Nov 07

Fillings from the pediatric dentist keep falling out of my son’s teeth

By Pediatric Dentist

My 8yr old had a dental cleaning appointment with his pediatric dentist in September and 4 cavities were found. I think this is excessive because I make sure he brushes 2 times and day and flosses every day. So one cavity would be a surprise, but 4 seems really suspicious to me. Within the past 2 months, 2 of the 4 fillings have fallen out. They fell out separately, so we have made 2 trips back to the dentist to have the cavities filled again. I am watching the teeth closely and checking them. Last night I noticed that one of the fillings feels loose. I am not sure if the fillings are being done correctly or if they are needed at all. Should I get a second opinion?

You didn’t mention it, but were your son’s cavities filled with amalgam or composite fillings? Composite fillings that are correctly placed bind to the teeth and are unlikely to fall out.

One of our pediatric dentists would need to examine your son’s teeth to determine what’s causing the problem, but it could be due to moisture on the teeth during the process of filling them. After decay is cleaned from a tooth, it should be completely dry during the filling procedure. Otherwise, fillings don’t bond well and are more liken to loosen or fall out. Cotton, air, and dental dams help isolate the tooth and keep it dry.

Children are often wiggly during dental appointments, and it might be more difficult to keep a child still and ensure the teeth are kept dry. Care must be taken during the process to ensure the process goes well.

A different pediatric dentist might get better results on your son’s teeth. Many dental offices have ways to distract children and help them relax during appointments. Before you have the loose filling replaced, speak with your son’s dentist and ask what he thinks is causing the issue, and what can be done to prevent additional fillings from loosening and falling out.

You always have the option of getting a second opinion from another pediatric dentist who will examine your son’s teeth and fillings and let you know your options.

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

Nov 03

Can a prosthodontist make my dentures look better?

By Prosthodontist

In June of this year I received dentures from a general dentist. At the time I knew nothing about a prosthodontist so after I had a consultation with 2 different dentists, I selected one of the dentists. I got my 8 remaining teeth extracted so that I could get dentures. I learned about dental implants but they are just way out of my budge right now, but I am saving for them. The time since June has been stressful. The dentures have no character. The teeth in them look like pegs so my smile is very generic. It looks like a block of teeth, not individual teeth. My dentist calls it a perfect smile because all of the teeth look the same. I think it looks fake. Several of my friends have asked me what I did to my teeth. If it’s a close friend, I have explained that I have new dentures. Their reply is kind of like, ‘Okay, I understand now.’ That shouldn’t be. The results I got from this dentist tell me not to look to him for any resolution. I don’t think he is capable. So know that I know about prosthodontists, I am turning to you for advice. Is there anything that can be done to my new dentures to make them look better? Bridget

Bridget – A smile is so personal that it can affect the way you feel about yourself. We are sorry to learn of your bad experience with dentures and the impact it’s had on you. A skilled prosthodontist can design a smile that fits your mouth, facial features, and personality so that it looks completely natural. You will get compliments on your smile instead of questions about what happened to it.

Unfortunately, a prosthodontist isn’t able to alter your existing dentures to give them a lifelike appearance. Altering your dentures would affect your bite and the way the denture teeth fit in the base. Your dentures just wouldn’t look good.

We recommend that you schedule a consultation with one or two skilled prosthodontists. Take along with you pictures of your smile before you received dentures. A prosthodontist will be able to create a smile with new dentures that looks natural and helps you smile proudly.

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

Oct 31

What to avoid when looking for affordable dental implants

By Affordable Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I am looking for affordable dental implants, but I know I want them from a dentist in the U.S. My cousin is 4 years older than me and she lives in California. Since Mexico is close, earlier this year, she went there for dental implants. She found a dentist who was U.S. trained. She spent a year with the process of going back and forth for follow-up appointments, and everything went well. She really liked the dentist too. Her implants look great and she saved $3000 over the cost of getting them in the U.S. When I spoke with her last month, she said she is having trouble with one of the implants. She had been back to Mexico trying to get it straight. She still likes the dentist but she is worried that she will need to get a second opinion because she has pain and swelling around the implant. The dentist in Mexico is talking about taking out the implant and starting all over again. Since I am looking for affordable dental implants I don’t want to make the same mistake, even with a U.S. dentist. What should I look for or ask about to make sure I am not getting cheap implants? Thanks Antoinette

You are wise to insist on getting affordable dental implants from a dentist in the U.S. The regulations for implant surgery and materials are much high than many countries. U.S. implant dentists also have to purchase insurance. Those are some of the reasons that U.S. costs are higher.

In many countries, including Mexico, your dental implants are not regulated. The contract will be between you and your doctor. If you have problems, you might have little recourse, and have to follow-up with an implant dentist in the U.S.

Successful dental implants require quality implant fixtures and the skill of a highly trained implant dentist. The success of your dental implants, in part, depends on those factors. So as you start seeking an implant dentist, check his or her credentials first. The skill of the dentist should be your primary concern. A conscientious implant dentist will use high-quality fixtures.

Dental implants require a great deal of skill as well, and that has a major impact on how well they perform. Overall, they have about a 98% success rate, but doctors with more experience deliver better results.

Find two or three skilled dentists, compare their credentials, and compare the costs for implants. In that sense, you can find the dentist who provides the most affordable dental implants. Financing and payment plans might also be available to meet your budget.

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

Oct 28

My porcelain veneers keep getting stains on them

By Porcelain Veneers

I got porcelain veneers in June of 2013. I really like the way they feel and they are so comfortable that I forget they are on my teeth. In March of this year I noticed a stain on a left incisor. My regular cleaning appointment at the dentist was in June so I brought the stain to the attention of my hygienist and she cleaned it off with n problem. By august another veneer had stained. I called the office and they asked me questions about what I was eating or drinking but nothing points to the reason for the stains. So I went back to the office and had the stained removed. Last week I noticed that the first veneer that I had the stain cleaned off is stained again but in a different location. I am keep my teeth cleaned and flossed but these stains keep popping up. I have asked my hygienist about it and she only questions me about what I am eating, but I am certain that is not the problem. Why are the stains recurring? Thanks. Mylan

Mylan,

Porcelain veneers generally don’t stain. Porcelain is durable and virtually stain resistant. But it is possible for the outer layer of the veneers to be get microscopic scratches on it and attract stains.

Extra care must be taken when you receive a dental cleaning and polishing at the dentist’s office. Certain polishing pastes and dental tools can scratch the surface of your veneers. When that happens, debris from food and drink can build up in the tiny scratches and cause stains. Ensure that your dentist and hygienist have been trained in how to properly clean veneers.

Certain types of toothpaste can also cause stains. If you use whitening toothpaste or other types of abrasive toothpaste, fine scratches can be left in the veneers. Whitening toothpaste won’t brighten your veneers, but it will scratch them. Your porcelain veneers need to be closely examined for microscopic scratches. If your veneers are scratched, they will need to be replaced.

Sometimes avid coffee or tea drinkers, or avid smokers, get stains on the surface of their veneers. If the stains on your veneers are only on the surface, a skilled cosmetic dentist will be able to polish your veneers to remove the stains. Ask your dentist to examine your veneers to determine if there are scratches on them or if the stains are only on the surface. You also have the option of visiting an experienced cosmetic dentist for the examination and a second opinion.

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

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