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Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Oct 24

Can I convince a dentist to give me All-On-4 dental implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I want all on 4 implants. I have 8 missing teeth and the rest are crumbling. I won’t go into the details about how this happened, but I am 37 years old. So you know all of this is happening prematurely. Rather than trying to restore crumbling teeth I think it is better for me just to get them extracted and get all on 4. I hope I can find a dentist who will respect my wishes and not try to get me to save teeth. I am really tired of the whole thing and have resigned myself to the fact that my teeth are ruined. I am partly responsible for it, so I will suffer the loss. I just want to know if due to my age I can anticipate any push back about getting this treatment. Thanks. Robyn

Robyn – All-On-4 dental implants are a good way to stabilize dentures and help them feel like natural teeth. The process is designed for people who have lost jawbone density.

If you choose an option to have your dentures secured by only four dental implants, your jawbone will significantly deteriorate in the areas where there are no implants. Over your lifetime of 40 to 50 more years, this might present a problem.

Although you might be able to find a dentist to provide you with All-On-4 dental implants, it might not be the best option for you. Find a skilled prosthodontist and schedule an appointment for an exam and diagnostic studies. A prosthodontist is skilled in tooth replacement and restoration.

An implant dentist who offers All-On-4 as well as other procedures will let you know your options for long-term oral health. If preserving your natural teeth is in your best interests, consider it seriously. All-On-4 might seem to be the simplest solution, but trust a skilled dentist to help you get the best outcome.

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

Oct 24

How long will it take for my dental implants to heal?

By Dental Implants

Hi. I am gathering info on dental implants for 4 missing teeth. I have a trip planned in April 2017 and I want the implants to be completely done before I leave for vacation. I will be out of the country for a month so I won’t be able to get back to an implant dentist and I want to be sure that everything is okay before I leave the country. I know there is a healing period for implants and I just want to give myself enough time. How much healing time will I need? – Thanks. Bhari

Bhari – The process of getting dental implants, including the healing and recovery time varies with each patient. Your recovery time depends on several factors, including those listed below:

  • Bone grafting – Depending on how long a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that space will begin to shrink. If there is significant bone loss, the bone will need to be built up to accommodate dental implants. There is a healing period of several months for the bone grafting before implants can be placed.
  • The location of the implants – The bone in the upper arch of the mouth is shallower than in the lower arch, and implants there take longer to heal.
  • The number of implants placed – Each implant needs to heal on its own. The healing period for each implant can vary.
  • Tooth extraction – If teeth need to be extracted before you receive implants, you might experience discomfort for a longer period.

Schedule consultations with two or three implant dentists. Ensure you choose an experienced implant dentist or prosthodontist. Ask each of them how many cases they have completed. An examination and diagnostic studies will be needed to determine if you need bone grafting. After that information is received, your implant dentist will know if you need bone grafting. A recovery period will also be estimated. Tell your dentist about your vacation plans. He or she will let you know if there will be any conflict with your vacation plans for the spring.

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

 

 

Oct 17

Why is our pediatric dentist recommending a pulpotomy?

By Pediatric Dentist

I have 3 children and for the past 8 years have used the same pediatric dentist for each child. I have a good relationship with the dentist and have had to reason to distrust him. In our household we have a high standard for keeping our teeth clean so the latest results from our 5 year old daughter’s recent checkup have been disturbing. The dentist found 2 cavities in my daughter’s teeth and she is recommending a pulpotomy. I’m not sure that I understood her explanation of what this treatment in and why it is necessary for primary teeth. The dentist has been very clear in explaining other preventive care so I am wondering why this issue is foggy. Can you explain it simply? Thx. Marcy

Marcy – If there is infection in a primary tooth, a pediatric dentist might recommend a pulpotomy to remove it. Dental instruments are used to clean out the tooth and remove the pulp, or living tissue inside the tooth. The pulp is removed from the roots. The tooth is disinfected and a dental filler material is used to replace the pulp. A dental crown is used to protect the weakened tooth from further damage.

A pulpotomy is similar to a root canal treatment for adults. The procedure is used to save primary teeth. Although many parents question why primary teeth need to be saved, these teeth have an important role in reserving the space for permanent teeth and in guiding permanent teeth to the proper position when they erupt.

If a primary tooth needs to be extracted, a space maintainer might be used to keep the empty space intact. This prevent nearby teeth from drifting toward the empty space and interfering with proper position and eruption of the permanent tooth.

Ask your child’s pediatric dentist for a more thorough explanation of why a pulpotomy is recommended for your daughter. You can also ask to see x-rays of her teeth that reveal an infection and not tooth decay that might otherwise be treated.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, consider getting a second opinion from another skilled pediatric dentist.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists.

Sep 30

Will braces leave spots on my teeth?

By Braces, Orthodontics

Hi. I am so excited about getting braces in two weeks. It seemed like every time I went to the dentist I had a new cavity to fill and I had to wait for all of that to get straightened out before I could get braces. The orthodontist pulled 2 teeth to make room for my other teeth so everything would work out with the braces. I am excited but also nervous. 3 of the 5 people that I know had spotted teeth after their braces came off. Is there a way to tell in advance whether or not braces will leave spots on my teeth? Lena

Lena – Whether or not braces leave spots on your teeth has a lot to do with how well you take care of your teeth while wearing braces.

When you wear braces, food can easily get trapped between the braces and your teeth. Trapped food can lead to a formation of plaque, bacteria, and decay. Plaque buildup on your teeth causes decalcification, which shows as white spots on your teeth.

The white spots can be prevented if you are diligent about maintaining good oral hygiene—particularly with braces. Avoid acidic food and drink. Thoroughly floss and brush your teeth after you eat, and pay attention to the areas around and under your braces. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Keep your regularly scheduled dental cleaning and exam appointments.

If you are very careful about what you eat and how you take care of your teeth but you still have a few spots on your teeth after your braces are removed, visit a skilled cosmetic dentist. He or she will let you know your options for concealing the spots, as well as the best time to receive the treatment to conceal them.

Invisalign is an exception. The clear braces are removed when you eat and when you floss and brush your teeth. You can maintain excellent oral hygiene and not have to be concerned about plaque buildup.

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

Sep 28

My 3 yr old’s teeth aren’t erupting

By Pediatric Dentist

At first my daughter seemed to be getting teeth early. Now she is 3 years old but only has 10 teeth. I haven’t taken her to a pediatric dentist yet because she doesn’t have many teeth. She is my first child so I know nothing about tooth development in children other than what I find online. Based on what I have researched, I think something is wrong. Shouldn’t she have more teeth? What is happening? – Shana

Shana – A baby’s first tooth usually erupts between 4 and 15 months of age. Children who are born prematurely, or who have a low birth weight, can experience delayed tooth development and eruption. At 3 years of age, a toddler should have about 20 teeth. A visit to a pediatric dentist is a smart move.

As far as appearance is concerned, the teeth of a 3-year-old toddler should be white with smooth surfaces. Spaces between the teeth are normal. Gum tissue should be smooth, pink, and firm. If a child has discolored teeth or issues with gum tissue, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist.

Delayed tooth eruption can be a result of traumatic injury, nutritional deficiency, a genetic disorder, an auto-immune disease, or some other medical condition such as pituitary or thyroid dysfunction, or anemia. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a pediatric dentist.

The treatment for delayed tooth eruption will vary, depending on the cause. Treatment may include:

  • Treating the disease or condition that is delaying tooth eruption
  • Surgically exposing the teeth that need to eruption
  • Orthodontic traction to encourage eruption
  • Creating space for tooth to erupt
  • Surgery to remove any obstacles to tooth eruption

Schedule an appointment for your daughter with a pediatric dentist. Your daughter’s teeth and gums will be examined, and if necessary, your dentist will work along with your daughter’s pediatrician to determine the reason for her delayed tooth eruption.

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

Sep 27
denture-teeth-falling-out blog

Why are my denture teeth falling out?

By Dentures

My dentures are 3 years old. I thought they would last at least 5 years because I really take good care of them. In February of this year one of the bottom incisor teeth fell out of the denture. My dentist put it back in. In April, the same tooth fell out of the denture and again it was put back in place. I was on vacation in July and another bottom tooth fell off the denture. It was a molar tooth this time. Thank God I didn’t have to walk around during vacation with a front tooth missing. I just saved the tooth until I got back home because it wasn’t noticeable. That tooth was secured back to the denture, but when I cleaned the denture this morning I noticed that the same tooth is loose again. I should add that my dentist is very casual about this thing. It’s kind of like, ‘oh let me fix that for you’ without an explanation or apology for my inconvenience. I know it isn’t normal for denture teeth to fall out, so I am very curious as to why this might be happening and whether or not I should expect more of the same. Thanks for your help. Joan

Joan – You are correct—denture teeth should not fall out of the base. There are several things that can cause denture teeth to dislodge.

Poorly constructed denture – The base of the denture might be poorly made. If it’s not constructed properly, the teeth won’t stay in place.

Improper bonding – Denture teeth need to be securely bonded in place. Cheap bonding material or improper bonding technique can cause teeth to loosen. You’ve experienced problems with two denture teeth—one of which has fallen out twice. Faulty bonding might be the issue.

Improper bite – The way your denture teeth fit together affects the pressure on them. If your bite is off, increased pressure or tension can cause teeth to loosen and fall out.

It’s important not to try to repair your own denture or use glue that isn’t designed for oral appliances. The adhesive might damage your denture or be toxic in your mouth. We suggest that you schedule an appointment with a prosthodontist for a second opinion. A prosthodontist is a specialist in tooth replacement. He or she will check the construction of your denture to identify the problem and let you know your options.

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

Sep 25

All-on-4 dental implants and metal sensitivities

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I have severe metal allergies. Is it safe for me to have all on 4 done? My allergies developed within the past 5 years. I had to stop wearing jewelry because of it. All on 4 sounds good to me because I cannot afford to get an implant for every tooth that needs to be replaced. Also I want my denture to be secure and not floating around in my mouth or clacking. I have several relatives who wear dentures and they only have bad stories about them. I hope all on 4 is the answer but I do need information on the metal issue. My dentist said that she doesn’t think it would be a problem, but that isn’t a definite answer. Do patients with metal allergies get all on 4? Thanks BJ

BJ – People who have metal sensitivities or allergies usually don’t have a reaction to all types of metal. Your inability to wear jewelry indicates that you have nickel sensitivity. You might know other metals that cause sensitivity or an adverse reaction.

Dental implants for All-on-4 and other techniques are usually made of titanium. Some implant fixtures are made of titanium alloy, which includes other metals, and possibly nickel.

The first step is to find out if you are a candidate for the All-on-4 procedure. Not everyone can receive this treatment. Be certain to receive an examination from a highly skilled implant dentist who is experienced in using different types of implant fixtures and different types of implant procedures. Tell the dentist about your metal sensitivity.

He or she will select dental implant fixtures—whether it’s for All-On-4 or a different procedure—that don’t contain metals that cause an adverse reaction.

If you are unsure of which metals you are sensitive to, schedule an appointment with an allergist for testing. It is best to identify what causes the reaction to ensure you receive dental implants that are safe for you. If a particular metal causes a reaction and you receive implant fixtures that contain that metal, it will make it difficult for your implants to heal properly. If you qualify for All-on-4 and have a reaction to the metal, one or all of the implants can fail.

Your allergist and implant dentist can work together to help achieve a successful outcome.

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

Sep 01

Three Ways to Avoid Dental Implant Failure

By Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

Each year about 500,000 Americans receive dental implants. Scientific literature reports a 98 percent success rate for dental implants. So why are so many people concerned about dental implant failure? In part, it may be due to the seriousness of the signs and symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Dental Implant Failure

  • Swelling and bleeding around the implants after a normal healing period
  • Loose dental implants
  • Painful implants
  • Implant infection

Avoiding Dental Implant Failure

How can dental implant failure be avoided? We’ll discuss three key factors to be aware of before you choose your implant dentist.

1. Three-dimensional diagnostic studies

Some dentists will place dental implants without 3-D xrays or a CT scan. They might believe that a standard x-rays are enough. But what if dental implants are placed in a way that punctures sinuses or impinge nerves? These mistakes can be avoided with 3-D diagnostic studies.

2. Quality implant fixtures

Although the average patient doesn’t know which dental implants are of the highest quality, a skilled implant dentist or prosthodontist knows. Ask your implant dentist which brand of implants he or she uses. Nobel Biocare and Straumann are leaders in implant fixtures. Other high-quality manufacturers are 3i, Zimmer, and BioHorizons, and Astrotech. If your dentist uses a different brand, ask why, and do some research on the brand. Schedule a second-opinion appointment with a different prosthodontist and ask what he or she thinks about that brand.

3. The skill of the dentist

Implantology is not a recognized dental specialty, but quality placement of dental implants requires much skill. Look for a dentist who has credentials from the American Board of Oral Implantology or the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. A prosthodontist is a specialist with two years of post-graduate training in tooth restoration and replacement.

After you identify two or three skilled and credentialed implant dentists, schedule a consultation with each of them. Ask each dentist what he or she does to ensure successful outcomes for dental implant patients. Consultations are your opportunity to ask questions and discuss your options so you can make an informed decision of the best provider of your implants.

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

Aug 26

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

By Pediatric Dentist

Until last week my 10 yr old daughter had no problems with the dentist. She isn’t afraid of the dentist at all. I have taught her to floss and brush her teeth well. She actually stays on top of it all without my asking her to do so. Last week at her regular exam and checkup the hygienist checked for cavities and the probe stuck in one of the bottom left molar teeth. My daughter started to get this really concerned look on her face. During the rest of the appointment with the hygienist she got really quiet. The hygienist told my daughter that the dentist would make the final decision on whether or not a cavity was developing. When the dentist came in to check her teeth checkup, my daughter seemed better, but still a little anxious. The dentist did a thorough examination and his probe got stuck on the same tooth that the hygienist’s did. Without the dentist saying anything my daughter started crying and shaking uncontrollably. We have never scolded her about her teeth or threatened her about not getting cavities. I am not sure where all of this is coming from. Maybe it’s hormonal and a sign that her cycle might be coming early in life. For the life of me I can’t think of any trigger. The dentist was very kind, but said that the cavity needs to be filled. My daughter has wept on and off since then and she is dreading the appointment. The dentist looked to me for an answer, but I have no clue. I am wondering if a pediatric dentist might have a different approach with her. In the past my daughter has insisted that she wants to go to the same dentist that I do. He is a good family dentist but I am not sure what to do. I have spoken to my daughter about the reason for her reaction, but she doesn’t seem to understand it herself. Your thoughts? I really appreciate the advice. Lydia

Lydia – If your daughter’s anxiety is a reason for concern continues, a pediatric dental appointment might be appropriate. At 10 years old, she is still quite young. Pediatric dentists are familiar with child behavior at different stages and have learned how to adjust, talk with children about their oral health issues, and ensure they are comfortable.

You can have a consultation with one or two pediatric dentists. Take your daughter to the office with you to observe her reaction to the office environment, dentist, and staff. Although she might think she prefers your dentist, her response may show that another office is best for her.

It’s good that you are thinking about the emotional aspect of her oral health. If things don’t improve with a new dentist, she can always return to your dentist.

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

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