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Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Jul 20

Getting implants for front teeth and need some advice

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I have four front teeth that need to be replaced. Actually, I’ve been wearing a removable partial denture, and I have a bridge, but I’m not satisfied with the way it looks. I’m 53 yrs old, single, and still very much concerned about my appearance. I want the four teeth to look beautiful and feel natural, so I’m going with four implants with crowns, but I have a few issues that need to be addressed so that the work looks natural. My gums show a lot when I smile, so I don’t want gums to overtake my crowns. I don’t want the crowns to have a metal foundation, because my gums are already too noticeable. I think some preparation of my gums is needed, although we haven’t discussed that. I don’t want a black line developing from the metal. On top of this, the dentist plans to put crowns on the teeth on either side of the front four, so that the color and size of the teeth will look their best. I’m not clear on the kind of crowns he plans to use, so I’ll have to discuss that with him before the work is done. Also, the dentist hasn’t mentioned it, but I know that my teeth need to be whitened before the work is done, so that the color of the crowns will match my whitened teeth. Have I left out any considerations? Thanks! – Eva T. South Bend, IN

Eva – It’s uncertain why the dentist would recommend two crowns on either side of the four implants, but if it’s for appearance, porcelain veneers may the best choice. An artistic prosthodontist can make them look like your natural teeth, and will discuss the veneers as the preference to crowns.

Also, you should be informed of what the dentist’s intentions are for shaping your gums and whitening your teeth.

Keep in mind that the dental implant is made of metal, so the key to getting natural-looking teeth is to have a cosmetic dentist who is proficient at permanently hiding the border between the implant and the crown, and at giving each crown—whether all-porcelain or all-ceramic—the correct color and translucency, so that it looks natural and beautiful.

Be cautious about asking your dentist for specific techniques that he might not be comfortable with. If a dentist has artistic inclination, he or she will be concerned about giving you a beautiful smile. He or she will readily address the issues of your adjusting your gumline, whitening your teeth and recommending porcelain veneers for your canine teeth.

Prosthodontists are specialists who have been trained to replace and restore teeth. Find a skilled prosthodontist  who has an artistic eye for smile makeovers. Ask to see before-and-after pictures of smile makeovers that he or she has completed. You’ve mentioned that you want a beautiful, natural looking smile, and you’ll be delighted with it, if you find an artistic prosthodontist who can do it.

 

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

 

 

Jul 17

5 of the Smartest Ways to Help Your Child Enjoy a Pediatric Dental Appointment

By Pediatric Dentist

Millions of adults get nervous about dental appointments and regularly cancel or delay appointments altogether. But is dental anxiety unavoidable? What can you do to help your child relax and have a good dental appointment? His or her dental experiences in childhood can determine how dental appointments are viewed as an adult.

1. Be positive about your own dental appointment

Find ways to speak and act positively about your own dental appointments. If your child senses that you are afraid of going to the dentist, he or she may begin to think there is a valid reason for fear. Your child can develop anxiety over dental appointments without even having a negative experience at the appointment.

2. Build excitement for your child’s pediatric dentist’s appointment

Talk about the benefits of going to the dentist. Clean teeth, a pretty smile, a good report, and no cavities are just some of the reasons to go to the dentist regularly. Let your child know how proud you are of him or her for good behavior at the dentist’s office.

3. Let your child know what to expect

Tell your child what happens at a dental appointment. Let him or her know the different people that you both will meet and what will be done to take care of your child’s teeth. If possible take your child with you to your own dental appointment. It’s a good chance to observe you and see the positive results of going to the dentist.

4. Get acquainted with the dentist first

Don’t just randomly choose a dentist and bring your child to appointment at an office he or she has never seen. Think of what it’s like to be a child and allow a complete stranger to put his or her hands in your mouth and start cleaning your teeth. In advance of a dental cleaning appointment, schedule an appointment for your child to see the dentist’s office, meet the staff, and meet the dentist.

If you sense that your child is not comfortable with any of the staff members or the staff environment, it may be best to keep searching for another dentist.

5. Practice good oral hygiene at home

Floss and brush your child’s teeth to help him or her maintain good oral hygiene. Let your child know that the dentist will make sure that his or her teeth are extra clean and healthy.

Relax. Let your child see that you are relaxed and excited about the dental appointment. Pay close attention to how your child responds to the office environment and staff. Do what you can to ensure your child has a positive dental experience.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca. Dr. LaVacca’s office has a team of skilled general dentists, pediatric dentists, and an orthodontist.

Jul 14
dentures-same-day-teeth-extracted-blog

Can I get dentures the same day my teeth are extracted?

By Dentures, Prosthodontist

So many of my teeth are either missing or badly decayed that I’ve decided to get dentures before the year is over. This has not been an easy decision for me, but I think dentures are better than walking around with corroded teeth. I am nervous about the whole thing and I am a punk when it comes to going to the dentist. The more information I have, the more it will help me to make the transition. So I have some questions for any one of your dentists who can help. Will I be conscious or unconscious when my teeth are pulled for dentures? Does the dentist pull them all the same day? Can I get dentures the same day or do I have to wait? Thank you. Braxton

Braxton – When teeth are extracted for dentures, a prosthodontist can provide you with conscious oral sedation, which will make you very relaxed, but you will still be awake and able to respond to the dentist’s questions and commands. Or, you can receive the next level of sedation—IV sedation, which will causes many patients to sleep through the procedure.

It is possible to extract all of your teeth in the same day. Your prosthodontist will make the determination based on your case.

One option for dentures is an immediate denture, which you receive the same day your teeth are extracted. Immediate dentures minimize the swelling and bleeding that occur when all of your teeth are extracted. Immediate dentures require more follow-up visits and adjustments than conventional dentures, so they are more expensive.

If you receive conventional dentures, your prosthodontist will place them after your gums heal from the extraction. Your dentures will fit better than they would with immediate dentures.

Dentures can be secured with standard implants or mini implants to stabilize them and prevent them from slipping around in your mouth. Standard implants provide more stability, and the more implants you receive, the more secure your dentures will be.

Schedule a consultation with a prosthodontist to discuss your options for dentures, as well as which form of sedation is best for the extraction of your teeth. A skilled prosthodontist can provide you with natural-looking dentures that are comfortable and stable.

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

 

Jun 30

If my All on 4 implants are healed, can I smoke every now and then?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

I got All on 4 implants in January 2015. Before I got the implants my surgeon told me that I had to quit smoking, so I did quit. I wanted to implants to heal correctly and I just found out 2 weeks ago that they are completely healed and everything is fine. I have actually enjoyed the benefits of not smoking. I feel healthier and my skin looks better. Part of my smoking though, was for social reasons. I still hang out with the same guys. After a few rounds of golf we get a few drinks and smoke cigars. I have been tempted to smoke a few times lately. Now that the implants are healed can I smoke every now and then with minimal risk? Thanks. David C.

David – Any smoking, whether it’s long- or short-term, can increase the risk of dental implant failure—even if the implants have already healed.

Smoking poses a risk for dental implants becauseit can cause gum irritation and inflammation. The inflammation promotes periodontal, or gum, disease. If these problems occur around the dental implants, it can cause an infection and implant failure.

Blood flow is also restricted when you smoke. Sufficient blood flow is needed for healthy gums and jawbone. Healthy gums and jawbone are essential for the longevity of All-On-4 dental implants.

It is possible that you can smoke during social occasions and maintain healthy gums, but is it worth the risk? There is no way of determining when or how your gums will be affected by smoking. Smoking socially increases the risk of completely returning to the habit.

We advise that you remain a non-smoker. Your oral health and the longevity of your dental implants will only benefit from it.

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

Jun 29

Prosthodontist or another dentist for a broken implant?

By Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

 

I didn’t know about a prosthodontist until I found your website on my Google search for failed dental implants. I think you may be able to advise me on my situation: My dentist sent me to a oral surgeon to get a implant. The surgeon did a beautiful job on the bone grafting and implant. I went back to my dentist in October to get the crown. Something just didn’t feel write when he was putting it on. Anyway the implant hurts and it is loose. So of course I didn’t go back to my dentist, I went to another one to take a look at it and he said yes it is loose and he can refer me to an endodontist to fix it. Hmm. Then I am going to have to go back to my dentist to get a crown on it which is how this started in the first place. I didn’t have any trouble until my dentist put the crown on. What should I do? – Helena

Helena– Find a dentist who is trained in implantology, such as a prosthodontist. You may need to have bone grafted to ensure the implant is stable, but the problem can be corrected.

Check the credentials of the dentist to see if he or she has extensive training specific to dental implants. You can check for credentials from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists or the American Board of Oral Implantology. Ask questions and express your concerns about the placement of your crown.

An advantage of receiving dental implants from a prosthodontist is that he or she completes every place of the process. Diagnostic studies, planning, surgery, and crown placement are all completed by the same specialists. Prosthodontists have extensive experience in implant placement and can often provide more predictable outcomes.

Schedule consultations with two or three implant dentists, and include a prosthodontist as a second or third opinion. We know this situation has been a disappointment for you, and we wish you the best on your future treatment.

 

Jun 27

Is it safe to get affordable dental implants from a dental school?

By Dental Implants

I have been to Clear Choice and 4 implant dentists trying to get the most affordable dental implants I can without compromising on quality. I know implants can fail because I’ve had 2 that failed already. I have divorced myself from the previous dentist and am back in the hunt for a competent dentist and surgeon. It has been 4 years since I had my implant failure and I have been hesitant to jump back in too soon. Just in the past 4 years I have seen a rise in the cost and I am starting to get worried that I might have to get a bridge instead of implants. I was talking about the issue with a friend and he suggested a dental school. To me, it sounds like a bunch of rookies trying to get it right and I am the guinea pig. Is a dental school really a safe place to go to get implants I can afford? Thanks Vince.

 

Vince,

Many people who want affordable dental implants consider a dental school. Dental schools are highly regulated. Each student’s work is monitored and reviewed by an instructor. So it may seem like the perfect place to receive quality implants for less.

There is limited on the success rate of dental implants performed by dental students. A study conducted at Oregon Health and Science University – Advanced Education Program in Periodontics shows a 95.8 success rate for dental students. Periodontists are specialists, so these students are spending an extra two years of study that includes training in implantology. The study on implant success rate did not indicate the year of post-graduate study or training for the dental students in the survey. Some patients specifically request the most advanced students, but there is no guarantee the request will be granted.

There is plenty of data on experienced implant dentists. It may be helpful to know what highly skilled implant dentists have a 98% success rate. If you choose to receive the service from a dental school, keep in mind that the success rate isn’t as great.

An additional thought is that since you have a history of dental implant failure, you can benefit from the expertise of a skilled implant dentist or prosthodontist. He or she will thoroughly review your dental history and records to make every attempt to identify the previous cause of failure and avoid it.

Speak with skilled dentist about payment plans and financing to help make implants affordable for you. Be certain not to compromise quality for cost.

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

Jun 20

How often do pediatric dentists take x-rays?

By Pediatric Dentist, X-rays

Is it normal practice to give kids x-rays with every 6 month checkup? Whenever I take my kids to the pediatric dentist the x-rays are done. Our insurance only pays for yearly x-rays, but the dentist does it twice a year. I am not really used to this. We’ve had this dentist 2 years and no previous dentist did x-rays twice a year. Of course I asked about it and I was told that it’s their normal practice. The radiation exposure on my kids makes me nervous. I have three kids under the age of 8 and I think they are too young for frequent unnecessary x-rays. I want to call ahead before the next dental cleaning to ask the office to waive the x-rays. I don’t want it to be an issue when I arrive. I am just wondering if this office is an exception to the usual yearly x-ray rate. If so maybe I need to switch to a new dentist. – Xaria W.

Xaria- The most common practice is for x-rays to be completed yearly. Some pediatric dentists increase the rate to every six months—particularly with children you are cavity prone. X-rays can assist with early detection of tooth decay. Early detection can help prevent the need for a filling, or only a small filling may be needed, as opposed to deep decay that requires a dental crown. Your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to tell you if it’s their practice for all patients, or if there is a specific reason that your children’s x-rays are being done more frequently.

Digital dental x-rays emit low levels of radiation. The level is equivalent to receiving rays from the sun after standing outside for a few minutes. Today’s x-rays have 80% less exposure to radiation than traditional film x-rays. Although the exposure level is low, patients are protected with a lead apron.

Insurance companies provide benefits for adequate preventive care, including x-rays. If more frequent care is needed, patients pay out of pocket. If your children need more frequent x-rays, but your insurance plan won’t cover the additional diagnostic studies, we recommend that you put your children’s oral health first.

If you call in advance as planned, you can find out why more frequent x-rays are being recommended. If you are skeptical about the reason given, you can opt to receive a second opinion from another pediatric dentist.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Anthony LaVacca for Innovative Pediatric Dentistry in Naperville.

Jun 13

Do her dental implants need to be redone?

By Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

My wife had 6 dental implants done in the Philippines. We stayed for 3 days for a follow up appt. to make sure everything looked good. When we got back to the states, after just 5 weeks 2 upper implants and two lower implants are very loose. 4 out of 6 doesn’t sound like good odds to us. She is afraid to eat anything other than soft foods because she is afraid that they may come completely loose and she chokes on them. The implant dentist said that she had enough jawbone density for the implants. We don’t understand why this is happening. I hate to see her suffer like this. Neither of us want to go back to the Philippines even though the doctor there is willing so see her and fix whatever is wrong. Of course he is the one that caused the problem so do we really want to return? What do you suggest? Do her dental implants need to be redone?Thank you very much. Ted R.

Ted – Your wife’s experience is very unfortunate. It does underscore the importance of finding a highly-skilled and trained implant dentist who uses high-quality implant fixtures.

When dental implants are loose, it is possible that cheap implant fixtures were used. A cheap implant fixture can cost $3 to $5, but a quality fixture that has been thoroughly tested costs $300 to $500.

There are hundreds of companies that make dental implants, but only six of them produce implants that meet the high standards of the American Dental Association and the Food and Drug Administration. Cheap implant fixtures are more likely to results in implant mistakes or failure, resulting in implants that loosen and cause infection.

Another possibility is that the dental implants for your wife were improperly placed. Extensive diagnostic studies and careful planning are required to properly place implants.

We suggest that choose a skilled implant dentist or prosthodontist in the U.S. to examine your wife’s dental implants. He or she will recommend the appropriate treatment to correct the situation. Look for implant dentists who are associated with the American Board of Oral Implantology or the International Congress of Oral Implantology. If your second opinon doesn’t thoroughly address the issue may even be helpful to get a third opinion

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

May 27

My crown doesn’t match my teeth

By Cosmetic Procedures, General Dentistry, Porcelain Crown, Prosthodontist

My crown broke about 3 weeks ago and I had to get it fixed quickly before I went on vacation. I knew it was loose, but I didn’t expect it to break. My choice was a dentist who did CEREC in his office but also who was an emergency dentist. It worked and off I went! I was so busy that I really haven’t time to really look closely at the crown until this week. It is an incisor on the right side of my mouth and it doesn’t match my other teeth. If it was a molar I would let this pass but I really want the crown color changed. This isn’t my regular dentist and he really did me a huge favor. Should I go back to that dentist to get the color corrected? Thank you. COlton

Colton – Your selection of an emergency dentist who could also make a one-visit crown is understandable.

In-office crowns require the dentist to receive training in crown creation and placement, but it doesn’t require the dentist to be an artist. An artistic prosthodontist has training cosmetic dentistry. He or she has a keenly interested in providing crowns that function well and look completely natural—blending with your natural teeth.

Crowns are colorfast. They cannot be made darker or lighter. Unfortunately, the only way to receive a lighter crown is for a new one to be made. Contact the office of the dentist you saw and explain your concern. Request an appointment for an examination. Express your appreciation for the dentist’s help during your emergency and explain your concerns.

Along with any insurance you may have, you paid for a dental crown. It is reasonable for you to request and receive a crown that matches your natural teeth. A well-made crown lasts ten to twenty years. If your crown was made well, consider whether or not you can adjust to it lasting for many years that doesn’t match your natural teeth.

You can decide if you want to give the emergency dentist another chance, or if you prefer to visit an artistic prosthodontist dentist to receive a new crown. Before you proceed, be certain to speak with your dental insurance company about the issue and ask if your plan will provide any benefits toward a replacement crown if you choose a new dentist to replace it.

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

 

May 19

Do pediatric dentists fix upper lip tie?

By Pediatric Dentist

If a baby has upper lip tie is this something a pediatric dentist can fix? I am told that an oral surgeon needs to do the repair, but if it’s a simple procedure, we would rather go to a doctor who is used to dealing with children. Thanks. Jen

Jen – Lip tie, or a short frenulum of the upper lip, restricts lip movement. The frenulum connects the very top of the inner, upper lip to the gums between your two front teeth. Lip tie can prevent the lip from moving much beyond the upper gum. Restricted movement can cause pain when breast feeding and affect an infant’s ability to get proper nourishment. The technically term for the condition is concomitant lip-tie.

What Are the Signs of Upper Lip Tie?

  • Inadequate latching while breast feeding – This can be accompanied by prolonged feeding because the baby is unable get enough milk
  • Inability to seal lips on a bottle – Restriction of the baby’s upper lip can prevent him or her from getting a good seal on a bottle nipple.
  • Inability to gain weight or weight loss – If your baby isn’t getting enough nourishment, he or she fail to gain weight, or lose weight.
  • Gasiness, fatigue, or fussiness from inadequate feeding
  • Inability to clean the spoon with his or her lips, if your baby is spoon feeding

If you notice any of the above signs while your baby is feeding, let your pediatrician know. He or she will examine your baby’s oral cavities and if necessary, recommend a specialist.

Complications associated with lip tie have caused many parents to seek a surgical solution. Before consulting a surgeon, many parents work with their pediatrician to get a feeding assessment. The infant’s feeding style and ability are assessed to help determine if intervention is needed. There are surgical and non-surgical treatments available.

Who Performs the Lip-Tie Surgery?

If lip tie is related to breastfeeding pain or malnourishment for the baby, surgery may be needed. The surgical procedure, or frenotomy, is performed in the doctor’s office in just a few minutes. Some pediatric dentists can perform the procedure. Either an oral surgeon or a prosthodontist frequently perform the surgery and can handle simple to complex cases. These specialists are very familiar with performing the procedure on children. To increase your comfort level, ask the specialist how many similar surgeries he or she regularly performs on children.

A clamp and scissors, or a laser, is used to release the frenulum. Only minor bleeding occurs and the recovery period is progressive.

Choosing a Specialist

Although the surgical procedure is quick, we recommend that you have a consultation with two or three experienced oral surgeons or prosthodontists. The consultations will help you choose a provider with whom your family is comfortable. Ensure you understand if and why a frenotomy is needed, the outcome you can expect, as well as the pros and cons.

After Lip-Tie Surgery

Keep your scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing. At times, a lactation consultant is recommended to ensure your baby receives optimum feeding.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca. Dr. LaVacca and his wife, Manal Ibrahim offer a range of oral care services with a team of skilled general dentists, pediatric dentists, and orthodontists.

 

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