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Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Apr 27

What matters most in preventing dental implant failure?

By Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

I’ve decided to get dental implants this fall. I need 4 of them so this is really going to be a big expense for me, but I know it will be worth it. I know that a specialist is needed to place the implant and a dentist is needed to the crown on the implant. After reading online about dental implant failure, I am a little confused about which dentist is more important in preventing the implants from going bad. What matters most to get implants that will last? Is it the work of the surgeon or the work dentist who places the crown and the lab that is used? Marvel

Marvel – Good question. As you likely know, the process of receiving successful dental implants starts with careful planning and diagnostic studies. But quality implant fixtures, surgery, and a restoring dental crown are also crucial to the success of implants.

After implant surgery, the jawbone must properly heal and fuse with the dental implant. When it heals, the lab creates the restoration (dental crown) that is secured to the implant. The quality and fit of the dental crown prevents an improper bite. This can affect how long your dental implant will last.

If you receive a well-made implant crown and it’s placed incorrectly by your dentist, the implant may still fail if it wasn’t properly placed during surgery. This emphasizes the importance of finding a skilled implant surgeon and a restoring dentist.

Many people recognize the skill level required for quality dental implants and crowns and choose to find a board-certified prosthodontist. A prosthodontist has advanced training in implant placement and in proper crown creation and placement.

Before you choose a provider, we recommend that you visit several implant dentists. Get information on the credentials of the implant surgeon and the dentist who will be placing the crown. Even if you choose to prosthodontist for your care, verify his or her experience first.

 

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

Apr 19

Can You Get Affordable Dental Implants at a School for Dentists?

By Affordable Dental Implants

For years I have been saving for dental implants. I’ve had some unpredictable employment issues lately and have been forced to save more money for family emergencies than I have been able to save for dental implants. So now I am exploring other ways to get implants. Most recently I have been checking into dental schools. I know the schools are regulated and students have to meet some hefty criteria and the work is checked by instructors, so I figure this is a safe controlled environment for me to get dental implants. I am just wondering if implants from a dental school are affordable. – Edmond T.

 

Edmond – Much of the success of dental implants depends on the skill of the implant dentist. Skilled practitioners have a 90% success rate. There is insufficient information on the success of implants that are placed by dental students.

While dental students are supervised by their instructors, they are not skilled implant dentists. The results you will receive are unpredictable. Students are still learning and although guided by an experienced dentist, they can make mistakes. Dental implant treatment is one aspect of oral health where mistakes can be costly and take months to correct.

If you select a dental school for your implants, keep in mind that your provider will be less experienced, which can increase the risk of difficulty in implant placement and healing. Thoroughly check for information on the reputation of the dental school and its implantology program before you make a decision.

Consider checking with credentialed prosthodontists in your area to find out how they make implants affordable for patients. At times work can be completed in phases. Financing and payment plans may also be available.

A discount on implants is not worth the risk. Insist on quality care from a skilled implant dentist.

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

Apr 15

Disappointed With Prosthodontist’s Reaction to a Broken All on 4 Implant

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I knew I wanted implants for my dentures and I decided to get 6 regular implants. After listening to my dentist over and over again talk about All on 4, I gave in. I got All on 4 in Feb. 2015 and 2 weeks ago when I was eating I heard an felt one of the implants snap. Now I am told that the implant will need to be replaced. The old one will have be taken off and I can’t get a new one right away. We have to wait until the area heals and there is a possibility that I will need bone grating and maybe one of the other implants will need to be redone too. I am disgusted and this whole thing is ridiculous. I dropped a lot of cash on these implants and you would think that somebody would ensure the implants are in mint condition. The prosthodontist I have is too casual about the whole thing too. It’s just kind of a ‘we’ll fix it’ attitude without any explanation. I want to know what happened. Why would an implant snap? Thanks Romia

Romia – We are sorry to hear about the difficulty with one of your All-On-Four implants. There are several reasons that an implant may snap.

One cause is the skill of the prosthodontist. The implants must be perfectly aligned and accurately placed to evenly distribute pressure on the implants. The slightest inaccuracy can exert pressure on an implant and cause it to snap.

A second possibility is the quality of the implant. Low-quality implants are a fraction of the cost of FDA-approved implants, but they are also a fraction of the quality. The effort to save money can be costly and compromise oral health.

You can ask your prosthodontist why he thinks the implant snapped, as well as what is being done this time to prevent the problem from recurring. It may be wise to consider getting a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist. After an examination and a digital x-ray, he or she will let you know why the problem occurred and how it should be treated.

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

Apr 02

Does a pediatric dentist need to see my 13 month old for white spots on his teeth?

By Pediatric Dentist

Does a 13 month old need to go to the dentist? I stopped breastfeeding my son in January. I don’t know if that has anything to do with it. I am noticing that he has white spots on his teeth. It can’t be related to anything thing that I am feeding him because I am making sure he has a clean, sugar-free diet. Is this normal or is it a reason to take him to a pediatric dentist for a checkup? I thought I would take him at 2 yrs old, but if he needs to go now I will find a dentist. Nadia

Nadia – White spots on teeth are usually a sign of decalcification, or tooth decay. Decalcification is caused by mineral deficiency in teeth, which causes them to weaken and decay. Your son may not have cavities yet, but if his teeth are left untreated, cavities can develop. A pediatric dentist may use fluoride treatments to strengthen the tooth and prevent decay.

Decalcification is not common in small children. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene as soon as teeth erupt. You can thoroughly clean your son’s teeth with a moist, soft cloth. This cleaning process substitutes for brushing his teeth—it’s too early to do that.

It’s not too soon to see a dentist, though. The American Academy of Pediatric dentistry recommends a dental visit as soon as the first tooth erupts. Early examination can detect potential problems, ensure teeth are erupting probably, and provide an opportunity for early intervention.

If your pediatric dentist isn’t able to find out the cause of the white spots, he or she will work with your son’s pediatrician to find the cause. Find an experienced pediatric dentist and schedule an appointment for your son as soon as possible.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists.

Mar 30

Is this a realistic cost for All on 4 dental implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I lost most of my teeth in a work accident that made a huge blow to my face. My dentist says I’m lucky that my jawbone didn’t break.  My face was disfigured and I have a long recovery. I have been scouting around for dental implants and quickly realized that I can’t afford to replace all of the missing teeth with implants. So I have to accept the fact that I need dentures. I can get all on 4. I found a place that said they will do all on 4 for 7k which is unbelievably low. I am just wondering why so big of a difference from the 3 other implant places I visited which were 4-5 times that cost. Were the other dentists just trying advantage of me? Thanks. Raj

Raj– The higher costs you received are more realistic for the All-On-4 procedure. Depending on where you live in the country and the specifics of your case, the cost will vary.

Some of the costs involved in proper implant placement are diagnostic studies, quality implant fixtures, implant surgery, and the placement of dentures on the implants. The second quote of $7000 raises a lot of concern. That is the quote that really sounds like an attempt to take advantage of you with inferior dental implants. The low cost will likely result in cheap implant fixtures or some type of shortcut that can result in an infection around the implants and complete implant failure.

If you want another valid opinion, we recommend that you see a skilled, reputable implant dentist who provides quality fixtures. The estimate that you receive should be more or less in the area of your initial quotes, but not significantly less. You can look for dentists with extensive training in implant dentistry, or a prosthodontist who perform every phase of the implant process.

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

Mar 27

Replace ugly tooth with a dental implant

By Dental Implants

I have a tooth that looks horrible. It looks like it belongs in something’s mouth, not in a person’s mouth. The tooth is thin and pointy and the shape and color are even different from my other teeth. The tooth is on the left side but if I smile even slightly wide people notice it. I have heard a few thoughtless people joke about it. I want to do something about it now that I have better dental insurance. Can this tooth be pulled and replaced with a dental implant? Ivy

Ivy – If your tooth is healthy and structurally sound, it doesn’t need to be replaced with a dental implant. Dental implants replace missing teeth or teeth that cannot otherwise be saved, but nothing is as effective as keeping your natural teeth.

A prosthodontist can examine your tooth and let your know the options for improving its appearance and making it blend perfectly with your natural teeth. This is the time to consider if you want to improve your overall smile by having your teeth whitened. If so, your teeth should be whitened before you receive cosmetic dentistry.

If you need a porcelain veneer or porcelain crown to improve the appearance of your unsightly tooth, it can be made to match your whitened smile. In some cases, teeth whitening and reshaping alone can transform the look of your tooth, but if the tooth in question is narrower than your natural teeth, a porcelain crown or a porcelain veneer will probably be recommended.

Schedule a consultation with a few experienced prosthodontists to discuss your options. Ask to see pictures of patients with similar issues whose smile the dentist has transformed.

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

Mar 23

What instrument do you play? Is your oral hygiene at risk?

By General Dentistry

The March/April 2011 issue of the journal General Dentistry revealed that if not kept clean, wind instruments can become heavily contaminated with bacteria and fungi that are associated with serious to minor infections in the mouth, on the lips, and skin, and as allergic diseases.

Why the concern?

Children often obtain used instruments for school music or band classes. Adults frequent pawn shops or online advertisements for affordable instruments. Some people have instruments at home that they loan to friends or family.

The study tested the mouthpiece, chambers, cases, and other components of 131 used woodwind and brass instruments. 442 bacteria were found, including staphylococcus. 58 molds and 19 yeasts were also identified. Many of the bacteria found are highly resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics.

In September 2010, Chest® Journal, the official publication of the American College of Chest Physicians, reported that “respiratory physicians should be aware of the risk of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in saxophone or perhaps other wind instrument players.” The problem is due, in part, to colonization of potentially pathogenic molds in a wind instrument. A complimentary investigation of 15 saxophones found that 13 of the 15 instruments showed a fungal colonization.

If you buy a used wind instrument, or have one that is on loan, that hasn’t been properly sanitized, it likely contains bacteria from someone else’s mouth. The bacteria can remain weeks—or even months—after the last use.

The lessons:

  • Don’t share your instruments with others—particularly if they are instruments that come in contact with your mouth or face.
  • When you obtain a used instrument, take it apart, and thoroughly cleaned it in its entirety—not just the mouthpiece.
  • Frequently clean the part of the instrument that comes in contact with the skin and mouth.
  • Take it apart regularly to thoroughly clean it.

If you suspect that you’ve received oral contamination from an unclean instrument, schedule an appointment with your dentist. If you think your health in general has been affected, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician.

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

Mar 21

Request for info on hybrid dentures

By Dentures

Hi. Can you simply explain what hybrid dentures are? What are the advantages or disadvantages? I will need dentures within the next few months. My dentist didn’t mention hybrid dentures as one of my options, but if I have to get a second opinion I will. Thanks. Milton

Milton – A hybrid denture combines a removable denture with dental implants. It is also known as an implant denture, fixed remove denture, or an implant-supported denture.

The base of the denture has metal components that attach to dental implants. You can remove the denture to clean it. As few as two implants can be used to support a denture, but for maximum stability, six to eight implants should be used.

Hybrid, or implant-supported dentures, won’t slip or fall out. The stability of the denture improves your speech and chewing efficiency. The clicking and popping that is sometimes heard with dentures will be eliminated. You will not need denture adhesive to keep your denture in place. The implants will also stimulate jawbone and prevent bone shrinkage and facial that occur when all of your teeth are missing.

Dental implants are surgically implanted in your jawbone. After two to six months, when the bone fuses to the implants, your denture will be fasted to the implants. You will be able to wear temporary dentures in the meantime.

Once the denture is stabilized, it will feel more like your natural teeth. If you receive dentures from a dentist who is trained in cosmetic dentistry, they will look natural too. Be certain to find a dentist who offers cosmetic dentures and implant-supported dentures to get natural-looking results.

Any disadvantages to a hybrid denture?

When compared with complete removable dentures, there few disadvantages. Hybrid dentures cost more, and there is a waiting period for the implants to heal until you receive your permanent denture.

Your medical history will be carefully reviewed to ensure you are a candidate for implants. If you are, your implant dentist will let you know your options for stabilizing your denture.

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

Mar 18

2 loose teeth

By General Dentistry, Gum Disease

I have 2 loose teeth. I get dental cleanings regularly and I am sure that they have noticed my teeth are loose but I think it’s strange that no one ever said anything to me. My sister told me that I should check with another dentist just to be sure that nothing serious is wrong. Now I am scared and a little angry that this problem was overlooked. I got my teeth cleaned 2 months ago. Wouldn’t they have noticed a problem? If I go to a dentist with loose teeth will they automatically pull them out? – Faith P.

Faith – If you go to the dentist with loose teeth, he or she will x-ray and examine your teeth to determine why they are loose.

Trauma can cause loose teeth, in which case they may need to be stabilized. Have you recently experienced trauma to your teeth? Over time, grinding your teeth can cause them to become loose. Also, if teeth are misaligned, they can put pressure on other teeth and cause them to become loose.

Periodontal (gum) disease is another cause of loose teeth. If you have periodontal disease, loss of gum and bone around a tooth can make it loose.

Your dentist or a periodontist may perform a periodontal pocket procedure to fold back your gum tissue and remove the bacterial. Damaged bone may be smoothed. This procedure will help your gum tissue attach itself to the healthy bone.

Instead of extracting your teeth, every effort will be made to save them. If it is necessary to extract a tooth, it can be replaced with a dental implant.

Don’t worry excessively though, the cause of your loose teeth has to be determined first. Your dentist will recommend options. Since you are seeking a new dentist, we recommend that you find a prosthodontist—a specialist with advanced training in restoring teeth. You can get a second opinion before you make a final decision for a dental provider.

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

Feb 29

Hole in my tooth and drugstore filler won’t stay in

By Dental Fillings, Emergency Dentistry

I have a hole in my tooth but it doesn’t hurt. It was getting sensitive to hot and cold drinks so I got some Dentek from the drugstore. It used to work fine but it started falling out recently. Maybe the hole in my tooth is getting bigger? I don’t know. Can you recommend another product other than Dentek that might hold better now? Nezaida

Nezaida – Over-the-counter dental filler is a temporary repair for a tooth. It doesn’t eliminate the need to go to a dentist to have the tooth examined, x-rayed, and restored.

Although you don’t feel pain, the tooth can still be infected. The infection can affect other teeth, your jawbone, and spread elsewhere in your body. If the pulp (living tissue) inside your tooth dies, the nerves die with it, and you won’t feel pain in the tooth. If that’s the case, a root canal treatment is needed.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist right away to have your tooth examined. If the cavity is too large for composite filling, a porcelain onlay or inlay may be used to restore the tooth. Onlays and inlays preserve tooth structure, and in addition to building up the tooth again, they look completely natural.

A badly damaged tooth may require a porcelain crown. Visit an experienced cosmetic dentist for an examination and to learn about your options. Please don’t continue to try to repair the tooth yourself. If you prolong treatment, the damage to your tooth can progress and make treatment more difficult and more costly.

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

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