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Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Feb 23

How do I verify pediatric dentist’s certification?

By Pediatric Dentist

My gym has a lot of activities for the community. Last night a pediatric dentist was there (I think it was really for advertisement purposes) who spoke about how to help kids take care of their oral health. I have actually been looking for a female pediatric dentist for my kids but I haven’t had a lot of success. There are a few in my area, but I just haven’t been satisfied with the consultations. For some reason, when I did a google search for the dentist that spoke at the gym, she didn’t come up in the web site results. Maybe I didn’t notice her web site, or maybe she doesn’t have a web site because I still can’t find one. I just want to be sure that she is certified. How can I find that out if she doesn’t have a website? Thank you. – Jenny

Jenny – You can start by visiting the website of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Certification can be verified on that site. If the dentist’s name isn’t listed on that website, you can ask for her contact information from your gym.

The dentist’s office will be able to tell you what kind of certification she has, and you can perform a certification search on the applicable websites.

In addition to certification, be sure to look for online reviews. Physicians’ and dentists’ social media pages often provide reviews. Also consider how long the dentist has been practicing and whether or not he or she is in an office where there are other dentists to consult with and learn from.

Schedule a consultation with the dentist, and bring your children with you to the appointment. This will give you a chance to get a feel for the office environment and how your children respond to the staff and dentist.

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

Feb 22

What can I eat after dental implant surgery?

By Dental Implants, Mini Implants

After consultations with 4 different dentists I finally decided that I have to do what is affordable for me. So I am going to get 6 mini implants. I figure that should be pretty good for my dentures and better than what I have now. My dentures pretty much lift every time I cough, sneeze or eat anything that isn’t soft. I haven’t made a final decision yet about which surgeon I am going to let do the implants. I am trying to get as much information as I can about what to expect before and after the surgery. There isn’t much information on after care that I got from the brochures the dentists gave me. Specifically I would like to know if my diet will be restricted after implant surgery. Will I have to be on liquids for a while, or what can I eat? Thanks. Danette

Danette – Immediately after your dental implant surgery, your intake will be mainly in liquid form. Drinks or smoothies that contain vegetable and protein will help you maintain your energy level. Be certain to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Drink directly from the cup and do not use a straw. The sucking action from a straw can dislodge the blood clot and prolong the healing process.

Be sure to eat and drink something nourishing. Too much sugar will drain your energy. After a few days, you can eat soft food. Hot food should be avoided. Soup (not too hot), yogurt, pudding, gelatin, or applesauce will not harm the implant site. Crunchy foods can fall into the implant site and cause discomfort, pain, or bleeding.

Be certain to take in enough protein and liquids each day. It will help you feel better and heal faster.

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

Feb 11

Advice on getting All on 4 in Cancun

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

Something has to be done with my dentures. My son warned me about this in a nice way before I ever received dentures. Gum disease got the best of my teeth and the few I had left were pulled in January of 2014. I think my jawbone must have been bad before I ever got dentures because I had so many teeth missing. Now I need implants and am pretty much leaning toward All on 4. My dentist referred me to a surgeon and I saw another implant dentist and Clear Choice on my own. Last week I just happened to see a website from Cancun that lets me save more than half the cost of the implants here. That price includes everything, dentures and all. Even after travel and hotel I am still saving big bucks. I would really like to see these Cancun implant dentists in person though and maybe get second and third opinions from them. Can you recommend 2 more? – Earl

Earl – We are unable to recommend All-On-4 implant dentists outside the U.S. We recommend that you find a reliable way to experience, credentials, and education for each of the dentists in Mexico. Don’t depend on a website to give you the real facts.

Keep in mind that to ensure proper healing, all dental implants require multiple follow-up appointments during the weeks and months after surgery. Your dentists needs to check the implants, your gums, and jawbone for proper healing and any signs of complications. Will you return to Cancun for those follow-up appointments, or depend on a U.S. dentist for them? Most dental implants surgeries from a qualified surgeon are successful. If unanticipated problems arise, are you prepared to extend your stay or return to Mexico to see your dentist there?

The immediate dentures you receive when All-On-4 is first placed are not your permanent dentures. After the healing period, impressions will be taken to ensure your permanent dentures fit correctly. The new dentures will be secured to the implants. Another visit to the country where the implants are placed will be required.

We recommend that you factor in travel expenses for multiple follow-up appointments, an extended stay, or incidentals that may come up during or after the implant surgery. Specifically ask each dentist how many follow-up appointments are required. Remember that those appointments are estimates, provided everything goes well.

Carefully weigh the complete cost, as well as your pros and cons before you make a final decision.

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

Jan 25

My son’s gums bleed when he brushes his teeth

By Gum Disease, Oral Health, Pediatric Dentist

I finally got our 4 yr old into brushing his teeth twice a day. He actually started liking it. I was surprised. 2 weeks ago he was brushing and I was helping and his gums started bleeding. I had him rinse his mouth and everything was okay. I figured maybe he was brushing too hard, so I told him to do it softly. That seemed to work until last week. He was brushing his teeth on 2 different occasions and the gums started bleeding again. I am trying to be calm about this because he is just comfortable with brushing his teeth and I don’t want him to freak out or think that brushing teeth means bleeding gums. I know that he isn’t brushing too hard any more. Does he have gum disease at 4? Thanks. Tuscany

Tuscany – There are several possible causes of your son’s bleeding gums. For an accurate diagnosis, though, schedule an appointment with your son’s pediatric dentist.

One possible cause is dry mouth. Does your son breathe with his mouth open? Does he drink plenty of water daily? Or is he taking medication that has dry mouth as a side effect? Any of these factors can cause the gums to become tight, dry, and more likely to bleed.

Vigorous brushing is another cause of bleeding gums, but you have mentioned that your son isn’t brushing his teeth tooth hard. Continue to monitor him to ensure that he isn’t brushing aggressively. A soft-bristled toothbrush should be used.

There are certain medical conditions, including some auto-immune conditions that can cause gums to bleed easily. Bleeding gums may be related to the beginning stages of periodontal (gum disease).

Again, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with your son’s pediatric dentist for accurate diagnosis and treatment. If you have already seen a pediatric dentist about the issue, consider getting a second opinion and speaking with your medical doctor about it.

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

Jan 20

Avoiding dental implant failure

By Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, each year about 500,000 Americans get dental implants. Although no one can guarantee the success of your dental implants, there are some precautions that can be taken to help avoid implant failure. We’ll review four of them. Consider them vital. If an implant fails, it needs to be removed. There will be a healing period before the implant can be replaced. Also, poorly placed implants can damage nerves, sinus and more.

Dental Implant Failure Precautions

CT Scans

There are dentists who perform CT scans on a limited basis, and for some implant cases not at all. But performing them for every implant candidate can help prevent failure. Why? CT scans reveal more and ensure accurate implant placement. Cysts, polyps, nerves, sinuses, bone density, and other structures can be clearly seen with 3-D scans. An incorrectly placed dental implant can result in pain, suffering, and implant failure for the patient.

Dental Implant Fixtures

Top implant dentists use high-quality fixtures. Implant fixtures that have strict quality-control guidelines give you confidence that implants won’t fail because they are cheap or poorly made. Some dentists try to save money by using less expensive implants, but the sacrifice in quality is costly to the patient. Some of the top manufacturers are 3i, Astrotech, BioHorizons, Nobel Biocare, Straumann, and Zimmer.

The Implant Dentist

Implantology is not an officially recognized specialty, so any dentist can take courses and start placing implants. Look for advanced training and credentials. Accreditation, diplomate, or fellowship status reflect extensive training along with scrutiny of the dentist’s implant cases. There are quality implant dentists who do not have these credentials, but when you find one who does, it will help ensure that you get the results you want—quality implants that will last a lifetime.

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

Jan 18

On my 3rd soft denture and it still isn’t helping

By Dentures

I’ve worn dentures since 2002. They fit pretty well in the past considering that they are dentures. About 10 years ago I got my first cosmetic dentures and I really like them. They actually look natural. So I am sold on them. Now the problem is getting dentures to fit and stay fit. I know that my jawbone is shrinking so my dentist switched me over to a soft denture. When I first got it, it felt really good on the sore spots on my bone. It just doesn’t last long. When I am at home and not eating I take my dentures out. If I don’t have to wear them, I don’t. My dentist is always willing to reline them for me but I am frustrated about this. Taking the dentures in and out is annoying. Maybe I just need to change my viewpoint and be glad that I can afford dentures. Before I resign to that, is there another form of lining that may help me get more comfort out of my dentures? Thank you. Agatha

Agatha – Soft-lined dentures are more comfortable, but they typically do not last as long as a hard reline. Those are the only options available for relining the oral appliance.

Your dentist may have had this conversation with you already, but it may be time to consider supporting your dentures with dental implants. The implants will:

  • Prevent the dentures from resting on your jawbone and accelerating shrinkage
  • Improve your chewing efficiency
  • Feel more like your natural teeth
  • Prevent the dentures from slipping around or falling out
  • Stimulate jawbone growth and prevent further shrinkage in the vicinity of the implants.

As few as two implants can be used to stabilize your dentures, but the more implants you receive, the better results you will get. If you can only start with two implants, your dentist can help you plan to receive another set in the future.

If you decide to receive implants be certain to find a highly trained and experienced implant dentist to do the work.

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

Jan 12

I’m losing my 5th tooth from root canal failure and chemical sensitivities

By Root Canal Treatment

I am really frustrated about my teeth. 2 years ago I had an apicoectomy on a molar tooth. The tooth is giving me problems again and an endodontist did the work. 3 weeks ago I had 2 teeth pulled and I am told that I have to have 2 or 3 more pulled on the other side. I can’t tell you how traumatic this is for me. The end result is that at 38 years old, I will have none of my molar teeth. I have to wait until summer to get implants to give time for my gums and bone to heal properly. I have a new dentist who told me that my body has rejected 2 previous root canals. She said there is no point in getting another root canal because my immune system is rejecting the filler. I do have a lot of allergies and chemical sensitivities. What really scares me is that I am not sure yet what is going on with my teeth and why they keep decaying. I floss morning, night, and after eating anything that I think might potentially get lodged between my teeth I floss again. I keep floss in my purse. I brush morning, night, and after every meal. I know this sounds strange, but I have these flossing and brushing habits because of the root canal problems and problems with my teeth. It’s making me nervous to think that the only way to resolve a bad tooth for me is to have it pulled. Is that really my only option? Cassandra

Cassanda – We sympathize with you and know that this difficult situation must be very frustrating for you.

We cannot say whether or not your only recourse in the future is to have teeth extracted and replaced with dental implants. An examination and review of your medical history is required. We do recommend that you find a dentist who works with patients who have allergies and chemical sensitivities and tries to find alternative treatment for them.

Some dentists use the Clifford Materials Reactivity Test (CMRT), although its reliability is controversial. CMRT is a laboratory screen process used to identify your sensitivities. Bases on the results, the dentist will seek dental materials that are biocompatible for your case. Often the test is not performed in the dentist’s office, and the patient is given information to order it. The results are used for your dental treatment.

If you already know your sensitivities, you can call a few prosthodontists’ offices to ask if they work with patients who have chemical sensitivities. You may also ask each prosthodontist if he or she is willing to work along with your medical doctor to help identify the cause of the ongoing problems with your teeth. You can also choose to search online for a holistic dentist. Be sure to check his or her credentials, along with patient reviews.

We sincerely wish you well in finding answers and the right help.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists.

 

Jan 08

How soon after my prosthodontist gives me implants can I use a hookah?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I am planning for implants this summer. I get 5 weeks of vacation and every year I take off those weeks in the summer. So I think this is a good time to for me to get implants. I won’t have to worry about working OT or being offered to go out when I can’t due to implant healing time. I am not a regular smoker but in 2014 I was introduced to the hookah. It’s a social thing that I do with friends that I really enjoy. I find it super relaxing. 2 or 3 times a month I get together with friends and we use the pipes. Now I am interested how long after implants I will have to wait before I can use the pipe again. I saw one prosthodontist already and he told me I shouldn’t use it at all. That’s not the information I need. I just want to know how long I should wait before I can use the hookah. Thank you. Dixon

Dixon – In 2005 The World Health Organization conducted a study on waterpipe (called “hookah” in India) tobacco smoking. Some of the findings are below.

The origin of waterpipes dates back four centuries or more to indigenous peoples of Asia and Africa. Smoke from the hookah delivers addictive nicotine, as well as toxins. These toxins contribute to lung cancer, heart disease, and other diseases.

Waterpipe sessions usually last longer than cigarette smoking sessions. While five to seven minutes may be spent smoking a cigarette, a single hookah session usually lasts twenty to eighty minutes. Also while eight to twelve puffs of a cigarette are taken in a single session, fifty to two hundred puffs are taken during waterpipe smoking. In some cases, it would take one hundred cigarettes to equal the amount of smoke consumed with the pipe.

Clearly, the social nature of this type of smoking often prolongs the exposure to nicotine and other harmful substances.

Hookah Smoking Can Affect Dental Implants

What does this mean for dental implants? Any type of smoking interferes with the healing process of dental implants. Many implant dentists recommend that patients stop smoking one, two, or more months before implant placement. It is recommended that you not smoke during the entire healing process, which lasts for several months. Any prosthodontist or implant dentist will advise you not to smoke while your implants heal.

Even periodic smoking can interfere with the healing process. The suction process of smoking can dislodge clots at the surgical site. Remember that even though hookah smoking involves water, it still exposes you to smoke and toxins. This can result in infection or failure to heal. Additionally, the custom of sharing a hookah can introduce bacteria from someone else’s mouth into yours, creating another opportunity for infection.

If your implants fail, they will need to be removed and replaced. But before they are replaced, the previous implant sites need to heal.

We urge you to do your part in helping the healing process go smoothly. Avoid smoking of any kind before and after your implant surgery.

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

Dec 28

Why does my 5 yrs old’s breath smell so bad?

By Oral Health, Pediatric Dentist

My 5 yr old daughter has horrible breath. It even takes my breath away sometimes when I smell it. It’s not an oral hygiene thing. At least I don’t think it is. I floss and brush her teeth morning and night. I also make a little baking soda mouthwash for her to gargle with every day but it doesn’t help. When I take her to the dentist, even she talks about brushing out the ‘bad breath monsters’. Really I have done all that I know to do. I asked the pediatric dentist and she keeps saying that I should brush and floss my daughter’s teeth. I do that already. This is really bothering me and I know that eventually my daughter will start being teased because the smell of her breath is really horrible. I am wondering what else I can do or what can be causing the problem. thank you – Oksana

Oksana – You can start by having a conversation with your daughter’s dentist. Let the dentist know your daily routine for your daughter’s oral hygiene. Then ask the dentist for an exam to help determine what’s causing the bad breath. Also ask if the dentist has any ideas for what is causing the problem. If you don’t get a satisfactory response, you may need to choose a new dentist.

Also, ask your family doctor or pediatrician about the problem. At times, there are medical factors that can cause bad breath in children. We are by no means diagnosing your daughter’s case, but listed below are some causes of bad breath in children.

  • A medical condition – Allergies, sinus issues, tonsillitis, or other medical conditions can cause bad breath.
  • Dry mouth – Certain medications can cause dry mouth, and so can a lack of saliva production. Ensure your child drinks plenty of water to keep his or her mouth moist.
  • Oral infection – Cavities or a mouth sore can cause bad odor.
  • Food – Certain foods have odors that linger, including garlic and onions.
  • Bacteria on the tongue – It’s important to gently brush the tongue, too. A buildup of bacteria on the tongue will cause a foul odor. A tongue scraper can be carefully used.
  • Breathing through the mouth – This will quickly dry out the mouth and cause odor. If your child breathes through his or her mouth due to sinus or allergy issues, addressing the issue can make breathing with the mouth closed much easier. Give your child plenty of water to drink.

The above causes are possibilities. An examination from your child’s pediatric dentist and medical doctor will help identify the cause, as well as the best treatment.

 

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

Dec 26

What are my options until I can afford dental implants?

By Affordable Dental Implants, Cosmetic Procedures

I had a 2nd root canals on 2 different teeth on the same day. I think my dentist didn’t know what she was doing so she messed up both teeth and make them weak. 3 weeks after the root canals my teeth, face and eyes started hurting horribly. I was sick to my stomach. I had to go back to the dentist’s office and as soon as she started working on the first tooth, she said it cracked. I asked her to stop working on my teeth and I left the office. My wife made some calls for me and I immediately went to an endodontist who had to extract both teeth and is recommending dental implants. I have 2 missing teeth and certainly was not planning on spending thousands of dollars on dental implants. I am wondering what my options are until I can afford dental implants, because I kind of felt like the endo was just pushing implants. Thanks Gerard.

Gerard – An endodontist specializes in tooth replacement with dental implants, and dental implants are the most effective means of replacing missing teeth. So naturally, the specialist would recommend the healthiest and most effective option for replacing your teeth.

A dental bridge can replace the white portion, or biting surface, of your missing teeth, but since it won’t replace the tooth roots, your jawbone will begin to shrink where teeth are missing.

It is possible that your dental implant placement can be done in two phases. One tooth can be replaced, and after you pay for that implant, work can start on the second implant. The phased treatment can make the implants more affordable.

Another alternative is to consider no-interest financing based on your budget. This allows you to receive both implants with scheduled payments.

Speak with the financial representative at the specialist’s office to learn more about your options. Also, as with any surgery, it’s good to seek a second opinion from another specialist—a prosthodontist or an endodontist—to discuss your options.

Of course, the final choice is yours, and if you definitely not interested in implants at this time, be sure to find an artistic cosmetic dentist or prosthodontist who can provide you with a natural-looking dental bridge.

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

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