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Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Dec 22

Can all on 4 implants be removed?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I want to have my dentures locked down and I saw 2 different dentists who recommend all on 4. I saw a 3rd dentist who just recommended regular dental implants. She said that she would secure the dentures with 6 to 8 dental implants and I still don’t need bone grafting. The dentists who recommended all of 4 said the advantage was a faster placement time. It would just about be done and over while I would still be waiting for 6 to 8 implants to heal. I have done some research on both types of implants of implants. I am wondering if I decide to go with all on 4 and I don’t like it, can the implants be removed and can I then switch to the 6 to 8 implants? Thanks Ezra R.

Ezra – Based on your question, we recommend that you ask for more information from each implant specialist to get clarification on the differences between standard dental implants and All-On-4 implants. Ask questions to ensure that you understand the process and healing for each. Ask about the differences in stability for All-On-4 versus standard implants.

An understanding of the differences between the procedures can help you make a decision on which treatment you prefer. When an implant procedure is completely properly, there is no reason for you not to like it.

If you have a skilled implant dentist, regardless of the procedure you decide to receive, your implants should not need to be removed and replaced with a different type of implants. This is a situation that you want to avoid. Replacing dental implants is costly—in time and money. After implants are removed, a healing period is needed before new implants are placed. This scenario can be avoided by finding a skilled implant dentist to help you decide which treatment is best for your case.

 

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

Dec 15

My gums are swollen with temporary veneers

By Porcelain Veneers

I’ve been wearing temporary veneers for two weeks. I really like the look of the veneers but on Sunday I noticed that my gums were looking a little puffy. This morning when I looked in the mirror at my gums they are really swollen, and they feel irritated. Is it normal for gums to swell with veneers or could it be that I am having some sort of allergic reaction to the veneers or the bonding material?  Should I just go ahead and take the veneers off myself or is this something that a dentist has to do? Is this going to delay the process of me getting veneers? Or does this mean that I won’t be able to get porcelain veneers?Thanks Bella

Bella – When gums are swollen or irritated after porcelain veneer placement, the issue can be caused by the design of the veneers or the placement of the veneers. It is unlikely that the swelling is caused by an allergic reaction.

If the veneer is too thick or too deep under the gumline, it can cause irritation and swelling. If it is left untreated, chronic irritation can result.

Don’t remove the temporary veneers yourself. You can cause more irritation to your gum tissue, and possibly damage the tissue or your teeth while trying to remove the veneers. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to have the veneers removed.

If the veneers are removed and you continue to experience gum irritation, you should consider scheduling an appointment with a periodontist (gum specialist) for evaluation and treatment. After the inflammation clears, you may also want to get a second opinion for porcelain veneers from a skilled cosmetic dentist. An experienced cosmetic dentist will ensure that your veneers are properly designed, placed, and bonded to prevent the gum irritation issue from recurring.

 

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Dec 14

My dentures are too white

By Dentures

I got new dentures in August and when I got them I thought they were too white. My dentist told me that it looked like a big contrast to me because my other dentures were dull. He told me to give it some time and I would get used to it. Well I am still not used to it. People even comment about how white my dentures are, and that’s what they say, ‘dentures’. So not only are they too white they look fake. The whiteness draws attention to the fact that they are dentures. Last week I told my dentist that I still am not pleased. He said that he will think about the options to darken them a bit for me, but he didn’t mention the options. My question is short of giving me new dentures, what can be done? Dorcas T.

Dorcas – After your dentures are fabricated, the color cannot be changed. The appropriate color will need to be determined and the dentures will need to be remade. Remaking the dentures and changing the color won’t change the characteristics of the dentures or make them look natural.

Cosmetic dentures are customized to have a lifelike appearance. The characteristics of the denture teeth look like natural teeth. This is something that only an artistic dentist can accomplish.

So you can ask your dentist to remake your dentures with the color change. You can also consider getting a second opinion from a cosmetic dentist or prosthodontist who is trained in the techniques required to give dentures a lifelike appearance.  A prosthodontist is also skilled in balancing color in dental restorations so the results are neither too dark nor to white.

You can increase the comfort of your dentures and stabilize them with dental implants, which also prevent jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse.

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

Nov 28

Is it okay to switch our son to a hard-bristle toothbrush?

By Pediatric Dentist

I’m asking because he doesn’t want to brush his teeth. We have 4 kids and it’s hard to monitor everyone’s brushing habits for 2 solid minutes. Our 6 yr old can handle a toothbrush well but he hates brushing his teeth. Well, I think the real problem is that he would much rather be doing something else so he brushes quickly and I am not sure that he is really getting his teeth clean. I know that soft toothbrushes are recommended for kids but I am wondering if it’s okay to switch him to a hard tooth brush for a good scrubbing job for the short time that he is willing to brush his teeth. Is it okay to make the switch? Thanks. Lavon

Lavon – The best toothbrushes for children have soft bristles, with rounded ends and fit well into their hands. Soft bristles won’t harm the gums. It is also important to help your son floss between his teeth daily. Only flossing can remove plaque-causing debris that gets trapped between the teeth and gums.

No doubt you are a busy mom. Although it’s difficult to supervise your child for two-minutes of tooth brushing, try to think of ways to get it done. Is there a task you have to perform for other children that can be done in the bathroom while your son brushes his teeth? Will setting a timer help? Or perhaps rewarding your son, creating a game, playing music, or finding another way to make brushing his teeth fun and rewarding will help. Is there another adult or teenager at home that can assist you with ensuring that your son thoroughly brushes his teeth?

Remember that a hard-bristle toothbrush can cause more harm than good on growing teeth, and really would require additional supervision to ensure it’s being done gently. We recommend that you stick with the soft toothbrush for your son, regularly speak with him about the importance of brushing his teeth well, and discuss the problems with his teeth that can result if he doesn’t. Try showing him some yucky pictures of teeth that were not properly flossed and brushed. Select pictures that are not overly gross for his age. You can also ask your son’s pediatric dentist for suggestions, or ask other parents what works for them.

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

Nov 24

3 implants failed. How do I know if my dentist used cheap implants?

By Affordable Dental Implants, Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

I received 4 dental implants in March of this year. Everything seems to be going okay in June. I noticed some swelling and pain in 3 of them. I scheduled several appointments with my dentist who explained it away by saying sometimes the healing takes longer for some patients than others. This month the implants are starting to get loose and my dentist decided that they are going to fail. Before things got worse, he recommended that they all be removed. The explanation I was given was that for some reason my body is rejecting the implants. I am not sure that there is a basis for this explanation. How do I know if my body is really rejecting the implants? Could it be that cheap implants were used? How can I tell? Thank you. – Andrius

Andrius- You won’t be able to tell if substandard implant fixtures were used. Nor can you determine if your body is rejecting the implants. You need a second opinion—and perhaps a third opinion—from a skilled, experienced implant dentist.

You should request copies of your dental records, including diagnostic studies. The dentist(s) from whom you receive a second or third opinion will use the information, in addition to an exam of your fixtures and the implant sites, to determine why your implants have failed. If necessary, new 3-D x-rays will be taken.

The implant placement, implant fixtures, or your body’s reaction to the implants may be a cause of the failure. Lack of bone density, improper maintenance, smoking, and periodontal (gum) disease can also cause failure. But to be certain of the reason for your case, investigation is needed.

Don’t delay getting the second or third opinions. An infection will worsen until it is treated. If you are still eligible to receive dental implants, after the failed fixtures are removed, there will be a healing period before they can be replaced.

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

 

Nov 20

Looking for a BYOI dentist for implants

By Affordable Dental Implants, Dental Implants

On and off for the past 2 months I have been looking for a BYOI dentist who will install dental implants that I will purchase. I don’t want to do anything crazy like go to Mexico for implants but I am an avid bargain hunter so I am confident that I can find them at a good cost. That has to knock off some of the markup cost for implants that a dentist has. In my google searches I haven’t been able to tell which dentists allow BYOI. Is there a particular way I should search to find one? How much more will I save with this method? What brands of implants does Dr. LaVacca recommend I purchase? Can you provide mid and high end implant brands please? Sorry for all of the questions but I really need implants and I am trying to get them as economically as possible. Thanks. Christopher L.

Christopher – You won’t be able to find an implant dentist who allows patients to bring their own implants. There are far too many risks involved.

A reputable dental implant distributor provides implants to skilled professionals. Patients lack the training and experience required to determine if they are receiving quality dental implants—or the brand of implants you intended to buy. If you bought dental implants, a dentist placed them, and later it was found that the implants are faulty, the dentist would be partially responsible. The implants would need to be removed and replaced with quality implants from the dentist.

Your goal is to receive dental implants and stay within your budget. There are ways, other than purchasing questionable implant s, to reach that goal. The work can be done in phases—depending on how many implants you need—you can receive one or two at a time, pay for them, and plan to receive more implants in the future. Also, payment plans and financing will be available through the dentist.

Schedule consultations with two or three skilled implant dentists to discuss your options for implants, and to find out how they can be made affordable for you.

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

Nov 16

Can you get nanodiamonds with that root canal treatment?

By General Dentistry, Root Canal Treatment

What do diamonds have to do with root canal treatments? More precisely, what do nanodiamonds—byproducts of diamond mining and refining—have to do with this dental procedure?

Yearly, about 15 million root canal treatments are performed in the U.S. alone. During the procedure, infected tooth pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned out and filled. At times, bacteria remain in tips of the root. Bacteria can linger, and a tooth can get infected again. This requires a second root canal treatment.

Gutta percha is the material used to fill a tooth after the infection has been cleaned out. But it’s limited in fighting infection and any remaining bacteria. Researchers from the UCLA School of Dentistry have found that adding nanodiamonds to gutta percha reinforces the filler material. Antibiotic-enhanced nanodiamonds strengthen the filler material and prevent bacterial growth.

What does nanodiamond-enhanced gutta percha mean for patients with root canal treatments?

  • Stronger filler material makes a weak, damaged tooth stronger.
  • Antibiotic-enhanced filler material fights bacteria and reduces the risks for needing future root canal treatments in the same tooth.
  • These combined advantages make it much more likely that a damaged tooth can be permanently saved.

Can you ask your dentist for this innovation in root canal treatment? Not yet. Researchers will spend the next two years refining the process. After that, clinical trials will begin at UCLA. Meanwhile, do what you can to avoid the need for a root canal treatment.

  • If you play sports, wear a mouth guard to protect your mouth and teeth from trauma, which can lead to a root canal treatment.
  • Remove bacteria from your teeth and gums by flossing daily and brushing your teeth twice a day.
  • Limit sugary snacks, food, and drinks, which promote tooth decay.
  • Go easy on your teeth. Only use them to smile and eat. Don’t bite hard or sharp objects, or use your teeth to take off bottle caps or open metal containers.
  • Keep your regularly scheduled appointments for dental cleanings and exams. Early detection is a key to preventing dental issues that require aggressive treatment.

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

Nov 08

1 of my all on 4 implants came out

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I got all on 4 implants in late September. Last week, 1 of them came out completely. Right away I went to the surgeon that put the implants in. Now he says that my jawbone needs some grafting and I have to wait until the original implant spot heals. Does this sound right or can he just put the implant back in and sew it down until it heals? – Uwe

Uwe – Dr. LaVacca needs to examine your implant and jawbone before a second opinion can be provided. Although the All-On-4 procedure was used to anchor your dentures, it is possible that the implant that came out was incorrectly placed.

The size and length of the implants used can determine how stable they are. If implants are too short, or if they are not strong enough, they can dislodge.

Since jawbone grafting is being recommended, it may be that your jawbone needed to be built up before you received implants. If bone grafting is needed, then a healing period at the original implant site is needed.

All-On-4 Implants Second Opinion

In order to receive a satisfactory and accurate answer to your question, we recommend that you get a second—and if necessary, a third—opinion from experienced implant surgeons or prosthodontists. Just as with the All-On-4 placement, your medical history will be reviewed. The implants and jawbone will be examined, and diagnostic studies will be used to help determine what caused the implant to dislodge.

If you have current, post-operative diagnostic studies (x-ray or MRI), bring a copy with you. An implant specialist from whom you receive a second opinion may decide that a new imaging studies are needed.

When an implant fails, the resolution isn’t as simple as immediately replacing it. The cause of failure needs to be determined first to prevent the problem from recurring.

Carefully weigh the options presented to you from each of the specialists you visit for a second opinion, before you choose a provider to correct the issue.

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

 

Oct 27

Is an obturator really needed for infant cleft palate?

By Cleft Palate

Last week my sister and I saw 2 different doctors about my infant nephew’s cleft palate. With each doctor we felt like my sister was being pressured to get an obturator for my nephew’s cleft palate. We didn’t know what to expect before the appointments, but the approach was really rushed. My sister is nervous about the whole thing and really wondering if the device is the right way to go or if there is something else that can be done. I am confused to and haven’t really been much help making a decision so any advice you have is welcomed. Thanks Lynnda.

Lynnda – Dr. LaVacca would really need to do an examination and diagnostic studies to determine the best treatment for any patient. But a cleft obturator is often, and appropriately, recommended when the opening in the palate is large enough to interfere with the feeding, growth, and development of a child.

The oral appliance helps infants with suction when feeding. This will ensure that a baby is getting the food and nutrients he or she needs. Good health and enough weight gain are important factors for a positive outcome in surgery to close the cleft.

It is easy for a prosthodontist to make a customized obturator. An impression of the mouth is made to make the appliance, and the prosthodontist will ensure a proper fit.

Although you have already spoken with two doctors, it may be helpful to schedule another appointment with a board-certified prosthodontist with expertise in making obturators. The opportunity to have the pros and cons explained, ask questions, and find out what to expect after it’s placed can address some of your sister’s concerns.

 

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

 

Oct 23

Can dentures cause depression?

By Dentures

I know the question sounds strange but I think it’s affecting my dad. I live in PA so I see him every 2 to 3 months and I talk to him on FaceTime every week. It’s just that I am noticing that since he’s had dentures, which he hates, that his mood is not good. My brother lives near my dad and he says that he has noticed a change also, but he thinks it’s because of seasonal depression. The problem is that my dad has had the dentures for 2 years. His mood has really changed and it’s more constant than seasonal. Is it possible that his unattractive and poor fitting dentures are causing depression? By the way, he has also lost 15 lbs and he didn’t need to lose any weight at all. Thanks. Brenda L.

Brenda L. – Disappointing medical or dental issues can affect a patient’s mood. Dentures that fit poorly, are unattractive, or are otherwise problematic are disappointing. They often affect patients’ eating habits, self-esteem, and social life.

Can dentures affect your emotional health?

To be clear, it is ongoing dissatisfaction with dentures that can contribute to a person’s emotional or mental health. Even studies show that when a patient has ongoing problems or dissatisfaction with dentures, he or she is at risk for depression. A September 2007 study published in the Journal of Dental Research confirms that, in older adults, there is a significant relationship between denture dissatisfaction and depression.

The study included 1,180 adults, ages 65 to 74 years. Among those who were dissatisfied with their dentures, 8% were moderately depressed, and 2% were severely depressed. The study found that patients with higher levels of depression also had higher levels of dissatisfaction with their dentures.

The findings of the study show that your thoughts about the cause of your father’s depression may be correct. It’s important for the dental issue to be addressed. Find a few experienced cosmetic dentists with whom you and your father can have consultations. You will learn about customized, natural-looking dentures that fit well. You can also ask about how dentures can be stabilized with dental implants, which will prevent them from slipping around or falling out, and will prevent jawbone shrinkage. Your father’s smile will look and feel better.

It’s also a good idea to seek medical help to determine if there are other contributing factors to your father’s depression.

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

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