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Dr. Anthony LaVacca

May 14

Relatively new dentures and I keep biting my tongue

By Dentures, Prosthodontist

In November last year I got new dentures, top and bottom. Only since I’ve had them have I been regularly biting my tongue. It only happens when I eat. Of course I told my dentist about the problem but she insists that I am chewing carelessly or in a hurry. I don’t chew carelessly or in a hurry, but since she accused me of doing so I have been extra careful. I am still biting my tongue, and I have noticed that it is always on the right side of my mouth. Something is wrong, but I am not sure what. Am I going to need new dentures? Thanks. Ira

 

Ira – When a person repeatedly bites his or her tongue while eating, it is usually due to the way the top and bottom teeth fit together.

Your dentures need to be checked for alignment to ensure the teeth fit together properly. You can ask your dentist if this has been done. But you can also seek a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist. A prosthodontist has two years of post-graduate training in the replacement and restoration of teeth.

Only after an examination will the prosthodontist know if you need new dentures, or if your current dentures can be properly adjusted. Without the assistance of dentist who is skilled in the proper alignment of the prosthesis, you are likely to continue biting your tongue.

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

Apr 29

What can be done to fix my slanted teeth?

By Orthodontics

My teeth are badly slanted. It really looks like dominos lined up parallel but falling backwards. They look flared out if that describes it any better. I am 27 yrs old now and worried that the older I get the worse they will look. What can be done to fix them? McKoy

McKoy – When teeth are flared, it is most often due to lack of space in the arch. Younger patients can benefit from an expander to assist in proper growth of the arch.

For adults, an orthodontist may recommend braces extractions, or other corrective surgery. Each patient’s case is different. We recommend that you select a few orthodontists with whom you can schedule consultations, learn about your options, and compare them. An examination and diagnostic studies will eventually be required to determine which treatment options are best for your case and the results you can expect from each of them.

 

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

Apr 28

My bite is off and my prosthodontist says I need all new crowns

By Porcelain Crown, Prosthodontist

My top front teeth have porcelain crowns over them. It has been about 5 years since I got them and now my bite is off. My prosthodontist says I need new crowns. All of them need to be replaced. Is this really the solution? I called my insurance company, and they will provide some coverage for the new crowns, but is this really necessary? Thanks. Jakki

Jakki – Your jaw, bite, and crowns need to be examined to answer your question as to whether replacing your crowns is the answer to your bite problem. We recommend that you get a second and third opinion before you agree to any dental treatment that addresses the bite issue.

Are you grinding your teeth? Are you experiencing headaches or neck pain? These issues often go along with a misaligned bite, but they don’t always occur.

In addition to consulting with additional prosthodontists, you may consider visiting an orthodontist. The combination of dental professionals will help determine the cause of your bite issue and the best treatment for it—if it needs to be treated at all. The additional opinions will help you make an informed decision about your oral health.

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

Apr 23

Looking for dentist to remove and replace cheap dental implants

By Dental Implants

5 years ago I got dental implants in Mexico. I’ve had problems since I got them. They were no good from the beginning but since I spend money on them, I decided to stick it out. I am having pain in one of the implants and am certain that it is infected. I don’t want to go back to Mexico to start this all over again. Will I be able to find a dentist here who will take out the implants and replace them, or will he not want to touch my mouth because I went to Mexico to get them? Jordan

Jordan – We have seen several cases of patients who opted for cheap dental implants and ended up doubling the cost to have implants removed and replaced.

Yes, you will be able to find a dentist who will remove your implants. But removal and replacement are not all done at the same time. After the implants are removed, you need to repeat the same steps that were required to receive implants. Diagnostic studies are required. It will also be verified whether or not you are a candidate for implants.

After removal, the implant sites need time to stabilize. Decisions need to be made on the best position for your new implants, and it will be determined if bone grafting is required.

We strongly recommend that you find a highly trained and highly experienced implant dentist for the removal and replacement. It will greatly increase your chances of having successful implants this time.

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

Apr 15

Can a dental implant bridge be used on front teeth?

By Dental Bridge, Dental Implants

Just from reading about the cost of implants I know I can’t do singles for my missing front teeth. I have 6 missing and the partial denture is way too uncomfortable. I am wondering if a dental implant bridge can be used on front teeth. – Nap

Nap – An implant-supported bridge can be used on front teeth. We recommend that you first visit a skilled implant dentist to find out if you are a candidate for dental implants.

The advantages of an implant-supported bridge over a partial denture are clear. Unlike a partial denture, the bridge will be stable and look and feel like your natural teeth. Dental implants prevent bone shrinkage.

Before deciding on an implant-supported bridge, find out your options for replacing your teeth. Depending on your case, a bridge may not be best for you. Also consider how long the bridge will last and how much it will cost. Compare your options with the cost of individual implants and how long individual implants will last. Be sure to ask how treatment can be made affordable for you.

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

Apr 07

Will a pediatric dentist whiten my daughter’s teeth?

By Pediatric Dentist, Sensitive Teeth, Teeth Whitening

My daughter is 8 yrs old. She is a model and has been in some local commercials. We both think that she would have more opportunities if she gets her teeth whitened. Will a pediatric dentist whiten her teeth or do I have to do it myself? Thanks Laney

Laney – There is limited research on teeth whitening for children. Many dentists recommended that whitening is delayed until permanent teeth are fully developed. When children are in their mid-teens, whitening by a dentist is safe.

While children are young, the pulp inside the tooth is still developing. Teeth bleaching can create sensitivity in adult teeth, and can be more intense in children. In unique situations, some dentists whiten children’s teeth, but you should not attempt it without a dentist’s supervision. Excessive whitening can weaken tooth structure and eventually darken teeth.

If you are interested in getting your daughter’s teeth whiter, speak with your pediatric dentist for recommendations.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists.

Mar 24

Do all hybrid dentures require bone grafting?

By Dentures

I am thinking about hybrid dentures but the added cost of bone grafting is putting it out of reach for my budget. Do I have to get bone grafting or are there some hybrid dentures that don’t require it? Thanks Joan

Joan – Hybrid dentures are fastened to a metal base mounted on dental implants that are surgically implanted in your jawbone. Bone grafting—for hybrid dentures or any dental implant procedure—is only needed when you have insufficient jawbone density to support implants. If you receive hybrid dentures, it does not mean that you automatically need bone grafting.

Your implant-retained dentures won’t shift or move. They will feel like you have your own natural teeth. Your speech and chewing efficiency will be significantly improved over complete removable dentures. You will be able to remove the hybrid dentures to clean them.

An experienced implant dentist will first determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. Your jawbone density will be measured to determine if it can support the dentures, or if bone grafting is needed to build up the jawbone. If you have sufficient jawbone to support the implant, no grafting will be necessary.

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

Mar 20

Can more implants be added to All on 4?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants

I like the All on 4 idea, but I am wondering if I can add 2 to 4 more implants so that it would be really All on 6 or All on 8? Thanks Donovan

Donovan – All-on-4 implants are an affordable way to secure upper and lower restorations with four highly angled implants. Four is the minimum number of implants used, but you can choose more.

Six to eight implants per arch will give your new smile even more stability. They will also increase the area in which jawbone shrinkage is prevented. The additional implants can be placed right away, or you can choose to wait and have them added later.

This procedure is not for everyone. It must be performed with care and precision to avoid implant mistakes. Speak with a board-certified prosthodontist to find out if All-on-4 implants are right for your case, and to discuss your interest in increasing the number of implants that are placed.

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

Mar 17

Should I switch pediatric dentists?

By Pediatric Dentist

If my daughter cries every time we go to the pediatric dentist, how do I know if the dentist makes her uncomfortable, or if she is afraid of the dentist period? Should I switch dentists? – Thanks Sy

Sy – If your daughter is old enough to understand and respond, you can consider questioning her to ask what she does or does not like about going to the dentist’s office. You can also ask her what makes her cry or what makes her afraid at the dentist’s office.

If your daughter is too young to have this conversation, speak with the pediatric dentist about your concerns. Are you able to go into the treatment room with your daughter? Sometimes this makes children more comfortable.

You can consider having a consultation with another pediatric dentist and taking your daughter with you. Ask questions about what is done to help children relax during their appointments. If your daughter seems more comfortable with the new dentist, you can consider switching, or at least scheduling one appointment with the new dentist to see how your daughter reacts. Don’t be quick to switch dentists until it is clearer what is making your daughter uncomfortable.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists.

Mar 10

4 new crowns and my bite is off. How are crowns adjusted?

By Dental Crowns, General Dentistry

I got 4 new crowns last month on bottom left and right molars. My bite is off and I told my dentist that before she cemented the crowns. I have gone back to the office twice and there is very little difference. It’s too high. What really needs to be done to adjust my bite? Thanks. Patrick

Patrick – After receiving porcelain crowns, it is important that your bite is correctly adjusted. A bite that is too high can cause tooth, jaw, and facial pain and jaw joint dysfunction (TMJ). It can even damage teeth and require root canal treatment.

Your dentist may have you bite down on adjustment paper. Crowns that are too high have more contact with opposing teeth, and tooth imprints on the paper often show where adjustment is needed. Additionally, the crowns and the opposing teeth will be examined, and an occlusal (the way teeth come in contact with opposing teeth) measurement instrument may be used. Certain areas of the biting surface of the crowns may need to be reduced, or the crowns may need to be remade.

You can consider visiting an experienced cosmetic dentist or a prosthodontist for a second opinion. These dentists frequently and effectively place dental crowns. He or she will examine your bite and crowns to determine the cause of the problem and what needs to be done to correct it.

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

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