Skip to main content
All Posts By

Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Jan 13

How much does it cost to replace a run down cap on my tooth if I don’t have dental insurance?

By Dental Crowns, Porcelain Crown

I have 3 caps on my teeth that are all over 15 yrs old and need to be replaced, but I don’t have dental insurance. I am not sure if I will ever have dental insurance. My job gives us medical only and I am considering early retirement due to some health issues. So I am only going to fix 1 cap at a time. How much does it cost to replace 1 run down cap if I don’t have dental insurance? Thanks. Faye

Faye – The cost to replace a dental crown (commonly referred to as a “cap”) involves several factors. A dentist needs to examine and x-ray your teeth to provide you with an estimate of the cost for your case. Costs vary depending on your dentist and where you live in the U.S. Approximate costs, based on several factors, are listed below.

  • The condition of your natural tooth – A dental crown completely covers your natural tooth. It is bonded in place. After your tooth is examined and x-rayed, your dentist will determine if the tooth requires any treatment before the crown is placed.
  • The type of crown you receive – Crown types include all-porcelain, porcelain fused to high noble metal, porcelain fused to noble metal, and porcelain fused to base metal.
    • All porcelain – Both the outside of the crown and its base are porcelain. This is the most natural-looking, but also the most expensive crown. Without dental insurance, the average price range is $1200 to $1500.
    • Porcelain fused to high noble metal – A porcelain crown can have a metal foundation, instead of a porcelain foundation. A high noble metal has a high content of precious metal, usually gold. Without dental insurance, the average price range is $900 to $1300.
    • Porcelain fused to noble metal – The foundation for this crown has a lower amount of precious metal than a crown with a high noble foundation. Without dental insurance, the average price range is $900 to $1200.
    • Porcelain fused to predominantly base metal – A non-precious metal foundation is used for this least expensive option for a dental crown. Without dental insurance, the average price range is $800 to $1200.

Again, the above costs will vary based on the dentist you chose, where you live in the U.S., and your particular case.

We recommend that you have a consultation with a dentist who has training and experience in cosmetic dentistry. Although you want an affordable crown, you will be very disappointed in the results of your investment if the crown does not look natural. A skilled cosmetic dentist has an artistic approach to give you the most natural-looking results, regardless of which option you choose.

Contact a few dental offices to schedule consultations with dentists. The consultations will give you the opportunity to ask questions about treatment recommendations (prepare your questions in advance and take notes), as well as payment options and financing. Remember to ask if consultations are complimentary, or if there is a fee associated with them.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists.

Jan 09

Best dentures options for 80 yr old with floating dentures, losing weight

By Dentures

Our family has longevity on both my father’s and mother’s side of the family. My grandparents and great grandparents all lived well over 90 years old. My dad is 80 years old and has worn dentures for over 20 yrs. His current dentures float and it’s hard for him to eat. He has a good appetite but the dentures make him not want to eat much. He is not overweight and he is losing weight so I am concerned. He has arthritis but no major health problems other than that. What are the best options to replace his floating dentures? Thanks. Jennifer

Jennifer – Your father needs examination and diagnostic studies to make a definite determination of the best options for him, but it is likely that dental implants will remedy the problems with his dentures.

If your father is a candidate for dental implants, mini implants are an affordable option to stabilize his dentures. If it’s within his budget, standard implants will provide even more stability. Floating dentures will be eliminated. The implants are surgically implanted in the jawbone and dentures are secured to them.

Your father will be able to eat and speak with ease and confidence. The stabilized dentures will improve digestion and help nutrients to be absorbed, and weight gain will follow.

Successful implant placement and healing depend on a skilled implant dentist who uses quality fixtures. Without these precautions, implant mistakes and infection can occur, requiring the process to be repeated, and the final, desired result can be delayed for months.

Check the training, experience, and credentials of several implant dentists, and choose two or three with whom you can have consultations. Do a little research on implant-secured dentures to help you determine what questions to ask about the process. Be sure to bring your father with you to the appointments.

Quality implants will last your dad for his lifetime.

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

Dec 27

Can a 15 yr old teenager get an implant supported bridge?

By Dental Implants

My husband has 2 dental implants. He is very happy with them and says that he can’t tell the difference in them from the teeth that they replaced. Our nephew recently got into an accident while playing ice hockey. He lost 2 of his teeth upper left teeth. His mom and I are looking at his options. He is 15 years old. Can teenagers get an implant supported bridge, or is there an age requirement for dental implants? thanks Cherise

Cherise – Dental implants are not recommended for teenagers who are still developing and growing. If jawbone growth is not complete, dental implants can interfere with the growth and position of teeth.

While the jawbone grows and teeth shift with it, dental implants won’t budge. Teeth can become misaligned, or push against an implant and cause discomfort and pain.

An experienced prosthodontist will let you know what your nephew can expect from his current options—a partial denture, or a dental bridge that is not supported by implants. When your nephew’s growth is complete, dental implants will be the most functional and long-lasting restoration for his missing teeth. Physical growth and development are usually completed around age 18 or 19, but vary with the individual. Schedule a consultation with a prosthodontist in your area.

 

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

Dec 22

Easiest way to extract a tooth at home?

By Dental Emergency, General Dentistry

I have a tooth that is killing me. It’s on the top left. I don’t want a dentist touching it. I would rather yank it out myself. What is the best way with the least pain to pull the tooth myself? – Lyle

Lyle – There is no best way to extract your own tooth. You need to see a dentist. And the dentist probably won’t have to remove the tooth at all.

A gentle dentist will numb your gums to give you a pain-free injection. After your tooth is numb, you will receive an examination and x-ray. Your tooth is probably infected, in which case, a root canal treatment is needed. It can be pain free.

Extracting your own tooth will be quite painful, and it can cause damage to nearby teeth, which will cause even more pain. When a tooth is missing, the remaining teeth will begin drift into the space. Misaligned teeth will create additional problems for you.

Saving your teeth is important to your oral health. We advise patients who are on a budget or who don’t have dental insurance to let us know. We will work with your budget to make dental care affordable for you.

If you are nervous or anxious about dental appointments, make it known when you schedule your appointment. Steps will be taken to ensure you are comfortable during your dental visit.

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

Dec 18

What are the risks of untreated cleft palate?

By Cleft Palate, Prosthodontist

There is a child with cleft palate that was adopted by family members, outside of my immediate family. For personal reasons and family sensitivities, I don’t want to give any details about the family dynamics. We don’t live in Illinois. I am doing this research on my own and will relate it to my family at the right time. I would like to know what happens if cleft palate goes untreated. Thanks. J.B.

J.B. –

During pregnancy when the left and right sides of the roof the mouth do not grow together and fuse, an opening or cleft remains. The cleft can affect part, or all, of the roof of the mouth.

There are several difficulties that can arise if a cleft palate is left untreated. Some of them are listed below.

  • Chronic dental problems, including misaligned or malformed teeth
  • Speech problems
  • Ear infections, due to fluid not draining properly from the ears
  • Impaired hearing
  • Speech problems
  • Fluids can enter the nasal cavity while drinking
  • Difficult social interactions – A person with cleft palate can be self-conscious about his or her physical appearance, which can cause him or her to limit social interaction.

Although circumstances vary with each family, we encourage at least a consultation with a board-certified prosthodontist for an examination of individuals with cleft palate. This is an obligation-free opportunity to get the opinion of a skilled specialist and to discuss treatment options.

 

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

Dec 08

10 yr old daughter fell on her face and hit her front tooth. Will she lose it?

By Pediatric Dentist

My 10 yr old daughter fell on her face while doing a somersault. She was on carpet, so I hope that it’s not too bad. It’s not loose, she is not in pain and I don’t see a fracture. Will she lose it? What are some signs I should look for? – Alexahndra

Alexahndra – Since your daughter experienced trauma to her tooth, even though she is not in pain, schedule an appointment with her pediatric dentist.

Her teeth and gums need to be examined and x-rayed. If there is no discoloration, sensitivity, or pain in the tooth, it is likely that the tooth okay, but it needs to be checked.

On the other hand, when there is pain, sensitivity, or discoloration in the tooth, it is an indication of nerve damage. When nerve damage is minimal, the nerve can heal itself. Otherwise, a root canal will be needed to remove the pulp in the tooth so that the tooth can be preserved. The tooth is protected with a dental crown.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca of Naperville Dental Specialists.

Dec 04

Should I ask for zirconia or titanium dental implants?

By Dental Implants

Hi. What are zirconia dental implants? Are they better than titanium implants? Should I ask for zirconia or titanium implants? Thank you. Janis

Janis – Zirconia implants are made of zirconium, which has properties similar to titanium. While zirconium can be processed and converted to pure metal, zirconia ceramic is obtained through a different process. Zirconia ceramic is actually a stabilized crystalline, or powder, form of zirconium. It is strong, wear-resistant, and used in technical ceramics.

These ceramic implants are often compatible with people who have metal allergies and sensitivities. Others simply prefer them for holistic reasons.

Some implants dentists prefer titanium implants, while others prefer zirconia. And there are implant dentists who use both, and determine by individual case which type of implants are best for the patient.

We recommend that you schedule a consultation with a board-certified prosthodontist. He or she will answer any additional questions you have and explain your options for dental implants. After an exam and diagnostic studies, you will find out which treatment options are best for your case.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca. Dr. LaVacca offers complimentary consultations for dental implant services.

 

Nov 30

Is it safe for me swish my mouth with peroxide to whiten my teeth?

By Teeth Whitening

Is it safe for me swish my mouth with peroxide to whiten my teeth? – Thanks. Lindsey

Lindsey – Most household hydrogen peroxide is 3%—less than 1/3 the strength of whitestrips that are labeled as professional strength. Swishing it around in your mouth may help reduce some surface stains over time, but the swishing period is not long enough to remove stains embedded in your teeth. And the peroxide is not strong enough to break down stubborn stains in teeth. Without supervision from a dentist, higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can cause gum and tissue damage.

Even the hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in professional-strength teeth bleaching gel needs to stay in contact with your teeth to break down embedded stains in them. Custom bleaching trays help the gel to penetrate your teeth, and they confine the gel to prevent it from burning your mouth and gums.

If you want to safely and effectively to brighten your smile, speak with your dentist about how teeth whitening can be made affordable for you.

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

Nov 24

Can’t find anything like my old denture powder

By Dentures

My old denture powder has been off the market now for several years. I never had any problems with it. No matter what denture powder or adhesive I’ve used since then, it’s nothing like what I used to use. My dentures slip all the time now. What should I use to keep them in place? – Karen

 

Karen – As you may know, certain zinc-containing denture powders are no longer produced. Prolonged or excessive use of the products increased the risk zinc poisoning and gingival (gum), gastrointestinal, and neurological problems.

Some of the symptoms experienced by some people with prolonged or excessive of these denture powders include gastroesophageal reflux disease; gum irritation, pain, or bleeding; and numbness, tingling, and difficulty walking. Many people who used the products experienced no problems at all. Products that were considered to pose a health risk were discontinued. Look for denture adhesives and cleaners that have a seal of acceptance from the American Dental Association.

After years of having missing teeth, the jawbone begins to shrink and dentures don’t fit properly. You should have your dentures and jawbone examined by a skilled prosthodontist. Relining your dentures may give you a better fit. Depending on how long you’ve had your current dentures, you may need new ones.

Regardless of how long you’ve been wearing dentures, dental implants will help them fit better. The implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, and the dentures are secured to them. The dentures will be stable, and it will be easier to speak and eat with them. They also help prevent jawbone shrinkage. Your implant dentist will let you know your options to help your dentures fit better, with or without dental implants. If dental implants are one of your options, ask how they can be made affordable for you.

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

Nov 17

Tired of wearing a partial. Need least number of implants so I can afford it.

By Dental Implants

I have been wearing a partial for 4 missing teeth for about 162 years. It has always been irritating to me. I can never get used to the metal. My other teeth are sensitive from the clasps on them too. I need another way. I want dental implants but cannot afford an implant for each tooth. What is the fewest number of implants I can have to make it affordable? Thanks. Noel

Noel – You really need to receive an examination from an experienced implant dentist. The implant dentist will be able to tell you how many implants are needed to replace your teeth.

You may be a candidate for an implant-supported bridge. The bridge will replace some of your tooth roots, and replacement teeth (dental crowns) will be secured to them. One or more crowns will be suspended between the ones that are secured to the implants.

If you have been wearing a partial for 16 years, you have lost some bone density in the area of the missing teeth. Your implant dentist will let you know if bone grafting is needed to ensure the implants have sufficient support.

Schedule a consultation with a board-certified prosthodontist to discuss your options and how implants can be made affordable for you.

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

Close Menu