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All Posts By

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.

Nov 07

My son’s teeth are growing sideways. Can a pediatric dentist do anything about this?

By Pediatric Dentist

My son’s teeth are just like mine. They grow out sideways. Not completely sideways but sort of flared out to the sides and most of the teeth grow this way. When I was 13 yrs old I had braces and even now my teeth are a bit sideways. I am trying to save my son from some of the stress I had in school and nowadays, save him from bullying. He is only 8 yrs old. We have been to plenty of dental appointments and I was expecting the dentist to say something about my son’s teeth, but she has not said anything. Can our pediatric dentist do something about this or do I need to take him straight to the orthodontist? Clark

Clark – It is not unusual for teeth to grow at an angle. To start, it is best to let your son’s pediatric dentist make an evaluation of his treatment options. The dentist will refer your son to an orthodontist for further evaluation and to determine the best time to begin treatment and what appliances should be used. Depending on the case, orthodontic treatment can be started as young as 7 years old.

The pediatric dentist will work along with the orthodontist to monitor the progression of your son’s teeth and jawbone growth. After orthodontic is treatment is complete, it is critical to wear a retainer. Immediately after treatment, a retainer will need to be worn continuously for one year, or more if necessary. As your son grows, retainer adjustments will be needed, and a retainer has to be worn at least nightly for a lifetime to prevent teeth from moving back to their original position.

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

Nov 07

If all on 4 fails will I have to get dentures?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants

I have neglected my teeth for most of my life. I have 2 dental bridges and 1 needs to be replaced. My dentist is recommending implants. I saw one perio who said all on 4 will work for me. He explained the good benefits and the risks. I smoke and I drink. My biggest concern is what happens if all on 4 fails. Are dentures the only other option? Alan T.

Alan – All-On-4 is a highly successful procedure when performed by a dentist who specializes in it. Be certain that the dentist is using quality dental implants by Nobel Biocare. There are other techniques that may be called All-On-4, but they are substandard, and the results you get will be unpredictable. Look for a board-certified prosthodontist who is experienced with this procedure.

This may be a good time to consider getting a second opinion on whether All-On-4 is the best treatment for your case. Another skilled implant dentist may recommend supporting your restoration with more than four implants to increase the rate of success. Or it may be found that All-On-4 is a good fit for you. The second opinion will give you confidence in making a decision about which implant procedure you want.

Dentures are not a given if a dental implant fails. It is unlikely that all four implants will fail. If one of them fails, it is possible to replace it. A highly skilled implant dentist uses computer-guided placement. It is likely that, with the same guided placement, a failed implant can be replaced in available bone that will support it. At times, bone grafting is required, and additional implants may be needed.

You will be advised of the benefits if you stop smoking  at least two weeks before your implant placement and throughout the healing process. Smoking can decrease your blood flow and hinder the healing process, which is so important to the stability of your dental implants. Also, ensure that you take care of the implants and practice excellent oral hygiene to prevent infection.

Be certain to find a skilled implant dentist and to do everything you can to help make the surgery a success.

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

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