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Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Aug 29

Is this prosthodontist right that energy drinks are ruining my teeth?

By Prosthodontist

My dentist referred me to a prosthodontist for 4 caps on my teeth. My dentist is uncomfortable placing them himself. He has done other caps for me but he wanted a prosthodontist to look at my teeth. After I a lot of questions from the prosthodontist about what is causing damage to my teeth, I told her that I drink a lot of energy drinks. I work nights and I work out as soon as I get off from work. The energy drinks help me keep up with my crazy schedule. The prosthodontist said that energy drinks are ruining my teeth. I just wanted to verify this with someone else because the energy drinks I use have artificial sweetener not natural sugar. Thanks. Drew

Drew – Although many energy drinks don’t contain natural sugar, they do contain large amounts of citric acid. Citric acid that remains on your teeth can damage your tooth enamel and lead to cavities and tooth decay.

A study published in a 2012 journal of General Dentistry shows that energy drinks contain twice as much citric acid as sports drinks. Your prosthodontist is right about the effects of energy drinks on your teeth. We recommend that you limit your consumption of energy drinks. When you do drink them, immediately after, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. If that’s not possible, chew sugar-free gum to increase the saliva flow in your mouth and neutralize the acid.

Although prosthodontists specialize in restoring and replacing teeth, they prefer that you maintain good oral health to preserve your teeth. Excessive use of energy drinks is a hindrance to maintaining good oral health.

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

Aug 20

Does your child grind his or her teeth?

By Oral Health, Pediatric Dentist

Teeth grinding is a common habit among young children—particularly those under 11 years old. It is so common that it should only be a concern if it happens at night, or if it is causing tooth pain or is wearing down teeth.

During intense concentration or stressful situations, a child may unconsciously grind his or her teeth. If you make him or her aware of the problem, and remind the child each time you see him or her doing it, it may be enough to help break the habit.

Often teeth grinding or bruxism occurs during sleep. Bruxism is common in young children who snore or breathe through the mouth while asleep. In these cases teeth grinding may be related to sleep apnea or enlarged tonsils.

When older teens grind their teeth, it may be done in association with smoking, or alcohol or drug use. Medication, trauma, and certain diseases, including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and epilepsy may contribute to bruxism.

Most bruxism is related to some type of anxiety or stress. Be sure to have your child’s teeth examined regularly. If your pediatric dentist determines that bruxism is affecting your child’s teeth or bite, he or she may recommend a nightguard, or refer you to a specialist.

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

Aug 17

Why are dental implants recommended so often when most people can’t afford them?

By Affordable Implant Dentistry

I have 3 missing teeth and the dentist is recommending implants for them. My sister had a dental appointment last week and her dentist recommended dental implants. I know that implants can cost a few thousand dollars. Why do dentists keep recommending them when most people can’t afford them and insurance doesn’t cover them? Thanks. Faye

Faye – Dental implants are frequently recommended because they are the most effective and natural-looking form of tooth replacement. This is because implants have the same structure as a natural tooth. The stem of an implant mimics the root of a tooth, and a crown is secured to it as the biting surface of the tooth.

Another advantage is that the root form of a dental implant is surgically placed in your jawbone, so implants also prevent your jawbone from shrinking. Jawbone shrinkage occurs naturally when all of your teeth are missing.

Although dental implants are more expensive than a dental bridge or a partial denture, implants are permanent. Other forms of tooth replacement can last five to fifteen years, depending on how well they are maintained.

Your dentist can give you options for making treatment affordable for you, whether it’s dental implants or a bridge.

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

Aug 14
dentures-after-teeth-are-extracted-blog

How long is the wait for dentures after teeth are extracted?

By Dentures

I have lost more than half my teeth to gum disease. I was going to the wrong dentist. They kept doing deep cleaning but my teeth were still getting loose. My daughter finally got me to go to a periodontist. Now the gum disease is under control but I have lost so many teeth that I need dentures. The few remaining teeth that I have will pulled soon. This has been a very upsetting experience for me. How long will I have to wait for dentures after all of my teeth are pulled? Yolinda

Yolinda – The length of wait before you receive dentures depends on the type of dentures you receive. Customized dentures are fit about three to six months after your teeth are extracted. This allows time for your gum tissue to heal. The waiting period ensures that the dentures will fit properly. While you wait for the gum tissue to heal, you will wear temporarily wear immediate dentures.

Immediate dentures are placed immediately after tooth extraction. When all of your natural teeth are missing, your jawbone will automatically begin to shrink. Immediate dentures will need to be refit or relined. If you choose immediate dentures to be your permanent dentures, they will need to be refitted several times to fit your shrinking jawbone. Some patients still require a new denture.

If you choose to have your dentures stabilized with dental implants, permanent dentures are secured to the dentures after the jawbone heals and bonds to the implants. The healing period is four to six months. In this case also, temporary dentures will be attached to the implants.

We recommend that you find a dentist who experienced in dental aesthetics or cosmetic dentistry. He or she will provide you with customized dentures that look natural when you smile.Your options for dentures will be thoroughly explained.

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

Jul 31

Can a mini implant be used for a single tooth?

By Mini Implants

I need 2 dental implants. I am wondering if mini implants can be used for them instead of the regular size implants. I understand that mini implants are cheaper. Can I get minis? Mikoko

Mikoko – Mini implants are commonly used to support dentures. They give dentures some stability, but less stability than a standard implant.

A mini implant can be used to replace smaller teeth, such as an incisor, and they can be used in spaces that are too small for a standard implant. When a mini implant is used, it must be able to withstand the biting force for the particular tooth that is being replaced.

Mini implants are not right for every case. Your teeth need to be examined by a skilled implant dentist. He or she will determine if you are a candidate for mini implants.

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

Jul 30

33 yr old adult with primary teeth

By General Dentistry

I am 33 yrs old but I still have 3 primary teeth. They are an incisor on the right and the 2 teeth behind the incisor. If I want adult sized teeth for these three places, do I have to get them pulled and replaced with dental implants? DeAnna

DeAnna – In some cases, smaller teeth in adults are permanent teeth that are smaller than normal. Porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns can be used to enhance the appearance of your teeth.

At times, permanent teeth are impacted below the primary teeth. An x-ray will reveal whether or not the teeth are impacted. Impacted primary teeth can be removed, and the permanent teeth can be exposed so that they will erupt.

Removing the primary teeth and replacing them with dental implants is another possibility. Schedule an appointment with a credentialed implant dentist. He or she will take diagnostic studies of your teeth and let you know your treatment options.

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

Jul 28

How can I prevent facial collapse if I only have regular dentures?

By Facial Collapse

I always do my research, so I’ve been researching dentures because I need them. I keep reading scary stories about how your jawbone and face shrink after you’ve worn dentures for year. I noticed that many of the sites that talk about the shrinkage are from dentists trying to convince you go forget about dental implants and get dentures. I can’t afford dental implants. Can you tell me what it looks like when a person has had dentures for years and what their face looks like? Also what are the ways I can avoid facial collapse when I have regular dentures. Amanda R.

Amanda – After years of wearing dentures, your jawbone shrinks. When there isn’t enough jawbone density to support your facial muscles, your face begins to sag and have a shriveled appearance. The photos to the right of this page show how facial collapse looks.

When teeth are absent, it’s a signal to the body that the jawbone is no longer needed in that space. Jawbone shrinkage occurs when a single tooth is missing, but it usually isn’t noticeable in your face. When all of your teeth are missing, your entire jawbone begins to shrink. The reason that dental implants prevent facial collapse is that they are surgically implanted in your jawbone. The implants have the same effect tooth roots. They provide a signal that the jawbone is needed.

The only way a denture wearer can prevent facial collapse is to support the dentures with dental implants. Two to eight dental implants can be surgically implanted in the jawbone, and dentures are secured to them. Implant supported dentures are a wise investment, not only because they help prevent face collapse, but they also make eating and speaking with dentures a lot easier.

We suggest that you have a consultation with an implant dentist. You can ask questions, discuss your concerns, and find out if implant-supported dentures can be made affordable with you through payment plans or no-interest financing.

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

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    Jul 25

    Why is my overdenture loose?

    By Dentures

    I got an overdenture in May. It seemed to be okay at first but only one of them really snaps correctly. The other is loose and makes it feel like the denture is floating or shifting to the left. My dentist told me that my dentures wouldn’t be as secure as 4 or 6 dental implants but I wouldn’t expect them to loosen up this soon. Why is my overdenture loose? I thought I would avoid this problem with an overdenture. Thanks – Tommy

    Tommy – Your dentist is correct that you won’t have the same stability with your dentures as you would with four or six implants, but both sides of the denture should securely snap in place.

    There may be an issue with the way the denture fits on the ridge of your jawbone. Or the balance of your bite may be the issue. Your dentist will also check the components of the denture that snap onto the dental implants to find out what is preventing them from snapping tightly onto the implants.

    If your dentist is unable to identify the cause of the looseness of your overdenture, you can get a second opinion from an experienced implant dentist.

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

     

     

    Jul 01

    How to get toddler to let me brush his teeth?

    By Pediatric Dentist

    My 3 yr old hates getting his teeth brushed. Somehow he know that I am about to brush his teeth and he starts running. When I finally catch him, he holds his lips stiff and I can’t get in his mouth. Sometimes I wait until he is asleep and I gently brush his teeth. He sleeps like a log so this works sometimes. I don’t want this to continue though. How can I encourage him to brush his teeth? Thanks. Jennie

    Jennie – You can try to find ways to make brushing fun. Think of ways to turn brushing into a game that ends with a prize. Allow your son to hold the toothbrush. Maybe you and your son can have a teeth brushing race. Hum while you brush.

    It may help if you have your son with you in the bathroom while you brush. Let him stand in a safe place while you both look in a mirror and brush. Make jokes or play games.

    If you have older children, or friends or family members with children that you can borrow, invite them over for some fun and also to brush their teeth with your son. Explain to the children you invite that you are trying to help your son want to brush his teeth. Children can often think of ways to help younger children that adults may not consider.

    Be patient. Your efforts will pay off.

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

    Jun 29

    Need info on getting dental implants from students

    By Affordable Implant Dentistry

    I really need dental implants. 5 teeth need to be replaced and I just can see going into debt for thousands of dollars go get it done. I am looking for information on where I can get dental implants from students. Any information you can provide me is very much appreciated. Eddie P

    Eddie – We understand your concerns about the cost of dental implants. The success of dental implants depends largely on the skill of the implant dentist and the quality of the implant fixtures.

    A skilled implant dentist will first ensure that you are a candidate for dental implants. He or she will also thoroughly check your medical history, and do diagnostic studies of your facial structure, including your sinuses, to ensure that the implants are properly placed. A skilled implant dentist can anticipate any problems that may occur with implant placement, and plan accordingly to avoid them.

    If for some reason an infection develops around an implant, or some unanticipated problem occurs, the experienced implant dentist has the skill and experience to work through those problems, correct them, or make the necessary adjustments to help you have a positive outcome.

    The things we have mentioned are difficult to find in a student who is still learning.

    We advise you to speak with a few credentialed implant dentists about your concerns. Perhaps your work can be done in phases. You can also find out about financial arrangements, including payments plans or no-interest financing to help make quality dental implants affordable for you.

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

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