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Dr. Anthony LaVacca

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.

Jun 27

Who do my denture teeth feel gritty?

By Dentures

My denture teeth feel gritty and it is very annoying. Every time my tongue touches the denture teeth, it feels like sandpaper. What is causing this? Will I need new dentures? – Fran

Fran – The cause of your gritty-feeling dentures depends on several factors.

If your dentures are new, the gritty feeling could be due to low-quality denture teeth material. Lower quality materials can be rough or gritty.

Often it is the materials used on the denture teeth that cause the gritty feeling. A hard-bristle toothbrush, gritty toothpaste, and gritty powders will scratch denture teeth and make them feel rough.

Whether your dentures are new or not, you should have them examined by an experienced prosthodontist. He or she will let you know what can be done to improve the comfort of your dentures and let you know if your dentures need to be replaced.

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

Jun 20

If frenum is removed will my gap close?

By General Dentistry, Tooth Gap

I have a large piece of fleshy tissue between my teeth that has created a pretty big gap. I guess the technical term is frenum. If the frenum is removed why wouldn’t my teeth grow closer and close the gap? Do I really need braces? – Nick

Nick – Your case needs to be evaluated by an orthodontist. Removing the frenum, or muscle tissue, before you have orthodontic treatment can create scar tissue that will prevent the gap from closing. In some cases, only minor tooth movement is required to close the gap, and it may be possible to accomplish the closer with a retainer.

If too much muscle tissue is removed, when the gap is closed, a dark triangle will be left between your teeth. Generally, it is best to close the gap first, and then remove the frenum with a simple surgical procedure. An orthodontist will let you know your options.

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

Jun 18

Does my prosthodontist need to whiten my dentures or will whitening toothpaste work?

By Dentures

My dentures won’t get white. I have used several brands of fizzing tablets just for dentures and they are not working. I called my prosthodontist’s office and they told me to come into the office. If I can do this myself for cheaper I would rather do it myself. Will whitening toothpaste work or does my prosthodontist really need me to come in to get my dentures white? – Iris

Iris – Whitening toothpaste will only scratch your dentures. It won’t whiten them. The chemicals that whiten and strengthen natural tooth enamel will harm your dentures.

If you can’t get your dentures white, have your prosthodontist examine them. He or she has the correct products and materials to whiten your dentures without damaging them. Your prosthodontist will also let you know how to care for your dentures at home to keep the denture teeth white.

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

Jun 04

All on 4 or snap on dentures?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I need dentures and I definitely want implants for them. Should I ask my dentist for all on 4 or snap on dentures? I want to have in mind which option is best before he recommends something else just for money. – Elijah W.

Elijah – Before you receive dental implants, find a qualified implant dentist to determine if you are a candidate for them. Candidacy depends largely on your medical history. The dentist will also perform diagnostic studies to determine if you have enough bone density for implants.

Depending on the amount of bone density you have, All-On-4 procedure may be recommended, or bone grafting for standard implants or snap-on dentures may be the best option for you. The All-On-4 procedure is commonly used for patients who lack the bone density needed for standard implants. We suggest that you not ask for a specific procedure until you find out your options from an experienced dentist.

After you receive your initial recommendation, it is advisable to get a second opinion before you make your final decision.

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

Jun 04

Lost filling and tooth cracked – best at home remedy for pain?

By Damaged Tooth, Toothache

The filling in one of my upper molars was probably 15 yrs old. I started to feel some sensitivity in the tooth about 4 months ago. 2 weeks ago the filling fell out and over the weekend the tooth cracked. I am terrified of the dentist. I don’t care a whole lot about the tooth because it’s in the back of my mouth. I just want to know what I can do about the pain at home so I can avoid the dentist. Ibuprofen is not working. – Tony

Tony – If over-the-counter medication is not alleviating your pain, you need to see a dentist. You can find a dentist who is gentle and who enjoys treating nervous patients.

If there is a problem with the tooth, your pain may increase. If the tooth is infected, other teeth may be affected and eventually cause you more pain.

Schedule an appointment with the dentist first to explain your anxiety. A dentist who treats fearful patients has techniques to help you relax. If necessary, sedation dentistry can be used to calm your fears.  It is important that you see a dentist promptly.

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

May 29

help! what should i do about a mouth ulcer?

By Oral Health

i was hoping that it would go away but it’s been 2 weeks so i am thinking that maybe there’s a problem or something special that i need to do. how do i get rid of a mouth ulcer? peter

Peter – There are various causes of an ulcer in your mouth. The ulcer is usually not serious and goes away within two weeks. Some ulcers last longer. A tooth infection, or abscess, can cause a sore in your mouth. A virus or bacteria may also be the cause, and certain conditions or diseases may result in mouth ulcers. Do you have a fever or a general feeling that something is making you ill? If you have these additional symptoms, see your dentist or medical doctor right away.

If you have no additional symptoms, you can consider using antibacterial treatment that is made specifically for mouth sores. If you don’t get any relief in a few days, schedule an appointment with your dentist. He or she will examine the ulcer, and if necessary perform a blood test or biopsy to determine the type of mouth ulcer you have and how it should be treated.

If you prefer, you can schedule an appointment with your dentist or doctor right way, without trying to take care of the mouth ulcer yourself.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca

May 22

Snap on denture post broke!

By Affordable Implant Dentistry

I am in the process of getting snap on dentures. I think one of the implant post broke. It feels pretty lose around the gum. If it broke will it have to be redone? I just want to know before I go to this dentist because I don’t know him that well. I just need some independent advice. Thank you. – Marlene

Marlene – If one of the implant fixtures broke, it will need to be removed and replaced. The implant dentist may need to reposition the implant so that your jawbone will correctly heal around it.

You have the option of getting a second opinion from an experienced implant dentist. He or she will examine the implant and let you know what needs to be done to replace it.

It may not be true in your case, but sometimes in an effort to save money, cheap implant fixtures are used. If you get a second opinion, you can ask about the quality of the implants that were used to support your dentures. This information will be useful in determining the dentist you choose to replace your implant.

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

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