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All Posts By

Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Feb 27

Can I switch implant dentists in the middle of all on 4 treatment?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I got the all on 4 implants in early December last year. Everything seemed to be going well until late last month. I started feeling sharp pain in the lower right part of my gums. I immediately got an appointment with the implant dentist, and he said, “We will have to keep an eye on this one.” I asked him what was wrong and he said that he wasn’t sure yet, but we need to watch the implant. I still have the pain. It’s not ongoing, just a few times a day, but when it hurts, it is very intense. I have seen the dentist twice and his response is the same, that we need to watch it. What is he watching if he doesn’t know what the problem is? This is scaring me. Did it fail? Can I switch implant dentists before the all on 4 is really completed? – Lien

Lien – Yes, you can switch dentists. It is your right as a patient to do so.

But don’t just pick any implant dentist. Find a skilled, credentialed implant dentist to examine your All-on-4 implants and determine what needs to be done to alleviate your pain and correct the situation.

Occasionally, an implant will fail. If that’s the case, new implant positions will need to be located, and adjustments will be made to align the bridge, or a new bridge, to the new implants. In some cases, bone grafting is needed. Only an exam and diagnostic study will determine the cause of your pain and the proper treatment.

The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can get through the healing process and enjoy your new smile.

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

Feb 26

Can a kids dentist helP? Don’t know if my nephew or the dog swallowed toothpaste.

By Pediatric Dentist

Quick question please. We have extended family living in our house. I was helping my nephew brush his teeth and the doorbell rang. I know that I shouldn’t have taken my eyes off of him. When I got back to the bathroom he had toothpaste all over his hands and the dog was licking toothpaste. The tube was about ¾ full and maybe half of that is gone. I don’t know if my nephew ate any and he is too young to talk. I asked him if he ate it and he shakes his head yes and know. We have no insurance but if I need to take him to a kids dentist office I will. What should I do? thnx  Miriam

Miriam – If your nephew is breathing okay, give him some water to drink. You can call The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) for assistance, and you need to tell them the toothpaste brand and whether or not it contains fluoride. Or, you can take your nephew to an urgent care facility or an emergency room.

A pediatric dentist will not be able to assist you in this instance. Your nephew needs medical attention. Get it quickly.

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

Feb 24

Can I repair my own denture without going to the prosthodontist?

By Prosthodontist

I made the mistake about trying to finish some outdoor gutter cleaning just before it got really dark. I slipped off the 5th or 6th step on the ladder and was fortunate not to be really hurt but the jolt knocked out my bottom denture. A section of 3 teeth cracked. The section of teeth didn’t completely fall off so I am thinking that instead of going to the prosthodontist and having him charge me a bunch of money for a 5 minute fix, this is something that I can fix myself with some of my wife’s craft project glue. That stuff is stronger than krazy glue. Besides that I’m embarrassed and if I can fix the dentures myself, I don’t have to repeat the story of how it happened. James

James – It is best to leave the denture repair to the prosthodontist. The prosthodontist has the right tools and adhesive materials to make a long-lasting repair that is safe to put in your mouth.

Craft project glue is not made for use in your mouth. It can be toxic, and it may not be strong enough to withstand the wet environment in your mouth or the force of chewing. You may end up doing additional damage to the denture if you try to repair it yourself.

The prosthodontist will also need to check the fit of your denture to ensure that is properly lined and fitted so that it won’t dislodge unexpectedly.

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

Feb 15

Is 19 a good age for dental implants?

By Dental Implants

I play hockey a lot. I have lost 2 teeth already and I want to get them replaced with dental implants. Is 19 a good age or am I too young? Will the implants last until I am old? – Matt

Matt – At age 19, your growth should be complete. An implant dentist will examine your jawbone to make that determination and let you know if you are a candidate for dental implants. Jawbone growth needs to be complete before you get dental implants. Otherwise, the implant can interfere with the position of your teeth and jawbone that are still growing.

Dental implants are permanent and should last a lifetime. In time, you may need to replace the dental implant crowns, which serve as the upper part of the teeth, which show when you smile.

If you receive dental implants, be diligent in caring for them just as you would your natural teeth, to help them last for many years.

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

Feb 11

Can dentist tell if I’m a under age drinker?

By General Dentistry

My parents caught me drunk a few times already. I am 16 so they get really mad. I tried to tell them that it’s a social thing that happens at all the parties and it’s not like I’m a alcoholic. There are other times that I drink too depending on who I am with but it’s social. Everybody does it and I don’t want to be the dude that can’t hang. The problem is that I have a toothache that is killing me and I need to get to the dentist really bad. Can the dentist tell that I drink? – R.

R – If a person regularly drinks alcohol in excess, the signs will be seen in the teeth and gums. Excessive alcohol consumption can create cavities, darken your teeth, and deteriorate your gums. It can also increase the risk of oral cancer. If you drink alcohol often, it can linger on your breath, and the smell can escape through the pores of your skin. So if there are no visible signs yet, a dentist may be able to smell the alcohol on your breath or in your skin.

Your toothache needs attention. You probably have an infection in your tooth that needs to be removed and treated. If you don’t treat the toothache, it can make you very sick, and it can become life threatening.

We really encourage you to be honest with your parents about your drinking habits. If you are unable to speak with your parents, speak with a responsible adult who will listen to you and help you.

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

Jan 30

Crown broke off twice. Should we trust this dentist?

By Dental Crowns, General Dentistry

My husband got a crown in November 2012. In March of last year the crown cracked. Before my husband got a chance to go to the dentist for it, the crown fell off. He took the crown with him and got a replacement crown. He is now wearing the second crown. I should say he was wearing the second crown because it broke off yesterday again. He is so disgusted with this whole thing, but for some reason he wants to give the dentist another chance. Should we trust this dentist? – Aarti

 

Aarti – We will leave it to you and your husband to determine if you really trust the dentist.

What we can tell you is that with proper preparation of the natural tooth that is to be crowns, and with bonding techniques, a dental crown should not fall off. Your husband can ask the dentist what will be done this time to ensure that the crown is not dislodged again.

You can also have a second opinion dentist examine your husband’s tooth and crown to determine if the tooth was properly prepared for the crown and if the crown is properly sized for the tooth.

After your husband receives the second opinion, he can determine if he wants to return to your current dentist, or have the restoration done by a different dentist.

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

Jan 29

My dentist doesn’t want me to go to prosthodontist

By Prosthodontist

I need 4 dental implants. My dentist wants to do them himself, but I want to go to a prosthodontist. The prosthodontist was recommended to me by one close friend and one workmate. I don’t know anything about how well my dentist places implants other than his word. I know that he took some classes, but that’s not good enough for me. If it was only one implant that I needed, maybe I would take a chance, but I don’t think I should take a change on 4 of them. With something as serious at implants, I probably shouldn’t be taking any chances right? I’ve had this dentist for 11 years, and he has placed crowns for me that are really beautiful. Am I wrong for insisting on going elsewhere for the implants? – Bobbie D.

Bobbie – Correct placement of dental implants is serious. If you prefer to find a skilled prosthodontist to do the work—one for whom you have recommendations from people you trust—your preference is completely understandable.

If you think your decision is interfering with your relationship with your current dentist, let him know how much you appreciate the work that he has done in helping you maintain good oral health and in giving you a beautiful smile. But also let him know your concerns and why you’ve chosen to see a prosthodontist for your dental implants.

In addition to the recommendations you received, a prosthodontist has received extensive post-graduate training in the replacement and restoration of teeth. Prosthodontists are very skilled in dental implant placement.

Every caring dental or healthcare provider understands patient rights. Your dentist knows yours and will likely respect your decision and cooperate with the prosthodontist so that you will a positive outcome with your dental implants.

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

Jan 21

Wacky bottom denture but can’t afford implants

By Affordable Implant Dentistry, Dentures

My bottom denture is loose but hurts my gums all at the same time. I put some pads between the dentures and my gums but they still hurt. When I chew, they lift up completely. Sometimes they get stuck to the food and I have to pull them back down. It is very embarrassing and frustrating. I feel like there’s no suction in them. I have had them relined several times with no improvement. I know dental implants will work but I can’t afford them. My dentist keeps recommending implants but what else will work? I’m in my 10th year of wearing dentures and I am 67 yrs young. I need an alternative because I have a lot of life left in me. Thank you. Lorena

Lorena – Your dentist is correct. Dental implants are needed to stabilize your denture. After your teeth have been missing for many years, your jawbone begins to shrink, and it becomes increasingly difficult to keep a denture in, so implants are needed to secure them.

There are various options for dental implants that may make them more affordable for you. Standard implants provide the most stability, and the more of them you have, the more stable your dentures will be. But implants come in other sizes. Smaller implants, mini implants, cost less and will secure your dentures so that you can enjoy eating. Two mini implants will stabilize your dentures, and if your budget allows for more, you will enjoy added stability with your dentures.

Look for a skilled implant dentist who offers payment plans or financing. The office will work with your budget so that you can afford implants without paying a single large sum at once.

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

Jan 14

Kids’ dentist straps them down???

By Pediatric Dentist

I have a 3 yr old son, a 6 yr old son and an 8 yr old daughter. I am in a dilemma with the dentist’s office. I have been taking the kids to this dentist for 4 years. Late last year was our most recent appointment. As soon as my 8 yr old got in the dentist’s chair, they strapped her in. The 8 yr old mind you. We have never had any problem with her and she is not afraid of the dentist – at least she wasn’t. I hope it won’t have a bad effect on her. I asked why she was being strapped in and the hygienist said they are strapping kids in so they will be still and don’t need sedation. She added that lots of offices in the area are starting to do it.  Well, I asked her to remove the straps and I took my daughter home. Is this something that I should get used to? Am I over-reacting? – Jeannine

Jeannine – You are not over-reacting. Whenever you or your children are uncomfortable in the dentist’s office, you should make it known and if necessary, leave—as you did.

You are able to find a dentist for your children who will welcome you and make you and your children feel comfortable. If your children have bad experiences at a dental office, they will hate going to the dental appointments as adults.

If you decide to find a new dentist for your children, consider having consultations with a few dentists and taking your children with you to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the office and the staff. Ask about what is done to help children have pleasant and productive visits. If you prefer going into the exam room with your children, ask if there is an office policy regarding it.

It will be to your advantage—and your children’s—to insist on quality dental care and patient care for your children.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists.

Jan 13

Can my current dentures be used for mini implants?

By Affordable Implant Dentistry, Mini Implants

I have dentures, but I want dental implants. I know that I will get them, but I am uncertain of the timing. If I my current dentures can be altered for implants, I can get the implants sooner. Is this possible? Thanks. Linda

Linda – It is possible that your current denture can be modified to accommodate dental implants. In general, if your existing denture has a poor bite, is worn, or is more than five years old, you will likely need new dentures.

If your current dentures can be used, after the desired location of the implants in your jawbone is determined, your denture will be adjusted.

Schedule an examination with an experienced implant dentist, and have your dentures examined to determine if they can be used. This will make the process of securing your dentures with implants even more affordable.

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

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