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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.

Dec 29

Surgeons won’t give me all on 4 implants

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I have been to 3 different implant surgeons and none will give me all on 4 implants. They say I will do better with standard implant. I want the all of 4s. How can I find a surgeon who will do them for me? – Andre

Andre – All-on-4 dental implants are for denture wearers who are in good health. This process allows the implants to be placed if you don’t have a lot of jaw bone density for standard dental implants.

Implant surgeons take a lot of steps to identify your treatment options and ensure the success of your implants. If three surgeons indicated that you are not a candidate for the All-on-4 process, it is likely that you will receive the same response from a fourth implant surgeon.

Consider your alternative options for implants to secure your dentures. You will likely have better success with the healing process and the duration of your implants by selecting alternate treatment.

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

Dec 26

Why would pediatric dentist want to sedate my daughter?

By Pediatric Dentist

We relocated from Ohio and have a new pediatric dentist for our 2 children. My 8 yr old has a cavity. She normally does very well at a dentist’s office. She doesn’t have any fear. The dentist scheduled an appointment to fill her cavity, and she said that she will administer nitrous oxide first. I don’t think this is necessary at all. Am I being unreasonable? – Anika

Anika – You have a right to accept or refuse dental treatment for your daughter. If you don’t think she requires sedation before filling a cavity, you can explain your concern to your child’s dentist.

The response you get can determine whether or not you choose to seek a second opinion on treatment for your daughter. You will be able to find a dentist who is willing to fill the cavity without sedation.

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

Dec 26

Looking for a cheap dental implant for canine tooth

By Affordable Implant Dentistry, Dental Implants

I have a crooked canine tooth on the right side of my mouth. It is also badly shaped and discolored. I am wondering if I can get a cheap dental implant to replace it and still have it look natural.  Erika

Ericka – It is likely that your canine tooth doesn’t need to be replaced with a dental implant. You can have the tooth examined by an experienced prosthodontist. And if you do need a dental implant, you can discuss how a quality implant can be made affordable for you.

The goal will be to preserve your tooth. There are options that may work for you, including reshaping the tooth and whitening it; lightly shaving the tooth and bonding a porcelain veneer to it, which will look completely natural; reducing the size of the tooth and covering it with a porcelain crown to match your natural tooth; or short-term orthodontics and teeth bleaching.

Schedule an appointment to have your tooth examined and to find out your options. Many dentists, like Dr. LaVacca, offer a complimentary consultation.

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

Dec 23

What can I do about cavity pain until my dentist’s appt?

By General Dentistry, Tooth Decay

I made an appointment with a dentist already for a cavity, but the appt isn’t until next week. The office is closed for the holidays. I feel more sensitivity in the tooth each day and I am afraid that it’s going to get very painful before I can get the tooth treated. What can I do at home? – Zach

Zach – If your tooth is sensitive, try to limit cold or hot beverages that can increase sensitivity. If you start to experience pain, you can take over-the counter pain medication to relieve the pain.

It is unlikely that your pain will become extreme, but if it does, you may be able to find an emergency dentist who has on-call personnel who will see you and relieve your pain.

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

Dec 22

What’s the success rate of dental implants?

By Dental Implants

I want to have 3 missing teeth replaced with dental implants. I read on your website about dental implant failure, but what’s the success rate? They cost so much that I really hope the success rate if very good. Thank you. Kacie

Kacie – The success rate of dental implants is very good—95%. The majority of dental implants still function at their peak performance 20 years after they were originally placed.

A key to success and longevity of your implants is a skilled, experienced, and credentialed implant dentist who plans for quality placement, and who uses quality implant fixtures. Your strict cooperation with instructions before and after implant surgery are also vital to the success of your implants.

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

Dec 20

My gums swollen over 1 year after dental implant placed

By Dental Implant Mistakes, Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

I got 3 dental implants 1 ½ yrs ago. The healing seems to be fine but now the gum around 1 of them is swollen. I take good care of my real teeth and the implants. I now live 6 hours away from the dentist who placed the implants. I made sure not to relocate before everything was healed. Why is this happening now? Jennifer

Jennifer – Swelling around the implant right after implant surgery is normal. Swelling will peak in approximately 48 hours and will gradually diminish in about one week.

Swelling like yours that occurs over a year after the implant surgery is a reason for concern. It is possible that there is a problem with the implant or you may have an infection.

Your tooth needs to be examined by an experienced implant dentist for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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

Nov 30

Dental implants and meth

By Dental Implants, Health Issues and Teeth

Meth has messed up my teeth. I am pretty much addicted to it but I don’t know if I can stop. I am trying to cut back on using it. I have plenty of money to get my teeth straightened out. Will dental implants work for me if I am still using? T.W.

T.W. – Tobacco use, alcoholism, and drug addiction affect the success of dental implants. These habits can contribute to bone loss, which affect the ability of implants to be placed. Bone grafting may be needed. The habits also affect the ability of dental implants to heal and to stabilize.

It is best to have your teeth examined by an implant dentist. He or she will let you know how methamphetamine has affected your oral health, and determine if you are a candidate for dental implants or if another treatment is required to restore your teeth.

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

 

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