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Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Oct 30

Received all on four implants and ready to smoke my cigars again.

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

Hello, I am a social cigar smoker. I am one of the committee members for a local cigar club. Our group also attends regional events. On 10/2 I received all on four implants. I quit cigar smoking three weeks before I got the implants.That was the best I could do. I am told that I have to continue without smoking through the healing process. We have another event coming up for the holidays and I want to be a participant not an onlooker. My dentist said that I need to give it more time before I start smoking again. I want an answer independent from my dentist. Is this really necessary? T.D.

T.D. – Smoking will affect the healing process of your All on 4 dental implants. It can even cause the implants to fail completely. During the two to six month healing process for the implants to become fully anchored in the bone, smoking should be avoided. There are several good reasons:

  • Slower healing – Smoking reduces the oxygen supply in your blood and slows the healing process. It will make it more difficult for your jawbone to heal around your implants, which can lead to implant failure.
  • Inflammation – When you smoke during the healing process, the area around the implants can become inflamed and pockets of pus can develop. The inflammation can interfere with the healing process or completely prevent healing.
  • Increased risk of infection – Smoking can increase the risk of infection in the area of the implants. Your body will have difficulty fighting the infection and the implants can fail.
  • Reduced effectiveness of medication – Smoking inhibits the effects of antibiotics prescribed to help fight infection. If an infection is not eliminated, the risk for losing the implants increases.

Refraining from smoking during the healing process is best to ensure that your implants are successful.

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

Oct 29

I have oligodontia and missing 9 adult teeth. See a dentist or prosthodontist?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I have oligodontia and am missing 9 adult teeth. When I was a child, my parent could not afford the dental care that I needed. Now that I have my own job and dental insurance I am going to get the work I need done in phases. That’s what I can afford. I don’t have a lot of experience with dentists because as I mentioned, we couldn’t afford dental care when I was young. Is the tooth replacement something that a general dentist can do? I found information about prosthodontists, then I found your website. Thanks. Rob G.

Rob – Prosthodontists have received post-graduate training to specialize in the replacement and restoration of missing teeth. Oligodontia, the term for congenitally missing six or more adult teeth, can be very effectively treated by a specialist who has been trained in tooth restoration. When five or fewer teeth are missing, the condition is referred to as hypodontia.

In addition to missing teeth, people who have this condition often have small teeth, their jawbone may be smaller than normal, and permanent teeth may erupt late. Most general dentists have limited, if any, training in this area.

When hypodontia or oligodontia is detected at an early age, as the parents’ budget permits, planning begins early. Dental implants are placed after jawbone grown is complete, in the late teen years.

The placement of your dental implants requires a thorough examination, careful planning, and possible bone grafting to support dental implants. An experienced prosthodontist will beautifully restore your teeth. The prosthodontist will openly communicate with your general dentist and keep him or her informed of the treatment plan and your progress.

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

Oct 29

Severe toothache but dentist says it’s fine. Am I crazy or is she?

By Toothache

I had a mild toothache that started early this month. The pain increased significantly by mid-month so I made an appointment with my dentist. She examined the tooth, took an x-ray and said everything is fine. No prescription, no follow-up appointment, nothing. So I made a second appointment last week. When she came into the exam room and saw it was me again she shook her head and sighed. She said she would write me a prescription for pain but nothing is wrong with my tooth. So what is the prescription for? Anyway, I told her that I want to know what’s wrong with my tooth not get drugged up with pain meds. Well my tooth still hurts. Could she really think that I have a severe toothache and nothing at all is wrong? I know I’m not the crazy one. Appreciate your help. Tish

Tish – We are not certain why you received this response from your dentist. If you have severe lingering pain in your tooth, the tooth is likely infected and abscessed. An abscess is an infection at the root of your tooth. The infection needs to be cleaned out so it won’t continue to spread into the bone and beyond. Later, the tooth will be protected with a porcelain crown.

Make an appointment with another dentist. He or she will see you right away.

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

Oct 28

Will insurance pay for a tooth implant if I get somebody to knock out my tooth?

By Dental Implants, Insurance

I have a tooth next to my right front tooth that I hate the way it looks. I want an implant to replace the tooth. I am trying to think of a way to get insurance to pay for it so it will be looked at as something I really need and not just for looks. If I pick a fight with one of my homies and get him to knock it out will insurance pay for the implant? J.

J – It is not a good idea to intentionally have a tooth knocked out. You can do much more damage than you want. You can end up causing damage to your face, jaw, or other teeth.

Even when you legitimately lose a tooth, insurance will cover the least expensive forms of tooth replacement—a dental bridge or a partial denture. Some insurance companies provide limited benefits for dental implants.

If you don’t like the appearance of your tooth, a porcelain crown can be made to cover it and give it the appearance that you want. It will look like a natural tooth and people won’t be able to tell the difference.

A prosthodontist who is experienced in cosmetic dentistry can restore your tooth and give you the smile you want with much less pain than you having someone knock it out for you.

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

Sep 30

Pediatric dentist for thumb sucking?

By Thumb Sucking

My 7 yr old is still sucking her thumb. I think it’s a nervous habit. I’m getting her help regarding her anxiety, but I want to help her stop the thumb sucking before it ruins her teeth. My sister told me I should mention it to my daughter’s pediatric dentist. Can the dentist help? Samantha

Samantha – Your daughter’s pediatric dentist can help.  An oral appliance, referred to as a habit breaker, can be used.  The appliance will prevent your daughter from putting her thumb in her mouth.

Initially the appliance can make the tongue sore, and your daughter will have to adjust to speaking while wearing it. The appliance is not removable, and it usually breaks the habit within 12 months.

If your daughter’s pediatric dentist doesn’t provide the appliance, you will be able to receive one from an orthodontist.

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

Sep 27

Process for getting teeth for All-on-4 implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

Hi. I just want to know a little more about the process for getting the teeth for All-on-4 implants. Do I get teeth the same day as the surgery or do I have to wait? – Marshall

Marshall – After the All-on-4 dental implants are placed, new teeth are attached to them. The teeth will be fitted and adjusted. Your teeth will be stable and functional. Although they won’t be the permanent teeth you will receive, you will be able to leave the dental office with a full smile.

Over the next several months, you will return to your implant dentist or prosthodontist for progress checks. When the implants and your jawbone have fused together, impressions of your mouth are taken to create stronger, beautiful, permanent teeth.

The waiting period for permanent teeth ensures proper healing of your mouth. The temporary, or provisional teeth, place less stress on the implants. The permanent teeth be beautiful, will provide maximum function, and will be made to precisely fit your bite and healed gum tissue.

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

Sep 24

Do I need to see a dentist?

By Damaged Tooth

I rollerblade on Monday nights and last month I collided with another blader. The impact was on my face and although I was wearing a mouthguard it still jammed my mouth pretty good. I guess I’m lucky that I didn’t lose a tooth. Anyway I was just looking in the mirror and notice what looks like a hairline crack in my tooth. It doesn’t hurt consistently-only every now and then. Do I need to see a dentist? – Matthew

Matthew – We are sorry to hear about your accident. If you see a hairline crack in your tooth and are experiencing pain from time to time, you should get it checked by a dentist.

Treatment for a cracked tooth varies depending on the size and length of the crack. A simple crack may need to be concealed with dental bonding. If the pulp of the tooth is affected, a root canal treatment may be needed. If the root of the tooth is damaged, it may need to be removed.

An untreated crack may progressively get worse. Make an appointment with your dentist right away.

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

Sep 12

Do I need dental implants before braces?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I my molars are severely damaged due to an embarrassing habit that I had for 10 years but have now quit. I am now 38 year old. I also need braces but can I get them if my molars are extracted or do I need dental implants in before braces can be placed? – Scott R.

Scott – If you need braces, they should be placed, and your teeth should be straightened before you receive dental implants. Dental implants don’t move. So having implants in place before braces would have a negative effect on the alignment of your teeth. The implants may interfere with the correct positioning of your natural teeth.

But your molars may not need to be removed. Have your teeth examined by an experienced prosthodontist. It is possible that your molar teeth can be saved and protected with dental crowns. The prosthodontist’s goal is to preserve and restore your teeth. He or she will let you know your treatment options and the order in which each treatment should be done to give you a beautiful smile.

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

Aug 30

Dentist appointment..cavity?

By Dental Fillings

i am going to the dentist next week and i think i have a cavity. my tooth hurts when cold water or soda hits it. really  bad with ice cream. so if they see that i have a cavity will they fix it that day or will i have to make an  appointment and come back another day? – macie

Macie – If your appointment with your dentist next week is not specifically to have a cavity filled, it is unlikely that you will have the cavity filled that day.

Time has to be scheduled to allow proper filling of the cavity. Before the cavity is filled, your dentist will have to remove the decay and clean the tooth.

If you receive white composite filling, care needs to be taken to ensure the area around the tooth is kept dry. And in advance of placing the composite, your dentist has to select composite that matches the color of your tooth.

One applied to your tooth, the composite has to be spread evenly and hardened. Your dentist will test your bite to ensure the composite was applied evenly. Rough spots will be smoothed.

Time must be scheduled to ensure that you get a filling that will last.

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

Aug 30

General dentist or prosthdontist needed?

By Prosthodontist

What type of dentist does these things (bone graft for a hole in the gum due to bone loss, a dental implant, and crowns that look real)? Is my general dentist okay for this (I haven’t seen him in over a year since he told me I needed the work) or do I need a prosthodontist? – Naomi

Naomi – If your general dentist is also an implant dentist with skill in bone grafting, and if he is a cosmetic dentist, he can complete the work for you. Otherwise, he will have to refer you to a specialist.

A prosthodontist has post-graduate training specific to aesthetically restoring and replacing teeth. A prosthodontist can complete the graft, implant, and crown.

Whomever you chose for dental implants, be sure to check his or website or contact the office for details about the dentist’s experience and credentials.

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

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