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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.

Aug 29

Best way to get affordable dental implants?

By Dental Implants

I trying to find the best affordable way to get affordable implant dentures. I’ve called a few dentists office for pricing, but they all say that they can’t give me a quote. they need to see me and do an exam but I really don’t have time to run from office to office. so how can i get affordable implants? – barb

Barb – Wait until you have time to have consultations with a few implant dentists. Your teeth and gums need to be examined, your medical history has to be review, and you need diagnostic studies to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.

Every case is not the same. Some patients require bone grafting. And there are options for securing your dentures. The cost varies according to the patient’s oral health, preferences, and options.

Find a credentialed implant dentist who offers financing or payment plans. He or she can make the implants affordable for you without sacrificing quality.

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

Aug 27

Keeping breath fresh with dentures

By Dentures

My 72 year old mother needs dentures but this is my question not hers. I know so many people with dentures who have strong breath. The odor is unpleasant and in some cases, it’s offensive. It this unavoidable or what can we do to keep her breath fresh? – Amy

Amy – Dentures should be cleaned every day—just as natural teeth should be. Debris from food can get trapped in dentures, bacteria can grow, and cause dentures and breath to smell.

A denture brush and denture cleaning solution will keep the dentures clean and white. Your mother can also gently brush her gums and tongue with toothpaste. Rinsing her mouth with mouthwash will help move debris, germs, and keep her breath fresh.

If it’s within your mother’s budget, consider have her dentures secured with dental implants. Implants will stabilize her dentures and make them look and feel more like her own teeth.

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

Aug 16

Can I be with my child for her pediatric dentist appointment?

By Pediatric Dentist

My daughter needs to see a pediatric dentist. I had a consultation and liked everything about the dentist until she told me can’t go in the treatment room with child. Is this customary for pediatric dentists? My daughter is only 3years old. This is her first dental visit. I am not going to leave her alone with strangers. Don’t I have a right to be in the treatment room? – Danielle

Danielle – Your concern is understandable. As a parent, you should be able to go into the treatment room with your child. If the dentist you found refuses to allow you in the room, consider finding another pediatric dentist who welcomes parents in during dental procedures for their children.

If you accompany your daughter during the dental procedure—particularly for her first dental visit—both you and she will be more comfortable during treatment, and the dental visit is likely to be more productive.

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

Jul 29

How to ask dentist if he would repair a failed dental implant from another dentist?

By Dental Implant Mistakes

I have a failed dental implant from my dentist and I don’t feel comfortable going back for him to fix it. I don’t trust him now. How do I ask another dentist if he or she would repair it? – Nick

Nick – A skilled implant dentist is used to providing second opinions and correcting failed implants. You won’t have to worry about how to explain your situation. You will find the dentist to be very understanding.

This time, check the credentials and experience of a new implant dentist before you make your final selection. You might consider having a consultation with the new implant dentist. He or she can examine your implant and discuss your options.

See Dr. LaVacca’s web page on dental implant failure and how it can be avoided.

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

Jul 26

A mini implant for a molar tooth, or a conventional implant?

By Mini Implants

I’m having trouble facing my fear of a huge, regular-size implant that is not easily removable. The mini doesn’t seem so scary to me. Could they place a mini in a lower molar? – JoAnn

JoAnn – Mini implants are used to support dentures. They are not strong enough to support a single tooth. A mini implant would not withstand the pressure biting and chewing force of a molar tooth.

You do need a standard implant for your molar tooth. Find a credentialed implant dentist. Discuss your concerns with him or her, and the implant dentist will explain the procedure to you and the care that will be taken to ensure you receive a quality implant fixture that is properly placed. An implant that is properly placed is permanent and does not to be removed.

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

Jul 16

Can dental implants be removed?

By Dental Implant Mistakes, Dental Implants

If I get dental implants and I am not satisfied with them, can I have them removed? – Carlotta

Carlotta – When dental implants are properly placed by a credentialed implant dentist, they will look and feel like your natural teeth. You will be completely satisfied with them as the best form of tooth replacement. Implant placement is not inexpensive, so you want to ensure that you find an excellent implant dentist to place it.

If a patient has received implants from a dentist who didn’t plan implant placement properly or who uses cheap implant fixtures, dental implant failure can occur. And you would not be satisfied with the results.

If the implants fail, they must be removed, and they need to be completely redone. If you have received dental implants that you’re not satisfied with, have them examined by a skilled, credentialed implant dentist.

If you are considering dental implants, find a few experienced implants dentists and have consultations with them before you make your final decision about who will place the implants.

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

Jul 02

Getting dental implants done abroad

By Dental Implant Mistakes, Dental Implants

What’s the best country to get dental implants done abroad? I need 6 dental implants and if I can avoid paying $15-20k for them I’m interested. Do you have any recommendations? – Bill C.

Bill – The cost of dental implants causes many people to consider getting them done outside the U.S. Although we can’t recommend a country from which you can get your implants, we will let you know some things you should consider—even in the U.S.

  • The implant dentist – A skilled, credentialed implant dentist should place the implants. He or she will knows the proper planning required to ensure that your implants are properly place and won’t impinge nerves, damage sinus cavities, or other body structure. The implant dentist will also determine if you have adequate jawbone density or if bone grafting is needed. Consider how you will check the credentials of an implant dentist in another country.
  • Implant fixtures – In an effort to cut costs, cheap implant fixtures are often used. But they can fit poorly, loosen, or cause infection. And your implants will fail and need to be completely redone.
  • Follow-up visits – The implant healing process is two to six months, during which periodic follow-up visits are required to ensure that the implants are healing properly. And when the implants are healed, a permanent tooth restoration, or dental crown, is attached to each one. If you receive the implants abroad, will you stay in that country during the healing process, or will you go back and forth for follow-up visits?

Consider having consultations for dental implants in the U.S. Find out who places the implants and what his or her credentials are. If cost is a concern, speak with the dentist about financing or payment plans. Regardless of where you get your implants placed, ensure you receive quality planning, placement, fixtures, and overall care.

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

Jun 24

How long do dental fillings last?

By Dental Fillings

I have three teeth that need filling. How long do fillings last? Thanks. Micah

Micah – There have been many studies conducted on dental fillings and how long they last. On average, white composite fillings last five to seven years. Amalgam (also called silver) fillings last about eight years.

The best filling is not to need one at all. So be diligent about maintaining good oral hygiene at home. Brush and floss your teeth regularly. Limit or avoid sugary snacks. Keep regularly-scheduled dental appointments for exams or cleanings.

Young children and adults with deep grooves in their teeth, which make teeth more prone to cavities, can receive dental sealants on their teeth. Dental sealants are very thin layers of plastic that cover the biting surfaces of your teeth.

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

Jun 24

Is sedation dentistry more expensive than traditional dentistry?

By Sedation Dentistry

I hate sitting in the dentist’s chair in pain or aware of what’s going on inside my mouth. Now that I need dental implants, I’ve decided to look for a dentist who offers sedation dentistry. But is the sedation aspect of it much more expensive local anesthetic? Is sedation dentistry covered by regular dental insurance? – Kevin

Kevin –In advance of the dental procedure, sedation medication is administered to keep you calm and relaxed during your dental treatment.

Local anesthetic is used to numb the area where the dental work will be done on your tooth or teeth. Local anesthetic will still be used for numbing purposes during your dental procedure. So, there is one expense for local anesthetic, another for sedation medication, and remaining fees for your dental implant procedure. The cost of sedation dentistry can depend on which type of sedation you receive and the length of time it is required for your dental procedure.

Some insurance companies provide benefits for a limited number of hours of sedation during your dental procedure. You would be responsible for the balance if sedation dentistry is required beyond the maximum number of hours allowed by your insurance. For example, insurance may cover up to two hours of sedation. If your dental procedure requires more than two hours of sedation, you will be responsible for the balance. Contact your insurance provider or your employer’s human resources department to find out if sedation dentistry is an allowable expense for your plan.

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

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