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Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Apr 17

How do you care for dental implants?

By Dental Implants

How do you care for dental implants? I am trying to calculate the expense of caring for the implants after I receive them. – Leslie

Leslie – Treat your dental implants just as you would your natural teeth. They require the same care.

Brush thoroughly, just as you would brush your natural teeth. Floss carefully around the implant to prevent plaque build-up.

Keep your regular six-month dental exam and cleaning visits.

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

Apr 16

Is it okay to get dental work done while I am pregnant?

By Gum Disease, Tooth Decay, Toothache

Hello. My baby is due in July. I need dental work done, but it is nothing critical. My dentist says that my pregnancy is not an issue. I won’t say that I don’t trust my dentist, but I don’t know him well. We recently moved from Ohio six months ago, so this is a new dentist for me. I just want to verify that there is no known problem with getting the work done at this stage of my pregnancy. Thank you. Rachel

Rachel – At this stage of your pregnancy, one of the biggest problems with getting dental work done is your comfort. You will be reclined, so you may experience discomfort during the treatment.

What type of dental work is being done? Have you been told how long the dental procedure will take?

Dental cleanings and exams during pregnancy should continue as normal. You want your teeth to be kept clean to reduce the chances of having tooth decay or gum disease. Dental x-rays and invasive dental treatment should be avoided.

If you are in pain with a toothache, or if there is an infection in your tooth, it should be treated promptly to stop the infection.

If you have the dental work done, consider bringing a pillow or whatever back support makes you comfortable. Speak with your dentist about any concerns you have about being comfortable. The staff will make the effort to get you as comfortable as possible.

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

Apr 09

What questions should we ask our daughter’s implant dentist?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

My daughter has a condition that she was born with that has prevented her from developing several teeth. She is now 20 years old and getting dental implants. We know this is going to be a very costly procedure, but we want her to have the confidence that comes with having healthy teeth and a good-looking smile. She was teased enough through her teen years. We are seeing two implant specialists and we will decide which one we want to do the procedure. We have a list of questions that we started, but if you can give us some pointers on what to ask, it would be appreciated. – Jan

Jan – Continue to compile your list of questions. Anything that you can think of that is of concern to you should be asked. It is very important that you find a credentialed implant dentist who has extensive experience in successfully placing dental implants.

Three-dimensional diagnostic studies should be performed to ensure that your daughter’s implants are properly placed. Also, quality implant fixtures should be used. So, some questions can be asked to ensure that those measures will be taken. Although the questions below are not a complete list of all the questions you should ask, you may choose to add some of them to your list.

  •  What training have you received?
  • What are your credentials?
  • Are you a board-certified specialist?
  • How long have you been placing dental implants?
  • How many implants a year do you place?
  • What is your implant success rate?
  • What steps do you take to avoid implant failure?
  • How many surgeries are needed?
  • What kind of sedation will be used?
  • What are the risks?
  • Do you have pictures of before and after cases you can show me?
  • What technology do you use to ensure implants are properly placed?
  • What type of implant fixtures do you use?
  • What should we expect after implant surgery?
  • What are our options?
  • What is the cost?
  • What are our payment options?

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

Apr 07

All I have is regrets

By Dental Implant Mistakes

I have to admit that the people there are really nice. In fact when I first visited, I was very impressed with the customer service and the seeming sincerity of the representatives, although at times they were a little too aggressive for my taste. The advertising and fancy printed material really impressed me.

Now that I have the implants, and it’s $30,000 later, I have an infection from one poorly placed implant. I have had temporary teeth break several times. I am a bit frustrated to say the least. My cheek is swollen and I am having trouble speaking.

Everyone I speak to from Clear Choice is very pleasant, but I still have regrets and I am not confident that I will get a resolution there. Every conversation I had before the surgery was very positive. I was not warned about possible implant failure or any other negative aspect of getting dental implants. In hind sight, I should have asked more “what if” questions.

It’s an expensive lesson learned, and I regret it. I haven’t decided what I am going to do yet, but I am really not comfortable returning there to get the problems fixed. – J. from Indiana

 

J. – It is unfortunate to learn about your experience and the discomfort you still are experiencing. Aggressive sales tactics often don’t clearly inform you of the risks involved.

If you decide to get a second opinion, seek it from a credentialed implant dentist. You may be interested in reading about Dr. LaVacca’s second opinions for Clear Choice dental implants.

We also have a Chicago Clear Choice Reviews page for any of our readers who would like to share his or her experience.

Mar 23

Does my 4 yr old really need a cavity filled?

By Dental Fillings, Pediatric Dentist

My 4 yr old son needs to have a cavity filled is it safe and necessary? – Carlie

Carlie – Cavities can grow fast in primary teeth, and if the cavity is not filled, your son will develop a toothache. A cavity left untreated can cause your son to prematurely lose the tooth.

Primary front teeth are lost between the ages of six and eight. Molar teeth can remain up to age 12. Primary teeth need to be preserved to help guide permanent teeth to the correct position.

Your son’s tooth can be filled with white composite filling, instead of amalgam or “silver filling.” Speak with your dentist about your concerns. He or she will be able to explain the state of the tooth that needs to be filled, what can happen if you choose not to fill it, and the type of material that will be used for the filling.

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

Mar 22

I am bleeding near my dental implant. Is this a sign of failure?

By Dental Implant Mistakes

i just had a dental implant and it has been 2 months. While i was brushing there was little bleeding near the implant. Does this mean it failed? Please help me. i am worried. Chad

Chad – Minor bleeding around the implant site is normal the first two or three days after the surgery. If it has been two months since your surgery, contact your implant dentist immediately so that he or she can examine the implant to determine the cause of the bleeding.

Common signs of implant failure are an infection, implants that become loose, numbness, tingling, or pain that are a result of nerve impairment, and discomfort from the puncture of other body cavities—particularly the sinuses.

If you want a second opinion to determine if you have experienced implant failure, find a credentialed implant dentist for it.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mar 13

Bone loss from teeth loss early in life and I don’t want a partial

By Bone Grafting, Dental Implants

I have bone loss because of eight missing teeth in my lower jaw. Can I get the bone loss replaced so I can get implants? I don’t want to wear a partial. – Tom F

Tom – Bone loss can be replaced by using bone grafting. Increasing jawbone mass will ensure that dental implants are secure and won’t loosen.

There are different types of bone grafting:

Autogenous – bone is taken from elsewhere in your body (often the chin or lower jaw) and used to supplement the jawbone

Allograft – Synthetic bone is used, or human bone from a reputable bone tissue bank can be used

Xenograft – processed animal bone, from a reputable bone tissue bank, is used

After the bone-grafting procedure, there is a wait of six to twelve months, to allow time for the graft to integrate with your existing bone. The progress of your healing will be periodically checked, and you will receive updates on when you can receive dental implants.

Not only does receiving dental implants, instead of wearing a partial denture, look more pleasing, dental implants prevent further jawbone loss and facial collapse.

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

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Mar 09

What about Chrysalis Dental Implants in Canada?

By Blog

Do you have any feedback from Chrysalis Dental Canada patients? Their website is dentalimplants123.com. Can’t for the life of me find even ONE independent (not on their site) patient review other than this https://chrysalisdentalimplantspatient.blogspot.com/ Thank you.

(Note – the above mentioned review website is no longer available.)

Answer:
We really haven’t heard any feedback from Chrysalis patients. Their website has been up since late 2009, and I see they have locations all across Canada, from Vancouver to Halifax.

Their marketing approach, just on browsing through their website, seems to have some similarities to the approach of Clear Choice here in the Chicago area. They have one basic procedure that they emphasize for people who have lost all their teeth, though they are not clear about what that is. They call it the Chrysalis Teeth in a Day technique. Clear Choice also has one technique for edentulous patients, which is the All on 4 dental implants technique.

The page on the Chrysalis website that bothers me the most is the one listing the dental implants services they offer. They list three options for complete teeth replacement, and pour cold water on two of them, while singing the praises of their technique. The truth is that there are variations to each option and all have pros and cons. So it’s deceptive what they are presenting to the patient.

At Dr. LaVacca’s office, we believe in customizing the treatment for each patient. While we can do everything that Clear Choice or Chrysalis can do, and in some cases this may be the best option for a patient, there are often better options, and the patient is best served by offering choices and frankly explaining the pros and cons of each procedure.

My advice to you would be similar to what I advise people who have been to Clear Choice. I would strongly recommend that you get a second opinion to get a clearer idea of your options.

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

Mar 07

Preparing a child with autism for his first dental appointment

By Pediatric Dentist

Hello. My four-year-old son is autistic. I need to schedule a dental appointment for him very soon. Do you have any suggestions on how to make his first dental appointment go as smoothly as possible? Thank you – Marian

Marian – If your current dentist is comfortable with treating children, you may consider making an appointment there. Some dentists refer children to a pediatric dentist for treatment. Pediatric dentists have two years of additional training specifically for treating children. A pediatric dentist is more likely to have treated children with autism.

As you know, autistic children prefer to have things that are familiar to them, and to be in a familiar environment. If you explain to your son’s dentist that he is autistic, it may be possible to take your son to the office in advance of the appointment, so he can see the office, treatment room, and equipment.

You can also bring along your child’s favorite toy, blanket, sweater, or whatever tends to soothe him in unfamiliar surroundings.

Despite the steps you take beforehand, you can expect some discomfort on the first appointment. Finding the right dentist who is willing to treat your son is important to helping him be comfortable. There are many pediatric dentists who are accustomed to treating children with autism. You may wish to do some Internet research for such or dentist, or make some phone calls and specifically ask for a consultation with the dentist of your choice before scheduling an appointment.

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

Mar 06

I still have my baby teeth

By Dental Implants

My upper canine and incisor permanent teeth on the left side of my mouth never came in. I’m 37 years old, but he teeth are still small like baby teeth. All of my other teeth are fine. Can I get the two teeth pulled and replaced with dental implants? – Greyson C. from PA

Greyson – Your teeth need to be x-rayed and examined before the appropriate treatment can be recommended.

It could be that the teeth that are now in place are the permanent teeth, but they are smaller than normal. In that case, cosmetic work can be done to make them the proper size and look natural.

Another possibility is that your permanent teeth are impacted. It is possible that the baby teeth need to be removed, and a surgical opening needs to be made for the permanent teeth to erupt.

Or, if the teeth are truly your baby teeth, they can be removed and replaced with dental implants. If the bone beneath the teeth is healthy, it is possible that the implant and crown, which would be customized and completed in advance of the surgery, can be placed on the same day.

Have your teeth examined by a credentialed implant dentist. He or she will examine your teeth and discuss your options.

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

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