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Monthly Archives

June 2014

Need info on getting dental implants from students

By Affordable Implant Dentistry

I really need dental implants. 5 teeth need to be replaced and I just can see going into debt for thousands of dollars go get it done. I am looking for information on where I can get dental implants from students. Any information you can provide me is very much appreciated. Eddie P

Eddie – We understand your concerns about the cost of dental implants. The success of dental implants depends largely on the skill of the implant dentist and the quality of the implant fixtures.

A skilled implant dentist will first ensure that you are a candidate for dental implants. He or she will also thoroughly check your medical history, and do diagnostic studies of your facial structure, including your sinuses, to ensure that the implants are properly placed. A skilled implant dentist can anticipate any problems that may occur with implant placement, and plan accordingly to avoid them.

If for some reason an infection develops around an implant, or some unanticipated problem occurs, the experienced implant dentist has the skill and experience to work through those problems, correct them, or make the necessary adjustments to help you have a positive outcome.

The things we have mentioned are difficult to find in a student who is still learning.

We advise you to speak with a few credentialed implant dentists about your concerns. Perhaps your work can be done in phases. You can also find out about financial arrangements, including payments plans or no-interest financing to help make quality dental implants affordable for you.

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

Who do my denture teeth feel gritty?

By Dentures

My denture teeth feel gritty and it is very annoying. Every time my tongue touches the denture teeth, it feels like sandpaper. What is causing this? Will I need new dentures? – Fran

Fran – The cause of your gritty-feeling dentures depends on several factors.

If your dentures are new, the gritty feeling could be due to low-quality denture teeth material. Lower quality materials can be rough or gritty.

Often it is the materials used on the denture teeth that cause the gritty feeling. A hard-bristle toothbrush, gritty toothpaste, and gritty powders will scratch denture teeth and make them feel rough.

Whether your dentures are new or not, you should have them examined by an experienced prosthodontist. He or she will let you know what can be done to improve the comfort of your dentures and let you know if your dentures need to be replaced.

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

If frenum is removed will my gap close?

By General Dentistry, Tooth Gap

I have a large piece of fleshy tissue between my teeth that has created a pretty big gap. I guess the technical term is frenum. If the frenum is removed why wouldn’t my teeth grow closer and close the gap? Do I really need braces? – Nick

Nick – Your case needs to be evaluated by an orthodontist. Removing the frenum, or muscle tissue, before you have orthodontic treatment can create scar tissue that will prevent the gap from closing. In some cases, only minor tooth movement is required to close the gap, and it may be possible to accomplish the closer with a retainer.

If too much muscle tissue is removed, when the gap is closed, a dark triangle will be left between your teeth. Generally, it is best to close the gap first, and then remove the frenum with a simple surgical procedure. An orthodontist will let you know your options.

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

Does my prosthodontist need to whiten my dentures or will whitening toothpaste work?

By Dentures

My dentures won’t get white. I have used several brands of fizzing tablets just for dentures and they are not working. I called my prosthodontist’s office and they told me to come into the office. If I can do this myself for cheaper I would rather do it myself. Will whitening toothpaste work or does my prosthodontist really need me to come in to get my dentures white? – Iris

Iris – Whitening toothpaste will only scratch your dentures. It won’t whiten them. The chemicals that whiten and strengthen natural tooth enamel will harm your dentures.

If you can’t get your dentures white, have your prosthodontist examine them. He or she has the correct products and materials to whiten your dentures without damaging them. Your prosthodontist will also let you know how to care for your dentures at home to keep the denture teeth white.

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

All on 4 or snap on dentures?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I need dentures and I definitely want implants for them. Should I ask my dentist for all on 4 or snap on dentures? I want to have in mind which option is best before he recommends something else just for money. – Elijah W.

Elijah – Before you receive dental implants, find a qualified implant dentist to determine if you are a candidate for them. Candidacy depends largely on your medical history. The dentist will also perform diagnostic studies to determine if you have enough bone density for implants.

Depending on the amount of bone density you have, All-On-4 procedure may be recommended, or bone grafting for standard implants or snap-on dentures may be the best option for you. The All-On-4 procedure is commonly used for patients who lack the bone density needed for standard implants. We suggest that you not ask for a specific procedure until you find out your options from an experienced dentist.

After you receive your initial recommendation, it is advisable to get a second opinion before you make your final decision.

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

Lost filling and tooth cracked – best at home remedy for pain?

By Damaged Tooth, Toothache

The filling in one of my upper molars was probably 15 yrs old. I started to feel some sensitivity in the tooth about 4 months ago. 2 weeks ago the filling fell out and over the weekend the tooth cracked. I am terrified of the dentist. I don’t care a whole lot about the tooth because it’s in the back of my mouth. I just want to know what I can do about the pain at home so I can avoid the dentist. Ibuprofen is not working. – Tony

Tony – If over-the-counter medication is not alleviating your pain, you need to see a dentist. You can find a dentist who is gentle and who enjoys treating nervous patients.

If there is a problem with the tooth, your pain may increase. If the tooth is infected, other teeth may be affected and eventually cause you more pain.

Schedule an appointment with the dentist first to explain your anxiety. A dentist who treats fearful patients has techniques to help you relax. If necessary, sedation dentistry can be used to calm your fears.  It is important that you see a dentist promptly.

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

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