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Monthly Archives

December 2014

Dec 27

Can a 15 yr old teenager get an implant supported bridge?

By Dental Implants

My husband has 2 dental implants. He is very happy with them and says that he can’t tell the difference in them from the teeth that they replaced. Our nephew recently got into an accident while playing ice hockey. He lost 2 of his teeth upper left teeth. His mom and I are looking at his options. He is 15 years old. Can teenagers get an implant supported bridge, or is there an age requirement for dental implants? thanks Cherise

Cherise – Dental implants are not recommended for teenagers who are still developing and growing. If jawbone growth is not complete, dental implants can interfere with the growth and position of teeth.

While the jawbone grows and teeth shift with it, dental implants won’t budge. Teeth can become misaligned, or push against an implant and cause discomfort and pain.

An experienced prosthodontist will let you know what your nephew can expect from his current options—a partial denture, or a dental bridge that is not supported by implants. When your nephew’s growth is complete, dental implants will be the most functional and long-lasting restoration for his missing teeth. Physical growth and development are usually completed around age 18 or 19, but vary with the individual. Schedule a consultation with a prosthodontist in your area.

 

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

Dec 22

Easiest way to extract a tooth at home?

By Dental Emergency, General Dentistry

I have a tooth that is killing me. It’s on the top left. I don’t want a dentist touching it. I would rather yank it out myself. What is the best way with the least pain to pull the tooth myself? – Lyle

Lyle – There is no best way to extract your own tooth. You need to see a dentist. And the dentist probably won’t have to remove the tooth at all.

A gentle dentist will numb your gums to give you a pain-free injection. After your tooth is numb, you will receive an examination and x-ray. Your tooth is probably infected, in which case, a root canal treatment is needed. It can be pain free.

Extracting your own tooth will be quite painful, and it can cause damage to nearby teeth, which will cause even more pain. When a tooth is missing, the remaining teeth will begin drift into the space. Misaligned teeth will create additional problems for you.

Saving your teeth is important to your oral health. We advise patients who are on a budget or who don’t have dental insurance to let us know. We will work with your budget to make dental care affordable for you.

If you are nervous or anxious about dental appointments, make it known when you schedule your appointment. Steps will be taken to ensure you are comfortable during your dental visit.

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

Dec 18

What are the risks of untreated cleft palate?

By Cleft Palate, Prosthodontist

There is a child with cleft palate that was adopted by family members, outside of my immediate family. For personal reasons and family sensitivities, I don’t want to give any details about the family dynamics. We don’t live in Illinois. I am doing this research on my own and will relate it to my family at the right time. I would like to know what happens if cleft palate goes untreated. Thanks. J.B.

J.B. –

During pregnancy when the left and right sides of the roof the mouth do not grow together and fuse, an opening or cleft remains. The cleft can affect part, or all, of the roof of the mouth.

There are several difficulties that can arise if a cleft palate is left untreated. Some of them are listed below.

  • Chronic dental problems, including misaligned or malformed teeth
  • Speech problems
  • Ear infections, due to fluid not draining properly from the ears
  • Impaired hearing
  • Speech problems
  • Fluids can enter the nasal cavity while drinking
  • Difficult social interactions – A person with cleft palate can be self-conscious about his or her physical appearance, which can cause him or her to limit social interaction.

Although circumstances vary with each family, we encourage at least a consultation with a board-certified prosthodontist for an examination of individuals with cleft palate. This is an obligation-free opportunity to get the opinion of a skilled specialist and to discuss treatment options.

 

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

Dec 13

Should I get a second opinion for Clear Choice implants that hurt or just have them removed?

By Second Opinion

Should I get a second opinion for Clear Choice implants that hurt or just have them removed?

I have 3 dental implants. I got them in February of 2014. 1 had to be redone and it seems to be fine. The other 2 hurt. Not consistently, just on and off. The pain started in October. I told my dentist and he sent me back to the Clear Choice surgeon. The surgeon says everything looks okay and he is a little puzzled about why I have pain. He asked a lot of question that made me feel like he doesn’t believe it’s really hurting me. I am afraid of getting an infection and it will be bad before anybody does something about it. Does this sound like I just need to get the implants removed or should I get a second opinion? Thanks. Anthony W.

Anthony – You definitely should seek a second opinion from a skilled implant dentist. It is possible that your bite needs to be adjusted, or the implant could be failing.

A diagnostic study will help identify the problems. If the implants are failing, they will need to be removed and replaced. But don’t ask for them to be removed before you receive a second opinion.

Try to find a board-certified prosthodontist—a dentist who specializes in the replacement and restoration of missing teeth. He or she will explain the cause of the problem and let you know your treatment options.

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

Dec 08

10 yr old daughter fell on her face and hit her front tooth. Will she lose it?

By Pediatric Dentist

My 10 yr old daughter fell on her face while doing a somersault. She was on carpet, so I hope that it’s not too bad. It’s not loose, she is not in pain and I don’t see a fracture. Will she lose it? What are some signs I should look for? – Alexahndra

Alexahndra – Since your daughter experienced trauma to her tooth, even though she is not in pain, schedule an appointment with her pediatric dentist.

Her teeth and gums need to be examined and x-rayed. If there is no discoloration, sensitivity, or pain in the tooth, it is likely that the tooth okay, but it needs to be checked.

On the other hand, when there is pain, sensitivity, or discoloration in the tooth, it is an indication of nerve damage. When nerve damage is minimal, the nerve can heal itself. Otherwise, a root canal will be needed to remove the pulp in the tooth so that the tooth can be preserved. The tooth is protected with a dental crown.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca of Naperville Dental Specialists.

Dec 04

Should I ask for zirconia or titanium dental implants?

By Dental Implants

Hi. What are zirconia dental implants? Are they better than titanium implants? Should I ask for zirconia or titanium implants? Thank you. Janis

Janis – Zirconia implants are made of zirconium, which has properties similar to titanium. While zirconium can be processed and converted to pure metal, zirconia ceramic is obtained through a different process. Zirconia ceramic is actually a stabilized crystalline, or powder, form of zirconium. It is strong, wear-resistant, and used in technical ceramics.

These ceramic implants are often compatible with people who have metal allergies and sensitivities. Others simply prefer them for holistic reasons.

Some implants dentists prefer titanium implants, while others prefer zirconia. And there are implant dentists who use both, and determine by individual case which type of implants are best for the patient.

We recommend that you schedule a consultation with a board-certified prosthodontist. He or she will answer any additional questions you have and explain your options for dental implants. After an exam and diagnostic studies, you will find out which treatment options are best for your case.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca. Dr. LaVacca offers complimentary consultations for dental implant services.

 

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