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Monthly Archives

July 2015

Clear Choice reviewed my records and said I don’t need bone grafting

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants

I went to 2 implant dentists before my 3rd opinion at Clear Choice. Clear Choice did their own imaging and told me the opposite of what the previous dentists said. According to Clear Choice, I can get implants without grafting. Who should I believe? – Milan W.

Milan – If you documented, or if you can recall your conversations from the first two dentists you visited, as well as Clear Choice, you can compare the reasons you were given as to why you do or don’t need bone grafting.

If you can’t recall the conversations, we suggested that you contact each dentist for an explanation. If you are still undecided about which treatment option you prefer, a fourth opinion may be beneficial. Clear Choice often recommends All-On-4 implants, which are angled and don’t require bone grafting. Is All-On-4 the treatment that was recommended to you? If so, it would explain why you were told that you don’t need bone grafting for implants.

At any rate, be certain to get more information from each dentist and take notes on the explanations you are given. Don’t make a decision about treatment until your options and the reasons for them are clear to you.

 

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

 

Why would a dentist recommend all on 4 if I can afford single implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants

I am one of the people who is fortunate enough to have enough savings for single implants. It is a blessing from God that I don’t take for granted. The dentist I saw prefers to do all on 4 instead of single implants. I even suggested doing 8 implants instead of 4 but she keeps referring back to all on 4. I am not understanding why this is happening. Can you give me a clue? Thanks. Violet

Violet – We cannot be certain as to why All-on-4 dental implants are being recommended for your case. It is possible that you lack enough jawbone density for individual implants. The All-on-4 procedure eliminates the need for bone grafting to build up your jawbone.

In any case, you should be given options and explanations of the pros and cons for each of them. A second opinion from a skilled implant dentist may help you to understand why your dentist recommends All-on-4. Or you may learn that individual implants are a good option for you.

If you can receive them, individual implants will provide the most natural-looking and natural-feeling results. You will feel as if you have all of your natural teeth again. The final decision is yours, but a second opinion—and a third opinion, if necessary—can give you the information you need to make a confident decision about your treatment.

 

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

Pediatric dentist wants sealants on my daughter’s primary teeth

By General Dentistry, Pediatric Dentist

I took my daughter to a new pediatric dentist, and she is recommending sealants on all of the molar teeth. May daughter is 6 years old, so these are primary teeth. Is this really necessary? Thanks.Aubrey

 

Aubrey – A pediatric dentist’s recommendation for dental sealants is to protect the teeth—even if they are your daughter’s primary teeth. Primary teeth reserve the position for permanent teeth and help guide them to the proper position.

An examination likely reveals that your daughter’s molar teeth are susceptible to cavities, if the hasn’t already had a history of cavities. Sealants are a proactive step to prevent cavities. The sealant will be painted onto the molar teeth. It will harden and bond to the teeth to protect them from acids and bacteria that promote decay.

Sealants are also beneficial for adults who have deep pits and crevices in their molar teeth, and help guard against decay.

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

Should my dental implants itch?

By Dental Implants

If I’ve had dental implants for 8 months should they still be itching? They don’t all itch, but 2 out of the 5 itch pretty bad. Thanks. Ron

 Ron – Swelling, pain, and itching at the implant site is normal as your dental implants heal. Itching is part of the healing process.

If you’ve had your implants for eight months, itching should not be an issue. There may be some irritation or an allergic reaction that is causing the itching. The only way to identify the cause of the problem is to have the implants examined by your implant surgeon.

Don’t delay the examination. If the problem is due to sensitivity to the implants, prompt attention can prevent the problem from getting worse.

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

 

Can she use sewing thread instead of floss?

By General Dentistry

My sister is a seamstress and has more sewing thread than she can every use. She finally decided that she is going to floss her teeth regularly, so somehow she got the idea that she can use the thread instead of buying floss. I told her that floss is inexpensive and it is made for the teeth. Is it okay to use sewing thread instead of floss? – T.C.

T.C. – Sewing thread is designed made for sewing fabric, and floss is specifically designed to clean between our teeth. Sewing thread is not sterile, nor is it meant for use in the mouth.

Sewing thread can get break, get stuck between teeth, and be harsh on gums. Floss glides alongside the teeth and between teeth and gums to remove trapped food particles. Clean floss should be used daily and thrown way after use. Used floss is not as effective and can reintroduce bacteria in your mouth.

If your sister is still insists that it is okay to use sewing thread instead of floss, you can suggest that she speaks with her dental hygienist or her dentist about the issue.

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

Should I get a second opinion after Clear Choice?

By Blog

I went into Clear Choice knowing what I wanted individual implants. I have some money saved that can pay for half of them, so the cost doesn’t scare me. During my visit I didn’t say anything to the representative or the dentist about my preference because I didn’t want it to influence the outcome. I was surprised that 90% of the conversation was about All on Four, which I really had not given much consideration. They almost convinced me. I came home and talked to my husband about my experience there, which was positive overall, and he recommended that I get a second opinion. Is this necessary, or since Clear Choice is so established can I just trust them? Thanks for your help. Joyce A.

Joyce – If you have any doubt or reservation, we suggest that you get a second opinion on the recommendation from Clear Choice. If 90% of the conversation was about All-On-4, it is likely that you were not given a clear picture of your options.

Individual implants may be fine for your case. An experienced prosthodontist will examine your mouth and gums, as well as your diagnostic studies, and let you know which implant options are best for your case. You will also receive an explanation of the differences and pros and cons for All-On-4 and individual implants.

After the second opinion, you can decide which treatment you really want, and choose a provider for your dental implants.

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

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