Skip to main content
Monthly Archives

October 2015

Oct 27

Is an obturator really needed for infant cleft palate?

By Cleft Palate

Last week my sister and I saw 2 different doctors about my infant nephew’s cleft palate. With each doctor we felt like my sister was being pressured to get an obturator for my nephew’s cleft palate. We didn’t know what to expect before the appointments, but the approach was really rushed. My sister is nervous about the whole thing and really wondering if the device is the right way to go or if there is something else that can be done. I am confused to and haven’t really been much help making a decision so any advice you have is welcomed. Thanks Lynnda.

Lynnda – Dr. LaVacca would really need to do an examination and diagnostic studies to determine the best treatment for any patient. But a cleft obturator is often, and appropriately, recommended when the opening in the palate is large enough to interfere with the feeding, growth, and development of a child.

The oral appliance helps infants with suction when feeding. This will ensure that a baby is getting the food and nutrients he or she needs. Good health and enough weight gain are important factors for a positive outcome in surgery to close the cleft.

It is easy for a prosthodontist to make a customized obturator. An impression of the mouth is made to make the appliance, and the prosthodontist will ensure a proper fit.

Although you have already spoken with two doctors, it may be helpful to schedule another appointment with a board-certified prosthodontist with expertise in making obturators. The opportunity to have the pros and cons explained, ask questions, and find out what to expect after it’s placed can address some of your sister’s concerns.

 

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

 

Oct 23

Can dentures cause depression?

By Dentures

I know the question sounds strange but I think it’s affecting my dad. I live in PA so I see him every 2 to 3 months and I talk to him on FaceTime every week. It’s just that I am noticing that since he’s had dentures, which he hates, that his mood is not good. My brother lives near my dad and he says that he has noticed a change also, but he thinks it’s because of seasonal depression. The problem is that my dad has had the dentures for 2 years. His mood has really changed and it’s more constant than seasonal. Is it possible that his unattractive and poor fitting dentures are causing depression? By the way, he has also lost 15 lbs and he didn’t need to lose any weight at all. Thanks. Brenda L.

Brenda L. – Disappointing medical or dental issues can affect a patient’s mood. Dentures that fit poorly, are unattractive, or are otherwise problematic are disappointing. They often affect patients’ eating habits, self-esteem, and social life.

Can dentures affect your emotional health?

To be clear, it is ongoing dissatisfaction with dentures that can contribute to a person’s emotional or mental health. Even studies show that when a patient has ongoing problems or dissatisfaction with dentures, he or she is at risk for depression. A September 2007 study published in the Journal of Dental Research confirms that, in older adults, there is a significant relationship between denture dissatisfaction and depression.

The study included 1,180 adults, ages 65 to 74 years. Among those who were dissatisfied with their dentures, 8% were moderately depressed, and 2% were severely depressed. The study found that patients with higher levels of depression also had higher levels of dissatisfaction with their dentures.

The findings of the study show that your thoughts about the cause of your father’s depression may be correct. It’s important for the dental issue to be addressed. Find a few experienced cosmetic dentists with whom you and your father can have consultations. You will learn about customized, natural-looking dentures that fit well. You can also ask about how dentures can be stabilized with dental implants, which will prevent them from slipping around or falling out, and will prevent jawbone shrinkage. Your father’s smile will look and feel better.

It’s also a good idea to seek medical help to determine if there are other contributing factors to your father’s depression.

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

Oct 19

Pediatric dentist was unkind because of autistic daughter’s service dog

By Pediatric Dentist

Last year our 8 year-old autistic daughter got a service dog. This was one of the best decisions we’ve made for her. She has been so much calmer since we got the dog (Pepper). Now Pepper goes with us almost everywhere. Situations where our daughter would normally withdraw or have a tantrum have been much calmer. We’ve had great success with her doctor’s appointments, which were previously out of control, but we are anticipating that we will have a problem with the pediatric dentist. At the first dental appointment with Pepper we got some weird looks, but it’s obvious that Pepper is a service dog so I just thought it might take a little time for a few people in the office to get used to it. My daughter had one of the best dental appointments ever with Pepper there. Last month when we went to a dental appointment, the dentist made a remark about leaving Pepper in the car the next time. I kindly mentioned that Pepper is a service dog that has made my daughter’s life much easier. The dentist mumbled something that I chose not to listen to. Now I am nervous. I’ve been going over this in my mind but I am not sure what to do about it. Forcing the issue doesn’t seem like a good idea. Should I just ignore it?  Thanks in advance. – Siobhan

Siobhan – Neither forcing nor ignoring the issue will ensure a good outcome for your daughter. We suggest that you schedule an appointment with your daughter’s pediatric dentist to discuss your daughter’s needs. During the discussion express your concerns, and ask questions to find out exactly how the dentist feels about Pepper’s presence in the office. If you think that it’s worth it to continue with the dentist, you may want to give it another try.

Consider a pediatric dentist consultation

On the other hand, if the dentist resists the idea of Pepper’s accompanying your daughter, you may want to explore your options. You can get recommendations from friends for compassionate dentists, or search online for pediatric dentists who accept autistic patients. Call the offices, and ask how service animals are handled when they accompany a patient. You will be able to tell if the office has at least thought about the situation and how it will be received. Consider scheduling a consultation with a few pediatric dentists.

Interestingly, a May 2015 online article was published by the American Dental Association about a pediatric dentist who uses hypoallergenic therapy dogs in his office to help children have positive dental experiences. The interview of the dentist shows how he thoughtfully made this arrangement for children, while maintaining good order in the office. It’s an encouraging article that can give you confidence that you will be able to find an empathetic dentist to meet your and your daughter’s needs.

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

 

Oct 15

Can a prosthodontist really help my teeth if drugs messed up my gums?

By Prosthodontist

Can a prosthodontist really help me if drugs messed up my gums? I had a 8 yr drug habit that has almost totaled my gums and teeth. I am thinking what good are new teeth or implants if I don’t have enough gum tissue to keep them in place. Thanks. A.Y.

A.Y. – A highly experienced prosthodontist can help. First, an examination and diagnostic studies are needed to accurately access the state of your gum tissue, jawbone, and teeth.

Sufficient jawbone is needed to support dental implants. If you don’t have enough jawbone, bone grafting can be used to build up the missing bone. Depending on your case, and the prosthodontist you choose, donor bone tissue or synthetic bone will be used.

Periodontal (gum) grafting is performed to add gum tissue where the original tissue is missing or damaged.

After bone and gum grafting heals, the dental implant process can begin. Expect the entire process to take several months or more. The different phases of restoring your smile require a healing period before starting the next step.

You can schedule consultations with several prosthodontists to discuss your options and ask questions. Keep in mind that a comprehensive exam and diagnostic studies are required to accurately project what you can expect in terms of the treatment needed, how long each phase may take, and the cost of restoring your smile.

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

 

Oct 11

Does Clear Choice have a lower dental implant failure rate than others?

By Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

I have read a lot of Clear Choice reviews. Most people in my area seem pretty pleased with the results. I am wondering how their implants success or failure rate compares to other places. That’s my real concern. How long will the implants last? – Badou

Badou- Although you won’t be able to find statistical data that compares the success rate of Clear Choice dental implants with the implants from other providers in your area, you can continue to look for patient reviews for all of the providers you are considering.

In addition to successful implant surgery, part of the continued success of implants depends on the patient and his or her determination to maintain good oral hygiene.

It is important to prevent inflammation around the implant. A buildup of plaque can cause inflammation. But plaque can be eliminated by daily flossing around each tooth and implant. Brush your teeth twice daily to remove food bacteria and debris that lead to plaque. Be certain to floss between the implant and adjacent teeth, and between the implant and gums above the implant. Floss the gums above the implant in the front and the back of your implant crown.

Ensure that you keep regular dental cleaning appointments. Only your dental hygienist has the tools needed to deeply clean between your teeth and gums, and to probe around your implant to inspect for plaque—and to remove it. Ask your dental hygienist to watch you floss to ensure that your flossing technique is effective.

Smoking is a risk factor that can prevent dental implants from healing properly. It is best to avoid smoking during the healing process, which can last for several months.

Whether you receive dental implants from Clear Choice, or if you select a different provider, maintaining good oral hygiene is a crucial factor in the success of your implants.

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

 

Oct 07

For teeth’s sake! May have a little milk with my tea?

By General Dentistry, Oral Health

Each day, approximately 158 million Americans drink tea. What’s that have to do with your teeth? Tea stains your teeth—in fact, because of its higher tannin content, it’s more likely to stain your teeth than coffee. Tannin is a compound that gives tea its dark color.

Of course brushing your teeth daily can help limit surface stains in tooth enamel, and so can rinsing your mouth with water after drinking tea. But research shows that adding a little milk to your tea can help prevent stains in tooth enamel.

The study, published in the November 2014 issue of the International Journal of Dental Hygiene, shows that the casein protein in milk binds the tannins in tea and limits their staining properties. The study showed that the effectiveness of milk on teeth is greater than whitening toothpaste and comparable to some bleaching gels!

Many people like their tea “straight,” without milk or cream. But for those who can tolerate a little milk in their tea, in addition to diligent oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings, it can help keep your teeth white!

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

 

Close Menu