Skip to main content
Monthly Archives

March 2018

Mar 21

A denture tooth cracked on my affordable dental implants

By Affordable Implant Dentistry No Comments

I got affordable dental implants 8 months ago. They have been fine and I have had no problems whatsoever with them until now. The problem is actually with only one of the teeth. So I saw the dentist who did the arch of and she confirmed what I thought. There is a fracture in one of them and it’s making it feel like my bite is off. The dentist asked me how long I had the dental implants. I thought that was very strange because she was the one who did the dentures. Then after another 10 minutes of looking at all my teeth, she suggested that I replace the whole prosthesis “as a precaution.” I have never heard of this. Why would I replace perfectly good dentures that I’ve had no problem with, just in case something happens to them? Am I missing something? What was the purpose of getting affordable dental implants? Also she implied that I am somehow at fault so she is going to charge me for 75% of the cost of replacing the whole arch. – Traci

Traci – No, you are not missing anything. The savings from your affordable dental implants would be consumed by replacing your dentures.

We recommend that you get a second opinion. Have a second dentist—preferably a prosthodontist—examine the fractured tooth. It is possible to replace one or more teeth in a denture without replacing the entire prosthesis. Don’t mention anything to the second-opinion dentist about the recommendation you received from your dentist. If necessary, you can get a third opinion until you are comfortable with the diagnosis, recommended treatment for your affordable dental implants and dentures, and the explanation for both.

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

Mar 15

Can I bypass my pediatric dentist if my inner lip tattoo is infected?

By Pediatric Dentist No Comments

I’m wondering if I can somehow bypass my pediatric dentist because my inner lip tattoo is infected and I need help. The problem is that I haven’t told my Dad about it. I’ve been rinsing my mouth with peroxide 3 times a day for the past 5 days or so. It has helped sooth it a bit, but the tattoo is still very itchy and it has fluid leaking out of it. I got the tattoo done in mid January.  At first there were no problems, but it started bothering me earlier this month. I’m 16 years old and have a part-time job so that’s how I was able to afford the tattoo. If there is something I can buy on my own to get rid of the infection, I would like to do that. Otherwise I’m wondering if I can avoid my pediatric dentist and be seen by another dentist. Thanks. Dari

Dari – Keep in mind that since you are 16 years old, you are still a minor, so any medical or dental treatment you receive requires the consent of a parent or legal guardian. No reputable dentist will treat you without that consent.

Why You Need to See Your Pediatric Dentist

You need to see your pediatric dentist right away to examine your inner lip tattoo. If the infection is caught right away, it will be easier to treat. It will spread if you allow it to linger.

You should really consider this a dental emergency. If you are unable to see your usual pediatric dentist, make an appointment with another dentist you can see you right away.

Understand the Risks

To our readers: If you are considering receiving a tattoo of any sort, be certain to find a licensed tattoo artist. Follow the instructions closely on how to care for the tattoo. An inner lip tattoo requires rinsing your mouth with alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash several times a day.

It’s also important to understand the risks of an inner lip tattoo.

  • Swelling – This occurs with a new tattoo, but should gradually go away.
  • Infection – Our mouths naturally contain bacteria, so this increases the risk of infection. Also, improper healing can lead to irritation and infection.
  • Gum recession – The tattoo ink can rub against your gums and cause irritation, gum disease, and gum recession.

Don’t ignore signs of irritation or infection. See your dentist right away.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Anthony LaVacca of award-winning Naperville Dental Specialists and the pediatric dentists at Innovative Pediatric Dentistry.

Mar 13

Do I need a prosthodontist for dental implants?

By Prosthodontist No Comments

I just read an online article that says I should be looking for a prosthodontist if I want a dental implant. This was the first time I’ve heard of this. Don’t prosthodontists make dentures? Why can’t I safely go to my regular dentist for dental implants? I don’t really want to change doctors for this, but I also want to make sure I don’t have any problems.

Thanks, Alina

Alina,

You’re right. Prosthodontists make dentures. However, they specialize in oral prosthetics, such as missing tooth replacements.

General Dentists Can Provide Dental Implants

A general dentist absolutely can offer you dental implants. Dentists learn how to do virtually all types of procedures during dental school training, and many take additional training on a topic as part of their continuing education requirements. If your dentist offers this service, it’s because he believes he’s proficient enough to provide you with good results. However, general dentists often work with specialists, such as oral surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontists to ensure the surgical portion is done perfectly.

Why a Prosthodontist May Be a Better Choice

While general dentists receive training on the bite and dental implants in school, there are several reasons that a prosthodontist might be a better choice:

  • They are specialists who have received extra years of schooling to better understand these processes.
  • Their skills are used more often, so they more proficient at it, which enhances patient outcomes.
  • Both the dental implant and the crown can be placed by the prosthodontist, which can decrease the chance of errors or miscommunication between an oral surgeon and restoring dentist.

If you could choose between a dentist who learned about a procedure briefly several years ago and performs it once every month or two versus another dentist who spent years learning about it and does several cases similar to yours in an average week, you would likely choose the specialist. Again, that doesn’t mean that a general dentist can’t perform the work properly or is ill-equipped to do it, but if you’re undergoing surgery and investing in your smile, you undoubtedly want to have the most skilled doctor perform your surgery.

Choosing a Dental Implant Doctor

  • Seek out someone who does the procedure regularly.
  • Ask if the dentist has received any additional training.
  • Ask about his or her success rate.
  • Read reviews and check out before-and-after photos.

 

This blog is sponsored by Naperville American-board certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca. Dr. LaVacca is a specialist who offers comprehensive dental care for the whole family in addition to prosthodontic services.

Mar 07

Will diabetes prevent me from getting All-on-4 dental implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants No Comments

I’d like to know if I’m really a candidate for All-on-4 dental implants because I have diabetes. To be honest, I previously did not take good care of myself. I was more than 200 pounds overweight and subsequently developed diabetes. When I was diagnosed, I ignored medical treatment and spiraled into depression. My self-care was terrible. In addition to diabetes, I developed a number of other conditions, including gum disease, which resulted in me losing many of my teeth. My major wake up call, however, did not happen until about five years ago when I had a heart attack at age 46. Since then, I have made some major changes to my health. I dropped 150 pounds, quit smoking, and am diligent about taking my diabetes meds. I’m still not great about exercise, but I do get out and walk a couple times a week and watch what I eat.

The last time I went in to see my dentist, he proposed that I have All-on-4 dental implants done. I was incredibly excited that there was a simple and affordable way for me to get my smile back, and I really feel like I earned it. However, I’ve been looking online trying to find out what to expect and there’s a lot of conflicting information. It seems like, because of diabetes, I may be in a high-risk category for failure with All-on-4, and I am very hesitant about it if I’m going to pour time and money into it and may still not get good results. I mentioned it to my dentist and he said I didn’t need to worry, but I also felt like he was brushing me off. Is this something I can safely have done now or should I explore other options? Thank you, Pete H.

Pete,

A lot of research has been done around the longevity of dental implants and the types of risk factors that impact the success rates.

All-on-4 Dental Implants for Diabetic Patients

  • Studies have shown that as much as 98-99% of people will have successful outcomes with dental implants when they’re in the hands of an experienced dentist.
  • There are certain risk factors that can reduce the odds of a successful outcome, which include uncontrolled diabetes and smoking.
  • Newer research suggests that even people with uncontrolled diabetes may have success with these kinds of treatments, but conservative dentists tend to err on the side of caution until there is more evidence.

With all that said, all your hard work has essentially eliminated the major risk factors for you. That’s no easy feat, so congratulations on your efforts and amazing results. While no dentist can ever guarantee a 100% success rate, even in patients who have no risk factors at all, it sounds like you’re probably a great candidate. If you’re unsure, it’s worthwhile to get a second opinion or consult with an All-on-4 dentist, to discuss your concerns and verify you’re a candidate for the treatment before going forward.

 

This blog is sponsored by Naperville all-on-4 dental implants provider Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Mar 01

Dental implants are darker after Zoom whitening

By Dental Implants No Comments

I’ve had dental implants for 3 years. In January, I got Zoom whitening. The dentist I’m seeing now isn’t the same dentist who did the implant crowns. Anyway, it took a total of 3 whitening sessions to get my teeth as white as I want them. After the first session, I was immediately worried that my own teeth were lighter than the implant crowns. The dentist told me that it takes time for the color to stabilize and I shouldn’t worry. 2 months later and the implant crowns are still noticeably darker. All 3 implants are on the top left of my mouth, immediately to the left of my center teeth. So I’m concerned about how this looks. My dentist has no explanation now. She just tells me that it’s not so noticeable. I have honest close friends who have told me that the color difference is noticeable. Am I stuck with this, or is there some way to darken my teeth or will I have to get new implant crowns? Kamila

Kamila – Zoom whitening and the acceleration light provide quick penetration of bleaching gel into your teeth. This makes the whitening process faster than take-home whitening. Your super white teeth might darken a little with time, but that will take considerable time. Teeth bleaching gel lightens the natural pigmentation of your teeth. It is unlikely that your teeth will ever darken enough to match your dental implant crowns.

Matching Dental Implant Crowns to Bleached Teeth

Ideally, teeth whitening should be completed before you receive dental implants. Crowns are colorfast, so they cannot be darkened or lightened. Your dentist should have explained to you that your implant crowns wouldn’t match your teeth after Zoom whitening. Receiving whitening first ensures implant crowns are made to match your newly whitened natural teeth. Unfortunately, the solution for you is to get new crowns to match your natural teeth. An experienced prosthodontist can perfectly match the color so no one can distinguish your new crowns from your natural teeth.

Before you choose a prosthodontist, check his or her website to learn more about the following:

  • Level of experience
  • Training
  • Credentials
  • Smile gallery before-and-after photos of actual patients at the practice

Although replacing the implant crowns will cost you more money, you’ll have the satisfaction of a smile that you’re comfortable with and really love.

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

Mar 01

5 Ways to Find the Best Pediatric Dentist for Your Child

By Pediatric Dentist No Comments

Finding the best pediatric dentist who can meet your child’s oral health care needs isn’t easy. But it can be done. With a little homework, time, and patience, you can find an understanding talented dentist to keep your child’s smile healthy and attractive. We’ll discuss five key ways to do it.

1. Know Your Child’s Needs

Know your child’s needs and make a list of them. Is he or she comfortable in a dental chair, or anxious and nervous? If anxiety is an issue, the best pediatric dentist is one who is gentle and understanding. It may helpful to find a dentist who offers some form of mild sedation to help your child relax during appointments.

Also consider the condition of your child’s teeth. Ask yourself:

  • Are my child’s teeth healthy and aligned, or will orthodontic treatment be needed in the future?
  • Does my child have TMJ issues?
  • Are there any problems with swollen, irritated, or bleeding gums?

A more experienced pediatric dentist will be alert to those issues and refer your child to a specialist as needed.

2. Ask for Referrals

Ask friends, family members, neighbors, or co-workers if they know a good pediatric dentist. If you receive a referral, remember to ask:

  • How long their children have been patients of this particular dentist
  • What they (including the kids) do or don’t like about the dentist
  • About the dental hygienists and how well they clean teeth and interact with children

A person may love his or her dentist, but not be so pleased with the hygienist, or vice versa. The best pediatric dentist for someone else might not be the right dentist for your child. Consider what qualities in a pediatric dentist are important to you. Also ask about the dentist’s fees for services.

3. Look for the Pediatric Dentist’s Credentials

Look for pediatric dentists who show a real interest in dentistry and in children.

  • Does the dentist’s website indicate how frequently he or she participates in continuing education?
  • Does the dentist only meet the minimum requirement, or more?
  • Is the dentist a member of certain dental organizations, or is he or she board-certified?

The best pediatric dentists are serious about continuing education, and their education, training, and credentials show it. A dentist’s credentials provide you with information on his or her skill, experience, and interest in healthy smiles.

4. Look for Best Pediatric Dentist Reviews

Dentists often have reviews or testimonials on their websites. Also look for Google+, Yelp, or other reviews. Reviews are not always positive. Pay attention to each review and whether or not parents give details about what they like or dislike about a dentist’s services. Do the reviews really indicate that this might be one of the best pediatric dentists in your area?

5. Schedule Consultations

Once you identify a few dentists that might be right for you, it’s not necessary for your child to become a patient right away. Schedule a consultation with each dentist and take your child with you. It will be brief, but it will give you a chance to see the office, get a feel for the environment and the staff, and briefly chat with the dentist. A consultation can reveal how your child will be treated as a patient and whether or not this is the best dentist for your child’s needs.

Don’t Be Afraid to Switch Until You Find the Best Pediatric Dentist

Your child’s oral health and smile are important. If you’ve done everything you can to find the best pediatric dentist only to discover that it’s not the right fit, don’t be afraid to switch. Save your list of possibilities for a dentist and move on to the next one. Your child’s dental records can be transferred to another dentist. If you decide to switch, ensure that it’s to a dentist with whom you have some familiarity through a consultation or a recommendation that gives you great confidence.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists, the office of Dr. Anthony LaVacca. Our office is conveniently located to Warrenville, Bolingbrook, and North Aurora IL.

Close Menu