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Complex Dental Services

Apr 16

Is it okay to get dental work done while I am pregnant?

By Gum Disease, Tooth Decay, Toothache

Hello. My baby is due in July. I need dental work done, but it is nothing critical. My dentist says that my pregnancy is not an issue. I won’t say that I don’t trust my dentist, but I don’t know him well. We recently moved from Ohio six months ago, so this is a new dentist for me. I just want to verify that there is no known problem with getting the work done at this stage of my pregnancy. Thank you. Rachel

Rachel – At this stage of your pregnancy, one of the biggest problems with getting dental work done is your comfort. You will be reclined, so you may experience discomfort during the treatment.

What type of dental work is being done? Have you been told how long the dental procedure will take?

Dental cleanings and exams during pregnancy should continue as normal. You want your teeth to be kept clean to reduce the chances of having tooth decay or gum disease. Dental x-rays and invasive dental treatment should be avoided.

If you are in pain with a toothache, or if there is an infection in your tooth, it should be treated promptly to stop the infection.

If you have the dental work done, consider bringing a pillow or whatever back support makes you comfortable. Speak with your dentist about any concerns you have about being comfortable. The staff will make the effort to get you as comfortable as possible.

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

Mar 23

Does my 4 yr old really need a cavity filled?

By Dental Fillings, Pediatric Dentist

My 4 yr old son needs to have a cavity filled is it safe and necessary? – Carlie

Carlie – Cavities can grow fast in primary teeth, and if the cavity is not filled, your son will develop a toothache. A cavity left untreated can cause your son to prematurely lose the tooth.

Primary front teeth are lost between the ages of six and eight. Molar teeth can remain up to age 12. Primary teeth need to be preserved to help guide permanent teeth to the correct position.

Your son’s tooth can be filled with white composite filling, instead of amalgam or “silver filling.” Speak with your dentist about your concerns. He or she will be able to explain the state of the tooth that needs to be filled, what can happen if you choose not to fill it, and the type of material that will be used for the filling.

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

Feb 12

I was told I only needed a filling in my tooth

By Dental Crowns, Dental Fillings

I have a tooth that has been sensitive for about 2 mo. now. Not just to hot or cold. It’s just been plain sensitive. So my dentist took xrays and said there is some decay and I needed a filling. Yesterday I went for the filling and after all of the drilling and prep work now he says I need a root canal treatment. I made the appointment to get the root canal treatment next week but I am wondering how could I go from needing a filling to a root canal treatment all in the same day.I just want to know if this is unusual . thanks – Jamel

Jamel – Dentists use x-rays to determine the appropriate treatment plan. At times, when a dentist begins to work on a tooth and drill to eliminate tooth decay, it’s found that the tooth decay is deeper than the x-ray revealed. In that case, a dental filling in the cavity won’t be enough to save the tooth.

When a dentist sees that the decay has reached the pulp of your tooth, a root canal treatment is needed to remove the infected pulp. The root canal treatment prevents the infection from spreading to your jawbone or other teeth.

Although a root canal treatment takes longer to complete than a dental filling, it can be painless procedure. You will receive antibiotics to ensure that the infection is completely gone. And a dental crown may be used to protect your tooth.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Jan 28

Sensitive Teeth

By Sensitive Teeth

Are your teeth sensitive to heat or cold? Or do they hurt when you brush your teeth?

There are several causes of sensitive teeth. You need to have your teeth checked by your dentist to determine the actual cause.

Tooth decay can make a tooth sensitive, but so can a tooth that is fractured. You may need composite fillings to protect your tooth. If the filling in a tooth is worn, it will need to be replaced. If it’s fractured, it will need to be repaired.

Sometimes, root surfaces are exposed on certain teeth. When you brush your teeth you will feel sensitivity. You can try toothpaste for sensitive teeth, or your dentist can prescribe toothpaste for you. Your dentist may need to brush your root surfaces with fluoride varnish, which works immediately.

Tooth sensitivity can be a sign of gum disease. Be sure to regularly brush and floss your teeth to fight bacteria-causing gum disease. It’s important to visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups to prevent gum disease, or to detect it early.

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

 

Jan 23

Risk factors and symptoms of gum disease

By Gum Disease

Last week while driving, I was listening to XM radio and found a station with a guest dentist. She talked about gum disease and that you can get it even if you regularly brush and floss your teeth. That doesn’t make sense to me. I didn’t catch the entire segment because I had an appointment to keep. Are there certain contributing factors for gum disease? Also, what are the symptoms of gum disease? I’m not the best at keeping dental appointments, so I’m interested in knowing what to look for. Thanks –  Briana

Briana,

Gum disease is mainly caused by plaque, but there are other risks factors. Tobacco use increases the risk of gum disease. Stress makes it more difficult for the body to fight infection, including periodontal disease. Certain medications can affect your oral health. Some inflammatory diseases can promote inflammation in your gums.

Poor nutrition can affect the body’s ability to fight infection and disease, which can affect your gums. Grinding your teeth puts pressure on the teeth and gums, and can affect gum tissue. Some people are genetically disposed to gum disease. And gum disease is more common among the elderly.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

  • Pus in your gums, or between your teeth and gums
  • Inflamed, red, or sore gums
  • Gums that bleed when your brush your teeth or eat certain foods
  • Loosening of  teeth
  • Increase in spaces between teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • A change in the way partial dentures fit
  • Mouth sores

 

Early detection of gum disease is makes treatment easier. Stopping the progression of gum disease can save your teeth and help avoid more aggressive treatment. Regular dental check-ups with an examination of your teeth and gums are critical to preventing gum disease and to detecting it early.

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

Nov 27

Is bottled or tap water better for teeth?

By Tooth Decay

Is there anything wrong with drinking bottled water or is tap water better for teeth? My husband and I have had this conversation several times. He thinks we should just buy a water filter and use tap water. I like the convenience of bottled water. Your advice? Thanks – Kim

Kim – Your husband may be concerned because most bottled water does not contain fluoride, but tap water does. There are some brands of bottled water that do contain fluoride, but you must read the labels to be sure.

When you don’t have access to tap water, look for bottled water with fluoride. You can also ask your dentist for a prescription for fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride reduces the risk of tooth decay. In addition to drinking water that contains fluoride, you can protect your teeth by limiting the amount of candy you eat, and the amount of soda, energy drinks, sport/thirst-quenching drinks, and juices you consume. Drink water throughout the day to reduce acid build up in your mouth and remove debris, and brush and floss daily.

Speak with your dentist about your risk for tooth decay and your fluoride consumption.

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

Aug 11

Bad root canal

By Root Canal Treatment

I had a root canal. I don’t think it was done right cause I am in tons of pain.  It makes me sick in my stomach to the point I think I’m going to vomit. What do you think is happening? I don’t want this anymore and am thinking of just getting rid of the tooth.

Rebecca from Colorado

Rebecca,

It is quite common for a root canal treatment to have a painful flare up, even if nothing was done wrong. Occasionally, infected material get’s pushed through the apex into the bone, which causes the ligament in that area to get inflamed and painful. Though the pain can be difficult to tolerate, it isn’t serious and your body should be able to fight the infection on its own.

Rather than pull your tooth after all the effort of saving it with a root canal, I would ask your dentist to reduce your bite. This will almost completely eliminate your pain. Generally, after a root canal treatment, a tooth is protected with a dental crown. If you have the bite reduced now, it won’t change anything that needs to be done to the tooth later.

You may also be interest in reading about Tooth Decay, Prevention, and Treatment.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jul 30

Gum disease and dental insurance

By Gum Disease

I’ve been told I have gum disease, but I haven’t been able to afford to go back to do anything about it. I don’t have any dental insurance and I just can’t afford to keep going. My two lower teeth are coming loose. I am afraid I am going to lose them. Help! I don’t know what to do.

Anonymous

I have to tell you that this is pretty serious. Once teeth are loose there usually isn’t anything you can do to save them. If you have two teeth loose already the others aren’t that far behind.

The only way to get a handle on this is not depend on dental insurance and take things into your own hands. Go in for cleanings and be very faithful with your home oral hygiene. It doesn’t have to be that expensive. I have a friend in another state who doesn’t have dental insurance and is on a very tight budget. She goes to a dental school to get her teeth cleaned. They only charge her about $25.00 per visit. I’d look into that. You really don’t want to put this off any longer. Gum disease if very serious. You could end up losing quite a few teeth.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

May 26

Yellow build up

By Gum Disease

My teeth have a yellow build up on them that I can scrape off. But, whenever I do scrape it off it seems like I’m taking most of my tooth off. What is it and why is there so much?

MaryAnn L from Missouri

MaryAnn,

The build up is called Calculus or Tartar. It actually comes from the minerals in your saliva. As those minerals build up it is called calculus. Once it becomes visible it is called Tartar. Your dental hygienist removes it at each dental appointment. If you have a lot of it and it feels strange once you scrape it off, that is an indication that you haven’t been to the dentist in a while.

It’s tempting to think it isn’t necessary to go, but the build-up of calculus is very damaging and will lead to gum disease if it isn’t regularly removed.

You may also want to visit our page on prevention.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Mar 13

Bad breath

By Bad Breath Treatment, General Dentistry

My children keep telling me I have horrible breath. I brush every day, so I can ‘t figure out what the problem is.  Mints aren’t helping. Do you have any suggestions?

Brent W. – Little Rock, AR

Brent,

Bad breath is caused by bacteria.  Though brushing is a good first step, you’ll need to also include flossing, as well as periodic professional cleanings with your dentist.  The reason the mints aren’t helping is because they contain sugar, which adds to your bacteria. Instead of using a mint, try chewing gum. The gum helps stimulate your saliva flow, which fights the bacteria in your mouth instead of adding to it. Also, look for a dentist who does bad breath treatments. They’ll help find the cause of your breath problems.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

You may also be interested in sensitive teeth.

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