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Dental Implants

Jan 16

I should have listened to the Clear Choice reviews

By Second Opinion, Dental Implants

I want to let people know to be sure to read Clear Choice reviews for the office wherever they live. I know that all Clear Choice locations don’t have bad reviews but the one nearest me does and I should have listened. The reviews are accurate.

My experience has been horrible. I have lost $19,700 and I am left with an issue that is still unresolved. I am stressed about the amount of money it is going to cost to undo the damage. In November 2015 I decided to get implants to replace 3 decayed teeth. My dentist quoted me rates that I thought I could not afford. I had seen Clear Choice commercials before but really didn’t pay attention to them until one evening when I saw another commercial. I looked at review online and some were bad and others were good. I thought that’s normal especially for some customers who are impossible to please. I had a consultation at Clear Choice that I thought went pretty well and as expected, they asked me to pay up front. That’s what I read about in several of the reviews.

I got a loan with a moderate interest rate to make the down payment on the implants. I had the surgery but the implants are messing up my bite. Fortunately they are all on the same side of my mouth because the pressure of chewing sends pain throughout my jaw. Of course I contacted Clear Choice right away and an appointment was made. The dentist claimed he made an adjustment but I was still very uncomfortable. I gave it a week and called the office again. Another “adjustment” was made and I feel that the teeth are worse now than before. I don’t want to become obsessed with this, but I am certain that it feels worse. I called the office and didn’t get a return call back. So I went in person and after waiting about 30 minutes, someone came out to speak with me. I was offered an upgraded procedure for $8500. I am not a person who gets angry but the level of my fury was so bad that I felt like I would become violent so I left the office. I have called and asked to speak with my dentist, but he is always busy and I haven’t received a return call. Before I hire an attorney I wanted to contact a reputable implant office to find out how to handle this. Thank you.  – Dallas

Dallas – We are sorry to hear about the discomfort you are having with your implants and the difficulty getting a resolution. We suggest that you contact the Clear Choice corporate office and provide details along with dates of your attempts to contact your dentist. If the corporate office doesn’t offer to help, you can contact an attorney. It might be advisable to contact a consumer protection attorney anyway to ensure you correctly approach the issue with the corporate office. An attorney will also help you understand your rights.

Meanwhile, the issue with your implants needs to be corrected. If your bite is uneven, it can further jeopardize your oral health. It might be that your Clear Choice dentist doesn’t have the skill to find and correct the issue. We recommend that you schedule a second opinion with an experienced, board-certified prosthodontist. He or she can perform an independent exam and diagnostic studies to determine the cause of the discomfort in your implants and recommend treatment options.

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

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    Jan 11

    Why don’t my dentures don’t fit on my implants?

    By Dental Implants, Dentures

    I’ve worn dentures since 2010. They were a nightmare since the day I got them. First I didn’t like the way they looked. They looked like plastic pegs. Also the way the dentures fit was driving me crazy. They were too big for my mouth and it was hard to keep them in. I paid so much money for them and had so many return trips to the dental center for them that I decided to tough it out. Last year I had enough of my dentures, so I started looking into new ones that look natural and fit well. I found a cosmetic dentist who also does implants. The dentures are beautiful. I had no problem with the implants healing correctly. The problem is that the dentures don’t fit right on the implants. The feeling is hard to describe, but it is very uncomfortable. It takes a lot of effort to snap them on and off the implants. Even my dentist has a hard time with it. My dentist calls it an adjustment period, but it’s been 5 months and I think by now I should feel comfortable with them. Why don’t my dentures fit on my implants? – Lyle

    Lyle – Your implants and your dentures need to be examined to determine what is causing the poor fit. There are several possible causes.

    Reasons Dentures Might Not Fit on Your Implants

    • The wrong attachments are used – It’s possible that the attachments used don’t match the snaps on the denture base. The attachments can be replaced.
    • The alignment of the dental implants or abutments – The dental implants or the abutments for snapping on the denture might be incorrectly positioned. Your denture needs to be adjusted to accommodate the angle, or it might need to be completely replaced.
    • The dentures – If the impression of your mouth wasn’t taken correctly, your dentures won’t correctly fit the implants. The snaps on the denture base might be in the wrong position. Depending on how long you’ve had your dentures they can be relined, or they might need to be replaced.

    Get Help Quickly

    It’s important to get the issue resolved. If dentures aren’t correctly secured to implants, it can result in damage to your dentures, the implants, or your oral tissue.

    We suggest that you get a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist. Although your cosmetic dentist has receiving training in implantology, prosthodontists receive two years of post-graduate training in tooth replacement and restoration. Look for the following credentials:

    • A board-certified prosthodontist
    • Membership in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists
    • Membership in the Academy of Osseointegration

    A skilled prosthodontist can evaluate the cause of the problem and make the adjustments needed to give your dentures a comfortable fit.

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

    Dec 24

    How do I get a reliable second opinion after Clear Choice?

    By Second Opinion, Dental Implants

    How do I get a reliable second opinion after Clear Choice? I went to the Clear Choice dental implant center last week Tuesday and I can’t believe the quote I got for implants. I’m currently wearing complete dentures. $50,000! Is that a realistic quote? I was expecting much less particularly because all of my teeth have been extracted and this is Clear Choice after all. They do this all the time. Shouldn’t the rates be lower? – Gemma

    Gemma – Many people are surprised with the quote received from Clear Choice. Perhaps the marketing causes people to think that Clear Choice is more affordable. A free CT scan is offered, while the fee for it at most dental practices is hundreds of dollars. The thought of receiving the implants in one appointment is also appealing. Clear Choice has skilled implant dentists, and the high fees enable the company to hire the skilled staff.

    The technique that allows dental implants to be placed in one visit is called All-On-4. Implants are highly angled in the jawbone, which requires no bone grafting to support them. Treatment that requires bone grafting is comparable to the $50,000 fee that you were quoted. Although All-On-4 is riskier, it can be completed quickly, and it is quite profitable.

    Things to consider when seeking a Clear Choice second opinion

    • Find a credentialed and experienced implant dentist from whom you can receive a second opinion.
    • Don’t settle for whomever offers the lowest cost for implants, because that is often an indicator that shortcuts will be taken—and shortcuts can lead to serious mistakes that will cost you even more money.
    • Look for a board-certified prosthodontist or a dentist with fellowship from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

    The ultimate decision is yours; be sure to make an informed one. Read about how implant overdentures can secure your dentures with as few as two implants.

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

    Dec 09

    Will I have to keep replacing my dental implants?

    By Dental Implants, Second Opinion

    In 2012 I lost 3 teeth to gum disease. I had several deep cleanings and was able to have the teeth replaced with dental implants in early 2013. By the summer, my dental implants started to get loose. My dentist kept doing the deep cleanings but my June of 2014 all of the implants were lost. My dentist replaced the implants in 2015 but over the past 2 months I have noticed some loosening again. So am I going to have to get new implants every other year just because I have gum disease? If so, I just want to forget about this. The surgery, recovery, and healing periods take so long that just about when it’s done it’s time to get new implants again. Do I have other options, but not a partial denture? Elaine

    Elaine,

    Your experience is alarming. We understand that it must be frustrating. You’re battling with gum disease, lost three teeth, as well as the implants that replaced them. You have advanced periodontal disease, that hasn’t been properly treating. The deep cleanings are clearly not enough. There are other ways to improve your the health of your gums that your dentist isn’t using, and perhaps is not aware of. We can’t say that your dentist is negligent, but you need the attention of a specialist.

    You should have been referred a periodontist—a specialist in the treatment of gum disease. Periodontal disease must be well controlled before you receive dental implants. If your gums and bone can’t support your natural teeth, neither can they support dental implants

    We recommend that you visit a prosthodontist for a second opinion, or ask your dentist to refer you to a periodontist. A periodontist will help you recover from gum disease. You shouldn’t receive new dental implants until the issue is addressed, and don’t allow anyone to try to convince you otherwise.

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

    Nov 18

    Dental implants and diabetes

    By Dental Implants

    I am 62 years old and after wearing dentures 8 years, I am ready for dental implants. I am already noticing some bone shrinkage and facial sagging so I feel that I need to act quickly. I know that dental implants are a great solution but I am a little hesitant and I have some concerns because I am diabetic. My worst nightmare is to go through the expense and time of getting implants only to find that they will not heal because I am diabetic. If I have an increased risk of not healing because of my medical condition, should I just stay away from the implants? Thanks. Dianna

    Dianna – Diabetes can slow the healing process of any wound or injury, but it doesn’t mean that you should avoid dental implants.

    Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, helps to control blood glucose levels. If the pancreas stops producing insulin (type 1 diabetes) or doesn’t produce enough insulin (type 2 diabetes), then blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels can become too low or too high. Why can there be a problem with healing?

    High blood-sugar levels affect the healing process

    When blood sugar levels are too high, it affects the body’s inflammatory response. Inflammation is needed to help the body heal, but if it is chronic, inflammation can be damaging to healthy tissue. When diabetes is not well managed, inflammation can become chronic. Dental implants in patients with poorly controlled diabetes can be successful too, but the healing process will be longer.

    Managing diabetes – the key to healing

    Well-managed diabetes control blood sugar levels and helps prevent chronic inflammation. If your diabetes is under control, you will likely be a good candidate for dental implants. Before you receive dental implants, your medical history is reviewed. Your implant dentist will ensure that your diabetes is well controlled first.

    Dental implants can help a patient eat better, which in turn can improve the blood sugar levels. So implants shouldn’t be ruled out just because you have diabetes. Each patient case is different. Consult with a skilled implant dentist and your primary care doctor to determine if you are a candidate for this treatment. Your doctors will work with you to ensure your glucose level is sufficient to provide the best outcome for your dental implants.

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

    Oct 24

    How long will it take for my dental implants to heal?

    By Dental Implants

    Hi. I am gathering info on dental implants for 4 missing teeth. I have a trip planned in April 2017 and I want the implants to be completely done before I leave for vacation. I will be out of the country for a month so I won’t be able to get back to an implant dentist and I want to be sure that everything is okay before I leave the country. I know there is a healing period for implants and I just want to give myself enough time. How much healing time will I need? – Thanks. Bhari

    Bhari – The process of getting dental implants, including the healing and recovery time varies with each patient. Your recovery time depends on several factors, including those listed below:

    • Bone grafting – Depending on how long a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that space will begin to shrink. If there is significant bone loss, the bone will need to be built up to accommodate dental implants. There is a healing period of several months for the bone grafting before implants can be placed.
    • The location of the implants – The bone in the upper arch of the mouth is shallower than in the lower arch, and implants there take longer to heal.
    • The number of implants placed – Each implant needs to heal on its own. The healing period for each implant can vary.
    • Tooth extraction – If teeth need to be extracted before you receive implants, you might experience discomfort for a longer period.

    Schedule consultations with two or three implant dentists. Ensure you choose an experienced implant dentist or prosthodontist. Ask each of them how many cases they have completed. An examination and diagnostic studies will be needed to determine if you need bone grafting. After that information is received, your implant dentist will know if you need bone grafting. A recovery period will also be estimated. Tell your dentist about your vacation plans. He or she will let you know if there will be any conflict with your vacation plans for the spring.

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

     

     

    Oct 14

    Can’t find enough Clear Choice reviews like my case

    By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants

    I’ve been reading a lot of Clear Choice reviews after having a consultation at one last week and I find the whole thing mind-boggling. All I see are mentions of the same procedure over and over again and it seems like most are good, but I find it odd that so many people needed the exact same thing. A lot of them hit on what I experienced- a big push to get signed up and scheduled then and there at the consultation. I didn’t bite. I went in knowing I wasn’t going to schedule there because I’d already heard about the tactics they use, but the procedure thing… that I didn’t notice until they told me I needed the same one and I went back to look again. Does this make them a specialist or should I get a second opinion? – Thanks – JT

    JT – I am trying to make a decision about who to get my dental implants from and the Clear Choice reviews aren’t helping. I went to three dental implant practices and Clear Choice was my last visit. I liked the way I was treated there but the prices are off the charts. I felt more pressured to make a decision to go with Clear Choice. It has been 2 weeks since my visit and they have called me twice. I am taking my time and reading patient reviews on all the places I have visited. The problem with Clear Choice is that probably 90% of the reviews are about All on 4. I am not remotely interested in All on 4 but I am not getting enough information on their other options. I need 6 dental implants. Is there some other place I can get better Clear Choice rviews?

    Finding the right dentist to replace several teeth is a serious decision. Although you can’t get a better form of tooth replacement than dental implants, the expense is great. Your efforts to do visit research and visit different implant dentists are vital to getting the best care.

    Clear Choice reviews lean toward All-on-4 implants because that treatment is the most popular and most advertised among the company’s offerings. A dental treatment that works well for someone else might not be best for your case. Aggressively sales techniques can rush you to make a decision that you would later regret—or that is not the optimum treatment to replace your six missing teeth.

    You’ve had consultations with three other implant dentists, so compare your options with those providers. In addition to the technical aspects of your treatment, pay attention how you are treated by each dentist and his or her staff. Ensure your provider is willing to listen to your concerns and thoroughly explains your treatment options. You need quality care as a patient with an implant dentist who has good chairside manner. Clear Choice reviews can’t provide you with the information you need to choose their services. So it’s best to find a dentist who can.

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

    Sep 29

    Why are Clear Choice reviews inconsistent?

    By Dental Bridge, Dental Implants

    I have a dental bridge that is about 17 yrs old. It lasted a long time. Now I am thinking about getting an implant bridge. I had 2 consultations with implants dentists and now I am looking for a 3rd opinion. I’ve seen commercials about Clear Choice and I have an acquaintance who received implants from Clear Choice and recommends them. One recommendation isn’t enough for me so I started looking on line for Clear Choice reviews. I found it interesting to see that some reviews are super positive and others are super negative. There are more positive reviews than negative but the negative ones are so bad that it’s making me a little nervous. Why are Clear Choice reviews so inconsistent? Thanks Nicola

    Nicola,

    Clear Choice reviews are based on patient experience. Some patients have a great experience, while others are disappointed.

    Clear Choice reviews reveal that patient cases are treated the same. That approach is risky because each patient case is different. A single method or technique can’t possibly be right for everyone. Your dental implants solution should be tailored to match your needs. Clear Choice often falls short of that.

    Rather than visit a dental implant chain, smaller practices often provide consistently positive outcomes. But don’t visit just any implant dentist. Check out his or her experience and credentials before scheduling a consultation. Your current dentist might be able to recommend a skilled prosthodontist for your third opinion.

    Ask each dentist how many implant bridge cases he or she has handled. Ask what kind of problems have been encountered and how the dentist resolved them. Discuss your treatment options. An implant bridge might be the right option for you, but other alternatives may be better for your case and your long-term oral health.

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

    Sep 01

    Three Ways to Avoid Dental Implant Failure

    By Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

    Each year about 500,000 Americans receive dental implants. Scientific literature reports a 98 percent success rate for dental implants. So why are so many people concerned about dental implant failure? In part, it may be due to the seriousness of the signs and symptoms.

    Signs and Symptoms of Dental Implant Failure

    • Swelling and bleeding around the implants after a normal healing period
    • Loose dental implants
    • Painful implants
    • Implant infection

    Avoiding Dental Implant Failure

    How can dental implant failure be avoided? We’ll discuss three key factors to be aware of before you choose your implant dentist.

    1. Three-dimensional diagnostic studies

    Some dentists will place dental implants without 3-D xrays or a CT scan. They might believe that a standard x-rays are enough. But what if dental implants are placed in a way that punctures sinuses or impinge nerves? These mistakes can be avoided with 3-D diagnostic studies.

    2. Quality implant fixtures

    Although the average patient doesn’t know which dental implants are of the highest quality, a skilled implant dentist or prosthodontist knows. Ask your implant dentist which brand of implants he or she uses. Nobel Biocare and Straumann are leaders in implant fixtures. Other high-quality manufacturers are 3i, Zimmer, and BioHorizons, and Astrotech. If your dentist uses a different brand, ask why, and do some research on the brand. Schedule a second-opinion appointment with a different prosthodontist and ask what he or she thinks about that brand.

    3. The skill of the dentist

    Implantology is not a recognized dental specialty, but quality placement of dental implants requires much skill. Look for a dentist who has credentials from the American Board of Oral Implantology or the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. A prosthodontist is a specialist with two years of post-graduate training in tooth restoration and replacement.

    After you identify two or three skilled and credentialed implant dentists, schedule a consultation with each of them. Ask each dentist what he or she does to ensure successful outcomes for dental implant patients. Consultations are your opportunity to ask questions and discuss your options so you can make an informed decision of the best provider of your implants.

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

    Aug 20

    What’s the best adhesive to keep upper denture in?

    By Dental Implants, Dentures

    I’m in the third month of wearing dentures. I was expecting problems with the lower dentures but it’s the upper dentures that are giving me problems. They click or loosen from my palate at the most embarrassing times. When I first got them they seemed to fit perfectly. Now I am almost to the point where I hate them. It is really frustrating to think that I paid so much for them and they keep popping off. What is the best product to keep them in? Grayson

    Grayson – Before considering a product to keep your upper dentures in, make an appointment with your dentist. Upper dentures are usually held in place by the suction of your palate. If you’ve only had them for a little more than two months, they should not be dislodging at all.

    Your dentures may need to be lined again. If after relining you continue to have a problem with the fit of your dentures, consider getting a second opinion. It is possible that your dentures were incorrectly sized, or the impressions of your mouth weren’t taken correctly. A second opinion can help to clearly identify the issue.

    Your dentures can be secured with dental implants. The implants will stabilize them and prevent jawbone shrinkage, which occurs after years of having all of your teeth missing. Implants improve your ability to eat and speak with dentures.

    If you want to consider stabilizing your dentures with implants, see an experienced and credentialed prosthodontist. He or she will first ensure your dentures fit well. After that the base of your dentures can likely be altered to accommodate dental implants.

    If you still need denture adhesive, ask your dentist for recommendations.

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

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