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Dental Implants

Is this a realistic cost for All on 4 dental implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I lost most of my teeth in a work accident that made a huge blow to my face. My dentist says I’m lucky that my jawbone didn’t break.  My face was disfigured and I have a long recovery. I have been scouting around for dental implants and quickly realized that I can’t afford to replace all of the missing teeth with implants. So I have to accept the fact that I need dentures. I can get all on 4. I found a place that said they will do all on 4 for 7k which is unbelievably low. I am just wondering why so big of a difference from the 3 other implant places I visited which were 4-5 times that cost. Were the other dentists just trying advantage of me? Thanks. Raj

Raj– The higher costs you received are more realistic for the All-On-4 procedure. Depending on where you live in the country and the specifics of your case, the cost will vary.

Some of the costs involved in proper implant placement are diagnostic studies, quality implant fixtures, implant surgery, and the placement of dentures on the implants. The second quote of $7000 raises a lot of concern. That is the quote that really sounds like an attempt to take advantage of you with inferior dental implants. The low cost will likely result in cheap implant fixtures or some type of shortcut that can result in an infection around the implants and complete implant failure.

If you want another valid opinion, we recommend that you see a skilled, reputable implant dentist who provides quality fixtures. The estimate that you receive should be more or less in the area of your initial quotes, but not significantly less. You can look for dentists with extensive training in implant dentistry, or a prosthodontist who perform every phase of the implant process.

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

Replace ugly tooth with a dental implant

By Dental Implants

I have a tooth that looks horrible. It looks like it belongs in something’s mouth, not in a person’s mouth. The tooth is thin and pointy and the shape and color are even different from my other teeth. The tooth is on the left side but if I smile even slightly wide people notice it. I have heard a few thoughtless people joke about it. I want to do something about it now that I have better dental insurance. Can this tooth be pulled and replaced with a dental implant? Ivy

Ivy – If your tooth is healthy and structurally sound, it doesn’t need to be replaced with a dental implant. Dental implants replace missing teeth or teeth that cannot otherwise be saved, but nothing is as effective as keeping your natural teeth.

A prosthodontist can examine your tooth and let your know the options for improving its appearance and making it blend perfectly with your natural teeth. This is the time to consider if you want to improve your overall smile by having your teeth whitened. If so, your teeth should be whitened before you receive cosmetic dentistry.

If you need a porcelain veneer or porcelain crown to improve the appearance of your unsightly tooth, it can be made to match your whitened smile. In some cases, teeth whitening and reshaping alone can transform the look of your tooth, but if the tooth in question is narrower than your natural teeth, a porcelain crown or a porcelain veneer will probably be recommended.

Schedule a consultation with a few experienced prosthodontists to discuss your options. Ask to see pictures of patients with similar issues whose smile the dentist has transformed.

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

What can I eat after dental implant surgery?

By Dental Implants, Mini Implants

After consultations with 4 different dentists I finally decided that I have to do what is affordable for me. So I am going to get 6 mini implants. I figure that should be pretty good for my dentures and better than what I have now. My dentures pretty much lift every time I cough, sneeze or eat anything that isn’t soft. I haven’t made a final decision yet about which surgeon I am going to let do the implants. I am trying to get as much information as I can about what to expect before and after the surgery. There isn’t much information on after care that I got from the brochures the dentists gave me. Specifically I would like to know if my diet will be restricted after implant surgery. Will I have to be on liquids for a while, or what can I eat? Thanks. Danette

Danette – Immediately after your dental implant surgery, your intake will be mainly in liquid form. Drinks or smoothies that contain vegetable and protein will help you maintain your energy level. Be certain to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Drink directly from the cup and do not use a straw. The sucking action from a straw can dislodge the blood clot and prolong the healing process.

Be sure to eat and drink something nourishing. Too much sugar will drain your energy. After a few days, you can eat soft food. Hot food should be avoided. Soup (not too hot), yogurt, pudding, gelatin, or applesauce will not harm the implant site. Crunchy foods can fall into the implant site and cause discomfort, pain, or bleeding.

Be certain to take in enough protein and liquids each day. It will help you feel better and heal faster.

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

Avoiding dental implant failure

By Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, each year about 500,000 Americans get dental implants. Although no one can guarantee the success of your dental implants, there are some precautions that can be taken to help avoid implant failure. We’ll review four of them. Consider them vital. If an implant fails, it needs to be removed. There will be a healing period before the implant can be replaced. Also, poorly placed implants can damage nerves, sinus and more.

Dental Implant Failure Precautions

CT Scans

There are dentists who perform CT scans on a limited basis, and for some implant cases not at all. But performing them for every implant candidate can help prevent failure. Why? CT scans reveal more and ensure accurate implant placement. Cysts, polyps, nerves, sinuses, bone density, and other structures can be clearly seen with 3-D scans. An incorrectly placed dental implant can result in pain, suffering, and implant failure for the patient.

Dental Implant Fixtures

Top implant dentists use high-quality fixtures. Implant fixtures that have strict quality-control guidelines give you confidence that implants won’t fail because they are cheap or poorly made. Some dentists try to save money by using less expensive implants, but the sacrifice in quality is costly to the patient. Some of the top manufacturers are 3i, Astrotech, BioHorizons, Nobel Biocare, Straumann, and Zimmer.

The Implant Dentist

Implantology is not an officially recognized specialty, so any dentist can take courses and start placing implants. Look for advanced training and credentials. Accreditation, diplomate, or fellowship status reflect extensive training along with scrutiny of the dentist’s implant cases. There are quality implant dentists who do not have these credentials, but when you find one who does, it will help ensure that you get the results you want—quality implants that will last a lifetime.

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

Need a 4th opinion. Clear Choice was my 3rd

By Dental Implants

I don’t know if my case is complex or not but it has me in a dilemma. I have severe overjet that seems to be getting worse as I age. I’m 59. I also have 3 missing teeth. On the left upper, the second premolar and first molar are missing. Also on my lower right, the first molar is missing. I am not sure if these things are making my overjet worse but my top teeth completely cover my bottom teeth and I can feel them resting in my lower mouth. So my former dentist always recommended new crowns for my front teeth but she never addressed the overjet issue. I did get new crowns probably five years ago, but of course my overjet didn’t go away. The crowns do look better than the old ones, though. A friend suggested that I see a cosmetic dentist. That dentist recommended dental implants and new crowns. She said that in order for my overjet to be fixed, I would need jaw surgery. I got another opinion early in 2015 from a different cosmetic dentist who recommended Invisalign to partially correct the overjet, but she agreed that I would really need jaw surgery to get it completely right. Then she says I can replace the missing teeth with implants. This second cosmetic is still my regular dentist but I haven’t had the recommended work done yet. Next I went to Clear Choice who advised me to replace the missing teeth with dental implants right away because my jawbone is shrinking and then if I choose to get Invisalign, I can do so later. So I am going back and forth with this. How bad is this overjet in terms of my oral health? I know it looks bad. Do I really need jaw surgery? Can the implants wait? What do you advise? – Marlo

Marlo – Based on the different recommendations you have received, we understand your concern. Dr. LaVacca would need to examine your mouth, bone structure, bite, teeth, and diagnostic studies before making a treatment recommendation.

Keep in mind that Clear Choice is a dental implants center, so their focus is on dental implants. Some patients say they have received somewhat aggressive sales pitches from Clear Choice. That may explain why you felt a sense of urgency to get dental implants from them.

A skilled prosthodontist can project how bone grafting and dental implants will affect your facial structure, in addition to orthodontic treatment.

It’s best to schedule an appointment with a prosthodontist for a full examination. You can discuss the recommendations you received from previous providers, ask questions, and compare you options. It will help you make a more confident decision about oral health.

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

How soon after my prosthodontist gives me implants can I use a hookah?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I am planning for implants this summer. I get 5 weeks of vacation and every year I take off those weeks in the summer. So I think this is a good time to for me to get implants. I won’t have to worry about working OT or being offered to go out when I can’t due to implant healing time. I am not a regular smoker but in 2014 I was introduced to the hookah. It’s a social thing that I do with friends that I really enjoy. I find it super relaxing. 2 or 3 times a month I get together with friends and we use the pipes. Now I am interested how long after implants I will have to wait before I can use the pipe again. I saw one prosthodontist already and he told me I shouldn’t use it at all. That’s not the information I need. I just want to know how long I should wait before I can use the hookah. Thank you. Dixon

Dixon – In 2005 The World Health Organization conducted a study on waterpipe (called “hookah” in India) tobacco smoking. Some of the findings are below.

The origin of waterpipes dates back four centuries or more to indigenous peoples of Asia and Africa. Smoke from the hookah delivers addictive nicotine, as well as toxins. These toxins contribute to lung cancer, heart disease, and other diseases.

Waterpipe sessions usually last longer than cigarette smoking sessions. While five to seven minutes may be spent smoking a cigarette, a single hookah session usually lasts twenty to eighty minutes. Also while eight to twelve puffs of a cigarette are taken in a single session, fifty to two hundred puffs are taken during waterpipe smoking. In some cases, it would take one hundred cigarettes to equal the amount of smoke consumed with the pipe.

Clearly, the social nature of this type of smoking often prolongs the exposure to nicotine and other harmful substances.

Hookah Smoking Can Affect Dental Implants

What does this mean for dental implants? Any type of smoking interferes with the healing process of dental implants. Many implant dentists recommend that patients stop smoking one, two, or more months before implant placement. It is recommended that you not smoke during the entire healing process, which lasts for several months. Any prosthodontist or implant dentist will advise you not to smoke while your implants heal.

Even periodic smoking can interfere with the healing process. The suction process of smoking can dislodge clots at the surgical site. Remember that even though hookah smoking involves water, it still exposes you to smoke and toxins. This can result in infection or failure to heal. Additionally, the custom of sharing a hookah can introduce bacteria from someone else’s mouth into yours, creating another opportunity for infection.

If your implants fail, they will need to be removed and replaced. But before they are replaced, the previous implant sites need to heal.

We urge you to do your part in helping the healing process go smoothly. Avoid smoking of any kind before and after your implant surgery.

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

nearest-clear-choice-location-blog

Nearest Clear Choice location is 150 miles away

By Dental Implants

I am seeking 3 opinions for dental implants. My dentist referred me to a endodontist who is part of a large practice in the area. The specialist recommended 6 implants for me. After seeing Clear Choice commercials I was interested in going there for another opinion, because they seem to be up to date with the latest techniques and have modern facilities. The problem is that the closest location to me is more than 150 miles away. I am not sure if I want or need to drive 2 hours or more for another opinion unless it’s really worth it. The reviews I saw online for the closest Clear Choice location look pretty good though. Would you recommend that I make the drive to that location or just stick with local specialists?  Thank you. Truman

Truman – We recommend that regardless of where you seek a second opinion, find skilled implant dentists who have many years of experience, and who participate in continuing education. If you can find experienced specialists closer to home, you can receive a reliable second opinion.

When you consult with each specialist, ask how many cases like yours he or she has successfully completed from start to finish. Ask if any complications were experienced, and how they were resolved. Ensure that you list the questions you want answered and record the responses so you can refer to them later. Ask about what each specialist does in advance, during, and after your dental implant procedure to ensure a successful outcome.

You may be able to find online reviews or patients testimonials on prosthodontists’ websites. Other than Clear Choice, there are many skilled implant specialists who can provide your second and third opinion. Check credentials for each of them before scheduling consultations.

 

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

3 implants failed. How do I know if my dentist used cheap implants?

By Affordable Dental Implants, Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

I received 4 dental implants in March of this year. Everything seems to be going okay in June. I noticed some swelling and pain in 3 of them. I scheduled several appointments with my dentist who explained it away by saying sometimes the healing takes longer for some patients than others. This month the implants are starting to get loose and my dentist decided that they are going to fail. Before things got worse, he recommended that they all be removed. The explanation I was given was that for some reason my body is rejecting the implants. I am not sure that there is a basis for this explanation. How do I know if my body is really rejecting the implants? Could it be that cheap implants were used? How can I tell? Thank you. – Andrius

Andrius- You won’t be able to tell if substandard implant fixtures were used. Nor can you determine if your body is rejecting the implants. You need a second opinion—and perhaps a third opinion—from a skilled, experienced implant dentist.

You should request copies of your dental records, including diagnostic studies. The dentist(s) from whom you receive a second or third opinion will use the information, in addition to an exam of your fixtures and the implant sites, to determine why your implants have failed. If necessary, new 3-D x-rays will be taken.

The implant placement, implant fixtures, or your body’s reaction to the implants may be a cause of the failure. Lack of bone density, improper maintenance, smoking, and periodontal (gum) disease can also cause failure. But to be certain of the reason for your case, investigation is needed.

Don’t delay getting the second or third opinions. An infection will worsen until it is treated. If you are still eligible to receive dental implants, after the failed fixtures are removed, there will be a healing period before they can be replaced.

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

 

Looking for a BYOI dentist for implants

By Affordable Dental Implants, Dental Implants

On and off for the past 2 months I have been looking for a BYOI dentist who will install dental implants that I will purchase. I don’t want to do anything crazy like go to Mexico for implants but I am an avid bargain hunter so I am confident that I can find them at a good cost. That has to knock off some of the markup cost for implants that a dentist has. In my google searches I haven’t been able to tell which dentists allow BYOI. Is there a particular way I should search to find one? How much more will I save with this method? What brands of implants does Dr. LaVacca recommend I purchase? Can you provide mid and high end implant brands please? Sorry for all of the questions but I really need implants and I am trying to get them as economically as possible. Thanks. Christopher L.

Christopher – You won’t be able to find an implant dentist who allows patients to bring their own implants. There are far too many risks involved.

A reputable dental implant distributor provides implants to skilled professionals. Patients lack the training and experience required to determine if they are receiving quality dental implants—or the brand of implants you intended to buy. If you bought dental implants, a dentist placed them, and later it was found that the implants are faulty, the dentist would be partially responsible. The implants would need to be removed and replaced with quality implants from the dentist.

Your goal is to receive dental implants and stay within your budget. There are ways, other than purchasing questionable implant s, to reach that goal. The work can be done in phases—depending on how many implants you need—you can receive one or two at a time, pay for them, and plan to receive more implants in the future. Also, payment plans and financing will be available through the dentist.

Schedule consultations with two or three skilled implant dentists to discuss your options for implants, and to find out how they can be made affordable for you.

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

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.

 

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