Skip to main content
Category

Dental Implants

Sep 25

Will mini implants be better for me if I have CRPS?

By Affordable Dental Implants, Dental Implants

I was diagnosed with CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) in 2013. I am in my 5th year of dentures and they are really uncomfortable. I want to stabilize them with dental implants, so I am thinking that since I have CRPS that I should do smaller implants. Will it be better if I do mini implants? Thanks. Malcom

Malcom – As you likely know, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) affects the central nervous system. The syndrome is rare (affecting approximately 26 out of every 100,000 people). It causes intense, chronic pain and usually occurs after injury (e.g., a bone break or a sprain), stroke, or heart attack. The pain from CRPS is disproportionate to the pain that is usually felt from the injury or surgery—and it is chronic. In addition to pain, CRPS can cause swelling, redness, sensitivity, and decreased mobility.

Dental implants—whether they are mini implants are standard implants—are surgically implanted. If you suffer from CRPS, you can anticipate pain that is more significant than usual at the implant site, and it can persist for life. In advance of surgery, many specialists recommend a local anesthetic nerve block to prevent the pain from the surgical site from entering the central nervous system.

Although we cannot advise  you as to what to do for your case, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with a pain specialist who is very familiar CRPS to discuss if it is advisable for you to receive dental implants at all, and if you are likely to experience less pain with mini implants.

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

 

Sep 21

Gums still swollen after dental implants were taken out

By Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

I had my 4 dental implants taken out 3 weeks ago because over a 10 mo. period there were too many problems with them. My gums stayed swollen and hurting. They are still swollen after 3 weeks. The surgeon told me they are still healing but I am not sure they should be swollen and hurting like this. Is this normal? – Quince

Quince – Even after your dental implants are removed, it is still possible to have some swelling and pain if there is an infection in your gums. We suggest that you get a second opinion to have the implant sites examined.

When implants are placed or removed, some pain and swelling is normal. When pain and swelling persist, there is a problem. Pain after removal should diminish within a week. A prosthodontist, a specialized dentist with training in implant placement and tooth restoration, can help. An examination will be required, along with diagnostic studies (x-rays), unless you’ve had them recently.

It will be helpful to bring your dental records along with you to the appointment. We hope that you get some and answers and relief very soon.

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

Sep 09

Been to Clear Choice but getting 2nd opinion in Mexico

By Second Opinion, Dental Implants

2 months ago I got the expert advice of Clear Choice on dental implants. I told them up front that I am going to get a second opinion and the room went silent for about a minute. So I know there is no need to ask them for any additional information. I thought dentists or any real professional for that matter are supposed to welcome you to get a second opinion. I know things are a little different in Mexico but what should I look for to know if I am getting quality care? Thanks. Lil

Lil – Getting dental work outside of the U.S. is tempting. When you get your second opinion for Clear Choice, you will find that the cost of dental implants in Mexico is less expensive. But it should be. Insurance, labor, lab costs, office leasing expenses, and more are less expensive in Mexico. But government regulations are less exacting too, which often translates into a decline in the quality of dental implants you receive.

Dentists who complete their education in Mexico and desire to practice dentistry in the U.S. require an additional two years of dental school training in the U.S. They must also pass state and national board examinations.

If you decide to receive dental implants abroad, consider the qualifications of the provider, including his or her training and experience. Ask for information on the type of implants that will be used, as well as the quality. Get information on follow-up appointments and how issues will be addressed if they occur after implant surgery and throughout the healing process.

We recommend that you find a skilled implant dentist in your area from whom you can receive a second opinion. Cost of dental implants should be secondary to choosing quality treatment from a skilled implant dentist.

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

 

Aug 23

Dental implants have been nothing but trouble

By Dental Implants

Since the day I got them, my dental implants have been nothing but trouble and I want all of them out. When they started itching I was told that it was part of the healing process. When my gums started swelling 3 months after the surgery, I was told that was part of the healing process. Now I have an infection. These are implants I got in Feb. of this year. Is this part of the healing process too? I can’t count the times I have been back and forth to the oral surgeon with no reasonable answers. What are my options if I just ask him to take them out? Girard

Girard – Your frustration is understandable. The incidents that you describe are of concern. Before you ask the oral surgeon to remove your dental implants, we suggest that you get a second opinion from a long-time prosthodontist with a stellar record of successful implant placement.

In addition to an examination of your implants, gum, and jawbone, diagnostic studies will be needed to determine what went wrong and how. Whether it was the implant fixtures, the placement of the implants, or some other factor, finding out the real issue will help to resolve it correctly.

It will take time to resolve, and removing the implants may be the best option. But even if removal is required, choose your provider carefully. A second opinion will help you do just that. If you feel more comfortable doing so, ask for a consultation with the prosthodontist before the actual exam.

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

 

Aug 15

How affordably can I get an implant for the tooth next to my front tooth?

By Affordable Dental Implants, Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I have a tooth missing next to my left front tooth. I want an implant for it and I saw 2 local dentists who gave me a price of around $3000 for the implant and crown. Should I keep looking around and asking dentists for price quotes? How affordably can I get an implant for the tooth next to my front tooth? Thanks. Coleman

Coleman – The cost that you were quoted by both dentists is reasonable. The cost can be slightly lower or higher, depending on where you live in the country.

When you receive comparable estimates for dental implants, the primary concern over affordability should be the skill and experience of the implant dentist. Ask questions about the dentist’s training, experience, and how many successful implant cases he or she has completed.

Understandably, each patient has a budget to consider, but quality, successful dental implants help keep future costs down. Additional costs occur when implants are improperly placed or when implant fixtures are not of the highest quality. Be sure to factor these important issues into your final decision for the provider of your dental implants.

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

Aug 11

What will a prosthodontist charge for incomplete dental implants?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I got a horrible infection from dental implants that were being placed 2 years ago. The whole process of getting everything under control took over a year. I never got the implants. So now I need the surgery done again but I am going to a completely different dentist. I gave up trying to get reimbursed for the work that wasn’t completed. I am just moving forward. I am wondering how much a prosthodontist will charge me to complete the dental implants. Thanks. Joan C.

Joan – An experienced prosthodontist will need to examine your implant sites and do diagnostic studies to determine what needs to be done to complete the procedure.

The extent of the work left and anything that may need to be corrected will factor into the cost. Schedule an appointment for a consultation with a few prosthodontists to discuss your options. Keep in mind that cost can only be determined after an examination and digital x-rays.

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

Jul 26

Clear Choice reviewed my records and said I don’t need bone grafting

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants

I went to 2 implant dentists before my 3rd opinion at Clear Choice. Clear Choice did their own imaging and told me the opposite of what the previous dentists said. According to Clear Choice, I can get implants without grafting. Who should I believe? – Milan W.

Milan – If you documented, or if you can recall your conversations from the first two dentists you visited, as well as Clear Choice, you can compare the reasons you were given as to why you do or don’t need bone grafting.

If you can’t recall the conversations, we suggested that you contact each dentist for an explanation. If you are still undecided about which treatment option you prefer, a fourth opinion may be beneficial. Clear Choice often recommends All-On-4 implants, which are angled and don’t require bone grafting. Is All-On-4 the treatment that was recommended to you? If so, it would explain why you were told that you don’t need bone grafting for implants.

At any rate, be certain to get more information from each dentist and take notes on the explanations you are given. Don’t make a decision about treatment until your options and the reasons for them are clear to you.

 

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

 

Jul 22

Why would a dentist recommend all on 4 if I can afford single implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants

I am one of the people who is fortunate enough to have enough savings for single implants. It is a blessing from God that I don’t take for granted. The dentist I saw prefers to do all on 4 instead of single implants. I even suggested doing 8 implants instead of 4 but she keeps referring back to all on 4. I am not understanding why this is happening. Can you give me a clue? Thanks. Violet

Violet – We cannot be certain as to why All-on-4 dental implants are being recommended for your case. It is possible that you lack enough jawbone density for individual implants. The All-on-4 procedure eliminates the need for bone grafting to build up your jawbone.

In any case, you should be given options and explanations of the pros and cons for each of them. A second opinion from a skilled implant dentist may help you to understand why your dentist recommends All-on-4. Or you may learn that individual implants are a good option for you.

If you can receive them, individual implants will provide the most natural-looking and natural-feeling results. You will feel as if you have all of your natural teeth again. The final decision is yours, but a second opinion—and a third opinion, if necessary—can give you the information you need to make a confident decision about your treatment.

 

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

Jul 14

Should my dental implants itch?

By Dental Implants

If I’ve had dental implants for 8 months should they still be itching? They don’t all itch, but 2 out of the 5 itch pretty bad. Thanks. Ron

 Ron – Swelling, pain, and itching at the implant site is normal as your dental implants heal. Itching is part of the healing process.

If you’ve had your implants for eight months, itching should not be an issue. There may be some irritation or an allergic reaction that is causing the itching. The only way to identify the cause of the problem is to have the implants examined by your implant surgeon.

Don’t delay the examination. If the problem is due to sensitivity to the implants, prompt attention can prevent the problem from getting worse.

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

 

Jun 13

Will dental implants be cheaper if I buy my own supplies on ebay?

By Affordable Dental Implants, Dental Implants

There are pages of inexpensive dental implant supplies on ebay. I am wondering if I can buy my own implant supplies and take them to a dentist who will install the implants for me. It’s like buying my own parts and paying for labor. It has to be cheaper than paying the markup costs at the dentist. Is this doable? – Russ

Russ – The cost of dental implants is an understandable concern. But quality is an even greater concern. A conscientious implant dentist will acquire all of the items needed to provide you with quality dental implants. This protocol erases the unknown results of a patient’s own purchases.

The quality, origin, and suitability of items you purchase on your own are questionable. Any variation can cause implant mistakes, infection, and failure.

We strongly recommend that you schedule consultations with three or four implant dentists. Ask questions about what each dentist does to ensure that you receive quality, successful dental implants. Also ensure that you understand your options for implants, the cost of dental implants from each provider, as well as the financial arrangements available to help make them affordable for you.

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

Close Menu