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Dental Implants

Feb 13

If an abutment is broken will I have to get a new dental implant?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I’ve had problems with the crown on an implant for about 8 months. I went to 2 implant dentists and the second one found that the abutment is broken. He said that it will be hard to get off the implant. It scares me that he is finding it challenging. I am also worried that I might have to get a new implant. If an abutment is broken, will I have to get a new implant? Thanks. Alexander

 

Alexander – An abutment is used to support a dental appliance. It is attached to a dental implant to support a crown. It is also used to support a fixed dental bridge or a removable partial denture.

Abutments can be made of titanium, stainless steel, gold, or zirconia ceramic. After your jawbone fuses to the implant, the abutment is usually screwed into the implant. Time is allowed for the gum to heal around the abutment, after which a dental crown is attached to it. At times, the abutment is placed on the same day that the dental implant is received.

A broken abutment can be time-consuming to remove and replace. The process requires the skill of an experienced prosthodontist. A variety of dental tools, including ultrasonic implants tools, a bur, or screw removal tools can be used to loosen the abutment. The implant specialist must calmly and carefully ensure that the dental implant is not harmed in the process.

Be certain that the dentist you choose to remove and replace the abutment is skilled in addressing dental implant complications. It may be beneficial to get the opinion of a third implant dentist. The abutment will be examined, and your options will be discussed. A prosthodontist can give you an estimate of how long it will take to remove and replace the abutment, and let you know if and how your dental implant will be affected.

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

Jan 28

1 of my all on 4 implants is loose

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants, Second Opinion

I got all on 4 implants last October. 1 of the implants is loose. I know it because I feel the movement around it that I didn’t feel before. Is the All on 4 going to fail? Kyle

Kyle – A loose All-On-4 implant doesn’t necessarily mean implant failure, but you do need to notify your implant dentist of the problem right away.

There can be several causes of a loose implant. Some possible causes are listed below:

  1. Infection – Infection in the surround gum tissue or bone can cause implants to loosen.
  2. Failure of bone to fuse the implant (osseointegration) – If this fusion does not occur, dental implants will become lose. The implant can be removed, repositioned, if necessary, and replaced. Before it is replaced, your jawbone density will be reassessed to ensure proper placement. There are several things that can cause an implant not to fuse. A skilled implant dentist can identify the cause.
  3. Insufficient implants – In some cases, the load on the four implants is too heavy, putting the implants under stress. Additional implants may be needed to support your restoration.
  4. Improper hygiene – Poor oral hygiene, as well as smoking can delay or interfere with the healing process. Patients must be diligent about oral hygiene and avoid smoking during the entire healing process.

An examination is required to determine the cause of the loose implant. You can consider receiving a second opinion on the cause of the loose implant and what needs to be done to correct it. If you choose to seek a second opinion, find a skilled implant dentist. A prosthodontist has two years of post-graduate training specific to the replacement and restoration of teeth. An experienced prosthodontist has placed many types of dental implants and will be able to discuss a variety of options for you.

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

Dec 27

Can a 15 yr old teenager get an implant supported bridge?

By Dental Implants

My husband has 2 dental implants. He is very happy with them and says that he can’t tell the difference in them from the teeth that they replaced. Our nephew recently got into an accident while playing ice hockey. He lost 2 of his teeth upper left teeth. His mom and I are looking at his options. He is 15 years old. Can teenagers get an implant supported bridge, or is there an age requirement for dental implants? thanks Cherise

Cherise – Dental implants are not recommended for teenagers who are still developing and growing. If jawbone growth is not complete, dental implants can interfere with the growth and position of teeth.

While the jawbone grows and teeth shift with it, dental implants won’t budge. Teeth can become misaligned, or push against an implant and cause discomfort and pain.

An experienced prosthodontist will let you know what your nephew can expect from his current options—a partial denture, or a dental bridge that is not supported by implants. When your nephew’s growth is complete, dental implants will be the most functional and long-lasting restoration for his missing teeth. Physical growth and development are usually completed around age 18 or 19, but vary with the individual. Schedule a consultation with a prosthodontist in your area.

 

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

Dec 04

Should I ask for zirconia or titanium dental implants?

By Dental Implants

Hi. What are zirconia dental implants? Are they better than titanium implants? Should I ask for zirconia or titanium implants? Thank you. Janis

Janis – Zirconia implants are made of zirconium, which has properties similar to titanium. While zirconium can be processed and converted to pure metal, zirconia ceramic is obtained through a different process. Zirconia ceramic is actually a stabilized crystalline, or powder, form of zirconium. It is strong, wear-resistant, and used in technical ceramics.

These ceramic implants are often compatible with people who have metal allergies and sensitivities. Others simply prefer them for holistic reasons.

Some implants dentists prefer titanium implants, while others prefer zirconia. And there are implant dentists who use both, and determine by individual case which type of implants are best for the patient.

We recommend that you schedule a consultation with a board-certified prosthodontist. He or she will answer any additional questions you have and explain your options for dental implants. After an exam and diagnostic studies, you will find out which treatment options are best for your case.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca. Dr. LaVacca offers complimentary consultations for dental implant services.

 

Nov 17

Tired of wearing a partial. Need least number of implants so I can afford it.

By Dental Implants

I have been wearing a partial for 4 missing teeth for about 162 years. It has always been irritating to me. I can never get used to the metal. My other teeth are sensitive from the clasps on them too. I need another way. I want dental implants but cannot afford an implant for each tooth. What is the fewest number of implants I can have to make it affordable? Thanks. Noel

Noel – You really need to receive an examination from an experienced implant dentist. The implant dentist will be able to tell you how many implants are needed to replace your teeth.

You may be a candidate for an implant-supported bridge. The bridge will replace some of your tooth roots, and replacement teeth (dental crowns) will be secured to them. One or more crowns will be suspended between the ones that are secured to the implants.

If you have been wearing a partial for 16 years, you have lost some bone density in the area of the missing teeth. Your implant dentist will let you know if bone grafting is needed to ensure the implants have sufficient support.

Schedule a consultation with a board-certified prosthodontist to discuss your options and how implants can be made affordable for you.

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

Nov 07

If all on 4 fails will I have to get dentures?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants

I have neglected my teeth for most of my life. I have 2 dental bridges and 1 needs to be replaced. My dentist is recommending implants. I saw one perio who said all on 4 will work for me. He explained the good benefits and the risks. I smoke and I drink. My biggest concern is what happens if all on 4 fails. Are dentures the only other option? Alan T.

Alan – All-On-4 is a highly successful procedure when performed by a dentist who specializes in it. Be certain that the dentist is using quality dental implants by Nobel Biocare. There are other techniques that may be called All-On-4, but they are substandard, and the results you get will be unpredictable. Look for a board-certified prosthodontist who is experienced with this procedure.

This may be a good time to consider getting a second opinion on whether All-On-4 is the best treatment for your case. Another skilled implant dentist may recommend supporting your restoration with more than four implants to increase the rate of success. Or it may be found that All-On-4 is a good fit for you. The second opinion will give you confidence in making a decision about which implant procedure you want.

Dentures are not a given if a dental implant fails. It is unlikely that all four implants will fail. If one of them fails, it is possible to replace it. A highly skilled implant dentist uses computer-guided placement. It is likely that, with the same guided placement, a failed implant can be replaced in available bone that will support it. At times, bone grafting is required, and additional implants may be needed.

You will be advised of the benefits if you stop smoking  at least two weeks before your implant placement and throughout the healing process. Smoking can decrease your blood flow and hinder the healing process, which is so important to the stability of your dental implants. Also, ensure that you take care of the implants and practice excellent oral hygiene to prevent infection.

Be certain to find a skilled implant dentist and to do everything you can to help make the surgery a success.

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

Oct 15

Metal free dental implants for sensitive patients?

By Dental Implants

I tend to have metal allergies. I am not certain about titanium but I need to find a way to get tested to see if I am sensitive. My dentist is recommending 3 dental implants but before I consider them as an option I need to know what to do if I am sensitive to titanium. Are there metal free implants? Carlton

Carlton – Yes, there are metal-free alternatives to standard titanium implants. Zirconia dental implants are ceramic, made of zirconium oxide. The material is biocompatible and can be successfully placed without rejection by patients with metal sensitivities.

A zirconia implant is about 20% more expensive than a titanium implant. Not all implant dentists use or prefer zirconia dental implants. If you are interested in a metal-free alternative to titanium dental implants, we suggest that you speak with an experienced prosthodontist to discuss the pros and cons, as well as your options.

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

Sep 26

My dentist won’t do implant supported bridge even though it’s cheaper than single implants

By Dental Bridge, Dental Implants

I have had a lot of success with my current dentist which is why I have stayed with the practice, even when he moved, since 2004. Now I am at the point where I need several teeth replaced. He is insisting on individual implants which are not even an option for me. He is talking about financing and payment plans. Doesn’t matter, I can’t afford it! What I can afford is an implant supported bridge and he seems totally against it. I have repeatedly asked him why it won’t work, but I haven’t received a reasonable answer. I need to have the teeth replaced. Is it really possible that only individual implants will work? – Ted W.

Ted – We won’t speculate as to why your dentist is telling you that only single implants will work. We recommend that you visit an experienced prosthodontist for an examination and a review of your x-rays.

An implant-supported bridge will replace multiple teeth and help preserve jawbone. And as you know, it is less expensive than individual implants. Whether or not it will work in your case requires a personal visit.

When you received a second opinion, you can wait to hear your options from the dentist. If an implant-supported bridge is not among the options, you can ask why it will not work.

Whenever a single treatment is recommended and you are not presented with another option, you can ask about or options or seek a second opinion.

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

Sep 09

Need dental implant to replace a baby canine tooth

By Dental Implants

I have a baby canine tooth because the permanent adult tooth never came in. I need to have it replaced with a dental implant. How much will this cost? Thanks – B. Graves

B. Graves – The cost for removing your primary tooth and replacing it with a dental implant will include several services. Diagnostic studies (x-rays) will be needed for the tooth. The studies will show the canine tooth position and help determine the best way to remove it. The diagnostics studies will also ensure that your dental implant is properly placed and won’t impinge nerves or puncture your sinuses. Surgery to remove the primary canine tooth is also needed.

After the canine is removed, a dental implant can be placed. After the implant heals, it needs to have a dental crown secured to it to serve as the crown of the tooth, which shows when you smile.

Depending on where you live in the country, a single dental implant can cost from $3000 to $5000. Choose a few skilled implant dentists in your area with whom you can have a consultation to get an idea of the cost where you live. After you receive x-rays, you will receive a more accurate estimate of the cost of replacing your tooth with an implant.

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

May 14

Will dental implants heal if I’m diabetic?

By Dental Implants

I have 4 missing teeth that I want replaced. I know I can get a bridge but I prefer not to disrupt my other teeth to get it. The problem is that I am diabetic. It may not be a problem but I am wondering if the implants will heal or if I will regret getting them. Thanks. Garrett

Garrett – Many diabetic patients receive dental implants, but their diabetes has to be well-controlled to receive them. If diabetes isn’t properly controlled, infection and improper healing can result.

Before you receive dental implants, your implant dentist will review your medical history to ensure that you are a candidate for the treatment. Diagnostic studies will also be performed to ensure that the implants can be properly placed. Diabetic patients often have a longer healing period than non-diabetic patients, but they can successfully receive dental implants.

We recommend that you have consultations with a few experienced implant dentists. Finding a skilled implant dentist is always important, but especially so if you have a health condition that requires special care for the implant process. You can discuss your concerns and ask questions about implant placement, and find out what you can expect if you are a candidate for dental implants.

 

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

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