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Implant Dentistry

Dec 22

Can all on 4 implants be removed?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I want to have my dentures locked down and I saw 2 different dentists who recommend all on 4. I saw a 3rd dentist who just recommended regular dental implants. She said that she would secure the dentures with 6 to 8 dental implants and I still don’t need bone grafting. The dentists who recommended all of 4 said the advantage was a faster placement time. It would just about be done and over while I would still be waiting for 6 to 8 implants to heal. I have done some research on both types of implants of implants. I am wondering if I decide to go with all on 4 and I don’t like it, can the implants be removed and can I then switch to the 6 to 8 implants? Thanks Ezra R.

Ezra – Based on your question, we recommend that you ask for more information from each implant specialist to get clarification on the differences between standard dental implants and All-On-4 implants. Ask questions to ensure that you understand the process and healing for each. Ask about the differences in stability for All-On-4 versus standard implants.

An understanding of the differences between the procedures can help you make a decision on which treatment you prefer. When an implant procedure is completely properly, there is no reason for you not to like it.

If you have a skilled implant dentist, regardless of the procedure you decide to receive, your implants should not need to be removed and replaced with a different type of implants. This is a situation that you want to avoid. Replacing dental implants is costly—in time and money. After implants are removed, a healing period is needed before new implants are placed. This scenario can be avoided by finding a skilled implant dentist to help you decide which treatment is best for your case.

 

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

Dec 14

My dentures are too white

By Dentures

I got new dentures in August and when I got them I thought they were too white. My dentist told me that it looked like a big contrast to me because my other dentures were dull. He told me to give it some time and I would get used to it. Well I am still not used to it. People even comment about how white my dentures are, and that’s what they say, ‘dentures’. So not only are they too white they look fake. The whiteness draws attention to the fact that they are dentures. Last week I told my dentist that I still am not pleased. He said that he will think about the options to darken them a bit for me, but he didn’t mention the options. My question is short of giving me new dentures, what can be done? Dorcas T.

Dorcas – After your dentures are fabricated, the color cannot be changed. The appropriate color will need to be determined and the dentures will need to be remade. Remaking the dentures and changing the color won’t change the characteristics of the dentures or make them look natural.

Cosmetic dentures are customized to have a lifelike appearance. The characteristics of the denture teeth look like natural teeth. This is something that only an artistic dentist can accomplish.

So you can ask your dentist to remake your dentures with the color change. You can also consider getting a second opinion from a cosmetic dentist or prosthodontist who is trained in the techniques required to give dentures a lifelike appearance.  A prosthodontist is also skilled in balancing color in dental restorations so the results are neither too dark nor to white.

You can increase the comfort of your dentures and stabilize them with dental implants, which also prevent jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse.

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

Nov 24

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.

 

Nov 20

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.

Nov 08

1 of my all on 4 implants came out

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I got all on 4 implants in late September. Last week, 1 of them came out completely. Right away I went to the surgeon that put the implants in. Now he says that my jawbone needs some grafting and I have to wait until the original implant spot heals. Does this sound right or can he just put the implant back in and sew it down until it heals? – Uwe

Uwe – Dr. LaVacca needs to examine your implant and jawbone before a second opinion can be provided. Although the All-On-4 procedure was used to anchor your dentures, it is possible that the implant that came out was incorrectly placed.

The size and length of the implants used can determine how stable they are. If implants are too short, or if they are not strong enough, they can dislodge.

Since jawbone grafting is being recommended, it may be that your jawbone needed to be built up before you received implants. If bone grafting is needed, then a healing period at the original implant site is needed.

All-On-4 Implants Second Opinion

In order to receive a satisfactory and accurate answer to your question, we recommend that you get a second—and if necessary, a third—opinion from experienced implant surgeons or prosthodontists. Just as with the All-On-4 placement, your medical history will be reviewed. The implants and jawbone will be examined, and diagnostic studies will be used to help determine what caused the implant to dislodge.

If you have current, post-operative diagnostic studies (x-ray or MRI), bring a copy with you. An implant specialist from whom you receive a second opinion may decide that a new imaging studies are needed.

When an implant fails, the resolution isn’t as simple as immediately replacing it. The cause of failure needs to be determined first to prevent the problem from recurring.

Carefully weigh the options presented to you from each of the specialists you visit for a second opinion, before you choose a provider to correct the issue.

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

 

Oct 23

Can dentures cause depression?

By Dentures

I know the question sounds strange but I think it’s affecting my dad. I live in PA so I see him every 2 to 3 months and I talk to him on FaceTime every week. It’s just that I am noticing that since he’s had dentures, which he hates, that his mood is not good. My brother lives near my dad and he says that he has noticed a change also, but he thinks it’s because of seasonal depression. The problem is that my dad has had the dentures for 2 years. His mood has really changed and it’s more constant than seasonal. Is it possible that his unattractive and poor fitting dentures are causing depression? By the way, he has also lost 15 lbs and he didn’t need to lose any weight at all. Thanks. Brenda L.

Brenda L. – Disappointing medical or dental issues can affect a patient’s mood. Dentures that fit poorly, are unattractive, or are otherwise problematic are disappointing. They often affect patients’ eating habits, self-esteem, and social life.

Can dentures affect your emotional health?

To be clear, it is ongoing dissatisfaction with dentures that can contribute to a person’s emotional or mental health. Even studies show that when a patient has ongoing problems or dissatisfaction with dentures, he or she is at risk for depression. A September 2007 study published in the Journal of Dental Research confirms that, in older adults, there is a significant relationship between denture dissatisfaction and depression.

The study included 1,180 adults, ages 65 to 74 years. Among those who were dissatisfied with their dentures, 8% were moderately depressed, and 2% were severely depressed. The study found that patients with higher levels of depression also had higher levels of dissatisfaction with their dentures.

The findings of the study show that your thoughts about the cause of your father’s depression may be correct. It’s important for the dental issue to be addressed. Find a few experienced cosmetic dentists with whom you and your father can have consultations. You will learn about customized, natural-looking dentures that fit well. You can also ask about how dentures can be stabilized with dental implants, which will prevent them from slipping around or falling out, and will prevent jawbone shrinkage. Your father’s smile will look and feel better.

It’s also a good idea to seek medical help to determine if there are other contributing factors to your father’s depression.

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

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 13

Does 1 set of all on 4 really cost as much as a car?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

There are 2 things I wanted within the next 2 years, all on 4 and a new car. I did a little research and found out 1 set of all on 4 costs as much as a new car and not a smart car either. Are those $20K plus figures right? Theo

Theo – Depending on the dentist and where you live in the country, All-on-4 dental implants on average can cost about $30,000. If you visit some well-known and highly advertised, mega dental implant centers, the cost for All-on-4 can be significantly higher.

Although financing and payment plans are available, the All-on-4 procedure is not for every patient. And there are less expensive options that will secure your dentures. Find a few experienced implant dentists or prosthodontists to find out which options can be used for your case. Compare your options, the pros and cons, and the cost before you make a final decision.

Remember that quality dental implants are an investment that is required for long-lasting results. So cost alone should not be the only factor you consider when deciding which implants to receive or the dentist from whom you receive them.

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

 

Aug 31

Flushed my dentures down the toilet

By Dentures

I flushed by dentures down the toilet, on purpose because I hated them. Being toothless is better than the pain and frustration I had so now I am going back to my insurance company about the ‘accidental damage’ and starting fresh. So where do I begin? The teeth were pasty, looked like buck teeth, and were too big for my mouth. The dentist I got them from called them ‘custom’. Maybe custom for a horse. It was ridiculous. We had too many conversations and alleged fixes for those fake teeth and I felt helpless. So they are somewhere floating down the sewage pipes. How can I get this right this time? Sincere thanks. – Just call me L.T. (not my real initials).

Dear L.T. – Your frustration and disappointment are clear. We are concerned that you now have to eat without teeth or dentures. Your digestive health will become an issue. So you have to act quickly, but carefully.

Find an experienced cosmetic dentist or prosthodontist. Carefully check the dentist’s training and experience in cosmetic dentistry. Have a consultation with the dentist to ask questions, and ask for recent before-and-after pictures of the dentist’s work. Patient testimonials may be available, too. Think about friends or family members from whom you can ask for recommendations for a dentist.

If you can find at least two dentists with whom you have consultations, it will help you compare quality of the dentists’ work and quality of patient care. You should be given details about how your dentures will be customized, and at the same time complement your facial features. Although you need to replace your dentures soon, don’t rush the decision and select the wrong dental provider. If you are dissatisfied, see another prosthodontist or cosmetic dentist until you concerns are addressed.

 

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

 

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