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Implant Dentistry

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 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 27

My top denture is off center

By Dentures, Prosthodontist

I am very uncomfortable with the look of my top denture. When I look in the mirror, the middle of the two front teeth is about ¼ inch off from the midline of my lip. It is quite noticeable when I smile. The dentist that I got the dentures from first acted like he couldn’t see the problem. When he finally admitted it, he said it is not that bad. It’s been a month and I am still very unhappy. I feel cheated. Is there any way this problem can be corrected? I don’t trust this dentist any more. – Jeannine

Jeannine – Your frustration is understandable. Since the dentist admitted that there is a problem with denture, you can schedule an appointment to discuss your disappointment, and let him know that you want the problem corrected.

If after the discussion with your dentist, you are still uncomfortable letting him do the work, you can ask for an agreeable way to compensate you for your loss. Meanwhile, you can schedule an appointment with an experienced prosthodontist for a second opinion.

When you find a prosthodontist who is skilled in cosmetic dentistry, you will receive personalized dentures that will enhance your smile, fit correctly, and be properly positioned. If you would like, you can also receive information on how your denture can be affordably stabilized.

This post is sponsored by Naperville prosthodontist 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.

May 30

How do I know if my dental implant is infected?

By Dental Implants

I got 5 dental implants August 2014. There is pain in one of them and the gum looks a little swollen. Could there be food stuck that I can’t floss out? How do I know if the implant is infected? Thanks. Thomas

 

Thomas – Food that is trapped between your gums and the implant can lead to bacteria growth and infection. Also, if the dental implant crown doesn’t fit properly, it can irritate gum tissue and lead to infection. Low-quality implant fixtures and fixtures that aren’t properly placed can lead to infection. It is best to have the implant examined by your dentist.

Some of the signs of implant infection are:

  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Persistent or increasing pain at the implant site
  • Loosening implants

Remember that you have the option of seeking a second opinion on the problem with the implant to determine the cause of the issue and the best way to treat it.

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

May 27

If I can’t afford a luxury car how can I afford all on 4?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants

If I can’t afford a luxury car, how can I all of a sudden afford All-On-4 implants? I would need upper and lower implants and now I am finding out how much it really costs. Where I live it is over $60k. I saw 3 different implant dentist and their story about what I need done and how much it will cost is pretty much the same. There is no way ever I could go into debt that much. I feel helpless. Can I get this done cheaper elsewhere? This is really making the quality of my life difficult. – Elon W.

Elon– If you visited three different implants dentists and were quoted comparable rates, you were given a reasonable quote for All-On-4 implants, based on where you live in the country. If you find a dentist who will do the procedure for considerably less, be concerned about the quality of the implants and the quality of the procedure.

There are other options. Find an experienced implant dentist to discuss them with you. If All-On-4 implants are not within your budget, you may be a candidate for implant-supported dentures with as few as two dental implants.

You can speak with the same dentists with whom you discussed the All-On-4 implants, or you can find other qualified implant dentists and explore your options.

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

May 14

Relatively new dentures and I keep biting my tongue

By Dentures, Prosthodontist

In November last year I got new dentures, top and bottom. Only since I’ve had them have I been regularly biting my tongue. It only happens when I eat. Of course I told my dentist about the problem but she insists that I am chewing carelessly or in a hurry. I don’t chew carelessly or in a hurry, but since she accused me of doing so I have been extra careful. I am still biting my tongue, and I have noticed that it is always on the right side of my mouth. Something is wrong, but I am not sure what. Am I going to need new dentures? Thanks. Ira

 

Ira – When a person repeatedly bites his or her tongue while eating, it is usually due to the way the top and bottom teeth fit together.

Your dentures need to be checked for alignment to ensure the teeth fit together properly. You can ask your dentist if this has been done. But you can also seek a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist. A prosthodontist has two years of post-graduate training in the replacement and restoration of teeth.

Only after an examination will the prosthodontist know if you need new dentures, or if your current dentures can be properly adjusted. Without the assistance of dentist who is skilled in the proper alignment of the prosthesis, you are likely to continue biting your tongue.

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

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