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Implant Dentistry

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.

Apr 28

My bite is off and my prosthodontist says I need all new crowns

By Porcelain Crown, Prosthodontist

My top front teeth have porcelain crowns over them. It has been about 5 years since I got them and now my bite is off. My prosthodontist says I need new crowns. All of them need to be replaced. Is this really the solution? I called my insurance company, and they will provide some coverage for the new crowns, but is this really necessary? Thanks. Jakki

Jakki – Your jaw, bite, and crowns need to be examined to answer your question as to whether replacing your crowns is the answer to your bite problem. We recommend that you get a second and third opinion before you agree to any dental treatment that addresses the bite issue.

Are you grinding your teeth? Are you experiencing headaches or neck pain? These issues often go along with a misaligned bite, but they don’t always occur.

In addition to consulting with additional prosthodontists, you may consider visiting an orthodontist. The combination of dental professionals will help determine the cause of your bite issue and the best treatment for it—if it needs to be treated at all. The additional opinions will help you make an informed decision about your oral health.

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

Apr 23

Looking for dentist to remove and replace cheap dental implants

By Dental Implants

Five years ago, I got dental implants in Mexico. I’ve had problems since I got them. They were no good from the beginning, but since I spent money on them, I decided to stick it out.

I am having pain in one of the implants and am certain that it is infected. I don’t want to go back to Mexico to start this all over again.

Will I be able to find a dentist here who will remove dental implants and replace them, or will he not want to touch my mouth because I went to Mexico to get them? Jordan

Jordan – We have seen several cases of patients who opted for cheap dental implants and ended up doubling the cost to have implants removed and replaced.

Yes, you will be able to find a dentist who will remove your implants. But removal and replacement are not all done at the same time. After the implants are removed, you need to repeat the same steps that were required to receive implants. Diagnostic studies are required. It will also be verified whether or not you are a candidate for implants.

After removal, the implant sites need time to stabilize. Decisions need to be made on the best position for your new implants, and it will be determined if bone grafting is required.

We strongly recommend that you find a highly trained and highly experienced implant dentist for the removal and replacement. It will greatly increase your chances of having successful implants this time.

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

Apr 15

Can a dental implant bridge be used on front teeth?

By Dental Bridge, Dental Implants

Just from reading about the cost of implants I know I can’t do singles for my missing front teeth. I have 6 missing and the partial denture is way too uncomfortable. I am wondering if a dental implant bridge can be used on front teeth. – Nap

Nap – A dental implant bridge, technically called an implant-supported bridge, can be used on front teeth. We recommend that you first visit a skilled implant dentist to find out if you are a candidate for dental implants.

The advantages of an implant-supported bridge over a partial denture are clear. Unlike a partial denture, the bridge will be stable and look and feel like your natural teeth. Dental implants prevent bone shrinkage.

Before deciding on an implant-supported bridge, find out your options for replacing your teeth. Depending on your case, a bridge may not be best for you. Also consider how long the bridge will last and how much it will cost. Compare your options with the cost of individual implants and how long individual implants will last. Be sure to ask how treatment can be made affordable for you.

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

Mar 24

Do all hybrid dentures require bone grafting?

By Dentures

I am thinking about hybrid dentures but the added cost of bone grafting is putting it out of reach for my budget. Do I have to get bone grafting or are there some hybrid dentures that don’t require it? Thanks Joan

Joan – Hybrid dentures are fastened to a metal base mounted on dental implants that are surgically implanted in your jawbone. Bone grafting—for hybrid dentures or any dental implant procedure—is only needed when you have insufficient jawbone density to support implants. If you receive hybrid dentures, it does not mean that you automatically need bone grafting.

Your implant-retained dentures won’t shift or move. They will feel like you have your own natural teeth. Your speech and chewing efficiency will be significantly improved over complete removable dentures. You will be able to remove the hybrid dentures to clean them.

An experienced implant dentist will first determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. Your jawbone density will be measured to determine if it can support the dentures, or if bone grafting is needed to build up the jawbone. If you have sufficient jawbone to support the implant, no grafting will be necessary.

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

Mar 20

Can more implants be added to All on 4?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants

I like the All on 4 idea, but I am wondering if I can add 2 to 4 more implants so that it would be really All on 6 or All on 8? Thanks Donovan

Donovan – All-on-4 implants are an affordable way to secure upper and lower restorations with four highly angled implants. Four is the minimum number of implants used, but you can choose more.

Six to eight implants per arch will give your new smile even more stability. They will also increase the area in which jawbone shrinkage is prevented. The additional implants can be placed right away, or you can choose to wait and have them added later.

This procedure is not for everyone. It must be performed with care and precision to avoid implant mistakes. Speak with a board-certified prosthodontist to find out if All-on-4 implants are right for your case, and to discuss your interest in increasing the number of implants that are placed.

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

Mar 06

Discount dental implants won’t heal and I have an incision opening

By Dental Implants

I got dental discount implants 5 weeks ago. 2 weeks ago I started feeling some discomfort, so called the implant surgeon. He said there is probably an opening in the incision line. I have to go back next Tuesday. Is this something that will keep happening and my implants won’t heal? Omar E.

Omar –

An incision in the gums is made to access the jawbone. After that, an opening is made in the bone to insert the dental implant. Each edge of the gum tissue is sutured, or sewn, together.

Sometimes the incision opens. There are several reasons this can occur, and a few are listed below:

  • Stress on gum tissue – A large area of bone was exposed and a large amount of gum tissue pulled away from it. There was insufficient blood supply to the gum tissue, which can prevent proper healing, or cause the gum tissue to die.
  • Excess bone grafting material – When too much grafting material is used, the sutures can be pulled too tightly around the implant. The gum tissue’s blood supply is cut off, the gums won’t heal, and the suture will open.
  • Medical history – At times, patients with a history of diabetes experience problems with healing in the surgical site.

When you return to your implant surgeon, he or she will examine the surgical site and explain why the incision opened. You will also receive information on what will be done to correct the situation. In part, the resolution depends on the stability of the dental implant.

After you find out how your implant surgeon will correct the problem, you have the option of seeking a second opinion from an experienced implant dentist. We recommend that you find a board-certified prosthodontist. Ask both dentists about the chances of the problem recurring. Compare the responses you receive from each dentist to make an informed decision about your treatment.

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

Feb 24

When is a sinus lift needed for dental implants?

By Dental Implants, Sinus Lift

A sinus lift is also known as sinus augmentation or elevation. It is required when the sinus cavity enlarges due to bone shrinkage that occurs when upper back teeth are missing. As the jawbone shrinks, the sinuses grow and consume more space. Also, as we age, sinuses grow in volume. Read on to learn more!

The Sinus Augmentation Procedure

The procedure raises the sinus floor, and bone grafting, or augmentation, provides the bone density required to support dental implants. The bone is added below the sinus cavity, but it does not cause sinus, speech, or intonation problems. Your implant surgeon will explain which technique will be used to raise the sinus cavity.

Autogenous, or your own bone tissue, provides the best results and the fastest healing period. Bone can be also obtained from human cadaver tissue banks, animal bone tissue banks, or synthetic tissue. All sources are regulated for sanitation and safety. Your implant dentist will explain your options, and what to expect from each of them.

After the grafting is completed, there is generally a four to twelve month healing period—depending on your case and the source of the bone tissue—after which dental implants can be placed. The strong, dense bone will support dental implants and ensure they will last. At times, the augmentation and dental implant placement can be completed as one procedure, but enough stable bone must be present.

After the bone heals around the implants, a dental crown will be secured to the implant. Your implants will feel and function like natural teeth.

Is a Sinus Lift for Dental Implants Safe?

The sinus lift, or augmentation, has been safely used for decades. The results are predictable. The procedure increases your chances of having successful implant placement and retention. Most patients experience only minimal discomfort with the procedure.

When a Sinus Lift is Needed for Dental Implants: The Bottom Line

If you require dental implants in the area where upper back teeth were located, your implant dentist will determine if you have adequate bone density. Examination and diagnostic studies will help your implant dentist make the determination. If a sinus elevation is required, your options will be explained.

Explore Your Dental Implant Options With or Without a Sinus Lift!

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca. To determine if you need a sinus lift for dental implants, book a consultation with Dr. LaVacca today!

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