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Implant Dentistry

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.

Oct 11

Nervous about my dentist referring me to a prosthodontist to fix my teeth from bulimia

By Bulimia and Teeth, Implant Dentistry, Prosthodontist

I have mixed feelings about being referred to another dentist for my teeth. I have a lot of trust in my dentist but this time she doesn’t trust herself, at least not with my teeth. I have been struggling with bulimia for 7 years or so. I finally found the right counselor to help me but it’s a little late for my teeth. My dentist said that she prefers that I see a specialist so she is referring me to a prosthodontist. My discomfort is in having to explain myself and my story all over again. Is this really necessary, or should I try to find a way to get my dentist to do the work herself? Thank. C.T.

Dear C.T. – We sympathize with your concern over having to discuss your health concerns with a new dental provider. That is a difficult step to take.

You mentioned that you trust your dentist. At this point, you may consider trusting her judgment that she is not the best dentist to give you the best results for restoring your smile. A prosthodontist specializes in restoring and replacing teeth, and many have received additional training to produce beautiful results. Many prosthodontists have experience with patients whose teeth are damaged due to eating disorders. Sometimes a case can be more difficult than a general dentist is comfortable handling. Your dentist likely took that into consideration when referring you to this particular prosthodontist—he or she has likely treated many cases similar to yours. This factor also helps the specialist to be sensitive to your concerns.

To increase your comfort level with the prosthodontist, in advance of dental treatment, schedule a consultation with him or her. Get to know the specialist, ask questions about the kind of cases he or she has handled, and try to be frank about your concerns. Taking time to get to know the dentist before treatment begins may help to increase your confidence in the specialist. If you find that you are not comfortable with the specialist, speak with your dentist about it, and if necessary, ask for another referral.

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

Oct 03

Options for loose dentures

By Dentures

My dentures aren’t that old and they are loose already. This was one of my biggest fears when I found out that I needed dentures. Will relining be enough? If not, what are my options? Vicky

Vicky – Your dentures need to be examined to determine the best way to improve the fit. Your dentist will assess the situation and determine if relining will give you a better fit, or if the dentures need to be remade.

You didn’t mention how long you’ve had dentures, but generally after years of wear, they need to be relined. If you have only recently received dentures, it’s unlikely that you’ve experienced enough jawbone loss to cause them to be loose. Inferior denture base material can cause dentures to prematurely loosen.

Relining your dentures may at least be a temporary option for giving you a better fit. It is possible that your dentures can be adapted to accommodate dental implants. Dental implants are surgically implanted in your jawbone and will stabilize your dentures and give you a better fit.

You can consider getting a second opinion from a prosthodontist—a dentist who specializes in the aesthetic replacement and restoration of teeth.

This post is sponsored by Naperville 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 23

Is All-on-4 safe or do I have to worry about failed implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

My teeth and gums have been problematic for most of my life. I am at the point where I am finally giving in to dentures. I have too many teeth missing or that need to be extracted. I don’t want a bunch of partial dentures in my mouth. Since I have to get dentures I want them to be stable. I have friends with dentures and I have seen laughter turn into embarrassment when the dentures fall out. I can’t go there. My dentist and I have talked several times about dentures and implants. This topic was worth a second opinion to me. My dentist seemed to be somewhat put off about me getting a second opinion but it is my mouth, and I feel that she is too young to wear dentures to understand. The second opinion came with a surprise for me. That dentist recommended All-on-4 which I had heard of but not considered. When my dentist heard me mention All-on-4, she kept saying, “Don’t do it. They don’t work.” Now I feel like I need a third opinion. If All-on-4 doesn’t work why does it exist, and why would a dentist recommend it for me? Thank you for your help. Gina

Gina – Much of the success of dental implants, including All-On-4, depends on diligent planning for placement, the quality of the implants, and the skill of the implant dentist. Implant dentists, who are skilled in the use of the All-On-4 technique, have great success with this procedure.

The comments from your dentist indicate that she is familiar with All-On-4, but she doesn’t use it. The dentist who recommended All-On-4 for your case likely has successfully completed many cases with the procedure. But that’s a question you want to ask any implant dentist who is recommending any particular treatment for you—how many cases has he or she successfully completed? Why is the particular treatment being recommended for you, and what are your options?

If you decide to receive a third opinion, it will likely help put you at ease. We suggest that you visit a prosthodontist or other skilled implant dentist who uses multiple techniques, including All-On-4. You should be informed of more than one option for stabilizing your dentures.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and board-certified prosthodontist, 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.

Aug 17

Why are dental implants recommended so often when most people can’t afford them?

By Affordable Implant Dentistry

I have 3 missing teeth and the dentist is recommending implants for them. My sister had a dental appointment last week and her dentist recommended dental implants. I know that implants can cost a few thousand dollars. Why do dentists keep recommending them when most people can’t afford them and insurance doesn’t cover them? Thanks. Faye

Faye – Dental implants are frequently recommended because they are the most effective and natural-looking form of tooth replacement. This is because implants have the same structure as a natural tooth. The stem of an implant mimics the root of a tooth, and a crown is secured to it as the biting surface of the tooth.

Another advantage is that the root form of a dental implant is surgically placed in your jawbone, so implants also prevent your jawbone from shrinking. Jawbone shrinkage occurs naturally when all of your teeth are missing.

Although dental implants are more expensive than a dental bridge or a partial denture, implants are permanent. Other forms of tooth replacement can last five to fifteen years, depending on how well they are maintained.

Your dentist can give you options for making treatment affordable for you, whether it’s dental implants or a bridge.

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

Aug 14
dentures-after-teeth-are-extracted-blog

How long is the wait for dentures after teeth are extracted?

By Dentures

I have lost more than half my teeth to gum disease. I was going to the wrong dentist. They kept doing deep cleaning but my teeth were still getting loose. My daughter finally got me to go to a periodontist. Now the gum disease is under control but I have lost so many teeth that I need dentures. The few remaining teeth that I have will pulled soon. This has been a very upsetting experience for me. How long will I have to wait for dentures after all of my teeth are pulled? Yolinda

Yolinda – The length of wait before you receive dentures depends on the type of dentures you receive. Customized dentures are fit about three to six months after your teeth are extracted. This allows time for your gum tissue to heal. The waiting period ensures that the dentures will fit properly. While you wait for the gum tissue to heal, you will wear temporarily wear immediate dentures.

Immediate dentures are placed immediately after tooth extraction. When all of your natural teeth are missing, your jawbone will automatically begin to shrink. Immediate dentures will need to be refit or relined. If you choose immediate dentures to be your permanent dentures, they will need to be refitted several times to fit your shrinking jawbone. Some patients still require a new denture.

If you choose to have your dentures stabilized with dental implants, permanent dentures are secured to the dentures after the jawbone heals and bonds to the implants. The healing period is four to six months. In this case also, temporary dentures will be attached to the implants.

We recommend that you find a dentist who experienced in dental aesthetics or cosmetic dentistry. He or she will provide you with customized dentures that look natural when you smile.Your options for dentures will be thoroughly explained.

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

Jul 31

Can a mini implant be used for a single tooth?

By Mini Implants

I need 2 dental implants. I am wondering if mini implants can be used for them instead of the regular size implants. I understand that mini implants are cheaper. Can I get minis? Mikoko

Mikoko – Mini implants are commonly used to support dentures. They give dentures some stability, but less stability than a standard implant.

A mini implant can be used to replace smaller teeth, such as an incisor, and they can be used in spaces that are too small for a standard implant. When a mini implant is used, it must be able to withstand the biting force for the particular tooth that is being replaced.

Mini implants are not right for every case. Your teeth need to be examined by a skilled implant dentist. He or she will determine if you are a candidate for mini implants.

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

Jul 25

Why is my overdenture loose?

By Dentures

I got an overdenture in May. It seemed to be okay at first but only one of them really snaps correctly. The other is loose and makes it feel like the denture is floating or shifting to the left. My dentist told me that my dentures wouldn’t be as secure as 4 or 6 dental implants but I wouldn’t expect them to loosen up this soon. Why is my overdenture loose? I thought I would avoid this problem with an overdenture. Thanks – Tommy

Tommy – Your dentist is correct that you won’t have the same stability with your dentures as you would with four or six implants, but both sides of the denture should securely snap in place.

There may be an issue with the way the denture fits on the ridge of your jawbone. Or the balance of your bite may be the issue. Your dentist will also check the components of the denture that snap onto the dental implants to find out what is preventing them from snapping tightly onto the implants.

If your dentist is unable to identify the cause of the looseness of your overdenture, you can get a second opinion from an experienced implant dentist.

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

 

 

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