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Implant Dentistry

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.

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.

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.

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

When can I get 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.

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