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Implant Dentistry

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.

Jul 31

Can a mini implant be used for a single tooth?

By Mini Implants

I need to get dental implants. I am wondering if mini implants can be used for them instead of the regular-sized implants. I understand that mini implants are cheaper. Can I get minis? And can a mini implant be used for a single tooth? — 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.

 

 

Jun 29

Need info on getting dental implants from students

By Affordable Implant Dentistry

I really need dental implants. 5 teeth need to be replaced and I just can see going into debt for thousands of dollars go get it done. I am looking for information on where I can get dental implants from students. Any information you can provide me is very much appreciated. Eddie P

Eddie – We understand your concerns about the cost of dental implants. The success of dental implants depends largely on the skill of the implant dentist and the quality of the implant fixtures.

A skilled implant dentist will first ensure that you are a candidate for dental implants. He or she will also thoroughly check your medical history, and do diagnostic studies of your facial structure, including your sinuses, to ensure that the implants are properly placed. A skilled implant dentist can anticipate any problems that may occur with implant placement, and plan accordingly to avoid them.

If for some reason an infection develops around an implant, or some unanticipated problem occurs, the experienced implant dentist has the skill and experience to work through those problems, correct them, or make the necessary adjustments to help you have a positive outcome.

The things we have mentioned are difficult to find in a student who is still learning.

We advise you to speak with a few credentialed implant dentists about your concerns. Perhaps your work can be done in phases. You can also find out about financial arrangements, including payments plans or no-interest financing to help make quality dental implants affordable for you.

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

Jun 27

Who do my denture teeth feel gritty?

By Dentures

My denture teeth feel gritty and it is very annoying. Every time my tongue touches the denture teeth, it feels like sandpaper. What is causing this? Will I need new dentures? – Fran

Fran – The cause of your gritty-feeling dentures depends on several factors.

If your dentures are new, the gritty feeling could be due to low-quality denture teeth material. Lower quality materials can be rough or gritty.

Often it is the materials used on the denture teeth that cause the gritty feeling. A hard-bristle toothbrush, gritty toothpaste, and gritty powders will scratch denture teeth and make them feel rough.

Whether your dentures are new or not, you should have them examined by an experienced prosthodontist. He or she will let you know what can be done to improve the comfort of your dentures and let you know if your dentures need to be replaced.

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

Jun 18

Does my prosthodontist need to whiten my dentures or will whitening toothpaste work?

By Dentures

My dentures won’t get white. I have used several brands of fizzing tablets just for dentures and they are not working. I called my prosthodontist’s office and they told me to come into the office. If I can do this myself for cheaper I would rather do it myself. Will whitening toothpaste work or does my prosthodontist really need me to come in to get my dentures white? – Iris

Iris – Whitening toothpaste will only scratch your dentures. It won’t whiten them. The chemicals that whiten and strengthen natural tooth enamel will harm your dentures.

If you can’t get your dentures white, have your prosthodontist examine them. He or she has the correct products and materials to whiten your dentures without damaging them. Your prosthodontist will also let you know how to care for your dentures at home to keep the denture teeth white.

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

Jun 04

All on 4 or snap on dentures?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I need dentures and I definitely want implants for them. Should I ask my dentist for all on 4 or snap on dentures? I want to have in mind which option is best before he recommends something else just for money. – Elijah W.

Elijah – Before you receive dental implants, find a qualified implant dentist to determine if you are a candidate for them. Candidacy depends largely on your medical history. The dentist will also perform diagnostic studies to determine if you have enough bone density for implants.

Depending on the amount of bone density you have, All-On-4 procedure may be recommended, or bone grafting for standard implants or snap-on dentures may be the best option for you. The All-On-4 procedure is commonly used for patients who lack the bone density needed for standard implants. We suggest that you not ask for a specific procedure until you find out your options from an experienced dentist.

After you receive your initial recommendation, it is advisable to get a second opinion before you make your final decision.

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

May 22

Snap on denture post broke!

By Affordable Implant Dentistry

I am in the process of getting snap on dentures. I think one of the implant post broke. It feels pretty lose around the gum. If it broke will it have to be redone? I just want to know before I go to this dentist because I don’t know him that well. I just need some independent advice. Thank you. – Marlene

Marlene – If one of the implant fixtures broke, it will need to be removed and replaced. The implant dentist may need to reposition the implant so that your jawbone will correctly heal around it.

You have the option of getting a second opinion from an experienced implant dentist. He or she will examine the implant and let you know what needs to be done to replace it.

It may not be true in your case, but sometimes in an effort to save money, cheap implant fixtures are used. If you get a second opinion, you can ask about the quality of the implants that were used to support your dentures. This information will be useful in determining the dentist you choose to replace your implant.

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

May 17

Will dentures get rid of my gum disease?

By Dentures

I have gum disease and it’s been a long fight and many visits to the dentist. I still am struggling with it but it’s much better than it was last May. All these dental visits have cost me a lot of money even though I have dental insurance. I don’t want to say that I am giving up but I think it will be easier if I get dentures. My dentist doesn’t want me to get them. She says that I really should keep my own teeth. Will dentures get rid of the problem? If my life would be easier I will find another dentist to give me dentures. Thank you for your help. Marjia

Marjia – If you have periodontal disease, or gum disease, it needs to be treated. Getting dentures won’t make it go away. In fact some people are affected by periodontal disease after they receive dentures, even though they were not previously affected by it.

If dental plaque builds up between the dentures and your gums, an infection can result, and if it’s left untreated, gum disease will occur.

Many people need dentures, and dentures benefit people who would otherwise be without any teeth. There are some problems unique to denture wearers. The dentures can rub on your gums and irritate them. Dentures can loosen or slip around. You will find it more difficult to eat and speak with dentures. When all of your teeth are missing, your jawbone begins to shrink and your face will develop a shriveled appearance, making you look much older than you are. You can prevent jawbone shrinkage, but it requires the placement of dental implants to support your dentures, which is an additional expense.

Your dentist’s efforts to save your natural teeth are in your best interest. Continue to receive your treatments for periodontal disease and preserve your smile. You will be happy that you did.

 

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

May 14

Will dental implants heal if I’m diabetic?

By Dental Implants

I have 4 missing teeth that I want replaced. I know I can get a bridge but I prefer not to disrupt my other teeth to get it. The problem is that I am diabetic. It may not be a problem but I am wondering if the implants will heal or if I will regret getting them. Thanks. Garrett

Garrett – Many diabetic patients receive dental implants, but their diabetes has to be well-controlled to receive them. If diabetes isn’t properly controlled, infection and improper healing can result.

Before you receive dental implants, your implant dentist will review your medical history to ensure that you are a candidate for the treatment. Diagnostic studies will also be performed to ensure that the implants can be properly placed. Diabetic patients often have a longer healing period than non-diabetic patients, but they can successfully receive dental implants.

We recommend that you have consultations with a few experienced implant dentists. Finding a skilled implant dentist is always important, but especially so if you have a health condition that requires special care for the implant process. You can discuss your concerns and ask questions about implant placement, and find out what you can expect if you are a candidate for dental implants.

 

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

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