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Implant Dentistry

Mar 24

How can I find the best dentures?

By Dentures

I need dentures and I don’t want them to look fake. So many times I see people with dentures and they look generic. What are the best materials for dentures? – Nathan

Nathan – We understand your concern to have natural-looking dentures. But the quality of the denture material is only part of the equation to having dentures that look natural.

The base of a denture is made of acrylic. There are levels of quality in acrylics. Some are stronger than others, retain color better, and resist shrinkage more than others. You should be offered a variety of choices, along with varying costs.

Denture teeth can be acrylic, porcelain, or composite resin. Again, within these materials, there are variations in strength, color, and aesthetics. You should expect to see samples of denture teeth available with variations in color. A dentist should also show you before-and-after photos of his or her patients who have received dentures.

Without the extensive education of a dentist, it is difficult for a patient to assess whether or not a denture base and the denture teeth are appropriate for his or her case. But you can ask questions to address your concerns, and ask to see examples of what you can expect with the dentures you will receive.

We suggest that you have select two or three cosmetic dentists with whom you can have consultations for dentures. You can use this opportunity to ask questions about dentures, the quality of denture materials used, and the steps that are taken to ensure that your dentures will be customized, properly fitted, and natural looking.

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

Mar 11

What does the denture go over for over dentures?

By Affordable Implant Dentistry

I’m not a dentist person. Really I haven’t been to a dentist’s office in years. When I get my teeth cleaned I go to the dental school about 30 miles away. I have problems with my teeth and the girls there do a great job cleaning the few teeth I have left. I was talking about getting dentures and she mentioned over dentures. Her explanation wasn’t all that great. What does the denture go over for over dentures? Gordon

Gordon – Overdentures are dentures that are supported by dental implants. The dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, and after they heal, the dentures are attached to them.

Overdentures are much more stable than complete removable dentures. You will hear terms such as implant-supported dentures, mini implants, and snap-on dentures. All of these terms are means of securing your dentures to dental implants.

Implants allow you to speak and chew with dentures much more efficiently, and they prevent your jawbone from shrinking. Jawbone shrinkage naturally occurs when all of your teeth are missing. The more implants there are, the more stable the dentures will be. But the stabilization of your dentures can be made affordable by using as few as two mini implants.

If you want to know more about stabilizing your dentures, only select an experienced implant dentist. Do your research. This will help you avoid problems with implant placement, healing, and quality. Many dentists offer a consultation to answer questions before you receive an exam.

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

Feb 27

Can I switch implant dentists in the middle of all on 4 treatment?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I got the all on 4 implants in early December last year. Everything seemed to be going well until late last month. I started feeling sharp pain in the lower right part of my gums. I immediately got an appointment with the implant dentist, and he said, “We will have to keep an eye on this one.” I asked him what was wrong and he said that he wasn’t sure yet, but we need to watch the implant. I still have the pain. It’s not ongoing, just a few times a day, but when it hurts, it is very intense. I have seen the dentist twice and his response is the same, that we need to watch it. What is he watching if he doesn’t know what the problem is? This is scaring me. Did it fail? Can I switch implant dentists before the all on 4 is really completed? – Lien

Lien – Yes, you can switch dentists. It is your right as a patient to do so.

But don’t just pick any implant dentist. Find a skilled, credentialed implant dentist to examine your All-on-4 implants and determine what needs to be done to alleviate your pain and correct the situation.

Occasionally, an implant will fail. If that’s the case, new implant positions will need to be located, and adjustments will be made to align the bridge, or a new bridge, to the new implants. In some cases, bone grafting is needed. Only an exam and diagnostic study will determine the cause of your pain and the proper treatment.

The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can get through the healing process and enjoy your new smile.

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

Feb 15

Is 19 a good age for dental implants?

By Dental Implants

I play hockey a lot. I have lost 2 teeth already and I want to get them replaced with dental implants. Is 19 a good age or am I too young? Will the implants last until I am old? – Matt

Matt – At age 19, your growth should be complete. An implant dentist will examine your jawbone to make that determination and let you know if you are a candidate for dental implants. Jawbone growth needs to be complete before you get dental implants. Otherwise, the implant can interfere with the position of your teeth and jawbone that are still growing.

Dental implants are permanent and should last a lifetime. In time, you may need to replace the dental implant crowns, which serve as the upper part of the teeth, which show when you smile.

If you receive dental implants, be diligent in caring for them just as you would your natural teeth, to help them last for many years.

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

Jan 21

Wacky bottom denture but can’t afford implants

By Affordable Implant Dentistry, Dentures

My bottom denture is loose but hurts my gums all at the same time. I put some pads between the dentures and my gums but they still hurt. When I chew, they lift up completely. Sometimes they get stuck to the food and I have to pull them back down. It is very embarrassing and frustrating. I feel like there’s no suction in them. I have had them relined several times with no improvement. I know dental implants will work but I can’t afford them. My dentist keeps recommending implants but what else will work? I’m in my 10th year of wearing dentures and I am 67 yrs young. I need an alternative because I have a lot of life left in me. Thank you. Lorena

Lorena – Your dentist is correct. Dental implants are needed to stabilize your denture. After your teeth have been missing for many years, your jawbone begins to shrink, and it becomes increasingly difficult to keep a denture in, so implants are needed to secure them.

There are various options for dental implants that may make them more affordable for you. Standard implants provide the most stability, and the more of them you have, the more stable your dentures will be. But implants come in other sizes. Smaller implants, mini implants, cost less and will secure your dentures so that you can enjoy eating. Two mini implants will stabilize your dentures, and if your budget allows for more, you will enjoy added stability with your dentures.

Look for a skilled implant dentist who offers payment plans or financing. The office will work with your budget so that you can afford implants without paying a single large sum at once.

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

Jan 13

Can my current dentures be used for mini implants?

By Affordable Implant Dentistry, Mini Implants

I have dentures, but I want dental implants. I know that I will get them, but I am uncertain of the timing. If I my current dentures can be altered for implants, I can get the implants sooner. Is this possible? Thanks. Linda

Linda – It is possible that your current denture can be modified to accommodate dental implants. In general, if your existing denture has a poor bite, is worn, or is more than five years old, you will likely need new dentures.

If your current dentures can be used, after the desired location of the implants in your jawbone is determined, your denture will be adjusted.

Schedule an examination with an experienced implant dentist, and have your dentures examined to determine if they can be used. This will make the process of securing your dentures with implants even more affordable.

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

Dec 29

Surgeons won’t give me all on 4 implants

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I have been to 3 different implant surgeons and none will give me all on 4 implants. They say I will do better with standard implant. I want the all of 4s. How can I find a surgeon who will do them for me? – Andre

Andre – All-on-4 dental implants are for denture wearers who are in good health. This process allows the implants to be placed if you don’t have a lot of jaw bone density for standard dental implants.

Implant surgeons take a lot of steps to identify your treatment options and ensure the success of your implants. If three surgeons indicated that you are not a candidate for the All-on-4 process, it is likely that you will receive the same response from a fourth implant surgeon.

Consider your alternative options for implants to secure your dentures. You will likely have better success with the healing process and the duration of your implants by selecting alternate treatment.

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

Dec 26

Looking for a cheap dental implant for canine tooth

By Affordable Implant Dentistry, Dental Implants

I have a crooked canine tooth on the right side of my mouth. It is also badly shaped and discolored. I am wondering if I can get a cheap dental implant to replace it and still have it look natural.  Erika

Ericka – It is likely that your canine tooth doesn’t need to be replaced with a dental implant. You can have the tooth examined by an experienced prosthodontist. And if you do need a dental implant, you can discuss how a quality implant can be made affordable for you.

The goal will be to preserve your tooth. There are options that may work for you, including reshaping the tooth and whitening it; lightly shaving the tooth and bonding a porcelain veneer to it, which will look completely natural; reducing the size of the tooth and covering it with a porcelain crown to match your natural tooth; or short-term orthodontics and teeth bleaching.

Schedule an appointment to have your tooth examined and to find out your options. Many dentists, like Dr. LaVacca, offer a complimentary consultation.

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

Dec 22

What’s the success rate of dental implants?

By Dental Implants

I want to have 3 missing teeth replaced with dental implants. I read on your website about dental implant failure, but what’s the success rate? They cost so much that I really hope the success rate if very good. Thank you. Kacie

Kacie – The success rate of dental implants is very good—95%. The majority of dental implants still function at their peak performance 20 years after they were originally placed.

A key to success and longevity of your implants is a skilled, experienced, and credentialed implant dentist who plans for quality placement, and who uses quality implant fixtures. Your strict cooperation with instructions before and after implant surgery are also vital to the success of your implants.

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

Dec 20

My gums swollen over 1 year after dental implant placed

By Dental Implant Mistakes, Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

I got 3 dental implants 1 ½ yrs ago. The healing seems to be fine but now the gum around 1 of them is swollen. I take good care of my real teeth and the implants. I now live 6 hours away from the dentist who placed the implants. I made sure not to relocate before everything was healed. Why is this happening now? Jennifer

Jennifer – Swelling around the implant right after implant surgery is normal. Swelling will peak in approximately 48 hours and will gradually diminish in about one week.

Swelling like yours that occurs over a year after the implant surgery is a reason for concern. It is possible that there is a problem with the implant or you may have an infection.

Your tooth needs to be examined by an experienced implant dentist for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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

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