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Implant Dentistry

Apr 17

Best way to repair a broken denture without going to the dentist

By Dentures

My dentures keep breaking and obviously my dentist doesn’t know how to fix them because they keep breaking in the same spot. Until I get a new pair, I am going to fix them myself. It can’t be any worse than what she is doing. I am looking online about how to repair them. I know better than to use superglue. So I am looking for a strong seal that is okay for oral use. What’s the best way to repair them? Tom F.

Tom – Your dentures need to be examined by a skilled dentist or prosthodontist to determine why they keep breaking. Until that determination is made, your dentures will likely continue to break.

A dentist may be able to repair the dentures in his or her office, or they may need to be sent to a lab for repair. It is also possible that you need new dentures.

Your attempts to repair your dentures may damage them further, so we recommend that you can a second opinion on the condition on your dentures and have them professionally repaired.

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

Apr 14

Can All on 4 implants be used for upper dentures?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

My bottom denture is the one that’s really giving me lots of problems. They lift up with I talk, when I chew, when I laugh. It is both annoying and embarrassing. My dentures have been relined but it has not helped a bit. My daughter-in-law convinced me to think seriously about dental implants. I am looking at the All on 4 implants. Are they only for lower dentures or can I get them for upper dentures too? I don’t need them right now but I want to know for the future. Marsha

Marsha – The All-on-4 dental implants procedure can be performed on both upper and lower dentures. You should find a skilled implant dentist to receive diagnostic studies and an exam to find out if this treatment is right for you.

If you are a candidate for All-on-4, the implants will be placed and temporary dentures will be attached to them. After your jawbone fuses to the implants, which takes several months, you will receive customized dentures that look completely natural.

Request a consultation with a few implant dentists to discuss your options.

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

 

Mar 30

Tooth fractured and pulled after dental implant placement and I’m still in pain

By Dental Implant Mistakes, Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

After having 2 dental implants placed last November I began to have pain from what seemed like one of the implants. Eventually the pain became severe. I made an appointment with my dentist to take a look at the implant and he said that the pain was coming from the tooth next to the implant. He said that the tooth must have been fractured somehow during the implant placement. He pulled the fractured tooth and said that I should be okay in about 2 weeks. I was really frustrated thinking that now I need a third dental implant. Anyway that was a two months and I am still in pain. Not as much pain, but it is very uncomfortable. I am really dreading going back to this dentist because I am thinking what is going to go wrong next. I know that I can’t stay away from the dentist because of the pain that I feel. I am not sure what to do next. – Regina W.

Regina – We suggest that you make an appointment with an experienced implant dentist to receive a second opinion. It is possible that there is a problem with the implant. It may be pinching a nerve or perhaps it was in some other way incorrectly placed.

At this point, you need an examination and x-ray to determine the cause of your pain. Once the source of the pain is identified, you can decide which implant dentist you would like to resolve the issue.

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

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 24

Another opinion after seeing two Clear Choice dentists?

By Blog, All-on-4 Dental Implants

Clear Choice has a good reputation among several of my colleagues who have received dental implants. I travel quite a bit, so I went to two different Clear Choice locations just to compare the recommendations. Both doctors recommended All-on-4 implants for me, which I prefer not to receive. In each case, when I expressed my preference, I receive a “how dare you have a different opinion” look from the dentist. I am uncomfortable. I was pleased with the service, but I am uncomfortable with All-on-4. My preference is standard implants with bone grafting. Should I trust their judgment, or seek another opinion, perhaps with a dentist who will consider mine? Thomas S.

Thomas – You are likely a good candidate for All-on-4 dental implants, but if you don’t want them, and you prefer and are a candidate for standard implants, the choice is yours.

Another opinion from an experienced implant dentist outside of Clear Choice will help you make a final decision. As you likely know, the All-on-4 process is used to eliminate the need for bone grafting. But if you prefer bone grafting and want standard implants, your preference should be respected, as long as the treatment you want will meet the needs of your case.

We don’t know where you live or work, but you can schedule a consultation with Dr. LaVacca to discuss your concerns. If you want to proceed, he will perform an exam and the necessary diagnostic studies to determine your options. Dr. LaVacca is a board-certified prosthodontist and national and international lecturer. You can have confidence in his opinion.

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.

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