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Implant Dentistry

Apr 17

How do you care for dental implants?

By Dental Implants

How do you care for dental implants? I am trying to calculate the expense of caring for the implants after I receive them. – Leslie

Leslie – Treat your dental implants just as you would your natural teeth. They require the same care.

Brush thoroughly, just as you would brush your natural teeth. Floss carefully around the implant to prevent plaque build-up.

Keep your regular six-month dental exam and cleaning visits.

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

Apr 09

What questions should we ask our daughter’s implant dentist?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

My daughter has a condition that she was born with that has prevented her from developing several teeth. She is now 20 years old and getting dental implants. We know this is going to be a very costly procedure, but we want her to have the confidence that comes with having healthy teeth and a good-looking smile. She was teased enough through her teen years. We are seeing two implant specialists and we will decide which one we want to do the procedure. We have a list of questions that we started, but if you can give us some pointers on what to ask, it would be appreciated. – Jan

Jan – Continue to compile your list of questions. Anything that you can think of that is of concern to you should be asked. It is very important that you find a credentialed implant dentist who has extensive experience in successfully placing dental implants.

Three-dimensional diagnostic studies should be performed to ensure that your daughter’s implants are properly placed. Also, quality implant fixtures should be used. So, some questions can be asked to ensure that those measures will be taken. Although the questions below are not a complete list of all the questions you should ask, you may choose to add some of them to your list.

  •  What training have you received?
  • What are your credentials?
  • Are you a board-certified specialist?
  • How long have you been placing dental implants?
  • How many implants a year do you place?
  • What is your implant success rate?
  • What steps do you take to avoid implant failure?
  • How many surgeries are needed?
  • What kind of sedation will be used?
  • What are the risks?
  • Do you have pictures of before and after cases you can show me?
  • What technology do you use to ensure implants are properly placed?
  • What type of implant fixtures do you use?
  • What should we expect after implant surgery?
  • What are our options?
  • What is the cost?
  • What are our payment options?

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

Apr 07

All I have is regrets

By Dental Implant Mistakes

I have to admit that the people there are really nice. In fact when I first visited, I was very impressed with the customer service and the seeming sincerity of the representatives, although at times they were a little too aggressive for my taste. The advertising and fancy printed material really impressed me.

Now that I have the implants, and it’s $30,000 later, I have an infection from one poorly placed implant. I have had temporary teeth break several times. I am a bit frustrated to say the least. My cheek is swollen and I am having trouble speaking.

Everyone I speak to from Clear Choice is very pleasant, but I still have regrets and I am not confident that I will get a resolution there. Every conversation I had before the surgery was very positive. I was not warned about possible implant failure or any other negative aspect of getting dental implants. In hind sight, I should have asked more “what if” questions.

It’s an expensive lesson learned, and I regret it. I haven’t decided what I am going to do yet, but I am really not comfortable returning there to get the problems fixed. – J. from Indiana

 

J. – It is unfortunate to learn about your experience and the discomfort you still are experiencing. Aggressive sales tactics often don’t clearly inform you of the risks involved.

If you decide to get a second opinion, seek it from a credentialed implant dentist. You may be interested in reading about Dr. LaVacca’s second opinions for Clear Choice dental implants.

We also have a Chicago Clear Choice Reviews page for any of our readers who would like to share his or her experience.

Mar 22

I am bleeding near my dental implant. Is this a sign of failure?

By Dental Implant Mistakes

i just had a dental implant and it has been 2 months. While i was brushing there was little bleeding near the implant. Does this mean it failed? Please help me. i am worried. Chad

Chad – Minor bleeding around the implant site is normal the first two or three days after the surgery. If it has been two months since your surgery, contact your implant dentist immediately so that he or she can examine the implant to determine the cause of the bleeding.

Common signs of implant failure are an infection, implants that become loose, numbness, tingling, or pain that are a result of nerve impairment, and discomfort from the puncture of other body cavities—particularly the sinuses.

If you want a second opinion to determine if you have experienced implant failure, find a credentialed implant dentist for it.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mar 13

Bone loss from teeth loss early in life and I don’t want a partial

By Bone Grafting, Dental Implants

I have bone loss because of eight missing teeth in my lower jaw. Can I get the bone loss replaced so I can get implants? I don’t want to wear a partial. – Tom F

Tom – Bone loss can be replaced by using bone grafting. Increasing jawbone mass will ensure that dental implants are secure and won’t loosen.

There are different types of bone grafting:

Autogenous – bone is taken from elsewhere in your body (often the chin or lower jaw) and used to supplement the jawbone

Allograft – Synthetic bone is used, or human bone from a reputable bone tissue bank can be used

Xenograft – processed animal bone, from a reputable bone tissue bank, is used

After the bone-grafting procedure, there is a wait of six to twelve months, to allow time for the graft to integrate with your existing bone. The progress of your healing will be periodically checked, and you will receive updates on when you can receive dental implants.

Not only does receiving dental implants, instead of wearing a partial denture, look more pleasing, dental implants prevent further jawbone loss and facial collapse.

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

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Mar 06

I still have my baby teeth

By Dental Implants

My upper canine and incisor permanent teeth on the left side of my mouth never came in. I’m 37 years old, but he teeth are still small like baby teeth. All of my other teeth are fine. Can I get the two teeth pulled and replaced with dental implants? – Greyson C. from PA

Greyson – Your teeth need to be x-rayed and examined before the appropriate treatment can be recommended.

It could be that the teeth that are now in place are the permanent teeth, but they are smaller than normal. In that case, cosmetic work can be done to make them the proper size and look natural.

Another possibility is that your permanent teeth are impacted. It is possible that the baby teeth need to be removed, and a surgical opening needs to be made for the permanent teeth to erupt.

Or, if the teeth are truly your baby teeth, they can be removed and replaced with dental implants. If the bone beneath the teeth is healthy, it is possible that the implant and crown, which would be customized and completed in advance of the surgery, can be placed on the same day.

Have your teeth examined by a credentialed implant dentist. He or she will examine your teeth and discuss your options.

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

Feb 27

My dentist recommends a flipper but the prosthodontist prefers a temporary crown

By Dental Implants, Porcelain Crown, Prosthodontist

My dentist sent me to a prosthodontist to get an implant in place of a rotten tooth that had to be pulled. My dentist wants me to get a dental flipper from him, but the prosthodontist said that I can get a temporary crown. Is it normal to get a temporary crown? What is a dental flipper like anyway?

Ken – It is common for a temporary crown to be used while waiting for a permanent crown to be placed.

A dental flipper is a removable partial denture that has a gum-colored acrylic base with an acrylic tooth attached to it. Metal clasps can be attached to wrap around your teeth and keep the flipper in place. Depending on the location of the missing tooth, the metal clasps can be seen. Care must be taken to ensure the flipper does not disturb the dental implant.

You will find a temporary crown to be more comfortable than a dental flipper. Speak with your prosthodontist about your concerns. He or she will be able to fully explain your options and the pros and cons of both.

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

Feb 12

The teeth are falling out of my denture

By Dentures

Hello. I got implant dentures about 2 ½ years ago. Since that time I’ve had teeth fall out of the denture twice. I have been keeping record of this and the first time it happened was in December 2011. One of the top left teeth fell out. In July of last year, two bottom teeth fell out. Last weekend I noticed a problem again on the upper left side of my mouth when I chew. I looked in the mirror and gently pushed each tooth on that side of my mouth and found that again, one is loose. Of course, I have brought this to the attention of my dentist. He keeps the denture for repair. I am not sure what that process is, but after the “repair” he returns the denture to me. I know plenty of people who wear dentures and I haven’t heard one of them say that a single tooth has fallen out of the denture. So my guess is that what’s happening to my dentures is very unusual. Can you confirm that for me? Thank you. Jim

Jim – It is very unusual for teeth to fall out of the base of a denture. If your implant dentures were made correctly, what you are experiencing would not occur.

You can certain request your denture be to be re-made. Unfortunately, mistakes occur when shortcuts are taken. Inferior materials, shortcuts in techniques, or a cheap dental lab can all contribute toward your receiving dentures that are poorly made.

Although the laboratory makes the dentures, it is the dentist who is responsible for ensuring that you get a high-quality product, and for correcting this situation.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca. Find out what to look for if you want affordable dental implants.

 

Jan 23

Why do my implants keep failing?

By Dental Implants

Over the past five years I have tried to get implants for three missing teeth, but they have all failed. The surgeon has taken extreme care and rebuilt my jawbone in those places, but my body seems to keep rejecting them. My implant dentist is clueless. I want to replace these teeth. What do you suggest? – Margo

Margo – In rare instances, because of body chemistry, there are patients for whom dental implants don’t work. The situation is similar to a patient’s body that rejects a tissue transplant.

It is surprising that if you have an implant dentist, he or she is clueless. If you want reassurance, get a second opinion from a credentialed implant dentist. Take a look at our Meet Dr. LaVacca web page to get an idea of the kind of credentials you should look for in a dentist from whom you will receive a second opinion.

If your body is rejecting the implants, the implant dentist will be able to recommend alternate treatments. Although implants are the most effective and natural-looking tooth replacement, there are alternatives will look like your natural teeth.

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

Dec 27

Replacing a failed dental implant

By Dental Implant Mistakes, Dental Implants

I had 3 dental implants placed and 1 of them failed. It needs to be removed. Replacing it will require bone grafting. I am not prepared to spend the kind of money that an implant and bone grafting would take. Any suggestions for an alternative? – William T.

William – A fixed dental bridge can replace the tooth (a fixed bridge cannot be taken out of your mouth). It would not require an implant or bone grafting. If you still have a concern with jawbone shrinkage in the location of the missing tooth, you can consider a soft tissue graft or bone grafting.

If you’re interested, review Dr. LaVacca’s has a web page specific to reasons that dental implants fail.

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

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