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Implant Dentistry

Oct 28

Will insurance pay for a tooth implant if I get somebody to knock out my tooth?

By Dental Implants, Insurance

I have a tooth next to my right front tooth that I hate the way it looks. I want an implant to replace the tooth. I am trying to think of a way to get insurance to pay for it so it will be looked at as something I really need and not just for looks. If I pick a fight with one of my homies and get him to knock it out will insurance pay for the implant? J.

J – It is not a good idea to intentionally have a tooth knocked out. You can do much more damage than you want. You can end up causing damage to your face, jaw, or other teeth.

Even when you legitimately lose a tooth, insurance will cover the least expensive forms of tooth replacement—a dental bridge or a partial denture. Some insurance companies provide limited benefits for dental implants.

If you don’t like the appearance of your tooth, a porcelain crown can be made to cover it and give it the appearance that you want. It will look like a natural tooth and people won’t be able to tell the difference.

A prosthodontist who is experienced in cosmetic dentistry can restore your tooth and give you the smile you want with much less pain than you having someone knock it out for you.

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

Sep 27

Process for getting teeth for All-on-4 implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

Hi. I just want to know a little more about the process for getting the teeth for All-on-4 implants. Do I get teeth the same day as the surgery or do I have to wait? – Marshall

Marshall – After the All-on-4 dental implants are placed, new teeth are attached to them. The teeth will be fitted and adjusted. Your teeth will be stable and functional. Although they won’t be the permanent teeth you will receive, you will be able to leave the dental office with a full smile.

Over the next several months, you will return to your implant dentist or prosthodontist for progress checks. When the implants and your jawbone have fused together, impressions of your mouth are taken to create stronger, beautiful, permanent teeth.

The waiting period for permanent teeth ensures proper healing of your mouth. The temporary, or provisional teeth, place less stress on the implants. The permanent teeth be beautiful, will provide maximum function, and will be made to precisely fit your bite and healed gum tissue.

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

Sep 12

Do I need dental implants before braces?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I my molars are severely damaged due to an embarrassing habit that I had for 10 years but have now quit. I am now 38 year old. I also need braces but can I get them if my molars are extracted or do I need dental implants in before braces can be placed? – Scott R.

Scott – If you need braces, they should be placed, and your teeth should be straightened before you receive dental implants. Dental implants don’t move. So having implants in place before braces would have a negative effect on the alignment of your teeth. The implants may interfere with the correct positioning of your natural teeth.

But your molars may not need to be removed. Have your teeth examined by an experienced prosthodontist. It is possible that your molar teeth can be saved and protected with dental crowns. The prosthodontist’s goal is to preserve and restore your teeth. He or she will let you know your treatment options and the order in which each treatment should be done to give you a beautiful smile.

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

Aug 29

Best way to get affordable dental implants?

By Dental Implants

I trying to find the best affordable way to get affordable implant dentures. I’ve called a few dentists office for pricing, but they all say that they can’t give me a quote. they need to see me and do an exam but I really don’t have time to run from office to office. so how can i get affordable implants? – barb

Barb – Wait until you have time to have consultations with a few implant dentists. Your teeth and gums need to be examined, your medical history has to be review, and you need diagnostic studies to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.

Every case is not the same. Some patients require bone grafting. And there are options for securing your dentures. The cost varies according to the patient’s oral health, preferences, and options.

Find a credentialed implant dentist who offers financing or payment plans. He or she can make the implants affordable for you without sacrificing quality.

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

Aug 27

Keeping breath fresh with dentures

By Dentures

My 72 year old mother needs dentures but this is my question not hers. I know so many people with dentures who have strong breath. The odor is unpleasant and in some cases, it’s offensive. It this unavoidable or what can we do to keep her breath fresh? – Amy

Amy – Dentures should be cleaned every day—just as natural teeth should be. Debris from food can get trapped in dentures, bacteria can grow, and cause dentures and breath to smell.

A denture brush and denture cleaning solution will keep the dentures clean and white. Your mother can also gently brush her gums and tongue with toothpaste. Rinsing her mouth with mouthwash will help move debris, germs, and keep her breath fresh.

If it’s within your mother’s budget, consider have her dentures secured with dental implants. Implants will stabilize her dentures and make them look and feel more like her own teeth.

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

Jul 29

How to ask dentist if he would repair a failed dental implant from another dentist?

By Dental Implant Mistakes

I have a failed dental implant from my dentist and I don’t feel comfortable going back for him to fix it. I don’t trust him now. How do I ask another dentist if he or she would repair it? – Nick

Nick – A skilled implant dentist is used to providing second opinions and correcting failed implants. You won’t have to worry about how to explain your situation. You will find the dentist to be very understanding.

This time, check the credentials and experience of a new implant dentist before you make your final selection. You might consider having a consultation with the new implant dentist. He or she can examine your implant and discuss your options.

See Dr. LaVacca’s web page on dental implant failure and how it can be avoided.

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

Jul 26

A mini implant for a molar tooth, or a conventional implant?

By Mini Implants

I’m having trouble facing my fear of a huge, regular-size implant that is not easily removable. The mini doesn’t seem so scary to me. Could they place a mini in a lower molar? – JoAnn

JoAnn – Mini implants are used to support dentures. They are not strong enough to support a single tooth. A mini implant would not withstand the pressure biting and chewing force of a molar tooth.

You do need a standard implant for your molar tooth. Find a credentialed implant dentist. Discuss your concerns with him or her, and the implant dentist will explain the procedure to you and the care that will be taken to ensure you receive a quality implant fixture that is properly placed. An implant that is properly placed is permanent and does not to be removed.

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

Jul 16

Can dental implants be removed?

By Dental Implant Mistakes, Dental Implants

If I get dental implants and I am not satisfied with them, can I have them removed? – Carlotta

Carlotta – When dental implants are properly placed by a credentialed implant dentist, they will look and feel like your natural teeth. You will be completely satisfied with them as the best form of tooth replacement. Implant placement is not inexpensive, so you want to ensure that you find an excellent implant dentist to place it.

If a patient has received implants from a dentist who didn’t plan implant placement properly or who uses cheap implant fixtures, dental implant failure can occur. And you would not be satisfied with the results.

If the implants fail, they must be removed, and they need to be completely redone. If you have received dental implants that you’re not satisfied with, have them examined by a skilled, credentialed implant dentist.

If you are considering dental implants, find a few experienced implants dentists and have consultations with them before you make your final decision about who will place the implants.

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

Jul 02

Getting dental implants done abroad

By Dental Implant Mistakes, Dental Implants

What’s the best country to get dental implants done abroad? I need 6 dental implants and if I can avoid paying $15-20k for them I’m interested. Do you have any recommendations? – Bill C.

Bill – The cost of dental implants causes many people to consider getting them done outside the U.S. Although we can’t recommend a country from which you can get your implants, we will let you know some things you should consider—even in the U.S.

  • The implant dentist – A skilled, credentialed implant dentist should place the implants. He or she will knows the proper planning required to ensure that your implants are properly place and won’t impinge nerves, damage sinus cavities, or other body structure. The implant dentist will also determine if you have adequate jawbone density or if bone grafting is needed. Consider how you will check the credentials of an implant dentist in another country.
  • Implant fixtures – In an effort to cut costs, cheap implant fixtures are often used. But they can fit poorly, loosen, or cause infection. And your implants will fail and need to be completely redone.
  • Follow-up visits – The implant healing process is two to six months, during which periodic follow-up visits are required to ensure that the implants are healing properly. And when the implants are healed, a permanent tooth restoration, or dental crown, is attached to each one. If you receive the implants abroad, will you stay in that country during the healing process, or will you go back and forth for follow-up visits?

Consider having consultations for dental implants in the U.S. Find out who places the implants and what his or her credentials are. If cost is a concern, speak with the dentist about financing or payment plans. Regardless of where you get your implants placed, ensure you receive quality planning, placement, fixtures, and overall care.

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

Jun 26

Review on All-on-4 Dental Implants from Clear Choice

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I’ve had some serious problems with my teeth all through my life. The problems with my teeth required multiple root canal treatments and more crowns than I can recall. I lost many teeth over the years and I got to the point where I knew I had to do things differently. I had no question that I wanted dental implants.

I was impressed with the Clear Choice presentation, staff, and the doctor who was very informative about the All-on-4 procedure. The patient care was great and the surgery in April went smoothly. I’ve received follow-up phone calls from my dentist and when I go into the office for follow-up visits, I remain impressed with the quality of care. My only regret is not having done the procedure sooner. – Geoff

Geoff – Thank you for submitting your Clear Choice review. The All-on-4 procedure does require extensive skill and experience to ensure successful placement. It is good that you had a positive experience with Clear Choice.

 To our readers: Submit Clear Choice Reviews. If you have already visited a Clear Choice location but would like a second opinion, board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca can help.

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