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Implant Dentistry

Sep 28

Why do my implants keep getting infected?

By Bone Grafting, Dental Implant Mistakes, Dental Implants

10 years ago I received three dental implants. I have had problems with the implants since they were placed. I’ve had several infections. The oral surgeon has done follow-up surgeries but I still get infections. He says that it’s genetics and my body is predisposed to rejecting the implants, and there is nothing wrong with the implants or the surgeries he performed. He is referring me to a periodontist now. I am not comfortable with this situation. How do I know whether he is hiding something or if my body really is rejecting the implants? – Cynthia from New Jersey

Cynthia,

It is possible for a person to reject dental implants. And it is possible that surgical errors had a role in causing the infections. In order to get an accurate diagnosis, you need an examination by an experienced implant dentist.

If the implant fixtures are loose, they need to be removed. Bone grafting may be needed and after it heals, new implants need to be placed.

Get a second opinion from a credentialed implant dentist.

This blog post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVaca.

Sep 13

Can a child get dental implants?

By Dental Implants

My son is 11 years old and he has no lateral incisors. Is he old enough for dental implants? I don’t want him go into his teen years with the teeth missing. Those years are hard enough without him being teased. Terri R. – Allentown, PA

Terri – When your son is in his late teens and his jawbone has fully developed, you can find a good implant dentist to give him a thorough examination and determine if he is a candidate for dental implants.

Until then, an orthodontist can provide him with an appliance to keep the spaces open for future implants. Acrylic teeth can be embedded in the appliance in place of the missing incisors. This will help your son not to be self-conscious and to avoid embarrassment or being teased.

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

Aug 31

Why do my dental 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 that will also look natural.

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

Aug 31

Too many implant failures

By Dental Implants

I’ve had so any implant failures on my two lower front teeth that my surgeon is stumped. He said he’s never seen this many failures before.   Do you know why? Is there ANY chance I can get implants?

Candice from Georgia

Candice,

In many cases, dental implants fail because of some mistake on the part of the surgeon/dentist. However, that is not always the case. Dental implants can fail due to no error whatsoever. For some patients, there is a rare condition with their body chemistry that causes their body to reject the implants, sort of the way some patients can reject a heart or kidney transplant. It just isn’t compatible with their body. If you’ve had many implant failures with a skilled implant dentist/surgeon, you may be one of those rare cases.

That being said, I wouldn’t despair yet. When you said your dentist was “stumped”, it made me wonder about just how skilled he or she truly is. He shouldn’t be stumped. My suggestion is that you get a second opinion. However, I want you to be careful about to whom you go for the second opinion.

Go to the website of either the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, or the American Board of Oral Implantology. Check their membership rolls for a surgeon with fellowship or diplomate status. These surgeons will have impeccable credentials.  You can be an exemplary implant dentist without that status, but this will be a sort of guarantee for you that you’ll be getting the best possible information.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

 

Aug 15

Why do the crowns make my implants hurt?

By Dental Implant Mistakes, Dental Implants, Porcelain Crown

I received four dental implants, but the crowns seem to make them hurt. Whenever the crowns are placed on the implants I feel pain. Is something wrong with the crowns or is it the implants. I talked to the surgeon about it, but I got nowhere with him. The thought of what could have gone wrong is starting to make me nervous. What can I do? Thanks for your help – Danielle from Minnesota

Danielle – Without an examination, it is not possible to say precisely what is causing your problem, but we can tell you what is potentially causing your pain.

The dental implants may be affecting a nerve, they may be too small, they may be incorrectly placed, there might be an infection around them, or there may be too much stress on them—in which case, the crowns can increase the stress and cause pain.

The normal pain after implants are placed usually lasts only one or two weeks. If crowns are being placed on your implants, then you have passed the recommended healing period of three to four months, and the crowns are not likely to be the cause of the pain.

Your surgeon has no input on what may be causing the problem, so we recommend that you get a second opinion from a different implant dentist. Check his or her credentials to ensure that he or she is skilled in implant placement.

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

Jul 27

Will medical insurance provide coverage for dental implant surgery?

By Dental Implants

One of my teeth broke. It was supporting a bridge, so I want to replace the three teeth that were part of the bridge with dental implants. I am thinking that part of the cost should be an eligible expense for my medical coverage because the pieces of the tooth have to be surgically removed. I also have dental insurance with a $1500 annual maximum. Will part of the procedure be covered by medical insurance? Mylijeron from Philadelphia

 

Mylijeron – We don’t know what medical insurance plan you have, nor do we know the details of it, but it is unlikely that it will provide benefits for the surgical removal of the teeth in preparation for dental implants. Most medical insurances exclude dental treatment from coverage.

Dental insurance plans even have limitations on benefits for dental implants, because there are usually other options for treatment, and dental implants are the most expensive option. The insurance provides coverage for the least expensive treatment that will correct the problem.

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

Jul 10

Can my partial denture be replaced with implants?

By Dental Implants, Partial Dentures

As a result of gum disease, I had two bottom front teeth removed. I am wearing a partial denture to replace the teeth. Even though I had gum disease, is it possible to get two dental implants so I can get rid of the partial denture? The partial is not comfortable. Besides that I am only 37 yrs old and the thought of wearing a denture is depressing. I regret having the teeth pulled. – Katie P

Katie – Severe gum disease cause teeth to become infected, and the result may be that the teeth must be extracted. Extraction can prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth. Pulling the infected teeth was the best preventive measure for your adjacent teeth.

Bone grafting can build up your jawbone in the previously infected area so it will support dental implants. If you are not a candidate for bone grafting, a dental bridge might be an option for replacing your teeth. A dental bridge involves the missing teeth and the teeth on either side of them. The adjacent teeth have crowns placed on them and the replacement crown is suspended between them.

Consult with a credentialed implant dentist to discuss your options.

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

Jun 30

How do I know if I qualify for dental implant bone grafting?

By Bone Grafting, Dental Implant Mistakes, Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I’ve had eight teeth missing for over 20 years. I’ve decided to get dental implants, but I think that I will need bone grafting. I know that not everyone qualifies for it. What is the criteria? Keith C. from Beachwood, OH

Keith – If you are generally in good health, it’s likely that you will be able to receive bone grafting. This is an area where Dr. LaVacca is quite experienced, and sometimes he is able to do the grating despite certain health issues. He thoroughly reviews the medical history of his patients and makes the determination. You will be able to find a qualified implant dentist to make the determination for you.

Implant dentistry is not a recognized specialty, so check the credentials of dentists to verify that they have extensive training and certification in implant placement. Verify that he or she has membership with implant associations that are well respected, such as the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Without the adequate training and experience, serious implant mistakes can occur.

You can review Dr. LaVacca’s credentials on his Naperville prosthodontist web page to get an idea of what you should look for in a dentist who is qualified to do your bone grafting and dental implants.

This blog post is sponsored by implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca of Naprville.

Jun 12

Are dentures my only option?

By Dental Implant Mistakes, Dental Implants, Dentures

I am proud to say that I am a recovered drug addict, but my habit ruined a lot of teeth. They cannot be saved. I’m a 27 yr old man with lots of rotten teeth. Every time I had an interview I could see people looking at my teeth. Someone finally gave me a chance and now I make good money the honest way. It still bothers me because I know that my social life is affected by it too. I have the money to do something about the way I look now. Who wants dentures at 27? Please tell me my options. Thanks. Mike from Detroit.

Mike – Congratulations on your recovery. What an accomplishment!

It’s understandable that you don’t want dentures at 27 years of age. Dentures are one option for replacing teeth, and they are certainly preferred to being without any teeth, which affects your ability to eat and maintain your health.

When you can afford an alternative, dental implants are the best choice, and they are a permanent option. An implant has the same structure as a natural tooth. There is a titanium root form that is surgically embedded in your jawbone. When the jawbone heals, a replacement tooth or crown is placed on the root form.

The crown can have the same color and look of a natural tooth, if it’s done by an artistic cosmetic dentist who has been specifically trained in the techniques required to give you a beautiful smile.

When the work is completed, the implants will have the same look, feel and function of natural teeth. Your damaged teeth will be replaced with a beautiful smile. You and others won’t be able that they are not your natural teeth.

But not every dentist can give you successful and long-lasting implants. Check the credentials of the dentist to ensure that he or she has extensive training in and experience with dental implants. Otherwise, there are some costly and physically painful mistakes that can occur. Implant mistakes can even lead to needing completely new implants.

Read about the training and experience of implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca in Naperville. You’ll have a good idea of what to look for to get a beautiful smile makeover. Best wishes and congratulations again on the new you.

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

May 14

My dentures keep falling out

By Dentures

I can’t keep my dentures in. I’m in my 18th year of wearing them and they keep falling out. I don’t know if my gums are thinner or if the dentures are widening on me, but I can’t keep them in. I am afraid that one day I won’t be able to wear them anymore. Could this happen? What are my options? Thank you. Rose from Indiana

Rose – You are experiencing facial collapse, which occurs when all of your teeth are missing. The loss of your teeth is a signal to your body that the jawbone that once supported the teeth is no longer needed. So, your body resorbs the bone and uses the minerals from it elsewhere.

As the jawbone shrinkage progresses, it becomes difficult, if not impossible to wear dentures. Bone grafting will be needed to build up your jawbone.

You will then have a few options:

  1. Removable dentures – Facial collapse will continue to occur, and you will have to repeat the bone grafting procedure again.
  2. Dental implants – Each of your teeth can be replaced with a dental implant. Dental implants look and feel more like your natural teeth than any other solution. The implants will permanently prevent jawbone shrinkage. The cost is per implant.
  3. Implant overdentures – With several dental implants, your dentures can be secured to the implants. The presence of the implants will slow the progression of the jawbone shrinkage. This option is much less expensive than replacing each tooth with an implant.

This blog is sponsored by the office of Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

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