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Implant Dentistry

Apr 06
magnetic dentures Naperville Dental Specialists

4 Things You Should Know About Magnetic Dentures

By Dentures

4 Things You Should Know About Magnetic Dentures Before You Request Them

Opposites attract. That’s one reason why magnetic dentures work so well. But what should you know about them before you ask your dentist to secure your dentures with magnets?

1. Magnetic Dentures Are Implant Overdentures

Magnetic dentures are a type of implant overdentures. Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone. An magnetic abutment, or connector, is placed on top of the implants. Often, a healing period of several months is allowed before your permanent dentures are placed. Magnets in the base of the denture lock into place on the abutment.

2. Advantages of Magnetic Dentures

  • Stable magnetic force – Strong magnetic forces guide the denture to the right position and keep it in place. Close contact between the denture base and implant abutments is not required for the dentures to lock into place.
  • Easy handling – They are easier to place and remove by patients with impaired motor skills.
  • Better oral hygiene – There are no holes or notches in the denture base, which decreases the chances of food and debris getting trapped around them.
  • Less impact – The magnetic force limits lateral movement of the denture. This relieves some of the pressure that a denture can put on your gums, bone ridge, and dental implants.

3. What Are They Made Of?

Although magnetic denture systems often have the magnet enclosed in a capsule, some systems contact a trace of nickel. Some magnets are enclosed in a stainless steel case or are coated with ceramic to limit nickel exposure and add resistance to abrasion and corrosion. Let your implant dentist or prosthodontist know if you have metal sensitivities or allergies. Some dentists use magnets made of the minerals samarium-cobalt or iron-neodynium-boron. If you have concerns about the types of metals used, ask your implant dentist about it.

4. Request a Consultation

Before you choose any method of stabilizing your dentures, request a consultation with a skilled prosthodontist. Prosthodontists are specialists who, after dental school, completed two years of specialized training in restoring and replacing missing teeth.

After an examination and 3-D imaging, the doctor can let you know the following:

  • If you have adequate jawbone density to support dental implants, or if bone grafting is needed
  • The minimum number of implants needed to support your denture
  • The best method for stabilizing your denture

Magnetic dentures might be right for your case, but don’t insist on this method unless you understand the pros and cons. A conscientious prosthodontist will let you know the results you can expect with various methods for securing your dentures.

We recommend that you schedule at least two consultations with different prosthodontists so you can compare the options, costs, and methods of achieving the results you want. Keep in mind that the lowest fees aren’t always the safest and healthiest option for your smile.

This blog is sponsored by Naperville award-winning prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

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    Mar 21

    A denture tooth cracked on my affordable dental implants

    By Affordable Implant Dentistry

    I got affordable dental implants 8 months ago. They have been fine and I have had no problems whatsoever with them until now. The problem is actually with only one of the teeth. So I saw the dentist who did the arch of and she confirmed what I thought. There is a fracture in one of them and it’s making it feel like my bite is off. The dentist asked me how long I had the dental implants. I thought that was very strange because she was the one who did the dentures. Then after another 10 minutes of looking at all my teeth, she suggested that I replace the whole prosthesis “as a precaution.” I have never heard of this. Why would I replace perfectly good dentures that I’ve had no problem with, just in case something happens to them? Am I missing something? What was the purpose of getting affordable dental implants? Also she implied that I am somehow at fault so she is going to charge me for 75% of the cost of replacing the whole arch. – Traci

    Traci – No, you are not missing anything. The savings from your affordable dental implants would be consumed by replacing your dentures.

    We recommend that you get a second opinion. Have a second dentist—preferably a prosthodontist—examine the fractured tooth. It is possible to replace one or more teeth in a denture without replacing the entire prosthesis. Don’t mention anything to the second-opinion dentist about the recommendation you received from your dentist. If necessary, you can get a third opinion until you are comfortable with the diagnosis, recommended treatment for your affordable dental implants and dentures, and the explanation for both.

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

    Mar 07

    Will diabetes prevent me from getting All-on-4 dental implants?

    By All-on-4 Dental Implants

    I’d like to know if I’m really a candidate for All-on-4 dental implants because I have diabetes. To be honest, I previously did not take good care of myself. I was more than 200 pounds overweight and subsequently developed diabetes. When I was diagnosed, I ignored medical treatment and spiraled into depression. My self-care was terrible.

    In addition to diabetes, I developed a number of other conditions, including gum disease, which resulted in me losing many of my teeth. My major wake up call, however, did not happen until about five years ago when I had a heart attack at age 46.

    Since then, I have made some major changes to my health. I dropped 150 pounds, quit smoking, and am diligent about taking my diabetes meds. I’m still not great about exercise, but I do get out and walk a couple times a week and watch what I eat.

    The last time I went in to see my dentist, he proposed that I have All-on-4 dental implants done. I was incredibly excited that there was a simple and affordable way for me to get my smile back, and I really feel like I earned it.

    However, I’ve been looking online trying to find out what to expect and there’s a lot of conflicting information. It seems like, because of diabetes, I may be in a high-risk category for failure with All-on-4, and I am very hesitant about it if I’m going to pour time and money into it and may still not get good results.

    I mentioned it to my dentist and he said I didn’t need to worry, but I also felt like he was brushing me off. Is this something I can safely have done now or should I explore other options? Thank you, Pete H.

    Pete,

    A lot of research has been done around the longevity of dental implants and the types of risk factors that impact the success rates.

    All-on-4 Dental Implants for Diabetic Patients

    • Studies have shown that as much as 98-99% of people will have successful outcomes with dental implants when they’re in the hands of an experienced dentist.
    • There are certain risk factors that can reduce the odds of a successful outcome, which include uncontrolled diabetes and smoking.
    • Newer research suggests that even people with uncontrolled diabetes may have success with these kinds of treatments, but conservative dentists tend to err on the side of caution until there is more evidence.

    With all that said, all your hard work has essentially eliminated the major risk factors for you. That’s no easy feat, so congratulations on your efforts and amazing results. While no dentist can ever guarantee a 100% success rate, even in patients who have no risk factors at all, it sounds like you’re probably a great candidate.

    If you’re unsure, it’s worthwhile to get a second opinion or consult with an All-on-4 dentist, to discuss your concerns and verify you’re a candidate for the treatment before going forward.

     

    This blog is sponsored by Naperville All-on-4 dental implants provider Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

    Mar 01

    Dental implants are darker after Zoom whitening

    By Dental Implants

    I’ve had dental implants for 3 years. In January, I got Zoom whitening. The dentist I’m seeing now isn’t the same dentist who did the implant crowns.

    Anyway, it took a total of 3 whitening sessions to get my teeth as white as I want them. After the first session, I was immediately worried that my own teeth were lighter than the implant crowns. The dentist told me that it takes time for the color to stabilize and I shouldn’t worry.

    2 months later and the implant crowns are still noticeably darker. All 3 implants are on the top left of my mouth, immediately to the left of my center teeth. So I’m concerned about how this looks. My dentist has no explanation now. She just tells me that it’s not so noticeable.

    I have honest close friends who have told me that the color difference is noticeable. Am I stuck with this, or is there some way to darken my teeth or will I have to get new implant crowns? Kamila

    Kamila – Zoom whitening and the acceleration light provide quick penetration of bleaching gel into your teeth. This makes the whitening process faster than take-home whitening. Your super white teeth might darken a little with time, but that will take considerable time. Teeth bleaching gel lightens the natural pigmentation of your teeth. It is unlikely that your teeth will ever darken enough to match your dental implant crowns.

    Matching Dental Implant Crowns to Bleached Teeth

    Ideally, teeth whitening should be completed before you receive dental implants. Crowns are colorfast, so they cannot be darkened or lightened. Your dentist should have explained to you that your implant crowns wouldn’t match your teeth after Zoom whitening. Receiving whitening first ensures implant crowns are made to match your newly whitened natural teeth.

    Unfortunately, the solution for you is to get new crowns to match your natural teeth. An experienced prosthodontist can perfectly match the color so no one can distinguish your new crowns from your natural teeth.

    Before you choose a prosthodontist, check his or her website to learn more about the following:

    • Level of experience
    • Training
    • Credentials
    • Smile gallery before-and-after photos of actual patients at the practice

    Although replacing the implant crowns will cost you more money, you’ll have the satisfaction of a smile that you’re comfortable with and really love.

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

    Feb 21

    What’s the cost to get denture teeth replaced?

    By Dentures

    The false teeth in my dentures keep falling out and my dentist keeps putting them back. This has been going on for the past 9 months or so. After the 3rd tooth fell out, I started keeping track of it because I thought it might become a pattern. I am not proud to say I was right, but I was right. Over the past 9 months, 7 false teeth have fallen out. There is no pattern to it either. It doesn’t matter whether I was eating, talking, walking, or sitting. The teeth have randomly fallen out. Each of the 5 times I have gone back to the dentist for this, she asks me what I was doing when a tooth fell out. Unless I was biting something metal, does it matter? Can denture teeth fall out with everyday activity?

    And why is she asking me questions like this after multiple teeth fell out? Shouldn’t she be concerned about what she or the lab did or didn’t do correctly to cause this problem? My time is valuable and so are my nerves. I see nothing to my advantage to make it a habit of going to my dentist’s office and having false teeth put back in my dentures as if it’s normal. I am wondering about my options and how much it would cost to take out all of the false teeth and replace them with new ones? Or am I going to need new dentures? Thanks. Dorcas

    Dorcas – Before your denture teeth are replaced, your dentist—or a second-opinion prosthodontist—needs to determine why they keep falling out. The fact that your dentist has not taken the initiative to identify the real issue suggests a lack of desire, or a lack of proper training, to resolve it. There are several causes, though.

    Possible Reasons Denture Teeth Fall Out

    • They weren’t bonded correctly

      If teeth aren’t properly bonded to the denture base, they won’t be secure. Pressure on the teeth from eating or chewing can gradually cause them to loosen and fall out.

    • A poorly constructed base

      If you received a poor-quality denture base, it won’t hold the teeth. After wearing your dentures regularly, teeth will randomly fall out.

    • Your bite is off

      Just as natural teeth should properly fit together when you bite down, so should denture teeth. Pressure from an uneven bite can cause teeth to loosen and fall out.

    The Cost

    If each denture tooth needs to be replaced and your dentures are still under warranty, you shouldn’t be responsible for the cost. It might be easier to replace the dentures in their entirety, though. This is especially true if there is an issue with the base.

    Schedule an appointment with a prosthodontist. He or she is skilled and trained in providing high-quality, natural looking dentures that fit well and that will last. You can also consider having your dentures secured with dental implants to prevent them from floating around and to prevent jawbone shrinkage.

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

    Feb 13

    Bad experience trying to get affordable dental implants

    By Affordable Implant Dentistry

    I need affordable dental implants, but I’ve had a bad experience with my dentist. Although I won’t get into my life story about my childhood, because of my environment, I went through life without ever going to a dentist until my adulthood. My previous jobs didn’t provide dental insurance. I’m 27 years old and I have a great job with benefits. My teeth and gums are in horrible shape, and I lost 6 teeth already due to advanced gum disease. Dentures are the only way to go. I read enough about how your bone shrinks with dentures, so I also want affordable dental implants.

    I unknowingly chose an unsympathetic dentist through my dental plan. There are not a lot of choices in the plan for dentists near my apartment. This dentist asked nothing about my medical or dental history. She just spewed out insult after insult. I didn’t even get to ask her about dentures or the cost. Honestly, I felt so bad that when the hygienist told me the dentist would return shortly I just slipped out of the office. I had to pay up front, so don’t worry, I didn’t walk out without paying. This was the most humiliating experience ever. If this is what I have to go through to get dentures and implants, I’m not sure if I can take it emotionally. What should I do if dentist after dentist keeps insulting me? My teeth are in horrible shape, but shouldn’t I be treated with respect? – Riya

    Riya – We are sorry that your dentist was insulting and disrespectful. Her behavior was clearly unprofessional too. Every patient should be treated with dignity and respect. The good news is that you might not need dentures and low-cost implants to secure them at all.

    Are Low-Cost Dental Implants and Dentures Necessary?

    Unfortunately, you didn’t have an opportunity to speak with the dentist and discuss your options. Periodontal (gum) disease is treatable. You’ve lost several teeth, but even an advanced cased can be controlled—either through a family dentist or through a specialist, or periodontist. Well-controlled gum disease can prevent the need for dentures and affordable dental implants.

    What can you do?

    • We recommend that you visit at least two prosthodontists, or dentists who are specialists in replacing and restoring teeth.
    • Keep in mind that you might need to drive a little farther to find prosthodontists in your plan and get proper care.
    • You can consider scheduling consultations with at least two different specialists. This will give you a chance to meet the dentists and see how they interact with you. A dentist’s first concern should be restoring your oral health. You shouldn’t be scolded or insulted.
    • When you find a specialist who treats you with respect and works to restore your oral health, it’s probably the right dentist for you, and it’s time to switch.

    Dentures and affordable dental implants will be the last option a conscientious prosthodontist will offer. There are other ways to replace missing teeth, including a dental bridge or dental implants. You probably need a series of deep dental cleanings to regain your oral health. Every effort will be made to help you keep your natural teeth and restore any that are damaged.

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

     

    Feb 07

    Dental implants or Invisalign first?

    By Dental Implants

    I would like your help in deciding whether I should get dental implants or Invisalign first. I have 3 upper teeth missing (left side) and 2 lower teeth missing (left side). The teeth have been out for probably 7 to 9 years, so my upper and lower teeth have shifted pretty bad. I want to replace the teeth, but I also want to straighten out my teeth so my smile looks good. I’ve done some online research for Invisalign and dental implants. I have a budget and I don’t want to get them both at the same time. Is there a priority of what is healthiest for my smile? Does it matter whether I get dental implants or Invisalign first? Thx. Owen

    Owen – Here are a few facts about dental implants and Invisalign. They will help you understand the priority for your smile.

    Invisalign

    • Invisible braces that people won’t notice
    • Move your teeth with precision
    • Treatment time is half that of traditional braces
    • Removable so you can eat, brush, and floss well
    • More comfortable than metal braces
    • Requires wearing a retainer full time for a year after treatment, then nightly for life

    Dental Implants

    • Usually made of titanium
    • Surgically implanted in your jawbone
    • Require bone grafting if you don’t have enough jawbone density
    • Require a three to six month healing period so the implants fuse with your jawbone
    • Feel and function like natural teeth
    • Permanently in place, and don’t contain ligaments like natural teeth to allow them to be repositioned during orthodontic treatment

    Get Dental Implants After Invisalign

    Usually, it makes more sense to complete orthodontic treatment before you receive dental implants. Here’s why:

    • Dental implants are rigid.
    • As your teeth shift, the implants can damage them because Invisalign is unable to move the dental implants along with your teeth.
    • In some cases, orthodontic treatment is needed to ensure there is enough room for the implants.

    Schedule an appointment with a prosthodontist and an orthodontist to discuss your goals for your oral health. They will work together to ensure you get quality tooth replacement and alignment.

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

     

    Feb 02

    Will All-on-4 dental implants or overdentures save me money in the long run?

    By All-on-4 Dental Implants

    I’m wondering if All-on-4 dental implants or implant overdentures will really save me money over the course of time. I’m in my 50s and have been struggling with my teeth since my 20s. I presently have a dental bridge on both my upper right and upper left. The bridges span across the back four teeth on both sides of my mouth, with two false teeth in the middle.

    Lately, I’ve noticed that the bridge on the right side feels loose, which has happened before, and a tooth fell out of it. I’m honestly a little afraid to get it checked out. I don’t know how much it will cost to repair or replace it. When the last issue happened, the dentist told me I’m probably be a candidate for dental implants, but I’m not sure about implants. It seems rather expensive. I’ve searched online for on implant overdentures or All-on-4, and it looks like that might be a better option. It’s either that, trying to convince my dentist to do an even bigger bridge, or getting full dentures. Any idea on what the cost comparison here is? – Clifford

    Clifford,

    It’s important that you have your dental bridge examined. It could be simply loose, or it may have decay under it. In either case, the cost to repair it would be comparatively inexpensive. If it is more serious, the doctor may be able to stabilize it or, at the very least, he can give you options and costs for repair.

    All-on-4 and Overdentures Cost Comparison

    Prices vary depending on the dentist you see and where you live.

    • Individual dental implants – $2,000 to $6,000 each
    • Full arch of 14 teeth – $28,000 to $84,000. It’s more likely that the cost would be in the $40,000-60,000 range, but, again, that’s only if you had a dental implant replacing every single tooth.
    • Traditional dentures – Approximately $2,500 to replace a full arch.
    • Partial denture – Approximately $2,000. If you choose this option, you’ll likely be replacing the denture every 10 years or so.
    • All-on-4 dental implants or implant overdentures – $1,000-3,000 per implant. Can be retained with four to eight dental implants (All-on-6 or All-on-8), but doesn’t include the cost of the denture, which is an additional $2,500 or more. This is about half the cost of a full arch of dental implants.

    Why Choose All-on-4 Implants?

    • Cost savings over an arch of dental implants
    • Preserves bone density and reduces facial collapse
    • Eliminates or reduces the need for bone grafting
    • More secure fit
    • More comfortable fit

    We recommend that you schedule consultations with at least two prosthodontists to learn if you are a candidate for All-on-4 or other types of implant overdentures and to discuss your options.

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

    Jan 14

    All on 4 implants or overdentures if I smoke?

    By All-on-4 Dental Implants

    Can you tell me if All on 4 implants will work better than standard implants if I smoke? Since the implants are put in at an angle I’m wondering if they will stay put better than standard implants. I’m not a chain smoker but I smoke every day. What’s the better option for me? – Thanks. Branton

    Branton,

    Whether you receive All-On-4 implants or implant overdentures with standard fixtures, your dentist will encourage you to quit smoking before you receive them.

    Quit Smoking Before You Receive All-on-4 Dental Implants

    Smoking will affect the success of your implants in several ways:

    • Nicotine restricts the blood flow in your mouth.
    • Smoking slows the implant healing process, and it can prevent the implants from healing properly.
    • When you smoke, it increases the risk of periodontal (gum) disease. You need healthy gums for your implants to heal.
    • The purpose of All-on-4 is to receive implants when you have low bone density. Studies show the effects of smoking are more pronounced in areas of low bone density. So All-on-4 will present an even higher risk than standard implant overdentures.

    What about Smoking after Surgery?

    • Smoking after surgery increases the risk of inflammation at the surgical site.
    • Increased bleeding at the implant site is more common with smokers.
    • Although implant fixtures stimulate bone growth, increased nicotine hinders bone growth. So you can still experience jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse.
    • If you continue to smoke after surgery, it may cause your All-on-4 implants to fail. If even if a single implant fails, they will all need to be completely redone.

    When Should You Stop Smoking?

    At a minimum, it is recommended that you stop smoking at least one week prior to surgery and two months after. The recommendation from your implant dentist can differ. If you are unable to break the habit on your own, speak with your medical doctor about getting assistance to quit.

    Smoking doesn’t eliminate your ability to get dental implants, but healing can be slower, and there is a greater risk of implant failure. Your investment in your overall health and in All-on-4 dental implants will be worth it.

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

    Jan 09

    Is the diamond in Drake’s tooth a dental implant?

    By Dental Implants

    Is the diamond in Drake’s tooth a dental implant? I recently read he has a pink diamond in one tooth. Is it possible to insert a diamond in a natural tooth? It looks cool, but I’m wondering if it is safe to do? And if so, what does a dentist charge for something like that? – Ozzie

    Ozzie,

    Your dental implant question probably refers to a Twitter post between xxx and Drake that’s circulating. Drake’s photo was posted and there’s an awkward smudge on one of his front teeth. One of the comments made on the photo was:

    “Lmao all that money and ur teeth still don’t look clean.”

    Drake responded with:

    “I have a pink diamond in my tooth…I brush with activated charcoal before any club night where I will see baddies know datttttttttttt”

    Does Drake Have a Dental Implant for His Diamond Tooth?

    Drake hasn’t clarified how he got the diamond in his tooth. We haven’t found any clear photos that show the tooth well. So, we can only guess what it could be. So here are the possibilities:

    • Natural tooth – The tooth with the diamond could be a natural tooth. Dentists are doctors, so their concern is to not harm natural teeth. Most dentists would view drilling into a natural tooth as causing harm, but a diamond in a tooth is considered cosmetic dentistry. So there are some dentists who would yield to the patient’s request.
    • A grill –  A lot of celebrities have grills. This doesn’t appear to be a grill because the diamond is only on a single tooth. If Drake wanted a grill, he would probably have gold added to it for more bling, similar to what Lil Wayne has done.
    • Dental implant or a crown – Unless Drake had a missing tooth, it’s probably not a dental implant. Most likely, he has a dental crown with a diamond in it. Although it’s not common, a dental lab can easily make a crown with a space in it to embed a diamond.

    Is it Safe to Put a Diamond in Your Teeth?

    Safety depends on the dentist and the technique used. If the procedure was done in a dental office, it’s safe. Most dentists would not recommend removing natural tooth structure to embed a diamond in it. But if Drake has a dental crown, having it placed was likely a necessary procedure and bling was added to it.

    If anyone other than a dentist does the dental work, it’s not safe. Bacteria can collect around the crown and increase the risk of decay. Or permanent damage to the tooth can occur and ultimately result in the loss of the tooth. It isn’t wise to extract a tooth just to get a dental implant with a diamond in it.

    How Much Does Something Like This Cost?

    Pink diamonds are rare, but their value depends on the intensity of the hue, the clarity, and the number of carats. We can’t see the pink hue in the photos of the diamond in Drake’s tooth, but the diamond is likely graded as “fancy” or “fancy light,” meaning it is less rare and less valuable than one with more intense shading.

    The stone alone probably cost a few thousand dollars. A crown from a cosmetic dentist who caters to celebrities would also cost a few thousand dollars.

     

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

     

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