Skip to main content
Category

Implant Dentistry

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.

 

Dec 29

Titanium or Zirconia Dental Implants? Three Things You Should Know Before Deciding

By Dental Implants

Are you trying to decide whether titanium or zirconia dental implants are best for replacing your missing teeth? There are three things you should know about each of them before making a decision.

Titanium Dental Implants

1. Their History

In the last 20 years, titanium has gained popularity for use in many medical and dental procedures, including:

  • Dental implants
  • Hip and knee replacement
  • Elbow and shoulder joint replacement
  • Protect vertebrae in some back surgeries
  • Cardiovascular devices
  • External prosthesis

2. Why Titanium Dental Implants Work So Well

Titanium is so successful because it’s biocompatible, extremely resistant to corrosion, and super strong. The element has been rigorously tested and researched.

3. What about Titanium Allergies?

The thought of receiving titanium dental implants causes many people to be concerned about metal allergies and sensitivities. Nickel, cobalt, and chromium are the most common causes of reactions to metal in humans. The human body needs to maintain microelements of certain metals, including iron, copper, and zinc for certain functions. But what about titanium? It is biocompatible. Studies show that .06% percent—an extremely low rate—of patients experience a reaction. That means the vast majority of patients have not experienced a negative reaction to the implants.

If you have a history of metal allergies, speak with your implant dentist about your concerns. Some patients choose to be tested for allergies before receiving dental work that contains metal.

Zirconia Dental Implants

1. What Are They Made Of?

Zirconia dental implants are made of zirconium oxide. Zirconium dioxide is known for its high flexural strength. It is used in aerospace, optoelectronics, and nuclear power.

This dental ceramic contains both metallic and non-metallic atoms, which makes it a transition metal. Unlike titanium, it is not classified as a true metal. Although titanium sensitivities are rare, people who have them can usually tolerate zirconia implants.

2. How do zirconia dental implants compare to traditional ones?

  • They are titanium-free.
  • They are durable and long-lasting.
  • They are white, so many people think they are more aesthetically pleasing than titanium implants.
  • Unlike traditional implants, some zirconia implants are a single unit—combining the implant fixture and abutment (which supports a dental crown).

3. What’s the success rate?

Although studies vary, results of a September 2016, Springer – Clinical Oral Investigations study reports that after one year of function, zirconia implants had a 92% survival rate. The success rate of titanium implants is about 95%.

So What Should You Do?

Each patient case is different. Consult with at least two skilled prosthodontists or implant dentists to discuss your options. If you are allergic to titanium or any other metal, let the dentists know. You will need an examination to determine if you’re a candidate for this form of tooth replacement. A highly skilled prosthodontist will let you know the results you can expect from either zirconia or titanium implants.

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

Dec 16

5 Ways to Get Affordable Dental Implants that Last

By Affordable Implant Dentistry

If you are looking for affordable dental implants, you probably realize how important they are to your long-term oral health. But what about the dental implants quality? Is it possible to get affordable dental implants that last for a lifetime?

Deeply Rooted Advantages

  • Surgically implanted – They mimic tooth roots and are placed in your jawbone. They function and feel natural.
  • Stability – You can get maximum stability for a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or dentures.
  • Preserve jawbone – Implants stimulate bone and prevent jawbone shrinkage.
  • Prevent facial collapse – If all of your teeth are missing and your jawbone shrinks, your facial muscles will sag and make you look older. Implants help prevent facial collapse.

How to Get High-Quality, Affordable Dental Implants That Last

There are several ways to make tooth replacement or stabilizing your dentures more affordable.

1. Limit the number

If you need to stabilize your dentures, it can be done with as few as two implants. If it’s within your budget, choose standard fixtures over smaller ones. Just remember that more implants will increase the stability. Most implant dentists recommend four to six fixtures. Some of your options include:

  • Snap-on dentures
  • Bar-retained
  • Ball-retained
  • All-On-4®

2. Limit the size

Although mini implants are not strong enough to replace a single tooth, they can secure dentures. Just two of these smaller fixtures will eliminate the anxiety and embarrassment of dentures slipping around or falling out.

3. Have the work done in phases

Ask your dentist about options for completing your dental work in phases. Some possibilities are below.

  • Receive your dentures first and have the base fitted for affordable dental implants later.
  • You can also receive implant fixtures in phases—two at a time—until you’ve reached the number you want.
  • If you are replacing individual teeth, get one or two implants at a time.

4. Do Your Homework to Ensure High Dental Implants Quality

Whether or not you get quality implants that last is mostly determined by the dentist you choose. Before you select a provider, research a few dentists to learn about their education, continuing education, and credentials. Affordable dental implants are a waste of time without quality planning, placement, and aftercare. Going the cheap route can cause many problems, including:

  • Loose implant fixtures
  • Infection
  • Nerve impairment
  • Pain, numbness, and tingling

Your choice of a provider is crucial to avoiding implant failure. For example, Dr. LaVacca is an American board-certified prosthodontist. In addition to receiving specialty training after dental school, he obtained board certification. He also teaches other dentists about how to obtain the best results with implantology. Find out what he does to ensure you get dental treatment that lasts.

Schedule Consultations for Affordable Dental Implants That Last

We recommend that you schedule consultations with two or three highly experienced dentists to discuss your treatment and payment options. If you’re local to Naperville, Dr. LaVacca welcomes you to schedule one of your consultations with him.

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

Dec 06

Five Reasons Your Dentures Might Fall Out When You Sneeze

By Dentures

I’ve worn dentures for 16 years. It’s been a very uncomfortable experience for me. Within the past 3 months, they have started to fall out when I sneeze. This isn’t happening when I cough, but I can’t sneeze without them coming out. I’m learning to try hard to sneeze with my mouth closed, especially when I’m in public. Of course I’ve talked to my dentist about this and he keeps relining them. He also mentioned that I might need to get new ones. Could this be the problem if I’ve only had them for 2 years? I’m only 67 years old and there is longevity in my family. I’ll probably live another 15 years. Am I going to have to replace dentures every 2 years? – Thanks. Marlon

Marlon – We understand your concerns and the embarrassment that comes with dentures that fall out. Dr. LaVacca would need to examine them to determine why they are falling out, but there are several possibilities.

1. Jawbone Shrinkage

After many years of wearing dentures, jawbone shrinkage is the most common reason for them to loosen or fall out. When your teeth are missing, your body resorbs the bone. Generally, bone shrinkage begins within 18 months of tooth extraction, and it continues throughout your lifetime. Dentures that rest on your jawbone accelerate bone shrinkage. It becomes increasingly difficult to them in your mouth if there is not enough bone to support it.

2. Poorly Made Dentures

If cheap materials are used, or if shortcuts are taken in constructing them, they won’t fit well. It’s common to experience problems with bargain dentures.

3. Improper Fit

Impressions of your mouth are taken to make a denture base that fits securely in your mouth. If there was a mistake in making or lining them, they can easily slip off. A skilled dentist or prosthodontist will try in a model of the prosthesis to ensure it fits right before your final dentures are made.

4. Old Dentures

As they age, they won’t fit well. Usually, they need to be replaced every five to eight years. If your prosthesis is getting loose before that time, the age of it probably isn’t the cause of them falling out when you sneeze.

5. Damage

If your dentures have been damaged, exposed to extreme heat or extreme cold, or improperly stored, it can cause them to lose their shape and not fit correctly.

How to Prevent Dentures from Falling Out When You Sneeze

If you’ve worn dentures for 16 years, it’s likely that the problem is due to jawbone shrinkage. When your jawbone starts to shrink, even a new appliance will loosen with time. Replacing them every two years is not the answer. What can be done?

  • As few as two dental implants can be used to stabilize your dentures and prevent them from falling out. The implants will lift them off your jawbone, stimulate the bone, and decrease shrinkage.
  • Increase the number of dental implants, and you’ll have even more stability.
  • We suggest that before you get new dentures, get a second opinion. Visit at least one skilled implant dentist or prosthodontist for an examination. The dentist will identify the issue and let you know your options.

Implant-supported dentures make it easier to eat, speak, and even sneeze without anxiety or embarrassment.

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

Nov 30

Will I still be able to get dental implants if my gums are really swollen after getting teeth pulled?

By Dental Implants

I got 3 teeth pulled Monday that are in horrible shape. I’m going to get dental implants at some point. It’s been 2 days, and my gums are very swollen. My left cheek is swollen too. I wasn’t expecting this much swelling. I’m worried about getting an infection and not being able to get dental implants. Should I call my dentist about this or just give it more time? Ashlyn

Tooth Extraction Before Getting Dental Implants

Ashlyn – Swelling after an extraction is normal; it’s part of the healing process. It’s the result of white blood cells and fluid moving to the area of extraction to start the healing process. After an extraction, your gums, and the area around your mouth and cheek can swell.

Swelling is usually at its peak two days after the extraction, and it should decrease within a week. This should not interfere with your ability to get dental implants. Your implant dentist will ensure the extraction site has sufficient bone density and is clear of infection before implants are placed.

While you’re healing from the extractions, your jaw may also get stiff. You will feel some pain that, like the swelling may peak in two days, but gradually decrease within a week or so. The extractions were completed two days ago, so the symptoms should gradually improve over the next few days.

While the extraction sites are healing, there are some things you keep in mind:

  • Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth
  • Drink plenty of water, but don’t suck through a straw.
  • Avoid vigorously rinsing your mouth and excessive spitting.

These activities can cause the clot to dislodge, and the site may bleed. You can apply ice packs to your jaw to control the swelling. After a few days, if the swelling or the pain gets worse, or the site bleeds excessively, call your dentist’s office.

Don’t delay getting dental implants

Also, you didn’t mention if you have implant surgery scheduled, but try not to prolong it. Jawbone shrinks in the location where teeth are missing. If you lack bone density, bone grafting will be required to ensure the implants are well supported. This will involve more time and money.

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

Nov 30

When dentures don’t fit anymore or keep falling out

By Dentures

My dentures don’t fit anymore. They have been relined at least 5 times but they are still loose. My dentist doesn’t seem to be concerned. He just keeps relining them. I’m worried that the dentures will need to be relined so many times that I will wish I had just gotten a new set. Is this normal? I’ve been wearing dentures for about 16 year now. Maybe there is a certain brand of dentures that is known for fitting better. If so will you please let me know about it? Thanks. James

James,

When all of your teeth are missing—even if you wear dentures—your jawbone begins to shrink. This happens regardless of the brand of dentures you receive. Missing teeth are a signal to the body that bone is no longer needed in those places, so your body resorbs the bone and uses the minerals from it elsewhere.

After fifteen to twenty years of jawbone shrinkage, there is no longer bone to support your facial muscles, and you experience facial collapse. Jawbone shrinkage also makes it difficult to keep dentures in your mouth. You may find them slipping more often, even falling out.

The slippage of dentures and jawbone shrinkage can be prevented by securing your dentures with dental implants. Snap-on dentures secure dentures with just two dental implants. But there are other options available.

The cost for securing your dentures is per implant, but thee more implants used, the more secure your dentures will be. You will quickly notice that with implants, it is easier to eat and speak with dentures. They will feel more like your natural teeth.

 

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

Nov 06

Is my mom too old for All-on-4 dental implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

My mom recently had a consultation for all-on-4 dental implants. She’s 76, and I usually go to all her visits with her. For some reason, she booked this appointment herself and had a friend take her. She’s been complaining about her denture for some time now, and I’ve tried to explain to her that dentures aren’t like her old teeth. They will always be somewhat uncomfortable but guess because she’s had this set for 15 years or so now, she wants to move onto something different.

In any case, I’m at least a little familiar with the process because I had one dental implant done two years ago. I’m happy with it, but I’m also in my 50s and am more tolerant of procedures and heal better. I’m worried my mom won’t do quite as well. Also, although my mom is in really good health for her age, she’s still getting up there.

I’m not sure this is going to be a good investment. Actually, I’m worried that it might diminish her quality of life. Obviously, it’s her mouth and she gets the final say. The doctor she saw told her she was a candidate for this, but I wasn’t there. I really doubt that he was looking out for her best interests. Is she really a candidate for All-on-4 dental implants, or should I try to convince her to stick with regular dentures?

Thank you,
Avril

Dear Avril,

Although you might feel your mom’s current dentures are sufficient, consider her reasons for her exploring her options, including All-on-4 dental implants. Your mom has an older denture that isn’t working for her.

A Patient’s Perspective

It probably goes without saying, but having teeth that function well, look good, and feel good are the foundation of eating well and keeping helping her feel confident. Teeth that aren’t functional would reduce her quality of life. So if she’s uncomfortable, or if her current dentures aren’t any good, she needs a better solution.

Additionally, her jawbone has likely been shrinking, so dentures won’t fit well. A more conservative approach would be to see if the dentures can be relined. If so, they’ll feel better, and the function will improve. If they can’t be relined, she needs new dentures. No one should have to live with uncomfortable dentures.

Is There An Age Limit for All-on-4 Dental Implants?

So is your mom really a candidate for All-on-4 dental implants? Here’s what we know:

1) The oldest patient on record to undergo dental implant surgery was 100-years-old. Her surgery was performed on December 2012. The surgery was successful.

2) Studies have shown that “dental implants and implant-retained and/or implant-supported prostheses are viable treatment options for older patients,” although doctors must understand how caring for an older patient is different than caring for a younger one.

3) Another study that tracked 133 patients who were at least 80-years-old concluded: “Implant treatment in the elderly patients showed treatment results comparable to those observed in younger age groups.”

In other words, your mom may be a perfect candidate. And if it’s within her means to have treatment, it could improve her quality of life, because she’ll eat better and feel better about herself.

Consult with an Implant Dentist

If you’re still unsure about the process, ask her if it’s okay if you talk to the dentist she saw. Due to patient confidentiality guidelines, he may require that she sign a waiver giving him permission to talk to you. He is the best one to talk to you about her specific risk factors and why he thinks she’s a good candidate.

You can do some homework to ensure the dentist is experienced and highly trained in implantology. You can also get a second opinion from a prosthodontist if it will give you more peace of mind. In any case, her age is not a factor.

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

Oct 29

Affordable dental implants don’t fit my dentures

By Affordable Implant Dentistry

I found a dentist for affordable dental implants for my dentures. After 12 years of pop-up dentures I couldn’t take it anymore. The dentist I had been seeing charged $700 more for the implants than my current dentist. I switched to the cheaper dentist but that was a huge mistake. It was August when I receive the affordable dental implants. My dentist snapped my dentures onto the implants but even he admitted he had trouble doing it. I’m very concerned about keeping my mouth and dentures clean, but whenever I take the dentures out I can’t get them back in. Honestly I can’t count how many times I’ve gone back into the dental office just to have my dentures put back on the implants. Even the hygienist can’t get them back on. I’ve noticed my dentist using some sort of tool to wedge between the denture and my jawbone, but of course I don’t have a tool like that at home. Last week I realized that the real issue is that the affordable dental implants just don’t fit my dentures. I’m sure my dentist knows it but doesn’t want to admit it. How do I handle this? K.L.

K.L.,

We are sorry to hear about the difficulty you’re having with your implant dentures. You should be able to snap them on and off to clean them. Your suspicion about the improper fit of your affordable dental implants and your dentures might be correct. Well-planned and well-placed dental implants for dentures don’t result in the problems you describe.

When Affordable Dental Implants and Dentures Don’t Fit Together

  • You can start by scheduling an appointment with your dentist. Speak with him about your concerns with having dentures that won’t snap onto the implants without going into the dental office. It’s really unacceptable.
  • Your dentist should willingly offer to identify the issue and correct it at no charge to you. If your dentist isn’t willing to admit there is a problem—and if he doesn’t offer to correct it—schedule an appointment for a consultation with another implant dentist.
  • It’s possible that a new denture base can be made to snap onto the implants, or new dentures might be needed. It is possible, but less likely, that your dental implants were incorrectly placed.

The issue needs to be corrected to prevent excessive pressure on the dental implants as they are forced on or off. The implant sites can become irritated if they are repeatedly jolted so your dentures fit on them.

Schedule a consultation with a board-certified prosthodontist.

 

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

Oct 20

There is pus around my dental implant

By Dental Implants

I have been waiting 2 months for my a couple of my dental implants to stop hurting. The doctor keeps telling me to give it more time. Last Friday I noticed that there was wetness around 1 of the 5 implants, and it looked too thick to be saliva. Yesterday morning, I dried the area in my mouth all around the implant and within seconds the liquid came back. It’s pus that is oozing from the implant. I am furious because I have gone back to the dentist about this problem and he keeps assuring me that I don’t need to worry. I can’t believe that it’s taking this long for 2 implants to heal when the other 3 seem to be just fine. Why are 2 implants hurting and 3 are okay? Isn’t this something that I should be concerned about? Troy

Troy – Absolutely. It is concerning that two implants are still painful while the others seem to be healing well. If pus is oozing from your implant site and it’s been two months since you’ve received it, you need to seek a second opinion right away.

Pus around your dental implants is a sign of an infection. If it’s left untreated, the following issues will result:

  • Prevent proper healing of the jawbone bone
  • Prevent healing of soft tissue around the implant
  • Spread to other areas of the mouth

What to Do If There Is Pus Around Your Dental Implant

Only see a skilled implant dentist for your second opinion and examination. The implant dentist will let you know what needs to be done to treat the infection. The following steps might need to be taken:

  • Remove the dental implant
  • Determine if bone grafting is needed at the extraction site
  • Wait for the area to heal before replacing the implant

You can schedule appointments with at least two board-certified prosthodontists to get reliable second opinions. Prepare your questions, take notes, and compare your options.

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

 

Oct 16

Some facts about immediate dentures

By Dentures

My mom needs dentures. She has horrible periodontal disease and it’s making her breath smell awful. I went with her to her dental appointment. She has already lost 8 teeth and more are coming out. The dentist was talking too fast and mumbled something about dentures and he said something about an immediate denture. Now I have to find out for my mom what he was talking about. So what is an immediate denture and what can you tell us about them? Do you have any helpful information for us? Thanks. Natasha

Natasha – An immediate denture is a complete removable denture that is placed the same day natural teeth are removed.

What You Should Know about Immediate Dentures

  • One of the obvious advantages is that the dentures are placed immediately. Your grandmother won’t have to spend a day without teeth. Before her teeth are removed, it’s easier to make the denture teeth in a shape similar and size to her natural teeth.
  • They dentures cost more than traditional dentures.
  • More time is needed to construct them.
  • Because an immediate denture is made before all of the teeth are extracted, as the gums heal, the dentures will become loose and need to be refitted—perhaps several times. At times, the dentures can be relined, or it is possible that a new denture may be needed.

Four to five visits may be required to make an immediate denture. In some cases, if there are back teeth that need to be extracted, they are removed in advance of the date the dentures are placed to allow healing time. Otherwise, the dentures would irritate the gums.

Ensure Your Questions about Dentures Are Answered

If you have additional questions about your mother’s options, schedule a visit to her dentist to discuss them. It’s important that you are clear about the treatment options before a final decision is made. It’s okay to ask her dentist to speak slowly so you understand the options.

You should also ask about the treatment plan for your mother’s periodontal disease. Get a second or third opinion if you don’t receive satisfactory information from her dentist.

One option you may want to read about on LaVacca’s site is securing dentures with dental implants. This will make your mother’s dentures stable so they won’t slip around or fall out.

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

 

Close Menu