Skip to main content
Category

Implant Dentistry

Sep 15

Is All-On-4 from a Local Dentist Really Better than Full Implants in Mexico?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants No Comments

I’m wondering if you can give me a little insight on All on 4 implants. Last month I thought I had made up my mind about going to Mexico to get dental implants. I’ve been wearing full dentures for 25 years and I have been frustrated with them since I got them. For the past 5 years I’ve been saving for dental implants. Costs have risen so much that I’ve said just a little more than 50% of the cost to have all of my teeth replaced with implants. I don’t want to wait another 4 to 5 years before I receive implants. I found information about getting implants in different places. Mexico is the closest location. I learned that I can find U.S. trained dentists there and even some dentists who are actually from the U.S.

I told my dentist about my plan and she asked me to reconsider getting implants done here. She told me about All on 4, which isn’t really what I want. Of course my dentist has to refer me to someone else get them, which is probably why she didn’t tell me about it before. I’m just wondering why I would just choose 4 implants when I can get all of my teeth replaced in Mexico for not much more than the 4? Is this just a form of nationalism that dentists here have because they think they are superior? Thanks. Lax

Lax – Your dentist’s concern isn’t a form of nationalism. She wants the best for your oral health. There are many countries that offer dental implants, but Mexico is among the most dangerous choices for dental work. Why the high risk? Consider a few reasons:

  • Quality and sterility requirements are not of the highest standard
  • You will have little or no recourse if something goes wrong
  • The government won’t require the dentist to correct any mistakes
  • Prompt attention is needed if there are implications with your dental implants. Can you return quickly to the country for dental care?

Why All-On-4 Dental Implants Are a Good Alternative

All-On-4 dental implants require skill, precision, and experience to properly place and evenly balance. Although many dentists offer the procedure, only prosthodontists or implant dentists with advanced training can successfully perform this method of stabilizing your dentures. What are the benefits?

  • Your dentures are secured with four dental implants
  • Your appliance will have more stability and feel more like your natural teeth
  • All-On-4 is a safer option than getting your implants from Mexico
  • Although the success rate is high, if you do experience complications, you can quickly see your dentist
  • The implants will still help to control facial sagging

Conduct an online search to find out which specialists in your area provide the All-On-4 procedure. We recommend that you schedule consultations with at least two specialists. Gather the following information:

  • How long the dentist has been treating patients with All-On-4
  • How many procedures he or she has completed
  • What type of training the dentist received
  • Ask to see before-and-after photos of the dentist’s actual patients

Compare your options, costs, and the results each dentist tells you to expect.

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

 

 

 

Aug 29

How do you soft line a denture?

By Dentures No Comments

Will you please tell me how to soft line a denture? My dentures are only 2 years old and my dentist has soft lined them 6 times. The dentures are still loose and they fall out if I breathe too hard. I’m very frustrated about this whole thing, I am hungry and I am so disappointed with this whole process. I’m beginning to wonder of I need to scrap the whole thing and insist on new dentures from my dentist. Before I give up though, I want to try to reline them myself. He hasn’t done anything right so what do I have to lose? Can you please give me soft lining step-by-step instructions or tell me where I can look online preferably for a reliable video? If not, written instructions will do. Thank you in advance for your help. Clarke

Clarke – We’re sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience with your dentures. It is clear that soft lining your dentures isn’t the answer. When dentures continue to be lose and fall out, there are several possible causes.

Why Dentures Might Be Too Loose

There are many factors that can cause your oral appliance to loosen. Some reasons are listed below.

  • Jawbone shrinkage occurs after years of wearing dentures. As the bone shrinks, dentures will loosen.
  • Improper impressions of your teeth or bony ridge were taken, so the dentures don’t fit correctly.
  • The denture border is too wide, too long, or too short.
  • The base of the denture might be defective.

Is Soft Lining Them Really the Solution?

Your bony ridge and dentures need to be examined. Your dentist can determine if the problem is the result of jawbone shrinkage or the construction of the dentures.

If you decide to get a second opinion, find a prosthodontist or experienced dentist to examine the dentures and tell if they are being correctly relined. It is possible that you will need dentures.

If you need new dentures, consider having them secured with dental implants. Dental implants add stability to dentures and prevent them from slipping around or falling out. They also prevent bone shrinkage. If you have excessive jawbone shrinkage, grafting might be needed to build up the bone before implants can be placed.

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

 

Aug 18

All-on-4 implants are making me lose weight

By All-on-4 Dental Implants No Comments

In June I got All on 4 implants and I’ve lost 30 pounds since that time. I wanted to drop a few pounds but not this way. I wore dentures for 15 years. With the bone shrinkage from not having my own natural teeth, my dentist and I agreed that I needed dental implants. All on 4 sounded good to me because I didn’t want a whole bunch of implants and a long drawn out process. The whole thing has been a nightmare because I can’t eat because of the pain from chewing. And so the 30 pounds have dropped off in no time. My dentist keeps asking me to give it more time. I’m not sure what she has in mind but I don’t like going without eating and worrying that I am now too thin. I’m drinking protein drinks it seems by the gallon just to keep from malnutrition. Will you please tell me if waiting is the only answer or do I have options? Emil

Emil  – There is clearly a problem with your All-on-4 dental implants. What isn’t clear is why your dentist keeps asking you to wait. After two months, the symptoms you describe are alarming. Your dentist should have a sense of urgency to identity and resolve the issue. If your dentist can’t find the issue, she should refer you to a specialist, particularly a prosthodontist.

Quick Action Is Needed for Painful All-On-4 Implants

Below are a few reasons why you and your dentist need to act quickly to preserve your All-on-4 dental implants.

  • Although Dr. LaVacca would need to examine your dental implants, the pain and discomfort you describe seem to indicate there is an infection around the implants.
  • Usually with signs of infection, antibiotics are prescribed to stop the infection and help preserve your implants.
  • If there is an infection, and it continues, you could completely lose the dental implants.

Contact your dentist’s office again to request an urgent appointment. If your dentist is unwilling to see you, get a second opinion from an experienced implant dentist. Meanwhile, in addition to your protein drinks, to get more nutrition, you can puree food, or eat soup, low-sugar yogurt, or other soft foods that don’t require much chewing.

Don’t delay scheduling an appointment with your dentist or getting a second opinion. It can make the different between saving, or losing, your All-on-4 dental implants.

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

Aug 13

Are dental implants the best option for a hockey player?

By Dental Implants No Comments

As a semi-pro hockey player I’m wondering if dental implants are right for several teeth that have been knocked out. I’ve been wearing partial dentures but they are super uncomfortable. I’m also sort of worried about getting dental implants and having them knocked out again. Is there something less expensive but just as good as dental implants for people who regularly get teeth knocked out? I’m not sure how to handle this situation. I knew the risks going into the game, but now that it’s actually happening I’m getting nervous about my appearance. I’m proud to be in the semi-pros, but I also want a decent smile. Thanks. Jon

Jon,

If you’re playing hockey in the semi-pros, it’s most likely that you’ve been told to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth. Do you regularly wear it?

Protect Your Teeth and Your Investment in Dental Implants

If you don’t already do so, start wearing a custom mouth guard for every game. Dentists provide custom mouth guards that are made from impressions of your teeth. Several factors must be considered before you can receive dental implants.

If you regularly wear a mouth guard, dental implants might be an option for you. But if you experience a lot of impact to your mouth, implants can loosen and fall out, just like natural teeth. A dental bridge might be an option for you. It’s easier to add knocked out teeth to a bridge than to have individual implants replaced.

We recommend that you visit a prosthodontist for an examination and diagnostic studies. The health of your teeth will be assessed to ensure you don’t have periodontal disease. Gum disease reduces support for your teeth and can make them more easily fall out upon impact. Periodontal disease must be treated before receiving dental implants. Otherwise, the implants and your jaw bone won’t fuse to provide maximum support.

If you decide to get dental implants, there are several things to keep in mind:

  • There is a healing period of several months before they are completely stable.
  • During this time you should avoid any situation that might result in impact to your face and teeth. You will be advised to avoid games and practice sessions.
  • An impact to your face or mouth can cause infection around the implants or dental implant failure. The implants would need to be replaced.

Schedule an appointment with a skilled prosthodontist to determine your options and what you can expect from each of them. Be certain to let him or her know that you are a semi-pro hockey player. Regardless of the treatment you receive, it needs to be planned for a time that you’re not in the midst of game season. This will give you time to receive the treatment and to have a healing period if you opt for dental implants.

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

Jul 25

Two of my affordable dental implants failed

By Affordable Implant Dentistry No Comments

When I finally found affordable dental implants I thought I was being blessed. It was December of last year when I received 6 dental implants for my dentures and since that time 2 of them have failed. They have turned out to be the curse of a lifetime. This has been one of the most bitter experiences of my life and I so regret that I ever got them. I had 2 implant consultations and picked my dentist because his implants were more affordable and he talked a good game about quality and all the reasons that I would be just as satisfied with the results as if I had paid $4000-$5000 more from another dentist. I checked his training and qualifications on his website, and I believed him.

After the 2 implants failed, I was told that I needed bone grafting and that the grafts need to heal. Then I could get new implants. I received the grafting last month and had a follow-up appointment. The dentist told me it doesn’t look good. He does all of the work himself. He claims that he has had hundreds of implant problems and has never seen a case like mine. During my last appointment, he suggested that the grafting needs to be done over again. A few days ago I started having chest pains and went to the emergency room. Everything checked out fine. My primary care doctor said it’s probably stress. I’ve never had chest pains in my life. I can’t let stress or this dentist send me off the deep end. I’m very nervous about returning to him but I can’t walk around with faulty grafts either. Is this a common issue with affordable dental implants? Thank you. Ingrid

Ingrid – Affordable dental implants that are placed by a highly qualified implant dentist or prosthodontist are highly successful.

When problems arise the reasons vary. Some of then are listed below:

  • The implant dentist lacks the skill required for proper planning and placement of dental implants.
  • Lack of training in current techniques and best practices can lead to implant failure.
  • Cheap implant fixtures can loosen, break, or cause infection.
  • Lack of jawbone density can prevent proper healing. Jawbone density should be measured before implants are placed.
  • If you smoke, it can restrict your blood vessels and interfere with proper healing.

We recommend that you get two more opinions from experienced prosthodontists. Take a copy of your dental records and x-rays with you. After an examination, you’ll be advised of your treatment options. You can also learn about the condition of the remaining dental implants and whether or not they are stable.

If the implants have failed due to faulty work from your current dentist, request a partial refund.

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

Jul 20

My dental implants hurt when I eat

By Dental Implants No Comments

I was thin enough when I got dental implant dentures. Now I look like Death Sucking on a Lifesaver. It’s horrible and I need help because my diet is very limited. My implants hurt when I eat and I’m losing weight fast. I think I have an incompetent implant dentist who keeps telling me to give it more time. I’ve also lost my appetite because of the stress of wondering about how many more thousands of dollars it’s going to cost me to get the implants replaced. Any pressure on the teeth just sends pains riveting through my mouth. I think chewing on the right side is worse than the left. Although I’m usually a right-side chewer I’ve tried to make the adjustment. Everything about eating is uncomfortable. As I’m mentioning it, I should say that I don’t have pain unless I am eating. I got the implants in March and this is an ongoing problem. My dentist is clueless. If you can give me any idea of what is going wrong so I can tell her what she might look for, I would really appreciate it. Thanks. Joan

Joan,

Pain after dental implants can be caused by several different factors. Pain and swelling during the initial healing phases is normal, but after four months of implant placement, you certainly should be able to eat without pain. And you shouldn’t be losing weight.

Your dentist should definitely be working hard to find the cause of your pain. It’s possible that there is a problem with the construction of the denture or the way your denture teeth fit together. But without an examination from Dr. LaVacca, it’s impossible to pinpoint the exact cause.

What to Do If Your Implant Dentures Hurt When You Eat

If your dentist isn’t addressing the issue, we have several suggestions:

  • Schedule an appointment with at least two, experienced implant dentists. Include a prosthodontist as one choice.
  • Avoid mentioning your dentist’s name, and don’t provide the full story.
  • Talk about your symptoms and when you feel them. Let each dentist know that you’ve experienced pain since you received your dental implants.

An experienced implant dentist or prosthodontist will examine your implants and implant dentures to determine the source of your pain. Additional diagnostics studies might be required, and your bite (the way your denture teeth fit together) will be checked.

It’s possible that rather than a dental implant mistake or failure, your denture teeth need minor adjustment, and you will be able to eat without pain. If the issue is more serious, the dentist who completed the work should accept responsibility and give you a refund or a partial refund to have the issues corrected. Your new implant dentist or prosthodontist will let you know what is needed to have your dental records transferred to his or her office.

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

 

Jul 14

What Is the Cost to Have My All On 4 Implants Replaced?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants No Comments

I’m wondering how much it would cost to have my all on 4 dental implants replaced. I don’t like the way they look. Would I have to go through the whole thing all over again? Before I decided on all on 4, my dentist talked a lot about how much I would like them better than regular dentures because they look and feel natural. Neither is true. It looks and feels like I have buck teeth. The implants make my lips poke out and they are very uncomfortable. My appearance has actually changed. I really want to find a new dentist or a prosthodontist to take them out and start all over again. How much would this cost? Jeff

Jeff – Dr. LaVacca would need to examine your All-On-4 dental implants, as well as the prosthesis (dentures) secured to them. But your description sounds as if only the denture portion of your implants needs to be adjusted or replaced.

It is possible that the denture teeth used in your All-On-4 implants are slightly longer than your natural teeth. Sometimes this is done to give you a more youthful appearance. Even so, longer teeth shouldn’t be placed in the denture base without your approval.

Cosmetic Dentures for All-On-4 Dental Implants

Cosmetic dentures look completely natural.

  • They are made of high-quality denture material.
  • Care is taken to ensure that the size, shape, and color of the teeth complement your facial features. That’s the difference a prosthodontist can make.
  • A prosthodontist who is trained in cosmetic dentistry is picky about ensuring your smile looks like your own natural teeth.

Although it’s unlikely you need new dental implant fixtures, if they do need to be replaced and you switch to a new dentist, the cost of diagnostic studies, surgery, implant fixtures, and other phases are applicable. But your current dentist should be willing to correct the flaws in your smile without additional cost to you.

Speak with your dentist about your concerns and ask him about the options for correcting your smile. He should willingly work with you to ensure you’re happy with your All-On-4 implants. Don’t compromise. People who are hesitant to smile have reduced self-confidence. It can even affect your social life. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to get the issues properly resolved.

If you want a second opinion, schedule an appointment with a board-certified prosthodontist—a specialist in tooth replacement and restoration.

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

 

 

Jun 22

I Can Only Get Affordable Dental Implants If I Switch Dentists

By Affordable Dental Implants

It doesn’t make sense to me that the only way I can get affordable dental implants is to switch dentists. I’ve had this dentist for 17 years. You would think that after I got 3 other consultations from other dentists and told her their price that she would be willing to go down on her cost. I think it’s ridiculous. She keeps telling me I need 3 implants but she is the most expensive of the 4 dentists. The thought of going to another dentist is making me a little nervous because my dentist knows my history and I trust her. I just want to go elsewhere for implants and return to her for my normal dental work. Am I risking my chances of being able to return to her as a patient? Thanks Jonah

 

Jonah,

There are no requirements for you to get your dental implants from the dentist you’ve had for years, but you should ensure that you’re getting high-quality, affordable dental implants. Your dentist is more familiar with your medical and dental history, and that has it’s advantages.

Most dentists’ rates in a given city are usually comparable. If your dentist’s costs are significantly more, you should find out why. There are several possibilities:

  • The actual services included in the rates might differ. Ask each office for the details.
  • The quality and cost of the implant fixtures might be different.
  • The type of dental implants used might differ (e.g., mini vs. standard).
  • Some dentists might take more precautions with 3-D diagnostic studies, while others just take x-rays only.
  • A dentist might have superior training, including board certification, or fellowship or mastership in a highly respected implantology organization.

We encourage you to dig deeper to learn why your dentist’s costs are higher. Also consider how much higher they really are and if it’s worth switching. Regardless of the provider you choose, ensure he or she is highly trained and experienced in implant surgery. You should also check the training and skills of restoring dentist (for implant crown placement).

If you decide to choose someone other than your current dentist for more affordable dental implants, it’s likely that she will be happy to keep you as a patient for ongoing care.

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

 

Jun 09

All-On-4 implants still hurt and I’m dizzy and nauseous

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I got All on 4 implants after wearing full dentures for 15 years and seeing my face gradually drop and make me look 10 years older. I knew dental implants were the answer so I spoke with my general dentist and she referred me to 2 different specialists for consultations. My dentist and I worked together to decide which specialist really sounded like he was interested in me and my situation. I made the final decision with my dentist’s help. I thought I would need bone grafting with all of the bone shrinkage until I learned about All-On-4 implants. It seemed like an answer from above but now I’m beginning to wonder if it was actually a curse. I’ve had the implants for 5 weeks. I’m still in pain, still dizzy, and still nauseated. Of course I called the specialist. He examined my implants and asked me to follow up in 2 weeks. Meanwhile I’ve lost 15 pounds. Yes, I wanted to lose weight but not lightning fast. I do want to be able to eat. Does this 2 week waiting period sound valid? What else could I do to speed things along? Jordan

Jordan – In short, we recommend that you get a second opinion for your All-On-4 dental implants. You should not be experiencing the symptoms you describe. Your description indicates you have an infection or another condition that is making you dizzy and sick. You shouldn’t have the pain you describe either. You need to act quickly to avoid dental implant failure.

We’re not sure why your dentist would recommend a two-week waiting period. If anything, you are likely to get worse. Your symptoms should have prompted the specialist to take diagnostic studies or consult with another specialist if he is unsure of what’s causing the problem.

While You’re Waiting for an All-On-4 Second Opinion

  • Meanwhile, it’s important that you get enough nutrients. If your body is trying to fight an infection, it will struggle without good nutrition.
  • Even if you have to eat soft foods, soften protein in a blender, or drink nutritious shakes, your intake is important.
  • If your condition worsens over the next day or two before you can see another implant specialist, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor. He or she can tell if you have an infection. Your doctor will also give you suggestions on how to build up your strength with proper nutrition.
  • Keep your general dentist informed of what’s going on.

Don’t wait two weeks to get help.

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

 

Jun 05

Will dentures flush down the toilet?

By Dentures

Will dentures flush down the toilet? I’m serious. That’s all these dentures are worth and I don’t want to see them again. I need to start all over. The denture center ripped me off. My gums hurt but the dentures are too loose. Does that make any sense? I just don’t want to cause any plumbing problems when I flush them. I want to be sure they will go straight to the sewer. To say I’m furious is an understatement. I only wear them when I have to leave the house and I’ve been staying in more than usual because of the frustration. Can I flush them straight down the toilet or do I have to go out and find a sewage drain to thrown them in? Malcom

Malcom – Your frustration is clear and understandable. But it’s not safe for your plumbing system to flush your dentures down the toilet. They would cause you even more trouble and money, and make you angrier. Before you throw your dentures out, we have a few questions you should consider.

  • How old are your dentures? – If they are new, don’t throw them out. They might need to be relined or remade. New oral appliances should have a warranty. If your dentures are more than five years old, depending on the quality, it might be time to replace them.
  • Did you purchase budget or high-quality dentures? – Were your dentures unusually inexpensive? If so, poor quality oral appliances don’t last long. If you received high-quality dentures, perhaps the bite is off, they need to be relined, or they should be remade.
  • What adjustments have been made to give them a better fit? – Have you taken the dentures back to the dental center? If not, ask for them to be examined, and describe the issues you are having. If they are still under warranty, they should be corrected with little or no cost to you.
  • When did you first start wearing dentures? – Depending on how long you’ve been wearing them, you might have experienced jawbone shrinkage. Bone shrinkage naturally occurs after many years of missing all of your teeth and wearing dentures. If that’s the case, it won’t be long before new dentures loosen. Implant overdentures will provide more stability and give you a better fit.

Before You Toss Your Dentures

Throwing your dentures away will leave you without a way to eat and speak correctly. Ensure you at least receive a temporary solution before you get rid of them altogether. Visit an experienced prosthodontist or implant dentist for an accurate assessment of what needs to be done to ensure you receive dentures that look natural and function well.

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

Close Menu