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Implant Dentistry

Sep 30

Can dental implants fail after 7 years?

By Dental Implants

Can dental implants fail after 7 years? I received 4 dental implants in 2010, and one of them is loose. There is also a lump just below where the crown meets my gum. I should also say that I feel the slightest wiggle in the implant. This is really bothering me because I like 8 hours away from the dentist who did the implants. As I think of it, I’m not sure that he is in the same location. I have to look it up. Until the last month or so, I’ve almost forgotten that I have dental implants. A little discomfort one evening as I was flossing my teeth gave me the clue. I just wanted to check with you first before I go to a dentist to take a look at it. I don’t want to be told that I need a new implant if it isn’t necessary. Just the thought of the time and monetary commitment is making me nervous. How could I have no problems at all and then 7 years later have a loose implant? – Joseph

Joseph,

Although it is rare, it is possible to have inflammation and infection around an implant that you’ve had for years. Usually an infection occurs within weeks or months of receiving a dental implant.

What Is Peri-Implantitis?

It is infectious disease that causes inflammation of the gum and bone that support an established dental implant.

It’s important to have a highly skilled implant dentist take a look at your implant site. If it’s left unchecked there are several risks:

  • The infection can worsen
  • Your jawbone can get infected or begin to dissolve
  • The implant can completely loosen and need to be replaced

There are several factors that can cause peri-implantitis

  • Smoking – It constricts blood vessels in your gum tissue and can cause inflammation and swelling
  • Loss of bone density – Certain medication, hormonal changes, or medical conditions can cause bone loss and interfere with the stability of dental implants
  • Periodontal disease – Unhealthy gum tissue will pull away from dental implants. Just as tissue that is infected or inflamed can cause natural teeth to loosen, it can also cause dental imnplants to loosen.

 

If your current dentist is aware that you have dental implants, he or she should ensure they are properly cared for and maintained. The issue you described should have been noticed during your dental cleaning and exam.

We recommend that you promptly schedule an appointment with a board-certified prosthodontist. He or she is trained and experienced in tooth preservation and restoration. The sooner you act, the less time and money it will cost to correct the issue.

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

Sep 26

Do I need crowns or veneers if vomiting is making my teeth chip?

By Bulimia and Teeth, Implant Dentistry

For the past 2 years I’ve been vomiting after meals and I’m wondering if it’s affecting my teeth and if I need crowns or veneers to protect them. My doctors can’t figure out why this is happening. I’ve had all kinds of gastrointestinal tests but nothing is showing up. It doesn’t happen every day, but it does happen at least twice a week, and sometimes more often.

I’m not bulimic. I was so concerned that this might be caused by an eating disorder that I went to a psychiatrist. I don’t have any issues with my weight or anything that is consciously causing me so much stress that I’m vomiting.

Within the past month or so I noticed that my teeth feel sensitive to hot and cold. Also my left canine tooth is chipped. Is this coming from the vomiting? I already don’t know what’s causing my stomach problems and now I have to worry about dental care and the cost of veneers or dental crowns. Can anything stop the damage? Thanks. April

April – We’re sorry to hear about the issues you’re having with your stomach and how your teeth are being affected. It’s good that you are seeking medical care and trying to find the cause of the problem. Vomiting from bulimia does affect the teeth, as well as the esophagus—but so does persistent vomiting for any reason.

In a short amount of time, if your teeth are repeatedly exposed to stomach acid, they can be damaged. Porcelain veneers only cover the front of your teeth and won’t protect them from the acid. Although dental crowns can help, they might not be necessary. Consider the factors.

How Persistent Vomiting Affects Your Teeth

  • Stomach acid wears away tooth enamel.
  • Damaged tooth enamel fails to be a protective layer and barrier from decay.
  • Repeated exposure to acid will wear away your teeth and expose tooth nerves, creating sensitivity.
  • Weak teeth can chip or crack easily, and become thin or translucent.
  • Over-exposure to stomach acid will also affect your gums and promote gum disease.

What You Can Do

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day to control the amount of acid in your mouth.
  • Rinse your mouth with water after vomiting. It’s good to keep a bottle of water with you.
  • Avoid brushing your teeth right after vomiting. If you brush your teeth right after they are exposed to acid, the abrasion will weaken them further.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste or toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for checkups. He or she might recommend prescription-strength fluoride. Your dentist will also monitor the damage to your teeth and determine if any of them need to be protected with dental crowns.
  • Continue to seek medical care and get a second or third opinion. Eventually, you will find the right gastroenterologist or another specialist to help.

Best wishes.

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

Sep 20

Should Front Teeth Be Replaced with Affordable Mini Implants, a Bridge, or Something Else?

By Affordable Implant Dentistry

How do I decide whether to get affordable dental implants, a bridge, or regular dental implants? I was given all three options to replace my top front teeth but I’m having trouble deciding. My dentist said that he would really recommend a bridge because it’s in the middle of being affordable and durable. But I had a bridge before and it didn’t last long and the teeth in it became loose. Plus it never really fit right.

Of course I’m concerned about the cost but I don’t want something cheap that is going to wear out in a few years and need to be replaced. Even though affordable dental implants cost more if that’s the way to go, I just want someone to tell me. Thank you. Siobhan

Siobhan – Whenever teeth need to be replaced, it’s good to think about their position and how much those teeth are involved in the force of biting, tearing, and chewing.

How Dental Implants Compare to Other Options

  • Dental bridge – Front teeth are directly involved in the chewing process, so they should be able to withstand a lot of force. A dental bridge will eventually weaken or loosen with the force that comes with biting and chewing. It isn’t your best option for front teeth. It’s understandable that the teeth in your dental bridge started to loosen.
  • Affordable dental implants – These are also referred to as mini implants, are used to support a denture. They are not designed to take the impact of biting and chewing with front teeth. Affordable dental implants definitely wouldn’t be a long-term solution for replacing your upper front teeth. Sometimes they are used to replace a lower, front tooth.
  • Traditional dental implants – These fixtures are like natural tooth roots in terms of size and durability. They are the strongest, longest-lasting option. It is possible to replace each tooth with a dental implant or to support a dental bridge with implants. This solution would not need to be replaced in a few years. Depending on your age, traditional implants can last a lifetime.

Schedule a consultation with one or two experienced implant dentists who can explain your options and what you can expect from each of them. Ask each dentist about:

  • Their training and credentials
  • How many cases like yours they’ve completed
  • Photos of actual patient cases similar to yours

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

Sep 15

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

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

 

 

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