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Implant Dentistry

May 19
diamond-Lil-Wayne-teeth

Are Lil Wayne’s teeth dental implants or a grill?

By Dental Implants

Are Lil Wayne’s teeth dental implants or a grill? Have you seen the itsy bitsy teeny weeny diamonds on his teeth? Who is right? Me or my brother?  I say it’s a grill and my brother thinks it’s his real teeth. I figured an expert can look at pictures of those teeth and be able to tell what they really are. I think Rhianna wrote that song about shine bright like a diamond after having dreams about Lil Wayne’s teeth. LOL. But seriously. Me and my brother have a bet. Can you tell the truth about his teeth and how many carats of diamonds are on them? Terrance

Terrance – There are lots of questions about how Lil Wayne could get diamonds on his natural teeth. Many people think they have to be dental implants or a grill.

What Lil Wayne Has Said about His Teeth

In a 2010 interview, Jimmy Kimmel brought up the subject. Lil Wayne’s response was, “No, it’s not a grill because c…come out…Imma die with these. These are my teeth…” After Jimmy asked if the teeth could be switched out, Lil Wayne responded, “I can go to the dentist and switch them out, but it’s surgery.”
Check out the interview in the video below:

The rapper’s response provides clues:

  • If surgery is involved, his teeth might really be diamond-embedded dental implants.
  • His natural teeth could have been altered to embed diamonds in them.
  • If his teeth really aren’t removable, he might not be wearing a grill, unless of course, the grill was bonded on.

The dentist who provided Lil Wayne with the diamond-studded smile used to have several pages on his website dedicated to the rapper. Although the pages have been removed from the dentist’s website, they can still be accessed through Wayback machine. The pages confirm the dentist’s involvement, but they don’t reveal the actual work that was done. It’s illegal to reveal a patient’s medical or dental history.

Lil Wayne himself might not know the details of the procedure, but he does acknowledge that permanent dental work was completed to bling out his smile. Although we haven’t seen his teeth face-to-face, the photos look as if he might have a permanent grill or a dental bridge. The star says that surgery would be required to change his teeth.

Consider these facts that seem to point more toward a grill than dental implants:

  • Replacing crowns on dental implants doesn’t require surgery, but the rapper said surgery would be needed to remove the bling.
  • There is supporting evidence from a 2010 online news article that featured the dentist who created the flashy smile. The article first refers to the dentist’s services including dental implants, and later it states, “Requests for diamond grill work are more rare.” Hmm. Why the reference to diamond grill work? We can’t be sure, but it makes us wonder.

The verdict is still out on whether the rapper has dental implants or a grill. Although we don’t have information on how many carats of diamonds are on his teeth, he reportedly paid $150,000 for the sparkle.

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

May 09

My dentist isn’t offering more affordable dental implants if they have to be redone

By Affordable Dental Implants

Shouldn’t I be offered more affordable dental implants if they have to be redone? I first got implants in July of last year. They didn’t heal right so my dentist said she has to do them over and I was quoted full price for the new set. This is three dental implants that I have to pay for all over again. I asked my dentist about it and she explained that the same things have to be done all over again that were done in the first place and on top of it all, she has to remove the old implants and she isn’t charging for that. This is beginning to sounds suspicious to me. Should I really have to pay for the implants to be redone? I’m not sure what went wrong anyway. Every time my dentist tries to explain it, it sounds like a bunch of garbage. I’m starting not to trust her. Thanks. Annette

Annette – The usual healing period for dental implants is 6-12 months after surgery. You’re still within the normal healing period, so if your dentist is saying your implants need to be redone, it’s your right as a patient to be told why. We understand that you’ve already spent a lot of money for the procedure and would want affordable dental implants, but don’t agree to having them replaced yet.

The cause of dental implant failure needs to be determined to prevent the same issue after you have them replaced. If your dentist is at fault, not only should you receive more affordable dental implants, you shouldn’t have to pay at all to have them replaced. But be cautious about having your current dentist do the work.

Before You Ask for More Affordable Dental Implants

Before you ask your dentist to replace your dental implants for a lower fee, we suggest the following:

  • Ask your dentist why your dental implants need to be replaced. Listen carefully to her explanation, and ask questions about anything you don’t understand.
  • Before you have the implants redone, get a second opinion from an experienced implant surgeon or prosthodontist. It’s unclear what went wrong, so please schedule an appointment for an examination and diagnostic studies to help determine the real issue.
  • We recommend that you not move forward with replacing the dental implants without knowing what went wrong and how the problem can be avoided in the future.

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

 

Apr 27

Will All-On-4 Implants Conflict with My Metal Allergies?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I have metal allergies and I’m wondering how I would react with All on 4 dental implants. Since 2001 I’ve worn dentures and I’ve started noticing some bone shrinkage and difficulty keeping my dentures in. I went to an implant dentist who recommended All on 4. Whenever any dental treatment is recommended to me, I ask about the metal. I’m told that titanium is used for the implant fixtures. The implant dentist quickly said that it won’t be any problem but I’m not sure that he understands metal allergies. My ears, neck, and wrists easily break out from jewelry. I switched to cotton cord jewelry and I only wear sterling silver post earrings. I’m going to get a second opinion, I think. Before I schedule anything, I’m wondering if you know anything about dental implants and how they work for people with metal allergies. I can’t move forward with a maybe it will be okay. Thank you. Madeleine

Madeleine – If you have a metal allergy, it usually presents in a reaction like hives or anaphylactic shock. Your description of breaking out only in places where you’re wearing jewelry is a localized reacation—not throughout your body—so it’s considered a metal sensitivity. It’s unlikely that All-On-4 implants will present a problem.

Nickel is the most common metal that causes sensitivities. The fact that you can tolerate sterling silver suggests that your sensitivity is mainly to nickel. You might have other metal sensitivities that you’ve been tested for or are aware of.

So what should you consider?

  • Visit an allergist to be tested for metal allergists.
  • Ask your implant dentist about the composition of the All-On-4 implant fixtures that will be used in your case. It makes a difference whether the fixtures are all titanium or titanium alloy.
  • It might help to get a second opinion from an experienced implant dentist. Find a prosthodontist or implant surgeon who has successfully placed at least hundreds of implants.

Most manufacturers list the composition of implant fixtures on the packaging. An implant dentist who uses high-quality fixtures will have no problem identifying the composition of the fixtures for you.

Ensure you’re comfortable with the response you get regarding your metal concerns before you get All-On-4 or any other type of implants and before you select a provider.

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

Apr 19

My affordable dental implant is crooked. Shouldn’t it be redone?

By Affordable Dental Implants

I got an affordable dental implant and it’s crooked. This implant wasn’t cheap but it was more affordable than implants from most of the other dentists I contacted. I didn’t go with the cheapest one because I was afraid that it wouldn’t really be any good. So the surgery was done in February but the implant is crooked. I didn’t notice myself that the implant is crooked but I started feeling pain in the tooth in front of it. It was more like a toothache. I went to my dentist and he did an x-ray. He said it looks like his partner put the implant in at a slight tilt. I’m not sure why my dentist didn’t notice it because he put the crown on himself. Anyway I’m still having pain. So far, nothing has been done yet. My dentist says he needs to talk with his partner. I’m not sure what a discussion would be about. If the thing is tilted and the tooth in front of it hurts, the only thing that makes sense to me is that it needs to be taken out and put in the right space. It’s not an affordable dental implant anymore because it has cost me a lot of time and money taking off work and going back and forth to the dentist, and it’s not even fixed yet. Shouldn’t it be redone? Thanks Reilly

Reilly – You’re right. Your affordable dental implant needs to be removed and replaced. Insufficient training in implantology can result in improper placement.

You should choose your implant surgeon carefully. There is a multi-step process for a successful outcome.

Three-dimensional x-rays – The diagnostic studies will help to determine if the issue was a misjudgment of where the implant should be placed or if there is inadequate jawbone density to support the implant. Lack of jawbone density will cause the implant to shift.

Surgical removal of the implant – Your implant needs to be carefully removed to prevent nerve damage or damage to nearby teeth.

Implant replacement – The extraction site will need to heal. You might require bone grafting to support the implant. If you need bone grafting, it will need to heal and bond to your natural bone before the replacing the implant fixture. Your new dental implant will need to be placed with precision.

We suggest that you schedule a consultation with board-certified prosthodontist. Prosthodontists are specialists in tooth restoration and replacement. You can receive an accurate diagnosis and learn about your treatment options. Affordable dental implants don’t have to be problematic. But you must carefully choose the right provider.

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

Apr 06
dental implants years extraction

Can dental implants be done years after extraction?

By Dental Implants

Can dental implants be done years after extraction? This is 7 years to be exact. In 2010 I had 3 extractions on the top left side. I started out with a partial denture and never really liked it. Now I just hate my partial denture. I am exploring my options and I definitely don’t want a dental bridge. I’m looking for something more permanent that won’t affect my remaining teeth. I’m guessing that having to grind down teeth for a bridge is almost like losing even more teeth. What I don’t know is how difficult it will be for me to get implants now that I’ve waited so long. Should I have started out with implants in the first place or is there some way to get them even though I’ve been wearing a partial for years? Thanks Salvi

Salvi,

Provided you are a candidate for dental implants, it’s not too late to get them. Although it’s been ten years since your tooth extractions, dental implants are probably still an option for you. There are several considerations before your teeth are restored. We’ll discuss three.

Jawbone shrinkage

It’s been ten years since your teeth were extracted, so you might have some jawbone shrinkage. Your body resorbs the bone in places where teeth are missing. Sufficient bone density is needed to support dental implants. If you have bone shrinkage, bone grafting will build it back up. After the grafting procedure, a healing period of a few months is needed before dental implants are placed.

Individual implants

It sounds like you prefer individual implants. One dental implant is used to replace each missing tooth. There are several advantages, including:

  • Single implants look better than a dental bridge.
  • Individual implants are easier to keep clean.
  • Each implant will stimulate your jawbone and prevent further shrinkage.
  • Your gums are less likely to recede and show the framework of a dental bridge.

Implant-supported bridge

This option is more affordable, and it can be used to replace several missing teeth in the same area. The bridge is anchored with dental implants, instead of being placed on natural teeth that have been shaved down. Replacement teeth are suspended between the anchors. Over time, your gums can recede and the appliance will be visibly exposed.

Schedule Consultations for Dental Implants

We suggest that you schedule two or three consultations with experienced implant dentists—preferably board-certified prosthodontists, because they specialize in tooth replacement and restorations.

  • Ask friends and family members for recommendations, and compare patient reviews.
  • In advance of your consultations, write down any questions you might have or record them in a mobile device. Ask the same questions of each specialist.
  • Compare your options, the estimated cost, and your interaction with each dentist.
  • Ask to see before-and-after pictures of each prosthodontist’s work for individual implants and implant-supported bridges.

You’ll learn about reliable alternatives to your partial denture that will be durable and natural looking.

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

Mar 26

Will my duck lips from dentures be permanent?

By Dentures

I got new dentures 4 months ago and from day one they gave me duck lips. These dentures have totally changed my face, especially my profile. I have been back to the dentist 3 times because I hate the way the dentures look. The first 2 times she took them for adjustment, but I am not sure that anything at all was done because they look exactly the same to me. She even told me that some women pay for fuller lips. The problem is that these dentures don’t just give me fuller lips. They give me duck lips. My lips look abnormally large and are not proportioned. This is very emotional for me. I already wasn’t totally happy with my facial appearance but my previous dentures were pretty good. I got the former dentures when I lived in Elk Grove, CA by a fabulous dentist who really was concerned about her work. This new dentist pretends to be concerned or maybe she is concerned but just doesn’t know what she is doing. So now I am trying to figure out how long I can go with these dentures before I have permanent duck lips. I don’t want to make a hasty decision, but I am really skeptical about letting this dentist do the work. I don’t like to switch dentists but I think I will have to in order to resolve this issue. How much time do I have before the damage is done? – Dorcas

Dorcas – If your dentures are giving you duck lips, correcting the dentures will also correct your facial appearance. There should be no permanent damage, but for your comfort and confidence, you should get the issue taken care of quickly.

Depending on the skill of the dentist, dentures can change the shape of your face in a positive or in a negative way. If your dentures are giving you duck lips, there are a few possible causes:

  1. Denture teeth are too long or too thick – The denture teeth can be trimmed to compliment your facial appearance.
  2. Denture teeth are incorrectly angled – They can be removed from the base and repositioned.
  3. There is too much lining in the dentures – The lining can be replaced.

We recommend that you get a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist. He or she will examine your dentures to determine what is causing the “duck lips” appearance. A prosthodontist with experience in cosmetic dentistry will restore your smile and facial appearance, and improve your confidence.

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

 

Mar 14

Are All on 4 implants from Greece safe?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

It looks like Greece is the new travel dentistry hotspot, including All on 4 implants. That’s what I read online. I know South America and Mexico are suspect but is Greece different? If the cost of implants will drop 70% by going to Greece, I think even with the plane ticket and lodging I will still come out ahead. I’ve always wanted to go to Greece anyway. This sounds like a no brainer. Has your office received any reports, good or bad for dental implants there? Thanks. Mildred

Mildred,

Although we haven’t received any reports for or against dental implants from Greece, the country is known for sub-standard medical care. Although the British frequent Greece for fast and low-cost dental care, it’s not risk free. Several years ago, British women over 41 were alerted that Greece was the most dangerous place in the world for them to visit. Personal safety is a serious concern.

There are some critical factors that make All-on-4 dental implants successful:

  • Diligent implant planning, surgery, and several follow-up visits are required.
  • A highly skilled dentist who is experienced in the procedure is needed.
  • High-quality implant fixtures must be used.

The plummeting economy in Greece has caused many of its residents to be conservative with medical and dental care. This is likely the reason that medical and dental professionals are promoting tourism and cheaper fees than other countries. It also means that dental professionals are performing fewer implant surgeries, which can increase the risk of implant failure.

Before you decide to receive dental implants abroad, there are a few things you should consider:

  • If you experience complications, where will you go for follow-up visits? It’s unlikely that you will return to Greece for treatment, because it no longer makes your All-on-4 implants more affordable.
  • How will you verify that the oral surgeon and his or her location are properly certified to provide implants?
  • Can you hold the implant dentist accountable if something goes wrong?

Traveling outside of the U.S. for All-on-4 dental implants, or any other type of implants, comes with great risk. We recommend that you compare options and costs with several implant dentists in the U.S. and choose high-quality implants that will last.

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

 

 

Feb 17

Am I stuck with dentures now?

By Dentures

I started wearing dentures in 1997. At that time I didn’t know anything about dental implants. Dentures have been okay. But now they are so loose. No matter how many times they get relined, they still don’t fit right. Most of the time when I eat, my dentures lift up. I’m noticing that my face looks baggy, too. It is uncomfortable and embarrassing. I’m starting to notice a lot of commercials about dental implants for dentures. I don’t know if you can get implants after wearing dentures for so long. Can I get implants after wearing dentures so long, or am I stuck with dentures now? – LeVon

LeVon – The problems you’re describing with the fit of your dentures and your facial features are common after wearing dentures for years. When all of your teeth are missing, your jawbone gradually shrinks. Jawbone supports your facial muscles, so as it shrinks, your face begins to sag.

Jawbone shrinkage makes it difficult for your dentures to fit well and stay in place—particularly when you’re eating. Dentures can also rub against the ridge of your gums and make them irritated and sore.

If you’ve have significant jawbone shrinkage, the bone has to be built up to support dental implants. But first, an examination is needed, along with a review of your medical history, to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.

A few months after your bone grafting heals, dental implants can be placed to support your dentures. You will probably need new dentures. And a skilled prosthodontist who has training in cosmetic dentistry can provide you with natural-looking dentures.

Two to eight implants can be used to support your dentures. The bone grafting and dental implants will have many benefits.

  • Your dentures will be stable and no longer lift when you eat.
  • Building up your jawbone will provide support for your facial muscles and prevent or greatly reduce sagging.
  • Implants stimulate jawbone and will minimize shrinking.
  • Cosmetic dentures will look like natural teeth.

We recommend that you schedule consultations with two or three prosthodontists to answer any questions you have and to discuss your options. Take notes so you can compare your consultations and decide which dentist will provide you with cosmetic dentures and dental implants to support them.

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

Feb 08

Do affordable dental implants need veneers to look good?

By Affordable Dental Implants, Porcelain Veneers

I’ve been saving for affordable dental implants because since 2002 I’ve been wearing a partial denture 2 missing top right teeth and it is very uncomfortable. My cousin is a dental hygienist and she suggested that I look into dental implants. That was 3 yrs ago. When I found out the cost of implants I knew I couldn’t do anything about the partial so I saved up for it. I found a dentist who supposedly offers affordable implants but now I’m beginning to wonder about him. I had consultations with 3 different dentists like my cousin advised me. I chose this dentist because he is personable and explained everything so clearly to me. Last week I went into the office to get digital x-rays. The dentist told me everything looks good and I am eligible to get implants. Then he started talking about my need to have porcelain veneers on the teeth on the left and right of the implants. He said that to get the teeth to match the implants I need veneers. I thought implants would be made to match my natural teeth. Now I’m getting nervous about the cost and I don’t want veneers anyway. Is it normal protocol to need veneers so the implants match my teeth? Thank you. Jovana

Jovana,

Unfortunately, we have to recommend that you see a different dentist for affordable dental implants. It is not normal for a dentist to recommend porcelain veneers to ensure your dental implants match the teeth on either side of them.

It sounds like your dentist might not have cosmetic dentistry training and is not confident that he can provide you with implants that match your natural teeth. Either he doesn’t have the skill to provide you with natural-looking results, or he is trying to increase his profit on your case.

Do any of the dentists with whom you had consultations also have training in cosmetic dentistry? If so, visit one of them again to get more information on their recommendations for your implants. If you were really dissatisfied with the other two dentists, we suggest that you find two more dentists who offer affordable dental implants.

Your priority should be quality implant placement and results that look good. It’s possible that to get affordable dental implants, financing or a payment plan might be your best option. It’s better to ensure you get quality dental care than for it to be the cheapest option available with a poor outcome.

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

Feb 03

Will gum disease prevent me from getting dental implants?

By Dental Implants, Gum Disease, Oral Health

I have gum disease and I’m losing teeth. I want dental implants to replace them but my dentist tells me that he has to get my gum disease under control first. It was February of 2016 when he first told me I have gum disease and it seems like it hasn’t gotten any better. I’m not sure what is taking so long to get it straightened out. I don’t want to keep losing teeth while he tries to get things under control. Can I get dental implants from another dentist or do I have to wait for my dentist to figure out what he is doing? Thanks. Karmin

Karmin – Dental implants are the best option to replace teeth that are loose or missing due to periodontal (gum) disease. Before you receive implants, periodontal disease should be under control. If it’s been a year, and your dentist isn’t able to control your gum disease, it might be time to visit a periodontist—a specialist in diseases of the gum tissue.

How Periodontal Disease Can Affect Dental Implants

Dental implants are most successful in people with sufficient bone density and healthy gum tissue. Here’s why periodontal disease should be controlled first:

  • Advanced periodontal disease damages gum tissue and bone. Bone and gums should have a snug fit around tooth roots or dental implant fixtures.
  • If gum disease has caused your gums to recede, the base of your dental implants will be exposed. It will be challenging to keep the exposed area clean and free of plaque buildup.
  • Thin or receding gums around an implant fixture are unattractive. Either the fixture will show through thin gums, or be completely exposed if your gums recede.

We recommend that you have a consultation with an experienced prosthodontist. After an examination, 3-D x-rays, and a review of your medical history, he or she will let you know if you are a candidate for this treatment.

The prosthodontist will also determine if your gums are healthy enough and thick enough to support dental implants. Bone grafting and gum tissue grafting might be needed to ensure stability and success of your implants. In several months, the grafts will heal, and the implant fixtures will be surgically placed in your jawbone.

After your periodontal disease is controlled, if you receive dental implants, your oral health will likely improve. The fixtures stimulate bone grown and promote healthy gum tissue.

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

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