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Implant Dentistry

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

Jan 11

Why don’t my dentures don’t fit on my implants?

By Dental Implants, Dentures

I’ve worn dentures since 2010. They were a nightmare since the day I got them. First I didn’t like the way they looked. They looked like plastic pegs. Also the way the dentures fit was driving me crazy. They were too big for my mouth and it was hard to keep them in. I paid so much money for them and had so many return trips to the dental center for them that I decided to tough it out. Last year I had enough of my dentures, so I started looking into new ones that look natural and fit well. I found a cosmetic dentist who also does implants. The dentures are beautiful. I had no problem with the implants healing correctly. The problem is that the dentures don’t fit right on the implants. The feeling is hard to describe, but it is very uncomfortable. It takes a lot of effort to snap them on and off the implants. Even my dentist has a hard time with it. My dentist calls it an adjustment period, but it’s been 5 months and I think by now I should feel comfortable with them. Why don’t my dentures fit on my implants? – Lyle

Lyle – Your implants and your dentures need to be examined to determine what is causing the poor fit. There are several possible causes.

Reasons Dentures Might Not Fit on Your Implants

  • The wrong attachments are used – It’s possible that the attachments used don’t match the snaps on the denture base. The attachments can be replaced.
  • The alignment of the dental implants or abutments – The dental implants or the abutments for snapping on the denture might be incorrectly positioned. Your denture needs to be adjusted to accommodate the angle, or it might need to be completely replaced.
  • The dentures – If the impression of your mouth wasn’t taken correctly, your dentures won’t correctly fit the implants. The snaps on the denture base might be in the wrong position. Depending on how long you’ve had your dentures they can be relined, or they might need to be replaced.

Get Help Quickly

It’s important to get the issue resolved. If dentures aren’t correctly secured to implants, it can result in damage to your dentures, the implants, or your oral tissue.

We suggest that you get a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist. Although your cosmetic dentist has receiving training in implantology, prosthodontists receive two years of post-graduate training in tooth replacement and restoration. Look for the following credentials:

  • A board-certified prosthodontist
  • Membership in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists
  • Membership in the Academy of Osseointegration

A skilled prosthodontist can evaluate the cause of the problem and make the adjustments needed to give your dentures a comfortable fit.

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

Jan 06

Do I have to get All-On-4 if bone grafting didn’t work?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Bone Grafting

I need some advice on whether or not I will have to get all-on-4 dental implants. My current dentist was recommended to me by my former dentist. My former dentist moved to Florida. Before she moved, my former dentist had given me a referral to a periodontist for a dental implant. I have a tooth that was damaged during a root canal by yet a different dentist and the tooth had to be pulled. I never made it to the periodontist because I couldn’t afford it at the time. Now that I can afford the implant my new dentist insisted on placing it because he had training in doing implants. When I asked him how many implants he had placed, he told me that he had done hundreds of implants. He also assured me that he could do the bone grafting too. The bone grafting is done, but when my dentist tried to place the implant 3 weeks ago, he said the graft couldn’t support the implant. He recommends a dental bridge instead. I asked for time for me to think about it. I knew that I should have gone to a periodontist. I don’t think I would have this same outcome. Is there any chance that I can go somewhere else and get it done, or will I have to get all-on-4 because bone grafting doesn’t work for me? Thanks Morris

Morris

It’s unlikely that you would have this same experience with a periodontist or a prosthodontist. Some dentists, including prosthodontists, have advanced training in implantology. They specialize in bone grafting and implant surgery. All-on-4 dental implants aren’t suitable for your case. That treatment replaces a full arch of teeth—not a single tooth. Even when a full arch of teeth is needed, an experienced prosthodontist can successfully complete bone grafting.

It sounds like your dentist might have experience with dental implants, but bone grafting is a more complex procedure. He might not have sufficient experience in grafting to successfully complete your case. It’s good that your dentist isn’t trying to place an implant without sufficient bone density. That would be a disaster that leads to implant failure, so be thankful that he won’t proceed.

Your dentist wants you to have a successful form of tooth replacement. He must feel confident about producing better results with a dental bridge than with an implant. If you really want a dental implant, we suggest that you get a second opinion from a prosthodontist. He or she will examine the location of your missing tooth and let you know your options for bone grafting. All-on-4 isn’t among your options for replacing a single tooth.

Your current dentist might be willing to give you a referral. If not, schedule consultations with a few board-certified prosthodontists, compare your options and the cost, and decide which dentist will provide your implant.

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

Dec 17

Will I get better results with overdentures?

By Dentures

In late December of last year I received new dentures. They cost so much that I was certain they would be beautiful. After being reassured by my dentist that they would be beyond my expectations, I had no doubts. But reality has hit, and I am almost in tears. The dentures are so very uncomfortable and they look fake. When I look in the mirror and smile, I’m embarrassed. My feelings and my pocketbook are hurt. At this point, there is no way that I can afford to replace my teeth with implants, but I am so very unhappy that I have to do something about it. I’ve been doing some research, and I read about using implants to support the dentures. Is this option worth considering?  – Ana

Ana – You have two significant concerns with your dentures. They are uncomfortable and they don’t look natural. An artistic cosmetic dentist can help. It is possible to get natural-looking dentures that fit your personality and facial features. A cosmetic dentist will listen to your preferences and design dentures that match them.

If you want your dentures to feel more like your natural teeth, implant overdentures are less expensive than individual implants. With the overdentures, two to eight dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone. After a healing period, your dentures will be secured to them.

Implants will add stability to your dentures. They will feel more like your natural teeth than removable dentures. And your ability to chew with them will improve.

Even if you decide to stick with the removable dentures, a cosmetic dentist will ensure that they are comfortable and beautiful.

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

Dec 13

How often do affordable dental implants go bad?

By Affordable Dental Implants

I have family that lives in California and they are about a 3 to 4 hour drive from Mexico. Several of their friends go over to Mexico for affordable dental implants. They don’t all see the same dentist but I have been told that it’s easy to find a dentist who is U.S. trained and fluent in English. I visit my family every other year so I have met 2 of their friend who got dental implants for a less than half of what they cost in the U.S. I was ready to schedule an appointment but last week when I spoke with my cousin to schedule a time to fly out and visit, she mentioned that one of their friends is starting to have problems with his implant. It’s infected and his face is swollen. Now I am getting a little nervous, but as my cousin mentioned, the same thing could happen to a patient in the U.S. or anywhere else for all that matters. How do I know that the other people who seemed to have successful dental implants won’t start having problems, too? Is it common to have to replace dental implants?  How often do affordable dental implants go bad? Thanks ~ Dayo

Dayo,

When you are looking for options to make dental implants affordable and are considering options outside of the U.S., you have to consider the risks involved.

The U.S. regulates health care providers and medical devices. It’s a precaution that makes dental implants in the U.S. more expensive than other countries. U.S. providers need insurance, and they are accountable to a medical board. In certain countries, including Mexico, there are fewer regulations and greater risks. If something goes wrong, you’re on your own.

High-quality dental implants require careful planning, a lot of skill, and quality implant fixtures. Dental implants have a 98% success rate, but a wise patient doesn’t want to introduce variables that could reduce the rate of success.

We don’t know the reason for the implant failure of the person in Mexico whom you’ve mentioned. An implant infection could be related to the implant fixtures, the skill of the surgeon, or even a patient who isn’t a good candidate for implants.

We highly recommend that you find a few skilled prosthodontists in your area and request a consultation. A prosthodontist will discuss your options for affordable dental implants and let you know what you expect with of them. You will be given information on financing, payment plans, and where possible, doing the work in phases. Affordable dental implants from a skilled provider will last. Insist on quality.

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

 

 

Dec 09

Will I have to keep replacing my dental implants?

By Dental Implants, Second Opinion

In 2012 I lost 3 teeth to gum disease. I had several deep cleanings and was able to have the teeth replaced with dental implants in early 2013. By the summer, my dental implants started to get loose. My dentist kept doing the deep cleanings but my June of 2014 all of the implants were lost. My dentist replaced the implants in 2015 but over the past 2 months I have noticed some loosening again. So am I going to have to get new implants every other year just because I have gum disease? If so, I just want to forget about this. The surgery, recovery, and healing periods take so long that just about when it’s done it’s time to get new implants again. Do I have other options, but not a partial denture? Elaine

Elaine,

Your experience is alarming. We understand that it must be frustrating. You’re battling with gum disease, lost three teeth, as well as the implants that replaced them. You have advanced periodontal disease, that hasn’t been properly treating. The deep cleanings are clearly not enough. There are other ways to improve your the health of your gums that your dentist isn’t using, and perhaps is not aware of. We can’t say that your dentist is negligent, but you need the attention of a specialist.

You should have been referred a periodontist—a specialist in the treatment of gum disease. Periodontal disease must be well controlled before you receive dental implants. If your gums and bone can’t support your natural teeth, neither can they support dental implants

We recommend that you visit a prosthodontist for a second opinion, or ask your dentist to refer you to a periodontist. A periodontist will help you recover from gum disease. You shouldn’t receive new dental implants until the issue is addressed, and don’t allow anyone to try to convince you otherwise.

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

Dec 07

Can I get a pediatric dentist to do porcelain crowns for my 10 yr old’s front teeth?

By Pediatric Dentist, Porcelain Crown

My 10 year old had an ice skating accident 3 weeks ago and chipped her front teeth almost in half. The pediatric dentist put crowns on her teeth but they don’t look good. My daughter is self-conscious about her appearance. There is enough stress for kids in school without her worrying about her teeth. She is hesitant to smile because she thinks people are looking at her teeth. I guess our dentist did the best she could but I am really thinking about getting another dentist to do porcelain crowns for my daughter. Do pediatric dentists do porcelain crowns for front teeth? Thanks Elaynna

Elaynna – Our first concern is the health of your daughter’s teeth. When a tooth is broken in half, there might be nerve damage to it. If so, a root canal treatment is needed. Has the pediatric dentist determined if there is any internal damage to your daughter’s teeth? If not, you should request a thorough examination.

Most pediatric dentists are not trained in cosmetic dentistry. But you can visit a cosmetic dentist to receive ceramic crowns for your daughter’s teeth. Before you request certain cosmetic treatment, schedule an appointment for an examination.

Before you make a final decision, there are several things to consider:

  • As your daughter grows, her teeth and jawbone will also get larger. Porcelain crowns will need to be periodically replaced.
  • Your daughter’s natural teeth will need to be tapered so the crowns will fit over them.
  • Depending on the extent of damage, an alternative is to use direct dental bonding to restore the broken teeth. A talented cosmetic dentist can use bonding to seamlessly fill in the missing portion of each tooth.
  • When your daughter’s physical growth is complete, porcelain crowns can be used to restore her teeth—if that’s necessary at all.

We suggest that you schedule appointments with two or three cosmetic dentists or prosthodontists. Compare the options provided by each dentist to determine the best way to restore your daughter’s teeth based on her age.

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

Nov 22

How often do I need to change my dentures to keep my face from sagging?

By Dentures

My sister has worn dentures for 25 years and her face has sagged something awful. She is now 62 years old and going to see plastic surgeons for a facelift. Everything else she has tried hasn’t worked. Some of our Canasta club members are going through the same thing. One of the members insists that she read of you change your dentures more frequently they will keep your face from sagging. Although I had taken pretty good care of my teeth, I ended up needing dentures two years ago. I got cosmetic dentures so I like the way they look. Although they weren’t cheap I will get them upgraded as often as I need to if it will help control the facial sagging. I don’t want a plastic surgeon cutting on my face at all. I would rather pay for new dentures more frequently. How often do I need to change them? Thanks Lora

Lora- When all of your teeth are missing, your jawbone shrinks. The bone shrinkage is what causes facial sagging, because your jawbone supports your facial muscles. Complete removable dentures can last five to eight years, or longer. But the bone shrinkage will still occur even if you replace your dentures more often.

In order to prevent jawbone shrinkage, the bone must be stimulated. Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, and their effect is much like natural tooth roots. The implants stimulate the bone and prevent it from shrinking. Implants can be used to support your dentures. As few as two of them can stabilize your dentures and stimulate your bone, but if your goal is to prevent jawbone shrinkage, you’ll get better results with six to eight implants.

It is possible that your current dentures can be modified to accommodate dental implants. Before you ask for new dentures, speak with an experienced prosthodontist about the possibility of having your current dentures supported by implants. If your dentures are in good condition, it might be possible to use them. Schedule a consultation with one or two prosthodontists to discuss your options.

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

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