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Implant Dentistry

Oct 24

How long will it take for my dental implants to heal?

By Dental Implants

Hi. I am gathering info on dental implants for 4 missing teeth. I have a trip planned in April 2017 and I want the implants to be completely done before I leave for vacation. I will be out of the country for a month so I won’t be able to get back to an implant dentist and I want to be sure that everything is okay before I leave the country. I know there is a healing period for implants and I just want to give myself enough time. How much healing time will I need? – Thanks. Bhari

Bhari – The process of getting dental implants, including the healing and recovery time varies with each patient. Your recovery time depends on several factors, including those listed below:

  • Bone grafting – Depending on how long a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that space will begin to shrink. If there is significant bone loss, the bone will need to be built up to accommodate dental implants. There is a healing period of several months for the bone grafting before implants can be placed.
  • The location of the implants – The bone in the upper arch of the mouth is shallower than in the lower arch, and implants there take longer to heal.
  • The number of implants placed – Each implant needs to heal on its own. The healing period for each implant can vary.
  • Tooth extraction – If teeth need to be extracted before you receive implants, you might experience discomfort for a longer period.

Schedule consultations with two or three implant dentists. Ensure you choose an experienced implant dentist or prosthodontist. Ask each of them how many cases they have completed. An examination and diagnostic studies will be needed to determine if you need bone grafting. After that information is received, your implant dentist will know if you need bone grafting. A recovery period will also be estimated. Tell your dentist about your vacation plans. He or she will let you know if there will be any conflict with your vacation plans for the spring.

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

 

 

Sep 27
denture-teeth-falling-out blog

Why are my denture teeth falling out?

By Dentures

My dentures are 3 years old. I thought they would last at least 5 years because I really take good care of them. In February of this year one of the bottom incisor teeth fell out of the denture. My dentist put it back in. In April, the same tooth fell out of the denture and again it was put back in place. I was on vacation in July and another bottom tooth fell off the denture. It was a molar tooth this time. Thank God I didn’t have to walk around during vacation with a front tooth missing. I just saved the tooth until I got back home because it wasn’t noticeable. That tooth was secured back to the denture, but when I cleaned the denture this morning I noticed that the same tooth is loose again. I should add that my dentist is very casual about this thing. It’s kind of like, ‘oh let me fix that for you’ without an explanation or apology for my inconvenience. I know it isn’t normal for denture teeth to fall out, so I am very curious as to why this might be happening and whether or not I should expect more of the same. Thanks for your help. Joan

Joan – You are correct—denture teeth should not fall out of the base. There are several things that can cause denture teeth to dislodge.

Poorly constructed denture – The base of the denture might be poorly made. If it’s not constructed properly, the teeth won’t stay in place.

Improper bonding – Denture teeth need to be securely bonded in place. Cheap bonding material or improper bonding technique can cause teeth to loosen. You’ve experienced problems with two denture teeth—one of which has fallen out twice. Faulty bonding might be the issue.

Improper bite – The way your denture teeth fit together affects the pressure on them. If your bite is off, increased pressure or tension can cause teeth to loosen and fall out.

It’s important not to try to repair your own denture or use glue that isn’t designed for oral appliances. The adhesive might damage your denture or be toxic in your mouth. We suggest that you schedule an appointment with a prosthodontist for a second opinion. A prosthodontist is a specialist in tooth replacement. He or she will check the construction of your denture to identify the problem and let you know your options.

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

Sep 25

All-on-4 dental implants and metal sensitivities

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I have severe metal allergies. Is it safe for me to have all on 4 done? My allergies developed within the past 5 years. I had to stop wearing jewelry because of it. All on 4 sounds good to me because I cannot afford to get an implant for every tooth that needs to be replaced. Also I want my denture to be secure and not floating around in my mouth or clacking. I have several relatives who wear dentures and they only have bad stories about them. I hope all on 4 is the answer but I do need information on the metal issue. My dentist said that she doesn’t think it would be a problem, but that isn’t a definite answer. Do patients with metal allergies get all on 4? Thanks BJ

BJ – People who have metal sensitivities or allergies usually don’t have a reaction to all types of metal. Your inability to wear jewelry indicates that you have nickel sensitivity. You might know other metals that cause sensitivity or an adverse reaction.

Dental implants for All-on-4 and other techniques are usually made of titanium. Some implant fixtures are made of titanium alloy, which includes other metals, and possibly nickel.

The first step is to find out if you are a candidate for the All-on-4 procedure. Not everyone can receive this treatment. Be certain to receive an examination from a highly skilled implant dentist who is experienced in using different types of implant fixtures and different types of implant procedures. Tell the dentist about your metal sensitivity.

He or she will select dental implant fixtures—whether it’s for All-On-4 or a different procedure—that don’t contain metals that cause an adverse reaction.

If you are unsure of which metals you are sensitive to, schedule an appointment with an allergist for testing. It is best to identify what causes the reaction to ensure you receive dental implants that are safe for you. If a particular metal causes a reaction and you receive implant fixtures that contain that metal, it will make it difficult for your implants to heal properly. If you qualify for All-on-4 and have a reaction to the metal, one or all of the implants can fail.

Your allergist and implant dentist can work together to help achieve a successful outcome.

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

Sep 01

Three Ways to Avoid Dental Implant Failure

By Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

Each year about 500,000 Americans receive dental implants. Scientific literature reports a 98 percent success rate for dental implants. So why are so many people concerned about dental implant failure? In part, it may be due to the seriousness of the signs and symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Dental Implant Failure

  • Swelling and bleeding around the implants after a normal healing period
  • Loose dental implants
  • Painful implants
  • Implant infection

Avoiding Dental Implant Failure

How can dental implant failure be avoided? We’ll discuss three key factors to be aware of before you choose your implant dentist.

1. Three-dimensional diagnostic studies

Some dentists will place dental implants without 3-D xrays or a CT scan. They might believe that a standard x-rays are enough. But what if dental implants are placed in a way that punctures sinuses or impinge nerves? These mistakes can be avoided with 3-D diagnostic studies.

2. Quality implant fixtures

Although the average patient doesn’t know which dental implants are of the highest quality, a skilled implant dentist or prosthodontist knows. Ask your implant dentist which brand of implants he or she uses. Nobel Biocare and Straumann are leaders in implant fixtures. Other high-quality manufacturers are 3i, Zimmer, and BioHorizons, and Astrotech. If your dentist uses a different brand, ask why, and do some research on the brand. Schedule a second-opinion appointment with a different prosthodontist and ask what he or she thinks about that brand.

3. The skill of the dentist

Implantology is not a recognized dental specialty, but quality placement of dental implants requires much skill. Look for a dentist who has credentials from the American Board of Oral Implantology or the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. A prosthodontist is a specialist with two years of post-graduate training in tooth restoration and replacement.

After you identify two or three skilled and credentialed implant dentists, schedule a consultation with each of them. Ask each dentist what he or she does to ensure successful outcomes for dental implant patients. Consultations are your opportunity to ask questions and discuss your options so you can make an informed decision of the best provider of your implants.

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

Aug 20

What’s the best adhesive to keep upper denture in?

By Dental Implants, Dentures

I’m in the third month of wearing dentures. I was expecting problems with the lower dentures but it’s the upper dentures that are giving me problems. They click or loosen from my palate at the most embarrassing times. When I first got them they seemed to fit perfectly. Now I am almost to the point where I hate them. It is really frustrating to think that I paid so much for them and they keep popping off. What is the best product to keep them in? Grayson

Grayson – Before considering a product to keep your upper dentures in, make an appointment with your dentist. Upper dentures are usually held in place by the suction of your palate. If you’ve only had them for a little more than two months, they should not be dislodging at all.

Your dentures may need to be lined again. If after relining you continue to have a problem with the fit of your dentures, consider getting a second opinion. It is possible that your dentures were incorrectly sized, or the impressions of your mouth weren’t taken correctly. A second opinion can help to clearly identify the issue.

Your dentures can be secured with dental implants. The implants will stabilize them and prevent jawbone shrinkage, which occurs after years of having all of your teeth missing. Implants improve your ability to eat and speak with dentures.

If you want to consider stabilizing your dentures with implants, see an experienced and credentialed prosthodontist. He or she will first ensure your dentures fit well. After that the base of your dentures can likely be altered to accommodate dental implants.

If you still need denture adhesive, ask your dentist for recommendations.

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

Aug 07

Can All On 4 implants really last lifetime or will I have to replace them?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants

I am seriously thinking about getting all on 4 dental implants. I didn’t know that they were such a huge investment until I asked my dentist about them. She said that they will last for the rest of my life. She doesn’t place implants herself though. I would have to be referred out to another dentist. Can I really expect the implants to last a lifetime or will I have to replace them? Thanks – Abigail

Abigail – All-On-4 dental implants can last decades, if not a lifetime, depending on several factors, including:

  • your age;
  • the quality of implants;
  •  implant placement;
  • your health;
  • and how well you take care of them.

A younger person who is prematurely missing all of his or her teeth and needs All-On-4 implants may find that later in life, the implants need to be replaced. This is only reasonable. Additionally, although the dental implant fixtures might last a long time, depending on your lifespan, the implant crowns, or the dentures that are secured to the implants, will need to be periodically replaced.

As you mentioned, All-on-4 implants are an investment in your oral health. Some people want to save money, so they look for bargain implants. Very often, bargain implants result in cheap implant fixtures or shortcuts in the planning and placement phases. These factors can cause implants to loosen or fail. They won’t last a lifetime.

There are other factors that affect the success of dental implants:

  • Poor oral hygiene after receiving All-On-4 implants, or any other type of dental implants, can also cause them to fail.
  • Plaque buildup can lead to periodontal disease, bone loss, and implant failure.
  • Smoking immediately before, during, and immediately after implant placement can prevent proper healing and cause implant failure.
  • Alcohol promotes dry mouth, which can increase bacteria. It also dilates blood vessels. Both of these factors can interfere with the healing process.
  • Uncontrolled diabetes can prevent proper healing of dental implants.
  • Teeth grinding puts pressure on dental crowns and implants and affect their longevity.

If you receive All-On-4 dental implants, you must be diligent in following the guidelines to keep them clean and functioning proper. If you do, they can last a lifetime.

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

Aug 03

What will a prosthodontist do about a missing bottom central incisor?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I have a bottom front tooth missing. Central incisor is the name of the tooth. My dental hygienist wrote the name of it for me. It’s the one on the right side of my mouth. I am thinking about replacing it, but I haven’t said anything about it to my dentist yet. He is really a new dentist, maybe 3 years out of school and he refers patients out for tooth replacement. Don’t get me wrong. He is a good dentist but when I started going to him I didn’t have any major dental problems. So I am just trying to get a second opinion on what a prosthodontist would do to replace the tooth. I need a baseline before just accepting what someone pretty fresh out of dental school would recommend. An outside opinion on what my options are will help me make a decision. Thanks. Milt

Milton – It’s a good that you are seeking a second opinion from a prosthodontist. The replacement of a lower central incisor requires a very skilled dentist. The space for the tooth is very small, and care must be taken not to damage other teeth while replacing the missing one.

One option is a dental implant. A skilled implant dentist or prosthodontist needs to do the restoration. A small implant fixture will be used. Care must be taken to precisely place the implant to avoid damaging the roots of the adjacent teeth, and to allow the proper amount of space on either side of the implant.

The second option is a dental bridge. To receive a dental bridge, the tooth on either side of the missing one must be shaved down to have crowns placed over them. The replacement tooth will be suspended between the two dental crowns.

Find a dentist with credentials from either the American Board of Implantology or the International Congress of Implantologists. You’ll receive an accurate treatment recommendation and an excellent outcome for the treatment.

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

Jul 28

Is it okay to switch dentists to get dental implants I can afford?

By Affordable Dental Implants, Dental Implants

I have a really good dentist that I’ve been a patient of for about 8 years. I have no complaints about him at all. His prices are typically higher than other dentists and sometimes I have out of pocket costs. I have not minded this at all because I have lived in 6 different states and this is the best dentist out of all of them. He was referred to me by co-workers and people at my church so he has an excellent reputation. The issue is that I have 3 missing teeth. Dental implants are the only treatment I am willing to receive so anything else is not an option. The cost for dental implants from my dentist is $1682 more than the highest estimate I received from 3 other dentists. That is a lot of money. Usually I would not let another dentist do the work, but $1682 is a huge difference. Now I am at a crossroads of thinking about switching dentist go get implants I can afford. I know his fees are higher like I said, but I wasn’t expecting such a huge difference. I just need some advice. Would there be any harm in switching to another dentist just for the implants? I want to keep my dentist but I just cannot afford to get implants from him. Thanks. J.E.

J.E. – Before you make the switch, be sure that you understand why the cost of dental implants from the other dentists seems to be more affordable.

Have you been able to make a line-by-line comparison of what each dentist’s fees include? Implant fixtures, surgery, bone grafting, dental crowns, local anesthesia, and more, factor into the cost of dental implants. Also the quality of materials used will determine the cost. Dental implants that seem to be affordable may actually be lower in quality.

Ensure you know what each dentist is including, and is not including, in the estimate for dental implants. Also consider the skill of the other dentists. Do they have as much experience as your dentist? What are the patient outcomes for the other dentists?

Be certain to make a well-informed decision about affordable dental implants before you switch providers.

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

Jul 20

Getting implants for front teeth and need some advice

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I have four front teeth that need to be replaced. Actually, I’ve been wearing a removable partial denture, and I have a bridge, but I’m not satisfied with the way it looks. I’m 53 yrs old, single, and still very much concerned about my appearance. I want the four teeth to look beautiful and feel natural, so I’m going with four implants with crowns, but I have a few issues that need to be addressed so that the work looks natural. My gums show a lot when I smile, so I don’t want gums to overtake my crowns. I don’t want the crowns to have a metal foundation, because my gums are already too noticeable. I think some preparation of my gums is needed, although we haven’t discussed that. I don’t want a black line developing from the metal. On top of this, the dentist plans to put crowns on the teeth on either side of the front four, so that the color and size of the teeth will look their best. I’m not clear on the kind of crowns he plans to use, so I’ll have to discuss that with him before the work is done. Also, the dentist hasn’t mentioned it, but I know that my teeth need to be whitened before the work is done, so that the color of the crowns will match my whitened teeth. Have I left out any considerations? Thanks! – Eva T. South Bend, IN

Eva – It’s uncertain why the dentist would recommend two crowns on either side of the four implants, but if it’s for appearance, porcelain veneers may the best choice. An artistic prosthodontist can make them look like your natural teeth, and will discuss the veneers as the preference to crowns.

Also, you should be informed of what the dentist’s intentions are for shaping your gums and whitening your teeth.

Keep in mind that the dental implant is made of metal, so the key to getting natural-looking teeth is to have a cosmetic dentist who is proficient at permanently hiding the border between the implant and the crown, and at giving each crown—whether all-porcelain or all-ceramic—the correct color and translucency, so that it looks natural and beautiful.

Be cautious about asking your dentist for specific techniques that he might not be comfortable with. If a dentist has artistic inclination, he or she will be concerned about giving you a beautiful smile. He or she will readily address the issues of your adjusting your gumline, whitening your teeth and recommending porcelain veneers for your canine teeth.

Prosthodontists are specialists who have been trained to replace and restore teeth. Find a skilled prosthodontist  who has an artistic eye for smile makeovers. Ask to see before-and-after pictures of smile makeovers that he or she has completed. You’ve mentioned that you want a beautiful, natural looking smile, and you’ll be delighted with it, if you find an artistic prosthodontist who can do it.

 

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

 

 

Jul 14
dentures-same-day-teeth-extracted-blog

Can I get dentures the same day my teeth are extracted?

By Dentures, Prosthodontist

So many of my teeth are either missing or badly decayed that I’ve decided to get dentures before the year is over. This has not been an easy decision for me, but I think dentures are better than walking around with corroded teeth. I am nervous about the whole thing and I am a punk when it comes to going to the dentist. The more information I have, the more it will help me to make the transition. So I have some questions for any one of your dentists who can help. Will I be conscious or unconscious when my teeth are pulled for dentures? Does the dentist pull them all the same day? Can I get dentures the same day or do I have to wait? Thank you. Braxton

Braxton – When teeth are extracted for dentures, a prosthodontist can provide you with conscious oral sedation, which will make you very relaxed, but you will still be awake and able to respond to the dentist’s questions and commands. Or, you can receive the next level of sedation—IV sedation, which will causes many patients to sleep through the procedure.

It is possible to extract all of your teeth in the same day. Your prosthodontist will make the determination based on your case.

One option for dentures is an immediate denture, which you receive the same day your teeth are extracted. Immediate dentures minimize the swelling and bleeding that occur when all of your teeth are extracted. Immediate dentures require more follow-up visits and adjustments than conventional dentures, so they are more expensive.

If you receive conventional dentures, your prosthodontist will place them after your gums heal from the extraction. Your dentures will fit better than they would with immediate dentures.

Dentures can be secured with standard implants or mini implants to stabilize them and prevent them from slipping around in your mouth. Standard implants provide more stability, and the more implants you receive, the more secure your dentures will be.

Schedule a consultation with a prosthodontist to discuss your options for dentures, as well as which form of sedation is best for the extraction of your teeth. A skilled prosthodontist can provide you with natural-looking dentures that are comfortable and stable.

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

 

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