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Implant Dentistry

Jun 30

If my All on 4 implants are healed, can I smoke every now and then?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

I got All on 4 implants in January 2015. Before I got the implants my surgeon told me that I had to quit smoking, so I did quit. I wanted to implants to heal correctly and I just found out 2 weeks ago that they are completely healed and everything is fine. I have actually enjoyed the benefits of not smoking. I feel healthier and my skin looks better. Part of my smoking though, was for social reasons. I still hang out with the same guys. After a few rounds of golf we get a few drinks and smoke cigars. I have been tempted to smoke a few times lately. Now that the implants are healed can I smoke every now and then with minimal risk? Thanks. David C.

David – Any smoking, whether it’s long- or short-term, can increase the risk of dental implant failure—even if the implants have already healed.

Smoking poses a risk for dental implants becauseit can cause gum irritation and inflammation. The inflammation promotes periodontal, or gum, disease. If these problems occur around the dental implants, it can cause an infection and implant failure.

Blood flow is also restricted when you smoke. Sufficient blood flow is needed for healthy gums and jawbone. Healthy gums and jawbone are essential for the longevity of All-On-4 dental implants.

It is possible that you can smoke during social occasions and maintain healthy gums, but is it worth the risk? There is no way of determining when or how your gums will be affected by smoking. Smoking socially increases the risk of completely returning to the habit.

We advise that you remain a non-smoker. Your oral health and the longevity of your dental implants will only benefit from it.

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

Jun 29

Prosthodontist or another dentist for a broken implant?

By Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

 

I didn’t know about a prosthodontist until I found your website on my Google search for failed dental implants. I think you may be able to advise me on my situation: My dentist sent me to a oral surgeon to get a implant. The surgeon did a beautiful job on the bone grafting and implant. I went back to my dentist in October to get the crown. Something just didn’t feel write when he was putting it on. Anyway the implant hurts and it is loose. So of course I didn’t go back to my dentist, I went to another one to take a look at it and he said yes it is loose and he can refer me to an endodontist to fix it. Hmm. Then I am going to have to go back to my dentist to get a crown on it which is how this started in the first place. I didn’t have any trouble until my dentist put the crown on. What should I do? – Helena

Helena– Find a dentist who is trained in implantology, such as a prosthodontist. You may need to have bone grafted to ensure the implant is stable, but the problem can be corrected.

Check the credentials of the dentist to see if he or she has extensive training specific to dental implants. You can check for credentials from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists or the American Board of Oral Implantology. Ask questions and express your concerns about the placement of your crown.

An advantage of receiving dental implants from a prosthodontist is that he or she completes every place of the process. Diagnostic studies, planning, surgery, and crown placement are all completed by the same specialists. Prosthodontists have extensive experience in implant placement and can often provide more predictable outcomes.

Schedule consultations with two or three implant dentists, and include a prosthodontist as a second or third opinion. We know this situation has been a disappointment for you, and we wish you the best on your future treatment.

 

Jun 27

Is it safe to get affordable dental implants from a dental school?

By Dental Implants

I have been to Clear Choice and 4 implant dentists trying to get the most affordable dental implants I can without compromising on quality. I know implants can fail because I’ve had 2 that failed already. I have divorced myself from the previous dentist and am back in the hunt for a competent dentist and surgeon. It has been 4 years since I had my implant failure and I have been hesitant to jump back in too soon. Just in the past 4 years I have seen a rise in the cost and I am starting to get worried that I might have to get a bridge instead of implants. I was talking about the issue with a friend and he suggested a dental school. To me, it sounds like a bunch of rookies trying to get it right and I am the guinea pig. Is a dental school really a safe place to go to get implants I can afford? Thanks Vince.

 

Vince,

Many people who want affordable dental implants consider a dental school. Dental schools are highly regulated. Each student’s work is monitored and reviewed by an instructor. So it may seem like the perfect place to receive quality implants for less.

There is limited on the success rate of dental implants performed by dental students. A study conducted at Oregon Health and Science University – Advanced Education Program in Periodontics shows a 95.8 success rate for dental students. Periodontists are specialists, so these students are spending an extra two years of study that includes training in implantology. The study on implant success rate did not indicate the year of post-graduate study or training for the dental students in the survey. Some patients specifically request the most advanced students, but there is no guarantee the request will be granted.

There is plenty of data on experienced implant dentists. It may be helpful to know what highly skilled implant dentists have a 98% success rate. If you choose to receive the service from a dental school, keep in mind that the success rate isn’t as great.

An additional thought is that since you have a history of dental implant failure, you can benefit from the expertise of a skilled implant dentist or prosthodontist. He or she will thoroughly review your dental history and records to make every attempt to identify the previous cause of failure and avoid it.

Speak with skilled dentist about payment plans and financing to help make implants affordable for you. Be certain not to compromise quality for cost.

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

Jun 13

Do her dental implants need to be redone?

By Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

My wife had 6 dental implants done in the Philippines. We stayed for 3 days for a follow up appt. to make sure everything looked good. When we got back to the states, after just 5 weeks 2 upper implants and two lower implants are very loose. 4 out of 6 doesn’t sound like good odds to us. She is afraid to eat anything other than soft foods because she is afraid that they may come completely loose and she chokes on them. The implant dentist said that she had enough jawbone density for the implants. We don’t understand why this is happening. I hate to see her suffer like this. Neither of us want to go back to the Philippines even though the doctor there is willing so see her and fix whatever is wrong. Of course he is the one that caused the problem so do we really want to return? What do you suggest? Do her dental implants need to be redone?Thank you very much. Ted R.

Ted – Your wife’s experience is very unfortunate. It does underscore the importance of finding a highly-skilled and trained implant dentist who uses high-quality implant fixtures.

When dental implants are loose, it is possible that cheap implant fixtures were used. A cheap implant fixture can cost $3 to $5, but a quality fixture that has been thoroughly tested costs $300 to $500.

There are hundreds of companies that make dental implants, but only six of them produce implants that meet the high standards of the American Dental Association and the Food and Drug Administration. Cheap implant fixtures are more likely to results in implant mistakes or failure, resulting in implants that loosen and cause infection.

Another possibility is that the dental implants for your wife were improperly placed. Extensive diagnostic studies and careful planning are required to properly place implants.

We suggest that choose a skilled implant dentist or prosthodontist in the U.S. to examine your wife’s dental implants. He or she will recommend the appropriate treatment to correct the situation. Look for implant dentists who are associated with the American Board of Oral Implantology or the International Congress of Oral Implantology. If your second opinon doesn’t thoroughly address the issue may even be helpful to get a third opinion

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

May 27

My crown doesn’t match my teeth

By Cosmetic Procedures, General Dentistry, Porcelain Crown, Prosthodontist

My crown broke about 3 weeks ago and I had to get it fixed quickly before I went on vacation. I knew it was loose, but I didn’t expect it to break. My choice was a dentist who did CEREC in his office but also who was an emergency dentist. It worked and off I went! I was so busy that I really haven’t time to really look closely at the crown until this week. It is an incisor on the right side of my mouth and it doesn’t match my other teeth. If it was a molar I would let this pass but I really want the crown color changed. This isn’t my regular dentist and he really did me a huge favor. Should I go back to that dentist to get the color corrected? Thank you. COlton

Colton – Your selection of an emergency dentist who could also make a one-visit crown is understandable.

In-office crowns require the dentist to receive training in crown creation and placement, but it doesn’t require the dentist to be an artist. An artistic prosthodontist has training cosmetic dentistry. He or she has a keenly interested in providing crowns that function well and look completely natural—blending with your natural teeth.

Crowns are colorfast. They cannot be made darker or lighter. Unfortunately, the only way to receive a lighter crown is for a new one to be made. Contact the office of the dentist you saw and explain your concern. Request an appointment for an examination. Express your appreciation for the dentist’s help during your emergency and explain your concerns.

Along with any insurance you may have, you paid for a dental crown. It is reasonable for you to request and receive a crown that matches your natural teeth. A well-made crown lasts ten to twenty years. If your crown was made well, consider whether or not you can adjust to it lasting for many years that doesn’t match your natural teeth.

You can decide if you want to give the emergency dentist another chance, or if you prefer to visit an artistic prosthodontist dentist to receive a new crown. Before you proceed, be certain to speak with your dental insurance company about the issue and ask if your plan will provide any benefits toward a replacement crown if you choose a new dentist to replace it.

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

 

May 14

I think I’m allergic to my dentures

By Dental Implants, Dentures

None of my natural teeth are left so I am wearing complete dentures. I got them in February of this year. Although I didn’t want dentures, dental implants are not an option for me so I had to get what I can afford. I really like the way my dentures look. They are more natural looking than I expected. The problem is that I can’t wear them without my gums itching and getting a rash. I can wear them but when I take them off it is hard to rest because of the irritation and itching. My dentist calls this an adjustment period, but it’s May now. How long does it take to adjust? If this is what I have to look forward to I am going to be miserable. I am beginning to wonder if I am allergic to the dentures. If so shouldn’t my insurance company pay for me to get a different pair of dentures or may dental implants? Also how do I handle this issue with my dentist when he thinks that I just need to adjust to the dentures? Thanks Vernon

 

Vernon,

If you didn’t experience any irritation issue prior to getting dentures, it is likely that there is something associated with wearing the dentures that is causing the problems. It is rare to be allergic to dental acrylic, but a few cases have been reported. Most often, metal in the dentures or the denture adhesive is causing irritation or rash.

Do you use denture adhesive? If so, try wearing your dentures without the adhesive. Your dentures are relatively new, so adhesive should not be needed at this point. If the irritation doesn’t occur and you still feel you need adhesive, try switching brands. Take note of the ingredients in the adhesives and see if there are any components that you may be sensitive to.

If your denture has a metal base or any metal components, it may be triggering an allergic reaction. If you are not using adhesive and you still get irritation and a rash, the denture may be the culprit. You can ask your dentist to switch you to another set of dentures, or you can get tested for metal allergies. Let your allergist know the details and circumstances of your reaction. He or she will have insight on how you should be tested.

Speak to your dental insurance company about the issue. Some benefits may be provided. It may help to have your dentures supported by dental implants, which prevents the dentures from resting on your gumliine. At the same time, your dentures will fit and function better. The implants will also prevent jawbone shrinkage. If needed, get a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist.

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

May 02

Will smoking prevent me from getting All on 4 implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dentures

I am so tired of my dentures. I want All On 4 but I smoke. I have tried to quit several times but it isn’t working. I don’t think that I will ever be able to stop. My dentures are stressful for me because I have been wearing dentures for 15 years. They slip more times in a day than I can count. Is there any way possible for me to get All On 4 even though I smoke? Jamison

Jamison,

Much of the success of dental implants, including All-On-4 implants depends on the healing process. Your jawbone must fuse to the implants for them to function properly and to support your dentures.

Smoking inhibits the healing process overall—not just for dental implants. It also affects your oral health. The healing process will be slower, or the fusion of your jawbone to the implant may not occur at all. There is also an increased risk of implant infection when you smoke. One study showed that of 165 participants showed that 16% of smokers experienced implant failure, compared with a 1% failure rate for non-smokers.

Although we can’t say that your implants will definitely fail or succeed, if you stop smoking before you receive them, the success rate will increase. It is also important not to smoke after implant surgery. Some dentist won’t complete the All-On-4 procedure unless a patient has stopped smoking.

Speak with your primary care doctor about your desire to stop smoking. He or she can provide you with resources and option that you may not have considered before.

As time progresses and your jawbone continues to shrink, it will become even more difficult to eat and speak with dentures. If you are a candidate for All-On-4, or some other dental implant treatment, now is a good time to pursue your options.

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

 

Apr 27

What matters most in preventing dental implant failure?

By Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

I’ve decided to get dental implants this fall. I need 4 of them so this is really going to be a big expense for me, but I know it will be worth it. I know that a specialist is needed to place the implant and a dentist is needed to the crown on the implant. After reading online about dental implant failure, I am a little confused about which dentist is more important in preventing the implants from going bad. What matters most to get implants that will last? Is it the work of the surgeon or the work dentist who places the crown and the lab that is used? Marvel

Marvel – Good question. As you likely know, the process of receiving successful dental implants starts with careful planning and diagnostic studies. But quality implant fixtures, surgery, and a restoring dental crown are also crucial to the success of implants.

After implant surgery, the jawbone must properly heal and fuse with the dental implant. When it heals, the lab creates the restoration (dental crown) that is secured to the implant. The quality and fit of the dental crown prevents an improper bite. This can affect how long your dental implant will last.

If you receive a well-made implant crown and it’s placed incorrectly by your dentist, the implant may still fail if it wasn’t properly placed during surgery. This emphasizes the importance of finding a skilled implant surgeon and a restoring dentist.

Many people recognize the skill level required for quality dental implants and crowns and choose to find a board-certified prosthodontist. A prosthodontist has advanced training in implant placement and in proper crown creation and placement.

Before you choose a provider, we recommend that you visit several implant dentists. Get information on the credentials of the implant surgeon and the dentist who will be placing the crown. Even if you choose to prosthodontist for your care, verify his or her experience first.

 

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

Apr 19

Can You Get Affordable Dental Implants at a School for Dentists?

By Affordable Dental Implants

For years I have been saving for dental implants. I’ve had some unpredictable employment issues lately and have been forced to save more money for family emergencies than I have been able to save for dental implants. So now I am exploring other ways to get implants. Most recently I have been checking into dental schools. I know the schools are regulated and students have to meet some hefty criteria and the work is checked by instructors, so I figure this is a safe controlled environment for me to get dental implants. I am just wondering if implants from a dental school are affordable. – Edmond T.

 

Edmond – Much of the success of dental implants depends on the skill of the implant dentist. Skilled practitioners have a 90% success rate. There is insufficient information on the success of implants that are placed by dental students.

While dental students are supervised by their instructors, they are not skilled implant dentists. The results you will receive are unpredictable. Students are still learning and although guided by an experienced dentist, they can make mistakes. Dental implant treatment is one aspect of oral health where mistakes can be costly and take months to correct.

If you select a dental school for your implants, keep in mind that your provider will be less experienced, which can increase the risk of difficulty in implant placement and healing. Thoroughly check for information on the reputation of the dental school and its implantology program before you make a decision.

Consider checking with credentialed prosthodontists in your area to find out how they make implants affordable for patients. At times work can be completed in phases. Financing and payment plans may also be available.

A discount on implants is not worth the risk. Insist on quality care from a skilled implant dentist.

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

Apr 15

Disappointed With Prosthodontist’s Reaction to a Broken All on 4 Implant

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I knew I wanted implants for my dentures and I decided to get 6 regular implants. After listening to my dentist over and over again talk about All on 4, I gave in. I got All on 4 in Feb. 2015 and 2 weeks ago when I was eating I heard an felt one of the implants snap. Now I am told that the implant will need to be replaced. The old one will have be taken off and I can’t get a new one right away. We have to wait until the area heals and there is a possibility that I will need bone grating and maybe one of the other implants will need to be redone too. I am disgusted and this whole thing is ridiculous. I dropped a lot of cash on these implants and you would think that somebody would ensure the implants are in mint condition. The prosthodontist I have is too casual about the whole thing too. It’s just kind of a ‘we’ll fix it’ attitude without any explanation. I want to know what happened. Why would an implant snap? Thanks Romia

Romia – We are sorry to hear about the difficulty with one of your All-On-Four implants. There are several reasons that an implant may snap.

One cause is the skill of the prosthodontist. The implants must be perfectly aligned and accurately placed to evenly distribute pressure on the implants. The slightest inaccuracy can exert pressure on an implant and cause it to snap.

A second possibility is the quality of the implant. Low-quality implants are a fraction of the cost of FDA-approved implants, but they are also a fraction of the quality. The effort to save money can be costly and compromise oral health.

You can ask your prosthodontist why he thinks the implant snapped, as well as what is being done this time to prevent the problem from recurring. It may be wise to consider getting a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist. After an examination and a digital x-ray, he or she will let you know why the problem occurred and how it should be treated.

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

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