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Prosthodontist

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.

 

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.

 

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 10

Do we need a prosthodontist, oral surgeon and our family dentist?

By Prosthodontist

My husband was in a motorcycle accident 5 months ago. He was hospitalized for almost a month. Thankfully he was wearing a helmet, but in addition to a broken leg and some broken ribs he still had trauma to his face. His jawbone cracked and he lost his front teeth and 5 teeth on the left side of his mouth. We are finally making some progress with therapy so we can begin thinking about his teeth and getting his smile back. Discharge papers said that we should see our dentist and a specialist such as an oral surgeon or a prosthodontist. I am wondering if we need to go to all three of these doctors and how we would know whether to go to a prosthodontist or an oral surgeon. Or is this maybe something our dentist should decide for us? Thank you – Lani

Lani –

All dentists complete training in general dentistry. Dentists who choose to specialize in a certain area spend additional time—usual two years or more—in specialized training.

Your family dentist may be able to complete some of the restorative work your husband needs. If extensive restoration is needed, your dentist will recommend a prosthodontist or an oral surgeon who can assist.

Damaged jawbone can be rebuilt or repaired by an oral surgeon. If your husband chooses to replace his missing teeth with dental implants, the oral surgeon will perform the implant surgery also. Your family dentist will provide the dental crown, which is secured to the implant. The crown serves as visible white, biting portion of a tooth.

A prosthodontist specializes in restoring teeth and mouth reconstruction. He or she also performs dental implant surgery and dental crowns. If prosthesis is needed, a prosthodontist can provide one.

You will not need to see all three dentists. Regardless of which specialist you choose, your family dentist should be kept aware of any dental treatment your husband needs. But the prosthodontist should be able to care for all of the dental procedures needed to restore your husband’s smile.

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.

Mar 30

Is this a realistic cost for All on 4 dental implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I lost most of my teeth in a work accident that made a huge blow to my face. My dentist says I’m lucky that my jawbone didn’t break.  My face was disfigured and I have a long recovery. I have been scouting around for dental implants and quickly realized that I can’t afford to replace all of the missing teeth with implants. So I have to accept the fact that I need dentures. I can get all on 4. I found a place that said they will do all on 4 for 7k which is unbelievably low. I am just wondering why so big of a difference from the 3 other implant places I visited which were 4-5 times that cost. Were the other dentists just trying advantage of me? Thanks. Raj

Raj– The higher costs you received are more realistic for the All-On-4 procedure. Depending on where you live in the country and the specifics of your case, the cost will vary.

Some of the costs involved in proper implant placement are diagnostic studies, quality implant fixtures, implant surgery, and the placement of dentures on the implants. The second quote of $7000 raises a lot of concern. That is the quote that really sounds like an attempt to take advantage of you with inferior dental implants. The low cost will likely result in cheap implant fixtures or some type of shortcut that can result in an infection around the implants and complete implant failure.

If you want another valid opinion, we recommend that you see a skilled, reputable implant dentist who provides quality fixtures. The estimate that you receive should be more or less in the area of your initial quotes, but not significantly less. You can look for dentists with extensive training in implant dentistry, or a prosthodontist who perform every phase of the implant process.

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

Jan 08

How soon after my prosthodontist gives me implants can I use a hookah?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I am planning for implants this summer. I get 5 weeks of vacation and every year I take off those weeks in the summer. So I think this is a good time to for me to get implants. I won’t have to worry about working OT or being offered to go out when I can’t due to implant healing time. I am not a regular smoker but in 2014 I was introduced to the hookah. It’s a social thing that I do with friends that I really enjoy. I find it super relaxing. 2 or 3 times a month I get together with friends and we use the pipes. Now I am interested how long after implants I will have to wait before I can use the pipe again. I saw one prosthodontist already and he told me I shouldn’t use it at all. That’s not the information I need. I just want to know how long I should wait before I can use the hookah. Thank you. Dixon

Dixon – In 2005 The World Health Organization conducted a study on waterpipe (called “hookah” in India) tobacco smoking. Some of the findings are below.

The origin of waterpipes dates back four centuries or more to indigenous peoples of Asia and Africa. Smoke from the hookah delivers addictive nicotine, as well as toxins. These toxins contribute to lung cancer, heart disease, and other diseases.

Waterpipe sessions usually last longer than cigarette smoking sessions. While five to seven minutes may be spent smoking a cigarette, a single hookah session usually lasts twenty to eighty minutes. Also while eight to twelve puffs of a cigarette are taken in a single session, fifty to two hundred puffs are taken during waterpipe smoking. In some cases, it would take one hundred cigarettes to equal the amount of smoke consumed with the pipe.

Clearly, the social nature of this type of smoking often prolongs the exposure to nicotine and other harmful substances.

Hookah Smoking Can Affect Dental Implants

What does this mean for dental implants? Any type of smoking interferes with the healing process of dental implants. Many implant dentists recommend that patients stop smoking one, two, or more months before implant placement. It is recommended that you not smoke during the entire healing process, which lasts for several months. Any prosthodontist or implant dentist will advise you not to smoke while your implants heal.

Even periodic smoking can interfere with the healing process. The suction process of smoking can dislodge clots at the surgical site. Remember that even though hookah smoking involves water, it still exposes you to smoke and toxins. This can result in infection or failure to heal. Additionally, the custom of sharing a hookah can introduce bacteria from someone else’s mouth into yours, creating another opportunity for infection.

If your implants fail, they will need to be removed and replaced. But before they are replaced, the previous implant sites need to heal.

We urge you to do your part in helping the healing process go smoothly. Avoid smoking of any kind before and after your implant surgery.

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

Nov 08

1 of my all on 4 implants came out

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I got all on 4 implants in late September. Last week, 1 of them came out completely. Right away I went to the surgeon that put the implants in. Now he says that my jawbone needs some grafting and I have to wait until the original implant spot heals. Does this sound right or can he just put the implant back in and sew it down until it heals? – Uwe

Uwe – Dr. LaVacca needs to examine your implant and jawbone before a second opinion can be provided. Although the All-On-4 procedure was used to anchor your dentures, it is possible that the implant that came out was incorrectly placed.

The size and length of the implants used can determine how stable they are. If implants are too short, or if they are not strong enough, they can dislodge.

Since jawbone grafting is being recommended, it may be that your jawbone needed to be built up before you received implants. If bone grafting is needed, then a healing period at the original implant site is needed.

All-On-4 Implants Second Opinion

In order to receive a satisfactory and accurate answer to your question, we recommend that you get a second—and if necessary, a third—opinion from experienced implant surgeons or prosthodontists. Just as with the All-On-4 placement, your medical history will be reviewed. The implants and jawbone will be examined, and diagnostic studies will be used to help determine what caused the implant to dislodge.

If you have current, post-operative diagnostic studies (x-ray or MRI), bring a copy with you. An implant specialist from whom you receive a second opinion may decide that a new imaging studies are needed.

When an implant fails, the resolution isn’t as simple as immediately replacing it. The cause of failure needs to be determined first to prevent the problem from recurring.

Carefully weigh the options presented to you from each of the specialists you visit for a second opinion, before you choose a provider to correct the issue.

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

 

Oct 15

Can a prosthodontist really help my teeth if drugs messed up my gums?

By Prosthodontist

Can a prosthodontist really help me if drugs messed up my gums? I had a 8 yr drug habit that has almost totaled my gums and teeth. I am thinking what good are new teeth or implants if I don’t have enough gum tissue to keep them in place. Thanks. A.Y.

A.Y. – A highly experienced prosthodontist can help. First, an examination and diagnostic studies are needed to accurately access the state of your gum tissue, jawbone, and teeth.

Sufficient jawbone is needed to support dental implants. If you don’t have enough jawbone, bone grafting can be used to build up the missing bone. Depending on your case, and the prosthodontist you choose, donor bone tissue or synthetic bone will be used.

Periodontal (gum) grafting is performed to add gum tissue where the original tissue is missing or damaged.

After bone and gum grafting heals, the dental implant process can begin. Expect the entire process to take several months or more. The different phases of restoring your smile require a healing period before starting the next step.

You can schedule consultations with several prosthodontists to discuss your options and ask questions. Keep in mind that a comprehensive exam and diagnostic studies are required to accurately project what you can expect in terms of the treatment needed, how long each phase may take, and the cost of restoring your smile.

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

 

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