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Prosthodontist

Aug 15

How affordably can I get an implant for the tooth next to my front tooth?

By Affordable Dental Implants, Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I have a tooth missing next to my left front tooth. I want an implant for it and I saw 2 local dentists who gave me a price of around $3000 for the implant and crown. Should I keep looking around and asking dentists for price quotes? How affordably can I get an implant for the tooth next to my front tooth? Thanks. Coleman

Coleman – The cost that you were quoted by both dentists is reasonable. The cost can be slightly lower or higher, depending on where you live in the country.

When you receive comparable estimates for dental implants, the primary concern over affordability should be the skill and experience of the implant dentist. Ask questions about the dentist’s training, experience, and how many successful implant cases he or she has completed.

Understandably, each patient has a budget to consider, but quality, successful dental implants help keep future costs down. Additional costs occur when implants are improperly placed or when implant fixtures are not of the highest quality. Be sure to factor these important issues into your final decision for the provider of your dental implants.

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

Aug 11

What will a prosthodontist charge for incomplete dental implants?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I got a horrible infection from dental implants that were being placed 2 years ago. The whole process of getting everything under control took over a year. I never got the implants. So now I need the surgery done again but I am going to a completely different dentist. I gave up trying to get reimbursed for the work that wasn’t completed. I am just moving forward. I am wondering how much a prosthodontist will charge me to complete the dental implants. Thanks. Joan C.

Joan – An experienced prosthodontist will need to examine your implant sites and do diagnostic studies to determine what needs to be done to complete the procedure.

The extent of the work left and anything that may need to be corrected will factor into the cost. Schedule an appointment for a consultation with a few prosthodontists to discuss your options. Keep in mind that cost can only be determined after an examination and digital x-rays.

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

Jun 27

My top denture is off center

By Dentures, Prosthodontist

I am very uncomfortable with the look of my top denture. When I look in the mirror, the middle of the two front teeth is about ¼ inch off from the midline of my lip. It is quite noticeable when I smile. The dentist that I got the dentures from first acted like he couldn’t see the problem. When he finally admitted it, he said it is not that bad. It’s been a month and I am still very unhappy. I feel cheated. Is there any way this problem can be corrected? I don’t trust this dentist any more. – Jeannine

Jeannine – Your frustration is understandable. Since the dentist admitted that there is a problem with denture, you can schedule an appointment to discuss your disappointment, and let him know that you want the problem corrected.

If after the discussion with your dentist, you are still uncomfortable letting him do the work, you can ask for an agreeable way to compensate you for your loss. Meanwhile, you can schedule an appointment with an experienced prosthodontist for a second opinion.

When you find a prosthodontist who is skilled in cosmetic dentistry, you will receive personalized dentures that will enhance your smile, fit correctly, and be properly positioned. If you would like, you can also receive information on how your denture can be affordably stabilized.

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

 

Jun 21

My crown is loose

By Dental Crowns, Prosthodontist

My crown has been loose since the day I got it in early May. My dentist has checked it twice and says nothing is wrong with it. It just needs to settle in. How long is the adjustment period? I asked him that question but didn’t get a straight answer. Thanks Jonathan.

Jonathan – If your crown is loose, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist to check your bite, the crown, and the tooth to which the crown is bonded.

At no point should a sound dental crown be loose. There is no adjustment period for a loose crown. If you leave the issue untreated, it can put stress on the crown, the tooth beneath it, and the teeth that come in contact with the crowned tooth when you chew.

You can consider getting a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist. An examination will be needed to identify the problem and the most effective way to treat it.

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

May 14

Relatively new dentures and I keep biting my tongue

By Dentures, Prosthodontist

In November last year I got new dentures, top and bottom. Only since I’ve had them have I been regularly biting my tongue. It only happens when I eat. Of course I told my dentist about the problem but she insists that I am chewing carelessly or in a hurry. I don’t chew carelessly or in a hurry, but since she accused me of doing so I have been extra careful. I am still biting my tongue, and I have noticed that it is always on the right side of my mouth. Something is wrong, but I am not sure what. Am I going to need new dentures? Thanks. Ira

 

Ira – When a person repeatedly bites his or her tongue while eating, it is usually due to the way the top and bottom teeth fit together.

Your dentures need to be checked for alignment to ensure the teeth fit together properly. You can ask your dentist if this has been done. But you can also seek a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist. A prosthodontist has two years of post-graduate training in the replacement and restoration of teeth.

Only after an examination will the prosthodontist know if you need new dentures, or if your current dentures can be properly adjusted. Without the assistance of dentist who is skilled in the proper alignment of the prosthesis, you are likely to continue biting your tongue.

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

Apr 28

My bite is off and my prosthodontist says I need all new crowns

By Porcelain Crown, Prosthodontist

My top front teeth have porcelain crowns over them. It has been about 5 years since I got them and now my bite is off. My prosthodontist says I need new crowns. All of them need to be replaced. Is this really the solution? I called my insurance company, and they will provide some coverage for the new crowns, but is this really necessary? Thanks. Jakki

Jakki – Your jaw, bite, and crowns need to be examined to answer your question as to whether replacing your crowns is the answer to your bite problem. We recommend that you get a second and third opinion before you agree to any dental treatment that addresses the bite issue.

Are you grinding your teeth? Are you experiencing headaches or neck pain? These issues often go along with a misaligned bite, but they don’t always occur.

In addition to consulting with additional prosthodontists, you may consider visiting an orthodontist. The combination of dental professionals will help determine the cause of your bite issue and the best treatment for it—if it needs to be treated at all. The additional opinions will help you make an informed decision about your oral health.

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

Feb 13

If an abutment is broken will I have to get a new dental implant?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I’ve had problems with the crown on an implant for about 8 months. I went to 2 implant dentists and the second one found that the abutment is broken. He said that it will be hard to get off the implant. It scares me that he is finding it challenging. I am also worried that I might have to get a new implant. If an abutment is broken, will I have to get a new implant? Thanks. Alexander

 

Alexander – An abutment is used to support a dental appliance. It is attached to a dental implant to support a crown. It is also used to support a fixed dental bridge or a removable partial denture.

Abutments can be made of titanium, stainless steel, gold, or zirconia ceramic. After your jawbone fuses to the implant, the abutment is usually screwed into the implant. Time is allowed for the gum to heal around the abutment, after which a dental crown is attached to it. At times, the abutment is placed on the same day that the dental implant is received.

A broken abutment can be time-consuming to remove and replace. The process requires the skill of an experienced prosthodontist. A variety of dental tools, including ultrasonic implants tools, a bur, or screw removal tools can be used to loosen the abutment. The implant specialist must calmly and carefully ensure that the dental implant is not harmed in the process.

Be certain that the dentist you choose to remove and replace the abutment is skilled in addressing dental implant complications. It may be beneficial to get the opinion of a third implant dentist. The abutment will be examined, and your options will be discussed. A prosthodontist can give you an estimate of how long it will take to remove and replace the abutment, and let you know if and how your dental implant will be affected.

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

Dec 18

What are the risks of untreated cleft palate?

By Cleft Palate, Prosthodontist

There is a child with cleft palate that was adopted by family members, outside of my immediate family. For personal reasons and family sensitivities, I don’t want to give any details about the family dynamics. We don’t live in Illinois. I am doing this research on my own and will relate it to my family at the right time. I would like to know what happens if cleft palate goes untreated. Thanks. J.B.

J.B. –

During pregnancy when the left and right sides of the roof the mouth do not grow together and fuse, an opening or cleft remains. The cleft can affect part, or all, of the roof of the mouth.

There are several difficulties that can arise if a cleft palate is left untreated. Some of them are listed below.

  • Chronic dental problems, including misaligned or malformed teeth
  • Speech problems
  • Ear infections, due to fluid not draining properly from the ears
  • Impaired hearing
  • Speech problems
  • Fluids can enter the nasal cavity while drinking
  • Difficult social interactions – A person with cleft palate can be self-conscious about his or her physical appearance, which can cause him or her to limit social interaction.

Although circumstances vary with each family, we encourage at least a consultation with a board-certified prosthodontist for an examination of individuals with cleft palate. This is an obligation-free opportunity to get the opinion of a skilled specialist and to discuss treatment options.

 

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

Oct 11

Nervous about my dentist referring me to a prosthodontist to fix my teeth from bulimia

By Bulimia and Teeth, Implant Dentistry, Prosthodontist

I have mixed feelings about being referred to another dentist for my teeth. I have a lot of trust in my dentist but this time she doesn’t trust herself, at least not with my teeth. I have been struggling with bulimia for 7 years or so. I finally found the right counselor to help me but it’s a little late for my teeth. My dentist said that she prefers that I see a specialist so she is referring me to a prosthodontist. My discomfort is in having to explain myself and my story all over again. Is this really necessary, or should I try to find a way to get my dentist to do the work herself? Thank. C.T.

Dear C.T. – We sympathize with your concern over having to discuss your health concerns with a new dental provider. That is a difficult step to take.

You mentioned that you trust your dentist. At this point, you may consider trusting her judgment that she is not the best dentist to give you the best results for restoring your smile. A prosthodontist specializes in restoring and replacing teeth, and many have received additional training to produce beautiful results. Many prosthodontists have experience with patients whose teeth are damaged due to eating disorders. Sometimes a case can be more difficult than a general dentist is comfortable handling. Your dentist likely took that into consideration when referring you to this particular prosthodontist—he or she has likely treated many cases similar to yours. This factor also helps the specialist to be sensitive to your concerns.

To increase your comfort level with the prosthodontist, in advance of dental treatment, schedule a consultation with him or her. Get to know the specialist, ask questions about the kind of cases he or she has handled, and try to be frank about your concerns. Taking time to get to know the dentist before treatment begins may help to increase your confidence in the specialist. If you find that you are not comfortable with the specialist, speak with your dentist about it, and if necessary, ask for another referral.

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

Aug 29

Is this prosthodontist right that energy drinks are ruining my teeth?

By Prosthodontist

My dentist referred me to a prosthodontist for 4 caps on my teeth. My dentist is uncomfortable placing them himself. He has done other caps for me but he wanted a prosthodontist to look at my teeth. After I a lot of questions from the prosthodontist about what is causing damage to my teeth, I told her that I drink a lot of energy drinks. I work nights and I work out as soon as I get off from work. The energy drinks help me keep up with my crazy schedule. The prosthodontist said that energy drinks are ruining my teeth. I just wanted to verify this with someone else because the energy drinks I use have artificial sweetener not natural sugar. Thanks. Drew

Drew – Although many energy drinks don’t contain natural sugar, they do contain large amounts of citric acid. Citric acid that remains on your teeth can damage your tooth enamel and lead to cavities and tooth decay.

A study published in a 2012 journal of General Dentistry shows that energy drinks contain twice as much citric acid as sports drinks. Your prosthodontist is right about the effects of energy drinks on your teeth. We recommend that you limit your consumption of energy drinks. When you do drink them, immediately after, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. If that’s not possible, chew sugar-free gum to increase the saliva flow in your mouth and neutralize the acid.

Although prosthodontists specialize in restoring and replacing teeth, they prefer that you maintain good oral health to preserve your teeth. Excessive use of energy drinks is a hindrance to maintaining good oral health.

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

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