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Prosthodontist

Apr 04

Our son had cleft palate surgery twice and we see another fistula

By Prosthodontist

Our son was born with cleft palate. The first surgery he had went well but after about 4 months a fistula developed. Then he had a second surgery by the same doctor. Now we see what appears to be a second fistula. We are getting nervous about this. It’s not that we don’t trust the doctor, but will this keep recurring? Thank you. Kimberly

Kimberly,

We understand your concern. In rare cases, a fistula, or opening, will form after surgery has been formed to close the palate, or roof of the mouth.

The opening is a result of inadequate healing of the surgical site. The size and location of the opening are evaluated to determine the best options for treating it.

If a fistula is small, it may be left alone to see if it will heal, or until the child is older. Often a 12-month waiting period is passed before another surgery is performed to close the opening. Large openings will need to be surgically closed. But there may be other options.

You can receive a second opinion for your son from a prosthodontist who is experienced in cleft palate treatment. The second opinion may give you reassurance regarding the current treatment recommendations for your son, or it may give you more information about your options.

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

Feb 24

Can I repair my own denture without going to the prosthodontist?

By Prosthodontist

I made the mistake about trying to finish some outdoor gutter cleaning just before it got really dark. I slipped off the 5th or 6th step on the ladder and was fortunate not to be really hurt but the jolt knocked out my bottom denture. A section of 3 teeth cracked. The section of teeth didn’t completely fall off so I am thinking that instead of going to the prosthodontist and having him charge me a bunch of money for a 5 minute fix, this is something that I can fix myself with some of my wife’s craft project glue. That stuff is stronger than krazy glue. Besides that I’m embarrassed and if I can fix the dentures myself, I don’t have to repeat the story of how it happened. James

James – It is best to leave the denture repair to the prosthodontist. The prosthodontist has the right tools and adhesive materials to make a long-lasting repair that is safe to put in your mouth.

Craft project glue is not made for use in your mouth. It can be toxic, and it may not be strong enough to withstand the wet environment in your mouth or the force of chewing. You may end up doing additional damage to the denture if you try to repair it yourself.

The prosthodontist will also need to check the fit of your denture to ensure that is properly lined and fitted so that it won’t dislodge unexpectedly.

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

Jan 29

My dentist doesn’t want me to go to prosthodontist

By Prosthodontist

I need 4 dental implants. My dentist wants to do them himself, but I want to go to a prosthodontist. The prosthodontist was recommended to me by one close friend and one workmate. I don’t know anything about how well my dentist places implants other than his word. I know that he took some classes, but that’s not good enough for me. If it was only one implant that I needed, maybe I would take a chance, but I don’t think I should take a change on 4 of them. With something as serious at implants, I probably shouldn’t be taking any chances right? I’ve had this dentist for 11 years, and he has placed crowns for me that are really beautiful. Am I wrong for insisting on going elsewhere for the implants? – Bobbie D.

Bobbie – Correct placement of dental implants is serious. If you prefer to find a skilled prosthodontist to do the work—one for whom you have recommendations from people you trust—your preference is completely understandable.

If you think your decision is interfering with your relationship with your current dentist, let him know how much you appreciate the work that he has done in helping you maintain good oral health and in giving you a beautiful smile. But also let him know your concerns and why you’ve chosen to see a prosthodontist for your dental implants.

In addition to the recommendations you received, a prosthodontist has received extensive post-graduate training in the replacement and restoration of teeth. Prosthodontists are very skilled in dental implant placement.

Every caring dental or healthcare provider understands patient rights. Your dentist knows yours and will likely respect your decision and cooperate with the prosthodontist so that you will a positive outcome with your dental implants.

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

Oct 29

I have oligodontia and missing 9 adult teeth. See a dentist or prosthodontist?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I have oligodontia and am missing 9 adult teeth. When I was a child, my parent could not afford the dental care that I needed. Now that I have my own job and dental insurance I am going to get the work I need done in phases. That’s what I can afford. I don’t have a lot of experience with dentists because as I mentioned, we couldn’t afford dental care when I was young. Is the tooth replacement something that a general dentist can do? I found information about prosthodontists, then I found your website. Thanks. Rob G.

Rob – Prosthodontists have received post-graduate training to specialize in the replacement and restoration of missing teeth. Oligodontia, the term for congenitally missing six or more adult teeth, can be very effectively treated by a specialist who has been trained in tooth restoration. When five or fewer teeth are missing, the condition is referred to as hypodontia.

In addition to missing teeth, people who have this condition often have small teeth, their jawbone may be smaller than normal, and permanent teeth may erupt late. Most general dentists have limited, if any, training in this area.

When hypodontia or oligodontia is detected at an early age, as the parents’ budget permits, planning begins early. Dental implants are placed after jawbone grown is complete, in the late teen years.

The placement of your dental implants requires a thorough examination, careful planning, and possible bone grafting to support dental implants. An experienced prosthodontist will beautifully restore your teeth. The prosthodontist will openly communicate with your general dentist and keep him or her informed of the treatment plan and your progress.

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

Sep 27

Process for getting teeth for All-on-4 implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

Hi. I just want to know a little more about the process for getting the teeth for All-on-4 implants. Do I get teeth the same day as the surgery or do I have to wait? – Marshall

Marshall – After the All-on-4 dental implants are placed, new teeth are attached to them. The teeth will be fitted and adjusted. Your teeth will be stable and functional. Although they won’t be the permanent teeth you will receive, you will be able to leave the dental office with a full smile.

Over the next several months, you will return to your implant dentist or prosthodontist for progress checks. When the implants and your jawbone have fused together, impressions of your mouth are taken to create stronger, beautiful, permanent teeth.

The waiting period for permanent teeth ensures proper healing of your mouth. The temporary, or provisional teeth, place less stress on the implants. The permanent teeth be beautiful, will provide maximum function, and will be made to precisely fit your bite and healed gum tissue.

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

Sep 12

Do I need dental implants before braces?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I my molars are severely damaged due to an embarrassing habit that I had for 10 years but have now quit. I am now 38 year old. I also need braces but can I get them if my molars are extracted or do I need dental implants in before braces can be placed? – Scott R.

Scott – If you need braces, they should be placed, and your teeth should be straightened before you receive dental implants. Dental implants don’t move. So having implants in place before braces would have a negative effect on the alignment of your teeth. The implants may interfere with the correct positioning of your natural teeth.

But your molars may not need to be removed. Have your teeth examined by an experienced prosthodontist. It is possible that your molar teeth can be saved and protected with dental crowns. The prosthodontist’s goal is to preserve and restore your teeth. He or she will let you know your treatment options and the order in which each treatment should be done to give you a beautiful smile.

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

Aug 30

General dentist or prosthdontist needed?

By Prosthodontist

What type of dentist does these things (bone graft for a hole in the gum due to bone loss, a dental implant, and crowns that look real)? Is my general dentist okay for this (I haven’t seen him in over a year since he told me I needed the work) or do I need a prosthodontist? – Naomi

Naomi – If your general dentist is also an implant dentist with skill in bone grafting, and if he is a cosmetic dentist, he can complete the work for you. Otherwise, he will have to refer you to a specialist.

A prosthodontist has post-graduate training specific to aesthetically restoring and replacing teeth. A prosthodontist can complete the graft, implant, and crown.

Whomever you chose for dental implants, be sure to check his or website or contact the office for details about the dentist’s experience and credentials.

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

Apr 30

What kind of doctor should I see for TMJ?

By Prosthodontist, TMJ

 

I think I have TMJ. What kind of doctor should I see for it? – Blake

Blake – Dentists often treat TMJ symptoms, but there is no recognized specialty for TMJ disorders.

Find a dentist with extensive TMJ training. Visit his or her website to find out if the dentist has received training specific to the disorder. Prosthodontists are specialists who are highly trained to address jaw joint disorders.

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

Apr 09

What questions should we ask our daughter’s implant dentist?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

My daughter has a condition that she was born with that has prevented her from developing several teeth. She is now 20 years old and getting dental implants. We know this is going to be a very costly procedure, but we want her to have the confidence that comes with having healthy teeth and a good-looking smile. She was teased enough through her teen years. We are seeing two implant specialists and we will decide which one we want to do the procedure. We have a list of questions that we started, but if you can give us some pointers on what to ask, it would be appreciated. – Jan

Jan – Continue to compile your list of questions. Anything that you can think of that is of concern to you should be asked. It is very important that you find a credentialed implant dentist who has extensive experience in successfully placing dental implants.

Three-dimensional diagnostic studies should be performed to ensure that your daughter’s implants are properly placed. Also, quality implant fixtures should be used. So, some questions can be asked to ensure that those measures will be taken. Although the questions below are not a complete list of all the questions you should ask, you may choose to add some of them to your list.

  •  What training have you received?
  • What are your credentials?
  • Are you a board-certified specialist?
  • How long have you been placing dental implants?
  • How many implants a year do you place?
  • What is your implant success rate?
  • What steps do you take to avoid implant failure?
  • How many surgeries are needed?
  • What kind of sedation will be used?
  • What are the risks?
  • Do you have pictures of before and after cases you can show me?
  • What technology do you use to ensure implants are properly placed?
  • What type of implant fixtures do you use?
  • What should we expect after implant surgery?
  • What are our options?
  • What is the cost?
  • What are our payment options?

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

Feb 27

My dentist recommends a flipper but the prosthodontist prefers a temporary crown

By Dental Implants, Porcelain Crown, Prosthodontist

My dentist sent me to a prosthodontist to get an implant in place of a rotten tooth that had to be pulled. My dentist wants me to get a dental flipper from him, but the prosthodontist said that I can get a temporary crown. Is it normal to get a temporary crown? What is a dental flipper like anyway?

Ken – It is common for a temporary crown to be used while waiting for a permanent crown to be placed.

A dental flipper is a removable partial denture that has a gum-colored acrylic base with an acrylic tooth attached to it. Metal clasps can be attached to wrap around your teeth and keep the flipper in place. Depending on the location of the missing tooth, the metal clasps can be seen. Care must be taken to ensure the flipper does not disturb the dental implant.

You will find a temporary crown to be more comfortable than a dental flipper. Speak with your prosthodontist about your concerns. He or she will be able to fully explain your options and the pros and cons of both.

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

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