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Monthly Archives

January 2013

Jan 28

Sensitive Teeth

By Sensitive Teeth

Are your teeth sensitive to heat or cold? Or do they hurt when you brush your teeth?

There are several causes of sensitive teeth. You need to have your teeth checked by your dentist to determine the actual cause.

Tooth decay can make a tooth sensitive, but so can a tooth that is fractured. You may need composite fillings to protect your tooth. If the filling in a tooth is worn, it will need to be replaced. If it’s fractured, it will need to be repaired.

Sometimes, root surfaces are exposed on certain teeth. When you brush your teeth you will feel sensitivity. You can try toothpaste for sensitive teeth, or your dentist can prescribe toothpaste for you. Your dentist may need to brush your root surfaces with fluoride varnish, which works immediately.

Tooth sensitivity can be a sign of gum disease. Be sure to regularly brush and floss your teeth to fight bacteria-causing gum disease. It’s important to visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups to prevent gum disease, or to detect it early.

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

 

Jan 28

Can I find dental insurance for dental implants?

By Insurance

Can you tell me what companies provide dental insurance that covers the cost of dental implants? – Thanks Meryl

Meryl – Dental insurance companies don’t provide coverage for dental implants.

Insurance companies need to make a profit. They don’t profit from dental implants. They would have to pay out much more for dental implants than they would gain.

Dental insurance through an employer contributes toward the cost of extensive dental work. But they contribute toward the least expensive treatment that would solve your problem. There are treatments to replace missing teeth that are less expensive than dental implants—a dental bridge, a partial denture, or complete removable dentures.

Many implants dentist accept various form of payment and offer payment plans.

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

Jan 23

I am having severe pain after 2 teeth were pulled

By Teeth Extraction

Hi. I had 2 teeth pulled yesterday, lower left molars. I haven’t decided how I want to replace them, though. My dentist said that there would not be much pain afterward, but if I felt pain to take ibuprofen. My pain is extreme and ibuprofen is not helping. It hurts to talk, open my mouth or chew. Does it sound like something went wrong with the procedure? – Thanks. Thomas C.

Thomas – Your description of the pain you’re experience doesn’t sound very unusual. There can be trauma with tooth extraction, and the pain can be severe.

Your expectations, based on what your dentist told you, were much different than what you are actually experiencing. Some dentists let their patients know the worst that can happen, while others only tell you the mildest experience you might have after an extraction.

It’s best to call your dentist and let him or her know about the severe pain you are experiencing. You may need to see your dentist again. Or antibiotics or pain-relief medication may be prescribed.

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

Jan 23

Why do my implants keep failing?

By Dental Implants

Over the past five years I have tried to get implants for three missing teeth, but they have all failed. The surgeon has taken extreme care and rebuilt my jawbone in those places, but my body seems to keep rejecting them. My implant dentist is clueless. I want to replace these teeth. What do you suggest? – Margo

Margo – In rare instances, because of body chemistry, there are patients for whom dental implants don’t work. The situation is similar to a patient’s body that rejects a tissue transplant.

It is surprising that if you have an implant dentist, he or she is clueless. If you want reassurance, get a second opinion from a credentialed implant dentist. Take a look at our Meet Dr. LaVacca web page to get an idea of the kind of credentials you should look for in a dentist from whom you will receive a second opinion.

If your body is rejecting the implants, the implant dentist will be able to recommend alternate treatments. Although implants are the most effective and natural-looking tooth replacement, there are alternatives will look like your natural teeth.

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

Jan 23

Risk factors and symptoms of gum disease

By Gum Disease

Last week while driving, I was listening to XM radio and found a station with a guest dentist. She talked about gum disease and that you can get it even if you regularly brush and floss your teeth. That doesn’t make sense to me. I didn’t catch the entire segment because I had an appointment to keep. Are there certain contributing factors for gum disease? Also, what are the symptoms of gum disease? I’m not the best at keeping dental appointments, so I’m interested in knowing what to look for. Thanks –  Briana

Briana,

Gum disease is mainly caused by plaque, but there are other risks factors. Tobacco use increases the risk of gum disease. Stress makes it more difficult for the body to fight infection, including periodontal disease. Certain medications can affect your oral health. Some inflammatory diseases can promote inflammation in your gums.

Poor nutrition can affect the body’s ability to fight infection and disease, which can affect your gums. Grinding your teeth puts pressure on the teeth and gums, and can affect gum tissue. Some people are genetically disposed to gum disease. And gum disease is more common among the elderly.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

  • Pus in your gums, or between your teeth and gums
  • Inflamed, red, or sore gums
  • Gums that bleed when your brush your teeth or eat certain foods
  • Loosening of  teeth
  • Increase in spaces between teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • A change in the way partial dentures fit
  • Mouth sores

 

Early detection of gum disease is makes treatment easier. Stopping the progression of gum disease can save your teeth and help avoid more aggressive treatment. Regular dental check-ups with an examination of your teeth and gums are critical to preventing gum disease and to detecting it early.

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

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