Skip to main content
Monthly Archives

October 2017

Oct 29

Affordable dental implants don’t fit my dentures

By Affordable Implant Dentistry No Comments

I found a dentist for affordable dental implants for my dentures. After 12 years of pop-up dentures I couldn’t take it anymore. The dentist I had been seeing charged $700 more for the implants than my current dentist. I switched to the cheaper dentist but that was a huge mistake. It was August when I receive the affordable dental implants. My dentist snapped my dentures onto the implants but even he admitted he had trouble doing it. I’m very concerned about keeping my mouth and dentures clean, but whenever I take the dentures out I can’t get them back in. Honestly I can’t count how many times I’ve gone back into the dental office just to have my dentures put back on the implants. Even the hygienist can’t get them back on. I’ve noticed my dentist using some sort of tool to wedge between the denture and my jawbone, but of course I don’t have a tool like that at home. Last week I realized that the real issue is that the affordable dental implants just don’t fit my dentures. I’m sure my dentist knows it but doesn’t want to admit it. How do I handle this? K.L.

K.L.,

We are sorry to hear about the difficulty you’re having with your implant dentures. You should be able to snap them on and off to clean them. Your suspicion about the improper fit of your affordable dental implants and your dentures might be correct. Well-planned and well-placed dental implants for dentures don’t result in the problems you describe.

When Affordable Dental Implants and Dentures Don’t Fit Together

  • You can start by scheduling an appointment with your dentist. Speak with him about your concerns with having dentures that won’t snap onto the implants without going into the dental office. It’s really unacceptable.
  • Your dentist should willingly offer to identify the issue and correct it at no charge to you. If your dentist isn’t willing to admit there is a problem—and if he doesn’t offer to correct it—schedule an appointment for a consultation with another implant dentist.
  • It’s possible that a new denture base can be made to snap onto the implants, or new dentures might be needed. It is possible, but less likely, that your dental implants were incorrectly placed.

The issue needs to be corrected to prevent excessive pressure on the dental implants as they are forced on or off. The implant sites can become irritated if they are repeatedly jolted so your dentures fit on them.

Schedule a consultation with a board-certified prosthodontist.

 

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

Oct 20

There is pus around my dental implant

By Dental Implants No Comments

I have been waiting 2 months for my a couple of my dental implants to stop hurting. The doctor keeps telling me to give it more time. Last Friday I noticed that there was wetness around 1 of the 5 implants, and it looked too thick to be saliva. Yesterday morning, I dried the area in my mouth all around the implant and within seconds the liquid came back. It’s pus that is oozing from the implant. I am furious because I have gone back to the dentist about this problem and he keeps assuring me that I don’t need to worry. I can’t believe that it’s taking this long for 2 implants to heal when the other 3 seem to be just fine. Why are 2 implants hurting and 3 are okay? Isn’t this something that I should be concerned about? Troy

Troy – Absolutely. It is concerning that two implants are still painful while the others seem to be healing well. If pus is oozing from your implant site and it’s been two months since you’ve received it, you need to seek a second opinion right away.

Pus around your dental implants is a sign of an infection. If it’s left untreated, the following issues will result:

  • Prevent proper healing of the jawbone bone
  • Prevent healing of soft tissue around the implant
  • Spread to other areas of the mouth

What to Do If There Is Pus Around Your Dental Implant

Only see a skilled implant dentist for your second opinion and examination. The implant dentist will let you know what needs to be done to treat the infection. The following steps might need to be taken:

  • Remove the dental implant
  • Determine if bone grafting is needed at the extraction site
  • Wait for the area to heal before replacing the implant

You can schedule appointments with at least two board-certified prosthodontists to get reliable second opinions. Prepare your questions, take notes, and compare your options.

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

 

Oct 16

Some facts about immediate dentures

By Dentures

My mom needs dentures. She has horrible periodontal disease and it’s making her breath smell awful. I went with her to her dental appointment. She has already lost 8 teeth and more are coming out. The dentist was talking too fast and mumbled something about dentures and he said something about an immediate denture. Now I have to find out for my mom what he was talking about. So what is an immediate denture and what can you tell us about them? Do you have any helpful information for us? Thanks. Natasha

Natasha – An immediate denture is a complete removable denture that is placed the same day natural teeth are removed.

What You Should Know about Immediate Dentures

  • One of the obvious advantages is that the dentures are placed immediately. Your grandmother won’t have to spend a day without teeth. Before her teeth are removed, it’s easier to make the denture teeth in a shape similar and size to her natural teeth.
  • They dentures cost more than traditional dentures.
  • More time is needed to construct them.
  • Because an immediate denture is made before all of the teeth are extracted, as the gums heal, the dentures will become loose and need to be refitted—perhaps several times. At times, the dentures can be relined, or it is possible that a new denture may be needed.

Four to five visits may be required to make an immediate denture. In some cases, if there are back teeth that need to be extracted, they are removed in advance of the date the dentures are placed to allow healing time. Otherwise, the dentures would irritate the gums.

Ensure Your Questions about Dentures Are Answered

If you have additional questions about your mother’s options, schedule a visit to her dentist to discuss them. It’s important that you are clear about the treatment options before a final decision is made. It’s okay to ask her dentist to speak slowly so you understand the options.

You should also ask about the treatment plan for your mother’s periodontal disease. Get a second or third opinion if you don’t receive satisfactory information from her dentist.

One option you may want to read about on LaVacca’s site is securing dentures with dental implants. This will make your mother’s dentures stable so they won’t slip around or fall out.

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

 

Oct 13

Pediatric dental visit – should I stay with my child?

By Pediatric Dentist No Comments

We relocated to IL 2 months ago. My son needs to have a dental cleaning in January. I called 3 different pediatric dentist’s offices and asked a few questions. They all said it’s up to me whether or not I stay in the treatment room with my son. Our dentist in PA didn’t want me to come into the office with my son even though I wanted to do so. Now that I’m being given the opportunity, I’m wondering if I should go in with him, or if I will mess things up. My son didn’t hate going to the dentist, but neither was he eager to go. I’m just kind of curious about how he is responding while sitting in the dental chair. Should I go in the treatment room with him or leave things as they are? Thank you! Kristiana

Kristiana,

Some pediatric dentists encourage parents to come into the treatment room with their children, while other dentists discourage it. The reasons parents are asked to stay in, or leave, the operatory/treatment room can vary, including:

  • Some dentists want a parent to be present in the operatory at some point as a way to educate parents about their kids’ oral health.
  • The dental team might want to establish a positive relationship with the child without interference from the parent.
  • Some parents interject during treatment and create tension with the child and/or dental staff.
  • Many offices don’t have a preference and give parents the choice of joining their child or waiting in the reception area.

Tips for Staying or Leaving the Pediatric Dentist’s Treatment Room

If you stay in the treatment room during your son’s visit to the pediatric dentist, there are a few things you can do to make the visit more comfortable for you, your child, and the dental team.

  • Sit or stand in a location that doesn’t interfere with the movement of the dental staff. Let your child know you’ll be in the room, but not in front of or beside him.
  • Be careful with your facial expressions and body language. If your child is able to sense that you’re concerned about something, it can make him upset.
  • Observe, but don’t talk too much with the dental team or your child, unless the dental team invites you to do so. Allow time for the dental team to build a positive rapport with your child.
  • Young children might need reassurance, so the dentist or hygienist might ask you to hold your child’s hand or otherwise provide comfort.

If you decide to wait in the reception area, there are a few reminders:

  • The dental team will keep you informed about your child’s well-being.
  • Stay at the office. Avoid leaving to run errands or take care of business.
  • Issues might arise that can be treated during the visit. Before the pediatric dentist can provide treatment, your consent will be required.

Before You Choose a Dentist

Before you schedule an appointment for your son, we suggest that you schedule consultations at two or three pediatric dental offices. Take your child with you. During your visits, observe the following:

  • Office environment
  • How the staff receives you and your child
  • How your child reacts to the office and staff
  • Is the office really kid friendly?
  • How the pediatric dentist interacts with you and your child

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists, the office of Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Oct 10

How many Clear Choice Second Opinions do I need?

By Blog No Comments

I have a question about Chicago Clear Choice second opinions. I’m looking into getting the All-on-4 procedure for my top teeth, so I went to Clear Choice as my first option because they seem to have it down to a science. But, while I was there, I really felt like I was getting pushed into it. I already had a good idea of what I wanted, and that’s why I went there in the first place, but then they started pushing me to schedule the procedure. They told me that I needed to do it right away, and they tried to get me to leave a deposit. I understand that they’re a business, but they made me feel like it wasn’t about me anymore. They knew I wanted the procedure, so they were pushing to collect the cash right away. The experience discouraged me from getting All-on-4 done altogether. I went ahead and scheduled a second consultation with a different office. This one was recommended to me and it is a very small office. I think there is only one dentist and maybe two or three girls who work for him. In any case, he nodded along as I told my story, and then had his assistant draw up the paperwork. He barely even took the time to look in my mouth. Again, it was like it was all business.

So, now I’m wondering if I should go in for a third consultation somewhere else, or if it will even matter. Both these places offered roughly the same process and had similar quotes, so cost isn’t a huge factor. I suspect a third office will be more of the same. But, I also cannot say I’m really comfortable with either of these dentists, let alone looking forward to treatment from them. Should I go in for another consultation or choose one of the providers I’ve already seen and get it over with? Thanks, Dawn

Dawn,

You should get as many Clear Choice second opinions as it takes to make you comfortable. It doesn’t sound like you have dental anxiety or anything that might cloud your decision. The offices you went to are so focused on business that you didn’t feel like they cared about you personally. Here’s what we suggest:

Tips for Getting Clear Choice Second Opinions

Don’t tell the dentist more than he or she needs to know. In other words, don’t tell the dentist what type of dental implants you want or what the other dentists have suggested. This way, he or she will be more likely to discuss all the options with you and spend more time with you as well.

Check the dentist’s credentials first. Although you should give the dentist limited information, you should be well informed. Read his or her reviews and check out before and after photos on the website. It will help you understand the type of service provided before you even enter the office.

Ask questions. If you’re unsure about a process or why something is best, ask the dentist about the pros and cons of the treatment.

Compare apples to apples. The third dentist may propose something totally different because he or she isn’t clouded by the idea that you want All-on-4s. Also, the third dentist isn’t just confirming another dentist’s diagnosis and giving you a price. For this reason, you may not be able to compare the treatment plans exactly. If they don’t match up, wait until the end and ask for a comparison of the two. That way, you can see how the information you are given relates to what previous dentists said.

Understand the time involved. Any kind of implant dentistry can result in treatment that lasts a year or more. If you aren’t sure the dentist has your best interests at heart, it’s going to be a long year full of self-doubt. Be sure you’re selecting someone you genuinely trust and feel at ease with.

This blog is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca, a Chicago Clear Choice second opinions provider.

Oct 05

Would a prosthodontist be willing to do porcelain veneers for me?

By Porcelain Veneers No Comments

I’m wondering if a prosthodontist would be willing to do porcelain veneers for me. I’ve been to 2 dentists about veneers and neither of them will do them for me because I grind my teeth a lot. They say the veneers would break under the pressure from grinding. I know that different dentists have different techniques and some can accomplish things that others won’t touch. The issue with my teeth is that they are too small. My smile is short and looks like it belongs to an adolescent. I’m 37 years old and would very much like a change. Is a new smile with porcelain veneers something a prosthodontist would be willing to do? Thanks. Jess

Jess – Many dentists would not recommend porcelain veneers if you’re a heavy teeth grinder. Bruxism (teeth grinding) can cause damage to natural teeth, porcelain veneers, and even porcelain crowns.

Before addressing the cosmetic issues with your teeth, a prosthodontist would try to determine the cause of your teeth grinding habit. Treatment, which can include relaxation techniques, minimizing stress, and wearing a custom night guard can help protect your teeth and dental restorations.

A prosthodontist wouldn’t give you porcelain veneers right away. Several things have to be done first. Some of them include:

  • Examine the health of your natural teeth and gums to determine if you’re a candidate for porcelain veneers.
  • Collaborate with you to determine the cause of your teeth grinding.
  • Determine if you need TMJ (temporomandibular joint) treatment.
  • Recommend therapy or jaw exercises to alleviate discomfort from teeth grinding
  • Provide a customized night guard to minimize grinding and protect your teeth

A prosthodontist is a specialist in the replacement and restoration of teeth. After general dentistry training, a prosthodontist receives up to four years of specialized training. They understand dental aesthetics and what is required to improve your smile.

Porcelain veneers aren’t the only option for lengthening the appearance of your teeth. A prosthodontist will let you know your options, based on your case and the condition of your teeth and gums.

We suggest that you find a specialist who can address your bruxism and your desire to lengthen the appearance of your teeth. A prosthodontist can do both. You can get a second opinion from a prosthodontist to discuss your options.

 

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

Close Menu