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May 2018

Sealants Pediatric Dentist

Dental sealants from pediatric dentist fell out

By Pediatric Dentist

My 9 yr old son sees our pediatric dentist every 6 months for checkups. In April, the dentist insisted that my son get sealants for his teeth. The dentist said that they give kids nitrous for the procedure, although I thought it wasn’t necessary because my son loves going to the dentist. I had to pay out of pocket for the nitrous because my insurance doesn’t cover it.  Now the dentist says my son needs 3 of the 8 sealants replaced because they came off. She says that my son must have been eating something sticky like candied apples or taffy for the sealants to come out. My son has never eaten candied apples or taffy. My kids are only allowed to have sweets on the weekend, and I bake them. The dentist’s office expects me to pay for the new sealants. I didn’t ask, but I suppose they are going to insist on using nitrous again. I feel like finding another pediatric dentist, but I am wondering if there is a certain way I should handle this. What do you suggest? – Teri

Teri – Your son’s pediatric dentist likely used sealants because they are very effective in preventing tooth decay. Children in your son’s age range are usually able to brush and floss on their own, but they often miss brushing in deep crevices. Dentists recommend sealants to protect permanent teeth from decay.

When a pediatric dentist properly applies sealants, they can last ten years or more. If your son’s sealants have fallen out already, there might be a problem with the way they were placed. You have already mentioned that you don’t allow your children to eat sweet, sticky foods, so that issue isn’t the cause of the issue.

Options for Replacing Dental Sealants from the Pediatric Dentist

  • We recommend that you speak with the office manager at your son’s pediatric dentist and ask if the sealants can be replaced at no charge.
  • You can also request that the sealants be replaced without sedating your son with nitrous oxide, given your son’s good track record of cooperation with the dentist. If the office manager seems unwilling to honor your request, you can ask to speak directly to the dentist.
  • As a last resort, consider getting a second opinion from another pediatric dentist.

 

This post is sponsored by the pediatric dentists at Naperville Dental Specialists.

Is it too late for dental implants to help my sagging face?

By Dental Implants No Comments

I’m wondering if it’s too late for dental implants to help my facial sagging. I’ve had dentures since I was 49 years old and I just turned 61 last week. The bags on my face from dentures are finally catching up with me. Other than cosmetic surgery, what are some ways that people with dentures can at least soften their wrinkles? Is it too late for dental implants?

Madge – After years of wearing dentures, facial sagging results from jawbone shrinkage. When all of your teeth are missing, the bone that once supported the teeth is resorbed and used elsewhere in the body. The jawbone is no longer available to support facial muscles, so sagging and shrinking result. Although cosmetic surgery may tighten facial tissue, jawbone shrinkage can continue and additional wrinkles or sagging can occur. Dental implants can help.

How Dental Implants Can Help with Facial Sagging

Bone grafting – If you don’t have enough jawbone density to support your facial muscles, you probably lack the density to support dental implants. But it’s not too late for dental implants. The good news is that jawbone can be built up through bone grafting. After the grafts heal, dental implants can be placed, and jawbone shrinkage can be prevented or interrupted.

Support for your dentures and facial muscles – Your dentures will be attached to the dental implants. Your facial muscles will have support, and the process will rejuvenate your face and help you look longer.

Healthier than cosmetic surgery – Dental implants stimulate jawbone growth. Cosmetic surgery doesn’t. When all of your teeth are missing, dental implants and bone grafting support your oral health, while cosmetic surgery only lifts your facial muscles and improves your facial appearance. Without dental implants, your bone will continue to shrink, and additional cosmetic treatment might be needed in the future.

Before you receive any treatment, diagnostic studies are needed to determine how much jawbone shrinkage has occurred and the best way to address it. The process will take several months, but you’ll have better oral health, and it will enhance your facial appearance.

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

pediatric-dentists-teeth-whitening-swabs

Pediatric dentist says teeth grinding habit is normal for kids

By Pediatric Dentist

Our pediatric dentist says that my 4 yr old daughter’s teeth grinding is normal for her age. I’m wondering if I need to transfer my daughter to a new pediatric dentist who might know a little more. The dentist said that he will watch our daughter’s teeth to make sure she isn’t wearing them down. Other than that it’s a habit that she will grow out of. I’m very concerned about this. What if she doesn’t grow out of it? What do we do then? If intervention is needed, I want to know about it ASAP. Should I find another pediatric dentist for a second opinion to take a look at her teeth or is our pediatric dentist right? Alejandra

Alejandra – Your pediatric dentist is correct, but for peace of mind, if you want to schedule an appointment with another dentist for a second opinion, you should do so.

Consider a few facts about teeth grinding during childhood:

  • Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is common.
  • It’s most common during cycles of sleep—most frequently during non-Rapid-Eye-Movement (REM) sleep.
  • The habit usually starts after a child is one year old.
  • Sometimes the habit goes unnoticed by parents because it occurs mostly during sleep.
  • Stress can be another cause of teeth grinding.
  • Allergies, certain prescription medication, and sleep apnea can cause the habit.

If in addition to grinding her teeth, your daughter snores or breathes through her mouth, the issue might be related to sleep apnea. If you suspect that sleep apnea might be an issue, speak with your family doctor or pediatrician.

Usually, the teeth grinding habit is temporary and children grow out of it. If your daughter’s teeth grinding habit is accompanied by headaches, neck pain, earaches, or facial pain, it might be a cause for concern. Although she might not tell you that she has certain types of pain, watch closely to see if she is holding her face, jaw, or neck. It’s good that your pediatric dentist will periodically check your daughter’s teeth for signs of excessive wear. If the problem persists and it’s affecting the health of your child’s teeth, a mouth guard to wear at night might be recommended.

Along with your pediatric dentist, keep watch on your daughter’s teeth grinding habit and the condition of her teeth. It will help you and your dentist make decisions on the best way to handle the issue.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Anthony LaVacca and the pediatric dentists at Naperville Dental Specialists.

Looking for alternatives to dentures including a snap on smile

By Dentures No Comments

I have 4 upper teeth and 3 bottom teeth left. I don’t want dentures. Everyone that I know who wears dentures hates them. Plus they look bad. The teeth look like white plastic and the gums look like dark plastic. It is interesting to me that as long as dentures have been around that they still look unsightly. I’ve been looking into alternatives to dentures that might look more natural. Can I get a snap on smile instead? I think it will look better than false teeth. – Ephraim

Ephraim – Dentures vary in quality. The prosthesis you have described are likely budget dentures. They are the least expensive and least natural-looking dentures available. But for people with a limited budget, this is an option that is better than having all of your teeth missing. It enables people to chew and to smile with more confidence than having no teeth at all.

Dentures vs. Snap-On Smile

There are several characteristics of a Snap-On Smile that make it an unsuitable alternative to dentures:

  • It is designed to snap over your natural teeth, and your teeth keep it in place. If all, or most, of your teeth are missing, the appliance will easily dislodge.
  • It is temporary. If you wear it daily, it will wear out very quickly and need to be replaced.
  • Without the support of your natural teeth beneath the Snap-On Smile, you will have difficulty chewing. And as we mentioned, it will be almost impossible to keep it in your mouth.

Cosmetic Dentures

You can get comfortable cosmetic dentures that are made of high-quality materials and look natural. A prosthodontist will provide you with customized dentures that fit well. They will look much better than a Snap-On Smile.

A prosthodontist has at least two years of post-dental school training in replacing and restoring teeth. You will be included in the process of designing dentures that like your natural smile. They will compliment your facial features and be an expression of your personality.

If it’s within your budget, you can consider securing your dentures with dental implants. The implants will prevent your dentures for from slipping. Implant overdentures may fit over the remaining natural teeth that you have left, if the teeth are healthy.

Request a consultation with a prosthodontist to learn about cosmetic dentures and your options for stabilizing them.

This post is sponsored by award-winning prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca of Naperville.

Can I Get Charged with Slander for Leaving Bad Clear Choice Reviews?

By Blog No Comments

I had a truly horrific experience with dental implants and have been leaving bad Clear Choice reviews on a number of sites. I’d rather not get into the specifics of it here because my story is quite unique and this question might be traced back to me. That said, I received a phone call the other day and was told I needed to take down my posts- that they were illegal and I would get sued for slander if I left them up. I’m furious that they would low, but I’m also afraid that I could be in real trouble over this. It’s not so much that I think they have a case. They don’t. As far as I can tell, it’s within my rights to say whatever I want to say in my Clear Choice reviews, as long as I don’t misrepresent myself or lie. The problem is, they’re a huge company with deep pockets and I cannot afford to fight them if they come after me. However, the threats, on top of the experience I had in the office, have strengthened my resolve to spread the word. Am I in the right here or should I pull my posts to avoid a legal issue?

Thank you, Anonymous

 

Dear Anonymous,

If you have a legal question, it’s always best to talk to a lawyer. A legal professional will have the most current info and will gather the details necessary to provide you with an accurate assessment of your situation.

First, it’s odd that they would call you. Particularly with large companies, the first contact you would have is a formal letter from their lawyer. A small business might slip and give you a verbal warning, but a large company isn’t likely to do this. This is a red flag, which could mean that you might not have been speaking with someone who represents that company. If you have a record of the phone number from the call, cross reference it to make sure it’s really from Clear Choice. If it is someone from the practice, you can also check to see if it’s even someone in a place of authority to make a legal call. Likely, the person you spoke with either has no authority or was not affiliated with the company.

Secondly, this kind of lawsuit would be called a defamation of character suit or libel because it involves written words. If you had spoken the words, it would be a slander case. If you used that word, it isn’t an issue, but if the caller that word, it’s a sign they probably don’t understand the law.

Lastly, if you’re relaying the truth and giving your personal opinion, you’re typically not liable. However, you have to watch your word choice. There’s a chance a lawsuit might stick if you said, “These people are criminals,” and they haven’t been found guilty of any crime. However, if you can actually prove each person you reference has a criminal record, then you could write that. You probably couldn’t legally say, “They stole my money,” if you made a down payment and signed an agreement and their actions were part of the agreement you made, although there are some circumstances in which you could make that claim.

Again, you should definitely speak with an attorney if you’re concerned. You can also read the full Consumer Review Fairness Act for further details.

 

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Anthony LaVacca, a prosthodontist who provides general dentistry services for the whole family as well as expert dental implant care. Patients who are dissatisfied with Chicago Clear Choice reviews or who would like a second opinion on dental implants may call 630-848-2010 to schedule an appointment with Dr. LaVacca.

Do I really need All on 4 implants or can I get 3 instead?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants No Comments

I’ve lost all most of my teeth and the remaining ones are loose and need to be extracted. My dentist says that I have enough bone to do All-on-4 implants. It probably sounds bad, but I’m tired of dealing with teeth problems and am really looking forward to dentures. Anyway, I I am wondering if two or three dental implants will suffice. It seems like a great way to save money and there would be less to go wrong. Is this a viable solution?

Thanks, Ronny

 

Dear Ronny,

The All-on-4 process is well known because it has been heavily advertised. Some companies and practices may use the terms overdenture or implant-supported denture instead. There are versions that referred to as fixed or permanent because you cannot take them out. There are also removable or snap-on dentures, which you can take out as needed.

All-on-4 Implants Balance Your Prosthesis

Dentures with no additional support stay in place with suction or adhesives. While they are the traditional cost-effective replacement, may look natural, and work well, they don’t feel natural.  Some people struggle with movement in the appliance or keeping them in place. Imagine if you add a single dental implant to the appliance. You may be able to keep it in place better, but you won’t really improve the stability or balance.

If you add a second implant, the retention will improve, but again, there will still be a significant area without an implant, and stability will continue to be an issue. As you add additional anchors, the stability of the prosthesis will increase. You could theoretically function with a denture that’s only anchored in two or three places, but it won’t be as secure as a denture that is anchored in four or six places.

Dental Implants are Successful Up to 98% of the Time

Fewer implants don’t necessarily guarantee success. Generally, individual dental implants successfully integrate and remain healthy 98% of the time. But the largest determining factor of success is the dentist you choose.

Doctors who frequently place implants, such as oral surgeons, prosthodontists, periodontists, and a handful of general dentists with extra training, provide statistically better outcomes for their patients. In part, this is because they are more skilled, but another reason is that they look at each case and evaluate it individually. They know when a person isn’t a good candidate at all, as well as what options are going to provide the highest success rates. Find a doctor who routinely handles cases like yours to help you trust what he or she is recommending will provide the best outcome.

You might find a doctor who will only place two implants for you. That won’t necessarily reduce the risk though. It doesn’t hurt to ask a dentist you know and trust if two could work for you. Odds are, however, that he’ll walk you through the risks and challenges of doing so or he may insist on four or more if he doesn’t believe he can provide you with a successful outcome using fewer.

 

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Anthony LaVacca, a Naperville All on 4 implants provider. Dr. LaVacca is a board-certified prosthodontist with specialized training in replacing missing teeth.

 

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