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.
I got 5 dental implants in Nov. 2012. 2 weeks ago I noticed that the crown on one of them felt funny when I chewed. I had an appointment last week with the implant dentist this past Monday and he said sure enough the crown was loose. He pulled on it and the whole implant came out. He said I need another implant surgery. I can’t believe after all of trouble I went through to get the implants and then the healing time that is needs to be done over! How could this happen? – Kristie P.
Kristie – If your crown was loose, it would be much easier to correct than a dental implant. A loose implant is a serious mistake, but it does occur.
There are several reasons that implants can loosen. One reason is that the crown may have been placed prematurely—before the bone bonded to the implant. Another possibility is that the implant was not sturdy enough to support the crown. Or, you may have inadequate bone density to support dental implants. An infection will also cause an implant to loosen.
More is involved than simply replacing the implant. The bone that was removed before the implant was placed will need to be replaced, and bone grafting may be required.
Unfortunately, implants mistakes are common. We recommend that you find a credentialed implant dentist to do replace your implant, instead of returning to your original implant dentist. Have the new implant dentist examine the space where you need an implant. He or she will determine what needs to be done to restore it.
This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.
How do you care for dental implants? I am trying to calculate the expense of caring for the implants after I receive them. – Leslie
Leslie – Treat your dental implants just as you would your natural teeth. They require the same care.
Brush thoroughly, just as you would brush your natural teeth. Floss carefully around the implant to prevent plaque build-up.
Keep your regular six-month dental exam and cleaning visits.
This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.
Hello. My baby is due in July. I need dental work done, but it is nothing critical. My dentist says that my pregnancy is not an issue. I won’t say that I don’t trust my dentist, but I don’t know him well. We recently moved from Ohio six months ago, so this is a new dentist for me. I just want to verify that there is no known problem with getting the work done at this stage of my pregnancy. Thank you. Rachel
Rachel – At this stage of your pregnancy, one of the biggest problems with getting dental work done is your comfort. You will be reclined, so you may experience discomfort during the treatment.
What type of dental work is being done? Have you been told how long the dental procedure will take?
Dental cleanings and exams during pregnancy should continue as normal. You want your teeth to be kept clean to reduce the chances of having tooth decay or gum disease. Dental x-rays and invasive dental treatment should be avoided.
If you are in pain with a toothache, or if there is an infection in your tooth, it should be treated promptly to stop the infection.
If you have the dental work done, consider bringing a pillow or whatever back support makes you comfortable. Speak with your dentist about any concerns you have about being comfortable. The staff will make the effort to get you as comfortable as possible.
This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.
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.
This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.
I have to admit that the people there are really nice. In fact when I first visited, I was very impressed with the customer service and the seeming sincerity of the representatives, although at times they were a little too aggressive for my taste. The advertising and fancy printed material really impressed me.
Now that I have the implants, and it’s $30,000 later, I have an infection from one poorly placed implant. I have had temporary teeth break several times. I am a bit frustrated to say the least. My cheek is swollen and I am having trouble speaking.
Everyone I speak to from Clear Choice is very pleasant, but I still have regrets and I am not confident that I will get a resolution there. Every conversation I had before the surgery was very positive. I was not warned about possible implant failure or any other negative aspect of getting dental implants. In hind sight, I should have asked more “what if” questions.
It’s an expensive lesson learned, and I regret it. I haven’t decided what I am going to do yet, but I am really not comfortable returning there to get the problems fixed. – J. from Indiana
J. – It is unfortunate to learn about your experience and the discomfort you still are experiencing. Aggressive sales tactics often don’t clearly inform you of the risks involved.
If you decide to get a second opinion, seek it from a credentialed implant dentist. You may be interested in reading about Dr. LaVacca’s second opinions for Clear Choice dental implants.
We also have a Chicago Clear Choice Reviews page for any of our readers who would like to share his or her experience.
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