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Monthly Archives

June 2013

Jun 26

Review on All-on-4 Dental Implants from Clear Choice

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I’ve had some serious problems with my teeth all through my life. The problems with my teeth required multiple root canal treatments and more crowns than I can recall. I lost many teeth over the years and I got to the point where I knew I had to do things differently. I had no question that I wanted dental implants.

I was impressed with the Clear Choice presentation, staff, and the doctor who was very informative about the All-on-4 procedure. The patient care was great and the surgery in April went smoothly. I’ve received follow-up phone calls from my dentist and when I go into the office for follow-up visits, I remain impressed with the quality of care. My only regret is not having done the procedure sooner. – Geoff

Geoff – Thank you for submitting your Clear Choice review. The All-on-4 procedure does require extensive skill and experience to ensure successful placement. It is good that you had a positive experience with Clear Choice.

 To our readers: Submit Clear Choice Reviews. If you have already visited a Clear Choice location but would like a second opinion, board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca can help.

Jun 24

How long do dental fillings last?

By Dental Fillings

I have three teeth that need filling. How long do fillings last? Thanks. Micah

Micah – There have been many studies conducted on dental fillings and how long they last. On average, white composite fillings last five to seven years. Amalgam (also called silver) fillings last about eight years.

The best filling is not to need one at all. So be diligent about maintaining good oral hygiene at home. Brush and floss your teeth regularly. Limit or avoid sugary snacks. Keep regularly-scheduled dental appointments for exams or cleanings.

Young children and adults with deep grooves in their teeth, which make teeth more prone to cavities, can receive dental sealants on their teeth. Dental sealants are very thin layers of plastic that cover the biting surfaces of your teeth.

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

Jun 24

Is sedation dentistry more expensive than traditional dentistry?

By Sedation Dentistry

I hate sitting in the dentist’s chair in pain or aware of what’s going on inside my mouth. Now that I need dental implants, I’ve decided to look for a dentist who offers sedation dentistry. But is the sedation aspect of it much more expensive local anesthetic? Is sedation dentistry covered by regular dental insurance? – Kevin

Kevin –In advance of the dental procedure, sedation medication is administered to keep you calm and relaxed during your dental treatment.

Local anesthetic is used to numb the area where the dental work will be done on your tooth or teeth. Local anesthetic will still be used for numbing purposes during your dental procedure. So, there is one expense for local anesthetic, another for sedation medication, and remaining fees for your dental implant procedure. The cost of sedation dentistry can depend on which type of sedation you receive and the length of time it is required for your dental procedure.

Some insurance companies provide benefits for a limited number of hours of sedation during your dental procedure. You would be responsible for the balance if sedation dentistry is required beyond the maximum number of hours allowed by your insurance. For example, insurance may cover up to two hours of sedation. If your dental procedure requires more than two hours of sedation, you will be responsible for the balance. Contact your insurance provider or your employer’s human resources department to find out if sedation dentistry is an allowable expense for your plan.

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

Jun 10

What is the cost per tooth for cosmetic dentistry?

By Cosmetic Procedures

What is the cost per tooth for cosmetic dentistry? And did you get a loan to have your teeth done? – Max

Max – The cost of cosmetic dentistry depends on what type of treatment you need. Small chips or gaps in your teeth can be fixed with dental bonding.

Major flaws or teeth that are misaligned can be restored with porcelain veneers. Broken down or damaged teeth can be protected with porcelain crowns.

Your submission to us didn’t identify the problem with your teeth, but you should have them examined by a cosmetic dentist. He or she will let you know your treatment options.

Many cosmetic dentists accept various forms of payment, and offer payment plans or financing.

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

Jun 04

Does stomach acid damage porcelain crowns?

By Bulimia, Implant Dentistry, Porcelain Crown

I’m bulimic and I know that the acid from vomiting damages tooth enamel. Does continued vomiting damage porcelain crowns? A.

A. – Porcelain crowns are much more durable than your natural teeth and can withstand repeated exposure to stomach acid. In addition to damaging your natural teeth, repeated vomiting can damage your throat, esophagus, and lower jaw. Stomach acid from gastrointestinal reflux disease can cause similar damage.

Thoroughly rinse your mouth to neutralize the acid. If possible, professional assistance should be sought to help decrease the episodes of vomiting or to stop them completely. Your dentist will be very understanding in helping you minimize the damage to your teeth.

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

Jun 04

Can I get mini implants for 7 missing teeth?

By Dental Implants, Mini Implants

Hi. I have 7 missing teeth and 3 of them are back teeth. I really want dental implants, but I cannot afford them. I am wondering if mini implants are an option for me. – Thanks. Gloria

Gloria – Mini implants are more affordable than standard dental implants, but they are not as strong. Mini implants do well in stabilizing dentures, but even when used for that purpose, they don’t secure dentures as well as standard-sized implants.

Over time, mini implants are unable to withstand the day-to-day biting force and chewing that they would be subject to for individual teeth.

If you haven’t done so already, consider speaking with an implant dentist about dental implants. The dentist will likely offer financing or payment plans to make the implants more affordable. As an alternative to dental implants, a dentist who is also skilled in cosmetic dentistry can provide you with a natural-looking dental bridge.

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

 

 

 

 

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