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Monthly Archives

December 2013

Dec 29

Surgeons won’t give me all on 4 implants

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I have been to 3 different implant surgeons and none will give me all on 4 implants. They say I will do better with standard implant. I want the all of 4s. How can I find a surgeon who will do them for me? – Andre

Andre – All-on-4 dental implants are for denture wearers who are in good health. This process allows the implants to be placed if you don’t have a lot of jaw bone density for standard dental implants.

Implant surgeons take a lot of steps to identify your treatment options and ensure the success of your implants. If three surgeons indicated that you are not a candidate for the All-on-4 process, it is likely that you will receive the same response from a fourth implant surgeon.

Consider your alternative options for implants to secure your dentures. You will likely have better success with the healing process and the duration of your implants by selecting alternate treatment.

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

Dec 26

Why would pediatric dentist want to sedate my daughter?

By Pediatric Dentist

We relocated from Ohio and have a new pediatric dentist for our 2 children. My 8 yr old has a cavity. She normally does very well at a dentist’s office. She doesn’t have any fear. The dentist scheduled an appointment to fill her cavity, and she said that she will administer nitrous oxide first. I don’t think this is necessary at all. Am I being unreasonable? – Anika

Anika – You have a right to accept or refuse dental treatment for your daughter. If you don’t think she requires sedation before filling a cavity, you can explain your concern to your child’s dentist.

The response you get can determine whether or not you choose to seek a second opinion on treatment for your daughter. You will be able to find a dentist who is willing to fill the cavity without sedation.

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

Dec 26

Looking for a cheap dental implant for canine tooth

By Affordable Implant Dentistry, Dental Implants

I have a crooked canine tooth on the right side of my mouth. It is also badly shaped and discolored. I am wondering if I can get a cheap dental implant to replace it and still have it look natural.  Erika

Ericka – It is likely that your canine tooth doesn’t need to be replaced with a dental implant. You can have the tooth examined by an experienced prosthodontist. And if you do need a dental implant, you can discuss how a quality implant can be made affordable for you.

The goal will be to preserve your tooth. There are options that may work for you, including reshaping the tooth and whitening it; lightly shaving the tooth and bonding a porcelain veneer to it, which will look completely natural; reducing the size of the tooth and covering it with a porcelain crown to match your natural tooth; or short-term orthodontics and teeth bleaching.

Schedule an appointment to have your tooth examined and to find out your options. Many dentists, like Dr. LaVacca, offer a complimentary consultation.

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

Dec 23

What can I do about cavity pain until my dentist’s appt?

By General Dentistry, Tooth Decay

I made an appointment with a dentist already for a cavity, but the appt isn’t until next week. The office is closed for the holidays. I feel more sensitivity in the tooth each day and I am afraid that it’s going to get very painful before I can get the tooth treated. What can I do at home? – Zach

Zach – If your tooth is sensitive, try to limit cold or hot beverages that can increase sensitivity. If you start to experience pain, you can take over-the counter pain medication to relieve the pain.

It is unlikely that your pain will become extreme, but if it does, you may be able to find an emergency dentist who has on-call personnel who will see you and relieve your pain.

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

Dec 22

What’s the success rate of dental implants?

By Dental Implants

I want to have 3 missing teeth replaced with dental implants. I read on your website about dental implant failure, but what’s the success rate? They cost so much that I really hope the success rate if very good. Thank you. Kacie

Kacie – The success rate of dental implants is very good—95%. The majority of dental implants still function at their peak performance 20 years after they were originally placed.

A key to success and longevity of your implants is a skilled, experienced, and credentialed implant dentist who plans for quality placement, and who uses quality implant fixtures. Your strict cooperation with instructions before and after implant surgery are also vital to the success of your implants.

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

Dec 20

My gums swollen over 1 year after dental implant placed

By Dental Implant Mistakes, Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

I got 3 dental implants 1 ½ yrs ago. The healing seems to be fine but now the gum around 1 of them is swollen. I take good care of my real teeth and the implants. I now live 6 hours away from the dentist who placed the implants. I made sure not to relocate before everything was healed. Why is this happening now? Jennifer

Jennifer – Swelling around the implant right after implant surgery is normal. Swelling will peak in approximately 48 hours and will gradually diminish in about one week.

Swelling like yours that occurs over a year after the implant surgery is a reason for concern. It is possible that there is a problem with the implant or you may have an infection.

Your tooth needs to be examined by an experienced implant dentist for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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

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