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Monthly Archives

January 2014

Jan 30

Crown broke off twice. Should we trust this dentist?

By Dental Crowns, General Dentistry

My husband got a crown in November 2012. In March of last year the crown cracked. Before my husband got a chance to go to the dentist for it, the crown fell off. He took the crown with him and got a replacement crown. He is now wearing the second crown. I should say he was wearing the second crown because it broke off yesterday again. He is so disgusted with this whole thing, but for some reason he wants to give the dentist another chance. Should we trust this dentist? – Aarti

 

Aarti – We will leave it to you and your husband to determine if you really trust the dentist.

What we can tell you is that with proper preparation of the natural tooth that is to be crowns, and with bonding techniques, a dental crown should not fall off. Your husband can ask the dentist what will be done this time to ensure that the crown is not dislodged again.

You can also have a second opinion dentist examine your husband’s tooth and crown to determine if the tooth was properly prepared for the crown and if the crown is properly sized for the tooth.

After your husband receives the second opinion, he can determine if he wants to return to your current dentist, or have the restoration done by a different dentist.

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

Jan 29

My dentist doesn’t want me to go to prosthodontist

By Prosthodontist

I need 4 dental implants. My dentist wants to do them himself, but I want to go to a prosthodontist. The prosthodontist was recommended to me by one close friend and one workmate. I don’t know anything about how well my dentist places implants other than his word. I know that he took some classes, but that’s not good enough for me. If it was only one implant that I needed, maybe I would take a chance, but I don’t think I should take a change on 4 of them. With something as serious at implants, I probably shouldn’t be taking any chances right? I’ve had this dentist for 11 years, and he has placed crowns for me that are really beautiful. Am I wrong for insisting on going elsewhere for the implants? – Bobbie D.

Bobbie – Correct placement of dental implants is serious. If you prefer to find a skilled prosthodontist to do the work—one for whom you have recommendations from people you trust—your preference is completely understandable.

If you think your decision is interfering with your relationship with your current dentist, let him know how much you appreciate the work that he has done in helping you maintain good oral health and in giving you a beautiful smile. But also let him know your concerns and why you’ve chosen to see a prosthodontist for your dental implants.

In addition to the recommendations you received, a prosthodontist has received extensive post-graduate training in the replacement and restoration of teeth. Prosthodontists are very skilled in dental implant placement.

Every caring dental or healthcare provider understands patient rights. Your dentist knows yours and will likely respect your decision and cooperate with the prosthodontist so that you will a positive outcome with your dental implants.

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

Jan 24

Another opinion after seeing two Clear Choice dentists?

By Blog, All-on-4 Dental Implants

Clear Choice has a good reputation among several of my colleagues who have received dental implants. I travel quite a bit, so I went to two different Clear Choice locations just to compare the recommendations. Both doctors recommended All-on-4 implants for me, which I prefer not to receive. In each case, when I expressed my preference, I receive a “how dare you have a different opinion” look from the dentist. I am uncomfortable. I was pleased with the service, but I am uncomfortable with All-on-4. My preference is standard implants with bone grafting. Should I trust their judgment, or seek another opinion, perhaps with a dentist who will consider mine? Thomas S.

Thomas – You are likely a good candidate for All-on-4 dental implants, but if you don’t want them, and you prefer and are a candidate for standard implants, the choice is yours.

Another opinion from an experienced implant dentist outside of Clear Choice will help you make a final decision. As you likely know, the All-on-4 process is used to eliminate the need for bone grafting. But if you prefer bone grafting and want standard implants, your preference should be respected, as long as the treatment you want will meet the needs of your case.

We don’t know where you live or work, but you can schedule a consultation with Dr. LaVacca to discuss your concerns. If you want to proceed, he will perform an exam and the necessary diagnostic studies to determine your options. Dr. LaVacca is a board-certified prosthodontist and national and international lecturer. You can have confidence in his opinion.

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

Jan 21

Wacky bottom denture but can’t afford implants

By Affordable Implant Dentistry, Dentures

My bottom denture is loose but hurts my gums all at the same time. I put some pads between the dentures and my gums but they still hurt. When I chew, they lift up completely. Sometimes they get stuck to the food and I have to pull them back down. It is very embarrassing and frustrating. I feel like there’s no suction in them. I have had them relined several times with no improvement. I know dental implants will work but I can’t afford them. My dentist keeps recommending implants but what else will work? I’m in my 10th year of wearing dentures and I am 67 yrs young. I need an alternative because I have a lot of life left in me. Thank you. Lorena

Lorena – Your dentist is correct. Dental implants are needed to stabilize your denture. After your teeth have been missing for many years, your jawbone begins to shrink, and it becomes increasingly difficult to keep a denture in, so implants are needed to secure them.

There are various options for dental implants that may make them more affordable for you. Standard implants provide the most stability, and the more of them you have, the more stable your dentures will be. But implants come in other sizes. Smaller implants, mini implants, cost less and will secure your dentures so that you can enjoy eating. Two mini implants will stabilize your dentures, and if your budget allows for more, you will enjoy added stability with your dentures.

Look for a skilled implant dentist who offers payment plans or financing. The office will work with your budget so that you can afford implants without paying a single large sum at once.

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

Jan 14

Kids’ dentist straps them down???

By Pediatric Dentist

I have a 3 yr old son, a 6 yr old son and an 8 yr old daughter. I am in a dilemma with the dentist’s office. I have been taking the kids to this dentist for 4 years. Late last year was our most recent appointment. As soon as my 8 yr old got in the dentist’s chair, they strapped her in. The 8 yr old mind you. We have never had any problem with her and she is not afraid of the dentist – at least she wasn’t. I hope it won’t have a bad effect on her. I asked why she was being strapped in and the hygienist said they are strapping kids in so they will be still and don’t need sedation. She added that lots of offices in the area are starting to do it.  Well, I asked her to remove the straps and I took my daughter home. Is this something that I should get used to? Am I over-reacting? – Jeannine

Jeannine – You are not over-reacting. Whenever you or your children are uncomfortable in the dentist’s office, you should make it known and if necessary, leave—as you did.

You are able to find a dentist for your children who will welcome you and make you and your children feel comfortable. If your children have bad experiences at a dental office, they will hate going to the dental appointments as adults.

If you decide to find a new dentist for your children, consider having consultations with a few dentists and taking your children with you to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the office and the staff. Ask about what is done to help children have pleasant and productive visits. If you prefer going into the exam room with your children, ask if there is an office policy regarding it.

It will be to your advantage—and your children’s—to insist on quality dental care and patient care for your children.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists.

Jan 13

Can my current dentures be used for mini implants?

By Affordable Implant Dentistry, Mini Implants

I have dentures, but I want dental implants. I know that I will get them, but I am uncertain of the timing. If I my current dentures can be altered for implants, I can get the implants sooner. Is this possible? Thanks. Linda

Linda – It is possible that your current denture can be modified to accommodate dental implants. In general, if your existing denture has a poor bite, is worn, or is more than five years old, you will likely need new dentures.

If your current dentures can be used, after the desired location of the implants in your jawbone is determined, your denture will be adjusted.

Schedule an examination with an experienced implant dentist, and have your dentures examined to determine if they can be used. This will make the process of securing your dentures with implants even more affordable.

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

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