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February 2014

Can I switch implant dentists in the middle of all on 4 treatment?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I got the all on 4 implants in early December last year. Everything seemed to be going well until late last month. I started feeling sharp pain in the lower right part of my gums. I immediately got an appointment with the implant dentist, and he said, “We will have to keep an eye on this one.” I asked him what was wrong and he said that he wasn’t sure yet, but we need to watch the implant. I still have the pain. It’s not ongoing, just a few times a day, but when it hurts, it is very intense. I have seen the dentist twice and his response is the same, that we need to watch it. What is he watching if he doesn’t know what the problem is? This is scaring me. Did it fail? Can I switch implant dentists before the all on 4 is really completed? – Lien

Lien – Yes, you can switch dentists. It is your right as a patient to do so.

But don’t just pick any implant dentist. Find a skilled, credentialed implant dentist to examine your All-on-4 implants and determine what needs to be done to alleviate your pain and correct the situation.

Occasionally, an implant will fail. If that’s the case, new implant positions will need to be located, and adjustments will be made to align the bridge, or a new bridge, to the new implants. In some cases, bone grafting is needed. Only an exam and diagnostic study will determine the cause of your pain and the proper treatment.

The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can get through the healing process and enjoy your new smile.

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

Can a kids dentist helP? Don’t know if my nephew or the dog swallowed toothpaste.

By Pediatric Dentist

Quick question please. We have extended family living in our house. I was helping my nephew brush his teeth and the doorbell rang. I know that I shouldn’t have taken my eyes off of him. When I got back to the bathroom he had toothpaste all over his hands and the dog was licking toothpaste. The tube was about ¾ full and maybe half of that is gone. I don’t know if my nephew ate any and he is too young to talk. I asked him if he ate it and he shakes his head yes and know. We have no insurance but if I need to take him to a kids dentist office I will. What should I do? thnx  Miriam

Miriam – If your nephew is breathing okay, give him some water to drink. You can call The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) for assistance, and you need to tell them the toothpaste brand and whether or not it contains fluoride. Or, you can take your nephew to an urgent care facility or an emergency room.

A pediatric dentist will not be able to assist you in this instance. Your nephew needs medical attention. Get it quickly.

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

Can I repair my own denture without going to the prosthodontist?

By Prosthodontist

I made the mistake about trying to finish some outdoor gutter cleaning just before it got really dark. I slipped off the 5th or 6th step on the ladder and was fortunate not to be really hurt but the jolt knocked out my bottom denture. A section of 3 teeth cracked. The section of teeth didn’t completely fall off so I am thinking that instead of going to the prosthodontist and having him charge me a bunch of money for a 5 minute fix, this is something that I can fix myself with some of my wife’s craft project glue. That stuff is stronger than krazy glue. Besides that I’m embarrassed and if I can fix the dentures myself, I don’t have to repeat the story of how it happened. James

James – It is best to leave the denture repair to the prosthodontist. The prosthodontist has the right tools and adhesive materials to make a long-lasting repair that is safe to put in your mouth.

Craft project glue is not made for use in your mouth. It can be toxic, and it may not be strong enough to withstand the wet environment in your mouth or the force of chewing. You may end up doing additional damage to the denture if you try to repair it yourself.

The prosthodontist will also need to check the fit of your denture to ensure that is properly lined and fitted so that it won’t dislodge unexpectedly.

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

Is 19 a good age for dental implants?

By Dental Implants

I play hockey a lot. I have lost 2 teeth already and I want to get them replaced with dental implants. Is 19 a good age or am I too young? Will the implants last until I am old? – Matt

Matt – At age 19, your growth should be complete. An implant dentist will examine your jawbone to make that determination and let you know if you are a candidate for dental implants. Jawbone growth needs to be complete before you get dental implants. Otherwise, the implant can interfere with the position of your teeth and jawbone that are still growing.

Dental implants are permanent and should last a lifetime. In time, you may need to replace the dental implant crowns, which serve as the upper part of the teeth, which show when you smile.

If you receive dental implants, be diligent in caring for them just as you would your natural teeth, to help them last for many years.

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

Can dentist tell if I’m a under age drinker?

By General Dentistry

My parents caught me drunk a few times already. I am 16 so they get really mad. I tried to tell them that it’s a social thing that happens at all the parties and it’s not like I’m a alcoholic. There are other times that I drink too depending on who I am with but it’s social. Everybody does it and I don’t want to be the dude that can’t hang. The problem is that I have a toothache that is killing me and I need to get to the dentist really bad. Can the dentist tell that I drink? – R.

R – If a person regularly drinks alcohol in excess, the signs will be seen in the teeth and gums. Excessive alcohol consumption can create cavities, darken your teeth, and deteriorate your gums. It can also increase the risk of oral cancer. If you drink alcohol often, it can linger on your breath, and the smell can escape through the pores of your skin. So if there are no visible signs yet, a dentist may be able to smell the alcohol on your breath or in your skin.

Your toothache needs attention. You probably have an infection in your tooth that needs to be removed and treated. If you don’t treat the toothache, it can make you very sick, and it can become life threatening.

We really encourage you to be honest with your parents about your drinking habits. If you are unable to speak with your parents, speak with a responsible adult who will listen to you and help you.

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

Mixed feelings about mixed Clear Choice dental implants reviews

By Blog

I am writing with mixed feelings. I need dental implants but I am torn about the provider I will use. I have an associate who got her dental implants from Clear Choice. There are some things that she didn’t like about Clear Choice (she though the sales staff was too aggressive) but overall, she is very pleased with her dental implants. When I can get first-hand experiences on a decision I have to make, I listen. The problem is, my associate is the only person that I know who has been to Clear Choice. So I have started doing some online investigation. I have read tons of reviews and found that, depending on what website you go to, the reviews are mixed. Then I wonder how many of the reviews have been planted by Clear Choice for the positive, or by their competitors for the negative reviews. Your thoughts? Much appreciated.- Dagmar J.

Dagmar –  Conflicting opinions can be confusing. We have received many critical reviews regarding Clear Choice, and we’ve received some positive ones too. But if you’ve read a volume of reviews and are still undecided, another review wouldn’t help.

We suggest that you begin the process of selecting a provider for your dental implants. Review the credentials and experience of providers first. After you narrow your selections to three or four providers, schedule consultations, exams—whatever you need to help you make an informed choice.

Prepare a list of questions about your concerns regarding the procedure, cost, post-treatment, the protocol to ensure your satisfaction—all of your concerns. Ask them of each provider, and take note of the responses. In addition to the implant dentist’s experience and credentials, ensure that you are comfortable with dentist and the care he or she will give you.

After your consultations, you will feel more comfortable making a final decision. If it’s Clear Choice, be sure to let us know about your experience.

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

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