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July 2014

Jul 31

Can a mini implant be used for a single tooth?

By Mini Implants

I need 2 dental implants. I am wondering if mini implants can be used for them instead of the regular size implants. I understand that mini implants are cheaper. Can I get minis? Mikoko

Mikoko – Mini implants are commonly used to support dentures. They give dentures some stability, but less stability than a standard implant.

A mini implant can be used to replace smaller teeth, such as an incisor, and they can be used in spaces that are too small for a standard implant. When a mini implant is used, it must be able to withstand the biting force for the particular tooth that is being replaced.

Mini implants are not right for every case. Your teeth need to be examined by a skilled implant dentist. He or she will determine if you are a candidate for mini implants.

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

Jul 30

33 yr old adult with primary teeth

By General Dentistry

I am 33 yrs old but I still have 3 primary teeth. They are an incisor on the right and the 2 teeth behind the incisor. If I want adult sized teeth for these three places, do I have to get them pulled and replaced with dental implants? DeAnna

DeAnna – In some cases, smaller teeth in adults are permanent teeth that are smaller than normal. Porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns can be used to enhance the appearance of your teeth.

At times, permanent teeth are impacted below the primary teeth. An x-ray will reveal whether or not the teeth are impacted. Impacted primary teeth can be removed, and the permanent teeth can be exposed so that they will erupt.

Removing the primary teeth and replacing them with dental implants is another possibility. Schedule an appointment with a credentialed implant dentist. He or she will take diagnostic studies of your teeth and let you know your treatment options.

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

Jul 28

How can I prevent facial collapse if I only have regular dentures?

By Facial Collapse

I always do my research, so I’ve been researching dentures because I need them. I keep reading scary stories about how your jawbone and face shrink after you’ve worn dentures for year. I noticed that many of the sites that talk about the shrinkage are from dentists trying to convince you go forget about dental implants and get dentures. I can’t afford dental implants. Can you tell me what it looks like when a person has had dentures for years and what their face looks like? Also what are the ways I can avoid facial collapse when I have regular dentures. Amanda R.

Amanda – After years of wearing dentures, your jawbone shrinks. When there isn’t enough jawbone density to support your facial muscles, your face begins to sag and have a shriveled appearance. The photos to the right of this page show how facial collapse looks.

When teeth are absent, it’s a signal to the body that the jawbone is no longer needed in that space. Jawbone shrinkage occurs when a single tooth is missing, but it usually isn’t noticeable in your face. When all of your teeth are missing, your entire jawbone begins to shrink. The reason that dental implants prevent facial collapse is that they are surgically implanted in your jawbone. The implants have the same effect tooth roots. They provide a signal that the jawbone is needed.

The only way a denture wearer can prevent facial collapse is to support the dentures with dental implants. Two to eight dental implants can be surgically implanted in the jawbone, and dentures are secured to them. Implant supported dentures are a wise investment, not only because they help prevent face collapse, but they also make eating and speaking with dentures a lot easier.

We suggest that you have a consultation with an implant dentist. You can ask questions, discuss your concerns, and find out if implant-supported dentures can be made affordable with you through payment plans or no-interest financing.

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

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    Jul 25

    Why is my overdenture loose?

    By Dentures

    I got an overdenture in May. It seemed to be okay at first but only one of them really snaps correctly. The other is loose and makes it feel like the denture is floating or shifting to the left. My dentist told me that my dentures wouldn’t be as secure as 4 or 6 dental implants but I wouldn’t expect them to loosen up this soon. Why is my overdenture loose? I thought I would avoid this problem with an overdenture. Thanks – Tommy

    Tommy – Your dentist is correct that you won’t have the same stability with your dentures as you would with four or six implants, but both sides of the denture should securely snap in place.

    There may be an issue with the way the denture fits on the ridge of your jawbone. Or the balance of your bite may be the issue. Your dentist will also check the components of the denture that snap onto the dental implants to find out what is preventing them from snapping tightly onto the implants.

    If your dentist is unable to identify the cause of the looseness of your overdenture, you can get a second opinion from an experienced implant dentist.

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

     

     

    Jul 18

    Prosthodontist recommends bone grafting but Clear Choice doesn’t. Why?

    By Blog, All-on-4 Dental Implants

    I always get a second opinion whenever I am having any major medical or dental work done. So when I decided to get implants I saw a prosthodontist and Clear Choice. The prosthodontist was recommended by my dentist and Clear Choice was recommended by a co-worker. The prosthodontist recommended 6 implants and bone grafting for some bone loss that started about 4 yrs ago. Clear Choice says no bone grafting at all is needed, just All-on-4 implants. Is bone grafting really needed or not? Who do I trust? Cleo

    Cleo – You received different recommendations regarding bone grafting because two different procedures were recommended.

    When you receive standard dental implants and have bone loss, your jawbone needs to be built up to support the implants. Based on that treatment, the prosthodontist appropriately recommended bone grafting. In this case, without bone grafting, the implants can loosen or fail.

    The All-on-4 procedure that Clear Choice recommended for you is designed for patients who have experienced jawbone loss. The angled implants assist the bone in supporting your prosthetic teeth, and eliminate the need for bone grafting. Not everyone is a candidate for All-on-4.

    The prosthodontist that you visited is, no doubt, familiar with the All-on-4 procedure. You can discuss your concerns with him or her and ask why All-on-4 was not recommended for your case. You can also inquire about the risks for the procedure, as well as the anticipated results for All-On-4 versus standard implants for your case.

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

    Jul 01

    How to get toddler to let me brush his teeth?

    By Pediatric Dentist

    My 3 yr old hates getting his teeth brushed. Somehow he know that I am about to brush his teeth and he starts running. When I finally catch him, he holds his lips stiff and I can’t get in his mouth. Sometimes I wait until he is asleep and I gently brush his teeth. He sleeps like a log so this works sometimes. I don’t want this to continue though. How can I encourage him to brush his teeth? Thanks. Jennie

    Jennie – You can try to find ways to make brushing fun. Think of ways to turn brushing into a game that ends with a prize. Allow your son to hold the toothbrush. Maybe you and your son can have a teeth brushing race. Hum while you brush.

    It may help if you have your son with you in the bathroom while you brush. Let him stand in a safe place while you both look in a mirror and brush. Make jokes or play games.

    If you have older children, or friends or family members with children that you can borrow, invite them over for some fun and also to brush their teeth with your son. Explain to the children you invite that you are trying to help your son want to brush his teeth. Children can often think of ways to help younger children that adults may not consider.

    Be patient. Your efforts will pay off.

    This post is sponsored by Dr. Anthony LaVacca of Naperville Dental Specialists.

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