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Monthly Archives

January 2015

Jan 30

Eating disorders and your teeth

By Bulimia and Teeth, Eating Disorders and Teeth, General Dentistry, Implant Dentistry

Eating disorders can result from a variety of mental, emotionally, and social issues. Although the impact on the body physique is most prominent, eating disorders can take a devastating toll on the teeth.

Dentists are frequently the first to observe the signs and symptoms of eating disorders. And although patients may not want anyone to be aware of the disorder, it is very beneficial for a dentist to be aware.

Anorexia and Teeth

An intense fear of gaining wait can cause a person to starve himself or herself. Internal organs, muscles, and teeth will all be affected. Self-induced vomiting creates an abundance of acid in the mouth. Misuse of diuretics and laxatives can cause dehydration. All of the activities deprive the body of saliva and moisture, and promote rapid tooth decay—even loss of teeth.

Bulimia and Teeth

Binge eating followed by periods of purging through vomiting or laxatives has the same damaging effects on the body as anorexia—decreased saliva and dehydration. Teeth suffer in an acidic, moisture-deprived environment. More than 80% of bulimic patients show signs of tooth erosion, which if left untreated will become severe, resulting in teeth that crumble, rot, or fall out.

More than the teeth are affected

In addition to causing teeth to decay and crumble, eating disorders can cause salivary glands to become enlarged, lips to chafe and crack, lesions to form in the mouth, and cause the throat to become irritated and dry.

Treatment

People with eating disorders need professional help to recover from the illness. A dentist will advise you not to brush your teeth immediately after vomiting, but to thoroughly rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acid from the vomit. As you progress toward recovery, your dentist will discuss ways to protect your teeth from further damage, as well as ways to restore damaged teeth. When you are well on the road to recovery, your teeth can be restored to beautifully match the new you.

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

Jan 28

1 of my all on 4 implants is loose

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants, Second Opinion

I got all on 4 implants last October. 1 of the implants is loose. I know it because I feel the movement around it that I didn’t feel before. Is the All on 4 going to fail? Kyle

Kyle – A loose All-On-4 implant doesn’t necessarily mean implant failure, but you do need to notify your implant dentist of the problem right away.

There can be several causes of a loose implant. Some possible causes are listed below:

  1. Infection – Infection in the surround gum tissue or bone can cause implants to loosen.
  2. Failure of bone to fuse the implant (osseointegration) – If this fusion does not occur, dental implants will become lose. The implant can be removed, repositioned, if necessary, and replaced. Before it is replaced, your jawbone density will be reassessed to ensure proper placement. There are several things that can cause an implant not to fuse. A skilled implant dentist can identify the cause.
  3. Insufficient implants – In some cases, the load on the four implants is too heavy, putting the implants under stress. Additional implants may be needed to support your restoration.
  4. Improper hygiene – Poor oral hygiene, as well as smoking can delay or interfere with the healing process. Patients must be diligent about oral hygiene and avoid smoking during the entire healing process.

An examination is required to determine the cause of the loose implant. You can consider receiving a second opinion on the cause of the loose implant and what needs to be done to correct it. If you choose to seek a second opinion, find a skilled implant dentist. A prosthodontist has two years of post-graduate training specific to the replacement and restoration of teeth. An experienced prosthodontist has placed many types of dental implants and will be able to discuss a variety of options for you.

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

Jan 19

My dentist says mini implants are not strong enough

By Mini Implants

I have horrible dentures and am getting them replaced with new ones. I found a new dentist for dentures that look really good. I want implants for them but I can’t afford the regular implants. Unfortunately after getting hooked on this dentist I found out that he doesn’t do mini implants. He doesn’t like them because he says they are not strong enough. He will only do standard implants. There is just no way I can get regular implants. Do I have to settle for just getting new dentures? Thanks Connie

Connie – It is true that mini implants are not as stable as standard implants, but in most cases, they will stabilize your dentures.

We are unable to say whether or not mini implants can be used for your particular case, so we recommend that you receive a second opinion—and possibly and third option—from an experienced prosthodontist. He or she will perform an examination and conduct diagnostic studies to determine the best and most affordable way to secure your dentures.

The diameter of mini implants is smaller than that of standard implants. The placement is easier, and they are less expensive. The more implants you receive, the more stable your dentures will be. In cases of low bone density, some providers prefer them because they require less bone density to be placed. But they are less stable than traditional implants, and they don’t last as long. With proper placement and proper at-home care, they can five to ten years.

A skilled prosthodontist will let you know if mini implants are an option for you. If they are an option, he or she will let you know what you can expect in terms of stabilization and longevity compared to traditional implants.

Costs of both traditional and mini implants will be explained. You will also receive information on how either treatment can be made affordable for you, including financing and payment plans.

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

Jan 13

How much does it cost to replace a run down cap on my tooth if I don’t have dental insurance?

By Dental Crowns, Porcelain Crown

I have 3 caps on my teeth that are all over 15 yrs old and need to be replaced, but I don’t have dental insurance. I am not sure if I will ever have dental insurance. My job gives us medical only and I am considering early retirement due to some health issues. So I am only going to fix 1 cap at a time. How much does it cost to replace 1 run down cap if I don’t have dental insurance? Thanks. Faye

Faye – The cost to replace a dental crown (commonly referred to as a “cap”) involves several factors. A dentist needs to examine and x-ray your teeth to provide you with an estimate of the cost for your case. Costs vary depending on your dentist and where you live in the U.S. Approximate costs, based on several factors, are listed below.

  • The condition of your natural tooth – A dental crown completely covers your natural tooth. It is bonded in place. After your tooth is examined and x-rayed, your dentist will determine if the tooth requires any treatment before the crown is placed.
  • The type of crown you receive – Crown types include all-porcelain, porcelain fused to high noble metal, porcelain fused to noble metal, and porcelain fused to base metal.
    • All porcelain – Both the outside of the crown and its base are porcelain. This is the most natural-looking, but also the most expensive crown. Without dental insurance, the average price range is $1200 to $1500.
    • Porcelain fused to high noble metal – A porcelain crown can have a metal foundation, instead of a porcelain foundation. A high noble metal has a high content of precious metal, usually gold. Without dental insurance, the average price range is $900 to $1300.
    • Porcelain fused to noble metal – The foundation for this crown has a lower amount of precious metal than a crown with a high noble foundation. Without dental insurance, the average price range is $900 to $1200.
    • Porcelain fused to predominantly base metal – A non-precious metal foundation is used for this least expensive option for a dental crown. Without dental insurance, the average price range is $800 to $1200.

Again, the above costs will vary based on the dentist you chose, where you live in the U.S., and your particular case.

We recommend that you have a consultation with a dentist who has training and experience in cosmetic dentistry. Although you want an affordable crown, you will be very disappointed in the results of your investment if the crown does not look natural. A skilled cosmetic dentist has an artistic approach to give you the most natural-looking results, regardless of which option you choose.

Contact a few dental offices to schedule consultations with dentists. The consultations will give you the opportunity to ask questions about treatment recommendations (prepare your questions in advance and take notes), as well as payment options and financing. Remember to ask if consultations are complimentary, or if there is a fee associated with them.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists.

Jan 09

Best dentures options for 80 yr old with floating dentures, losing weight

By Dentures

Our family has longevity on both my father’s and mother’s side of the family. My grandparents and great grandparents all lived well over 90 years old. My dad is 80 years old and has worn dentures for over 20 yrs. His current dentures float and it’s hard for him to eat. He has a good appetite but the dentures make him not want to eat much. He is not overweight and he is losing weight so I am concerned. He has arthritis but no major health problems other than that. What are the best options to replace his floating dentures? Thanks. Jennifer

Jennifer – Your father needs examination and diagnostic studies to make a definite determination of the best options for him, but it is likely that dental implants will remedy the problems with his dentures.

If your father is a candidate for dental implants, mini implants are an affordable option to stabilize his dentures. If it’s within his budget, standard implants will provide even more stability. Floating dentures will be eliminated. The implants are surgically implanted in the jawbone and dentures are secured to them.

Your father will be able to eat and speak with ease and confidence. The stabilized dentures will improve digestion and help nutrients to be absorbed, and weight gain will follow.

Successful implant placement and healing depend on a skilled implant dentist who uses quality fixtures. Without these precautions, implant mistakes and infection can occur, requiring the process to be repeated, and the final, desired result can be delayed for months.

Check the training, experience, and credentials of several implant dentists, and choose two or three with whom you can have consultations. Do a little research on implant-secured dentures to help you determine what questions to ask about the process. Be sure to bring your father with you to the appointments.

Quality implants will last your dad for his lifetime.

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

Jan 05

Very impressed with Clear Choice consultation, but have a question

By Blog

I am very impressed with my consultation at Clear Choice. It was very informative and all of my questions were answered. Based on reviews from patients, I expected to pay a lot for dental implants at Clear Choice – more than at other places, but my reasoning is you get what you pay for. The representative that I met with wanted me to schedule an appointment right away, but I was hesitant about doing that. Should I just go ahead and let Clear Choice do my implants or do you recommend that I get a second opinion? Rich W.

Rich – Thank you for your Clear Choice review. Whenever surgery of any kind is recommended, it is good to receive a second opinion from a provider who is skilled in that specialty.

Dental implants can last a lifetime if quality implants are used and if the implant surgeon is skilled. An examination and diagnostic studies by a board-certified prosthodontist will give you additional information on your particular case. A prosthodontist is a specialist who has two years of post-graduate training in the restoration and replacement of teeth.

The second-opinion implant dentist will let you know your options for implants, which may or may not have been discussed at Clear Choice. The second opinion will also allow you to compare costs of the same treatment recommended by Clear Choice, as well as the cost of alternative treatment.

You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the pros and cons of treatment recommended by Clear Choice, as well as the treatment recommended by the prosthodontist. Comparing the information you receive will help you choose a provider, and help you determine if you want to receive a third opinion.

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

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