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Monthly Archives

May 2015

May 31

Internal Tooth Bleaching

By Teeth Whitening

When there is traumatic injury to a tooth, the pulp in the tooth can be damaged, and internal stains result.

A porcelain veneer may be used to conceal the darkened tooth and blend it with your natural teeth. But if the tooth is not causing discomfort or pain, it may be possible to bleach it internally. A barrier is placed in the tooth to prevent the bleaching gel from leaking out or creating sensitivity.

At times, internal bleaching is done before receiving a porcelain crown or porcelain veneer. The bleaching prevents the discoloration in the natural tooth from showing through in the restoration.

Have your tooth examined by an experienced prosthodontist to determine the best option for reviving the color in your tooth.

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

May 30

How do I know if my dental implant is infected?

By Dental Implants

I got 5 dental implants August 2014. There is pain in one of them and the gum looks a little swollen. Could there be food stuck that I can’t floss out? How do I know if the implant is infected? Thanks. Thomas

 

Thomas – Food that is trapped between your gums and the implant can lead to bacteria growth and infection. Also, if the dental implant crown doesn’t fit properly, it can irritate gum tissue and lead to infection. Low-quality implant fixtures and fixtures that aren’t properly placed can lead to infection. It is best to have the implant examined by your dentist.

Some of the signs of implant infection are:

  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Persistent or increasing pain at the implant site
  • Loosening implants

Remember that you have the option of seeking a second opinion on the problem with the implant to determine the cause of the issue and the best way to treat it.

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

May 28

6 year old keeps biting the pediatric dentist

By Pediatric Dentist

This has been happening for the last few appointments. Every time I take my son to the pediatric dentist, when the dentist tries to examine my son’s teeth, he bites the dentist. The dentist has been saying it’s okay because my son isn’t hurting him, but last week he bit the dentist hard. Why might this be happening and what can I do about it? – Lanaya

Lanaya – We suggest that you start by asking your son why he is biting his pediatric dentist. The response you receive can help you determine how to handle the issue.

If your son isn’t volunteering information, you can ask him questions to help determine the reason for biting. Is your son afraid? Did the dentist say or do something to make your son nervous? Does your son think it’s funny or a game?

You can also speak with your dentist about the issue and ask for suggestions on making the dental experience more positive for your son and his dentist.

This post is sponsored by the Naperville pediatric dentists at Naperville Dental Specialists.

May 27

If I can’t afford a luxury car how can I afford all on 4?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants

If I can’t afford a luxury car, how can I all of a sudden afford All-On-4 implants? I would need upper and lower implants and now I am finding out how much it really costs. Where I live it is over $60k. I saw 3 different implant dentist and their story about what I need done and how much it will cost is pretty much the same. There is no way ever I could go into debt that much. I feel helpless. Can I get this done cheaper elsewhere? This is really making the quality of my life difficult. – Elon W.

Elon– If you visited three different implants dentists and were quoted comparable rates, you were given a reasonable quote for All-On-4 implants, based on where you live in the country. If you find a dentist who will do the procedure for considerably less, be concerned about the quality of the implants and the quality of the procedure.

There are other options. Find an experienced implant dentist to discuss them with you. If All-On-4 implants are not within your budget, you may be a candidate for implant-supported dentures with as few as two dental implants.

You can speak with the same dentists with whom you discussed the All-On-4 implants, or you can find other qualified implant dentists and explore your options.

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

May 18

Clear Choice for a second opinion?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I saw one dentist already about implants and he recommended all in 4 but I want to get a second opinion. I am considering Clear Choice for the second opinion but I don’t know much about them or anyone who has used them. Just trying to explore my options for implants other than all in 4? Serg

Serg – All-on-4 dental implants are preferred by Clear Choice. If you want a second opinion to learn about your options, you may not receive much information on other alternatives from them.

Clear Choice will likely give you more information about All-on-4 and why you should receive this treatment, but if another treatment is better for your case, you will probably learn more about it elsewhere. If you decide to go to Clear Choice for a second opinion, we suggest that you also get a third opinion.

Seek your third opinion from a skilled implant dentist who offers both All-on-4 implants, as well as other options. You will more likely receive information on all of your options and what you can expect from each of them. Ask questions and take good notes to help you make an informed decision.

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

May 14

Relatively new dentures and I keep biting my tongue

By Dentures, Prosthodontist

In November last year I got new dentures, top and bottom. Only since I’ve had them have I been regularly biting my tongue. It only happens when I eat. Of course I told my dentist about the problem but she insists that I am chewing carelessly or in a hurry. I don’t chew carelessly or in a hurry, but since she accused me of doing so I have been extra careful. I am still biting my tongue, and I have noticed that it is always on the right side of my mouth. Something is wrong, but I am not sure what. Am I going to need new dentures? Thanks. Ira

 

Ira – When a person repeatedly bites his or her tongue while eating, it is usually due to the way the top and bottom teeth fit together.

Your dentures need to be checked for alignment to ensure the teeth fit together properly. You can ask your dentist if this has been done. But you can also seek a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist. A prosthodontist has two years of post-graduate training in the replacement and restoration of teeth.

Only after an examination will the prosthodontist know if you need new dentures, or if your current dentures can be properly adjusted. Without the assistance of dentist who is skilled in the proper alignment of the prosthesis, you are likely to continue biting your tongue.

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

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