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Monthly Archives

June 2015

What’s the best age to have my wisdom teeth removed?

By General Dentistry, Wisdom Teeth

What’s the best age to have my wisdom teeth removed? I want them out before they start causing me problems. – Mauricio

Mauricio – Your wisdom teeth may not need to be extracted if they completely erupt, are pain free, cavity free, and free of disease.

When your jawbone is too small and there isn’t enough room for wisdom teeth to erupt completely, the teeth will be impacted. An impacted tooth can cause infection in other teeth, and it can cause other teeth to shift and become misaligned.

If it becomes difficult to clean between your teeth, food and debris can get trapped. The resulting bacteria can lead to gum disease.

Wisdom teeth that are impacted, painful, have cavities or are promoting gum disease, or that are harmful to adjacent teeth, should be surgically removed to prevent further damage.

During your regular dental cleanings and examinations, your dentist will examine your wisdom teeth to determine if they are healthy, or if they need to be removed. Let your dentist know if any of your wisdom teeth become painful.

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

My top denture is off center

By Dentures, Prosthodontist

I am very uncomfortable with the look of my top denture. When I look in the mirror, the middle of the two front teeth is about ¼ inch off from the midline of my lip. It is quite noticeable when I smile. The dentist that I got the dentures from first acted like he couldn’t see the problem. When he finally admitted it, he said it is not that bad. It’s been a month and I am still very unhappy. I feel cheated. Is there any way this problem can be corrected? I don’t trust this dentist any more. – Jeannine

Jeannine – Your frustration is understandable. Since the dentist admitted that there is a problem with denture, you can schedule an appointment to discuss your disappointment, and let him know that you want the problem corrected.

If after the discussion with your dentist, you are still uncomfortable letting him do the work, you can ask for an agreeable way to compensate you for your loss. Meanwhile, you can schedule an appointment with an experienced prosthodontist for a second opinion.

When you find a prosthodontist who is skilled in cosmetic dentistry, you will receive personalized dentures that will enhance your smile, fit correctly, and be properly positioned. If you would like, you can also receive information on how your denture can be affordably stabilized.

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

 

My crown is loose

By Dental Crowns, Prosthodontist

My crown has been loose since the day I got it in early May. My dentist has checked it twice and says nothing is wrong with it. It just needs to settle in. How long is the adjustment period? I asked him that question but didn’t get a straight answer. Thanks Jonathan.

Jonathan – If your crown is loose, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist to check your bite, the crown, and the tooth to which the crown is bonded.

At no point should a sound dental crown be loose. There is no adjustment period for a loose crown. If you leave the issue untreated, it can put stress on the crown, the tooth beneath it, and the teeth that come in contact with the crowned tooth when you chew.

You can consider getting a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist. An examination will be needed to identify the problem and the most effective way to treat it.

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

Can grinding my teeth really make them break if I don’t wear a night guard?

By General Dentistry, TMJ

My dental cleaning appointment was yesterday. When the dentist examined my teeth he told me that I am putting too much stress on them, probably from grinding my teeth at might. He also said that I need a night guard and that if I keep putting it off my teeth will break. Is this true? – Randy

Randy – A night guard absorbs the pressure on your teeth that comes from grinding and clenching them. It protects your teeth from fracture. Fractured teeth are weakened teeth, so if the grinding and clenching continue, you can wear away your teeth and cause them to crack.

Headaches, toothaches, and neck pain are often improved with a custom-fitted night guard. A custom fit from your dentist provides the protection needed based on your bite (the way your teeth fit together). A store-bough night guard won’t give you the same results.

The jaw joints are also protected with a night guard, which helps the muscles relax while you sleep. If you are experiencing TMJ symptoms, they will improve. Your dentist’s comments are based on an examination of your teeth and the damage that is already being done to them. Heed the advice and protect your teeth and your oral health.

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

Will dental implants be cheaper if I buy my own supplies on ebay?

By Affordable Dental Implants, Dental Implants

There are pages of inexpensive dental implant supplies on ebay. I am wondering if I can buy my own implant supplies and take them to a dentist who will install the implants for me. It’s like buying my own parts and paying for labor. It has to be cheaper than paying the markup costs at the dentist. Is this doable? – Russ

Russ – The cost of dental implants is an understandable concern. But quality is an even greater concern. A conscientious implant dentist will acquire all of the items needed to provide you with quality dental implants. This protocol erases the unknown results of a patient’s own purchases.

The quality, origin, and suitability of items you purchase on your own are questionable. Any variation can cause implant mistakes, infection, and failure.

We strongly recommend that you schedule consultations with three or four implant dentists. Ask questions about what each dentist does to ensure that you receive quality, successful dental implants. Also ensure that you understand your options for implants, the cost of dental implants from each provider, as well as the financial arrangements available to help make them affordable for you.

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

Why won’t Clear Choice do my dental implants in phases?

By Blog

Hi. 3 weeks ago I went to 2 prosthodontists in my area who are willing to do my dental implants in phases. Last week I went to Clear Choice for a consult but they are not giving me as much flexibility. Why is this? – Gene

Gene – You are wise to have received several consultations. Most prosthodontists are willing to provide you with dental implants in phases. Naperville Dental Specialists recognizes that your schedule or your budget can determine when are able to receive the treatment you need, so we are flexible with our patients and help them plan treatment accordingly.

We are unable to speak for Clear Choice as to why they are less flexible with a treatment plan for you. We suggest that you contact Clear Choice directly to discuss your concerns and ask questions. Use the responses you get from them to help you make the final decision on a provider for your dental implants.

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

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