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Monthly Archives

September 2015

Sep 30

My dentist and I can’t agree on porcelain veneer color

By Porcelain Veneers

I always thought that the final details of my porcelain veneers are my decision. My dentist keeps telling me that she really doesn’t like the shade I picked. She thinks that the color should be 2 shades lighter than what I picked. This might become a deal breaker for me to get veneers from this dentist. How can I convince her to submit my case so that I can get veneers? – Stefanie

Stefanie – Schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss your concerns. Explain how important it is to you to receive veneers in the color of your choice.

It is ultimately the patient’s decision, but listen closely to your dentist as to the reasons that she is recommending a lighter color. You likely can reach an agreeable decision. If you can’t, we suggest that you seek a second opinion. Veneers are big investment. You should be thrilled, not hesitant, with the results.

 

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Sep 25

Will mini implants be better for me if I have CRPS?

By Affordable Dental Implants, Dental Implants

I was diagnosed with CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) in 2013. I am in my 5th year of dentures and they are really uncomfortable. I want to stabilize them with dental implants, so I am thinking that since I have CRPS that I should do smaller implants. Will it be better if I do mini implants? Thanks. Malcom

Malcom – As you likely know, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) affects the central nervous system. The syndrome is rare (affecting approximately 26 out of every 100,000 people). It causes intense, chronic pain and usually occurs after injury (e.g., a bone break or a sprain), stroke, or heart attack. The pain from CRPS is disproportionate to the pain that is usually felt from the injury or surgery—and it is chronic. In addition to pain, CRPS can cause swelling, redness, sensitivity, and decreased mobility.

Dental implants—whether they are mini implants are standard implants—are surgically implanted. If you suffer from CRPS, you can anticipate pain that is more significant than usual at the implant site, and it can persist for life. In advance of surgery, many specialists recommend a local anesthetic nerve block to prevent the pain from the surgical site from entering the central nervous system.

Although we cannot advise  you as to what to do for your case, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with a pain specialist who is very familiar CRPS to discuss if it is advisable for you to receive dental implants at all, and if you are likely to experience less pain with mini implants.

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

 

Sep 21

Gums still swollen after dental implants were taken out

By Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

I had my 4 dental implants taken out 3 weeks ago because over a 10 mo. period there were too many problems with them. My gums stayed swollen and hurting. They are still swollen after 3 weeks. The surgeon told me they are still healing but I am not sure they should be swollen and hurting like this. Is this normal? – Quince

Quince – Even after your dental implants are removed, it is still possible to have some swelling and pain if there is an infection in your gums. We suggest that you get a second opinion to have the implant sites examined.

When implants are placed or removed, some pain and swelling is normal. When pain and swelling persist, there is a problem. Pain after removal should diminish within a week. A prosthodontist, a specialized dentist with training in implant placement and tooth restoration, can help. An examination will be required, along with diagnostic studies (x-rays), unless you’ve had them recently.

It will be helpful to bring your dental records along with you to the appointment. We hope that you get some and answers and relief very soon.

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

Sep 17

The tooth beneath my crown hurts

By Cosmetic Procedures, Dental Crowns

I got a root canal and crown in June. I thought everything seemed to be okay even though every once in a while I would feel a little pain in the tooth. It felt much better than before the root canal and it only hear once or twice a month so I didn’t think it was a big deal. Now it is a big deal because the pain is getting worse. Am I going to need a new crown? Lily

Lily – Your tooth needs to be examined to determine the correct treatment for it. There are several possible causes of your pain.

  • A main nerve still exists in the tooth. An irritated nerve that remains after root canal treatment can cause pain. A second root canal will be needed to clean the tooth and re-seal it.
  • The crown doesn’t fit correctly. A poorly fitting crown can put pressure on your natural tooth and cause pain. The crown will need to be removed, further preparation of the natural tooth may be required, and the crown will need to be bonded back on.
  • The tooth is damaged. At times, a tooth beneath the crown becomes damaged or cracked—often due to a poor-fitting crown. If the damage is not to extensive, the tooth will need to be cleaned out and sealed with a dental filler material. A tooth that is cracked below the gumline will need to be extracted. Have your tooth and crown examined to find out the cause of your pain and your treatment options.

 

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca

 

 

 

Sep 13

Does 1 set of all on 4 really cost as much as a car?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

There are 2 things I wanted within the next 2 years, all on 4 and a new car. I did a little research and found out 1 set of all on 4 costs as much as a new car and not a smart car either. Are those $20K plus figures right? Theo

Theo – Depending on the dentist and where you live in the country, All-on-4 dental implants on average can cost about $30,000. If you visit some well-known and highly advertised, mega dental implant centers, the cost for All-on-4 can be significantly higher.

Although financing and payment plans are available, the All-on-4 procedure is not for every patient. And there are less expensive options that will secure your dentures. Find a few experienced implant dentists or prosthodontists to find out which options can be used for your case. Compare your options, the pros and cons, and the cost before you make a final decision.

Remember that quality dental implants are an investment that is required for long-lasting results. So cost alone should not be the only factor you consider when deciding which implants to receive or the dentist from whom you receive them.

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

 

Sep 09

Been to Clear Choice but getting 2nd opinion in Mexico

By Second Opinion, Dental Implants

2 months ago I got the expert advice of Clear Choice on dental implants. I told them up front that I am going to get a second opinion and the room went silent for about a minute. So I know there is no need to ask them for any additional information. I thought dentists or any real professional for that matter are supposed to welcome you to get a second opinion. I know things are a little different in Mexico but what should I look for to know if I am getting quality care? Thanks. Lil

Lil – Getting dental work outside of the U.S. is tempting. When you get your second opinion for Clear Choice, you will find that the cost of dental implants in Mexico is less expensive. But it should be. Insurance, labor, lab costs, office leasing expenses, and more are less expensive in Mexico. But government regulations are less exacting too, which often translates into a decline in the quality of dental implants you receive.

Dentists who complete their education in Mexico and desire to practice dentistry in the U.S. require an additional two years of dental school training in the U.S. They must also pass state and national board examinations.

If you decide to receive dental implants abroad, consider the qualifications of the provider, including his or her training and experience. Ask for information on the type of implants that will be used, as well as the quality. Get information on follow-up appointments and how issues will be addressed if they occur after implant surgery and throughout the healing process.

We recommend that you find a skilled implant dentist in your area from whom you can receive a second opinion. Cost of dental implants should be secondary to choosing quality treatment from a skilled implant dentist.

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

 

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