Skip to main content
Monthly Archives

March 2016

Mar 30

Is this a realistic cost for All on 4 dental implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I lost most of my teeth in a work accident that made a huge blow to my face. My dentist says I’m lucky that my jawbone didn’t break.  My face was disfigured and I have a long recovery. I have been scouting around for dental implants and quickly realized that I can’t afford to replace all of the missing teeth with implants. So I have to accept the fact that I need dentures. I can get all on 4. I found a place that said they will do all on 4 for 7k which is unbelievably low. I am just wondering why so big of a difference from the 3 other implant places I visited which were 4-5 times that cost. Were the other dentists just trying advantage of me? Thanks. Raj

Raj– The higher costs you received are more realistic for the All-On-4 procedure. Depending on where you live in the country and the specifics of your case, the cost will vary.

Some of the costs involved in proper implant placement are diagnostic studies, quality implant fixtures, implant surgery, and the placement of dentures on the implants. The second quote of $7000 raises a lot of concern. That is the quote that really sounds like an attempt to take advantage of you with inferior dental implants. The low cost will likely result in cheap implant fixtures or some type of shortcut that can result in an infection around the implants and complete implant failure.

If you want another valid opinion, we recommend that you see a skilled, reputable implant dentist who provides quality fixtures. The estimate that you receive should be more or less in the area of your initial quotes, but not significantly less. You can look for dentists with extensive training in implant dentistry, or a prosthodontist who perform every phase of the implant process.

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

Mar 27

Replace ugly tooth with a dental implant

By Dental Implants

I have a tooth that looks horrible. It looks like it belongs in something’s mouth, not in a person’s mouth. The tooth is thin and pointy and the shape and color are even different from my other teeth. The tooth is on the left side but if I smile even slightly wide people notice it. I have heard a few thoughtless people joke about it. I want to do something about it now that I have better dental insurance. Can this tooth be pulled and replaced with a dental implant? Ivy

Ivy – If your tooth is healthy and structurally sound, it doesn’t need to be replaced with a dental implant. Dental implants replace missing teeth or teeth that cannot otherwise be saved, but nothing is as effective as keeping your natural teeth.

A prosthodontist can examine your tooth and let your know the options for improving its appearance and making it blend perfectly with your natural teeth. This is the time to consider if you want to improve your overall smile by having your teeth whitened. If so, your teeth should be whitened before you receive cosmetic dentistry.

If you need a porcelain veneer or porcelain crown to improve the appearance of your unsightly tooth, it can be made to match your whitened smile. In some cases, teeth whitening and reshaping alone can transform the look of your tooth, but if the tooth in question is narrower than your natural teeth, a porcelain crown or a porcelain veneer will probably be recommended.

Schedule a consultation with a few experienced prosthodontists to discuss your options. Ask to see pictures of patients with similar issues whose smile the dentist has transformed.

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

Mar 23

What instrument do you play? Is your oral hygiene at risk?

By General Dentistry

The March/April 2011 issue of the journal General Dentistry revealed that if not kept clean, wind instruments can become heavily contaminated with bacteria and fungi that are associated with serious to minor infections in the mouth, on the lips, and skin, and as allergic diseases.

Why the concern?

Children often obtain used instruments for school music or band classes. Adults frequent pawn shops or online advertisements for affordable instruments. Some people have instruments at home that they loan to friends or family.

The study tested the mouthpiece, chambers, cases, and other components of 131 used woodwind and brass instruments. 442 bacteria were found, including staphylococcus. 58 molds and 19 yeasts were also identified. Many of the bacteria found are highly resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics.

In September 2010, Chest® Journal, the official publication of the American College of Chest Physicians, reported that “respiratory physicians should be aware of the risk of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in saxophone or perhaps other wind instrument players.” The problem is due, in part, to colonization of potentially pathogenic molds in a wind instrument. A complimentary investigation of 15 saxophones found that 13 of the 15 instruments showed a fungal colonization.

If you buy a used wind instrument, or have one that is on loan, that hasn’t been properly sanitized, it likely contains bacteria from someone else’s mouth. The bacteria can remain weeks—or even months—after the last use.

The lessons:

  • Don’t share your instruments with others—particularly if they are instruments that come in contact with your mouth or face.
  • When you obtain a used instrument, take it apart, and thoroughly cleaned it in its entirety—not just the mouthpiece.
  • Frequently clean the part of the instrument that comes in contact with the skin and mouth.
  • Take it apart regularly to thoroughly clean it.

If you suspect that you’ve received oral contamination from an unclean instrument, schedule an appointment with your dentist. If you think your health in general has been affected, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician.

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

Mar 21

Request for info on hybrid dentures

By Dentures

Hi. Can you simply explain what hybrid dentures are? What are the advantages or disadvantages? I will need dentures within the next few months. My dentist didn’t mention hybrid dentures as one of my options, but if I have to get a second opinion I will. Thanks. Milton

Milton – A hybrid denture combines a removable denture with dental implants. It is also known as an implant denture, fixed remove denture, or an implant-supported denture.

The base of the denture has metal components that attach to dental implants. You can remove the denture to clean it. As few as two implants can be used to support a denture, but for maximum stability, six to eight implants should be used.

Hybrid, or implant-supported dentures, won’t slip or fall out. The stability of the denture improves your speech and chewing efficiency. The clicking and popping that is sometimes heard with dentures will be eliminated. You will not need denture adhesive to keep your denture in place. The implants will also stimulate jawbone and prevent bone shrinkage and facial that occur when all of your teeth are missing.

Dental implants are surgically implanted in your jawbone. After two to six months, when the bone fuses to the implants, your denture will be fasted to the implants. You will be able to wear temporary dentures in the meantime.

Once the denture is stabilized, it will feel more like your natural teeth. If you receive dentures from a dentist who is trained in cosmetic dentistry, they will look natural too. Be certain to find a dentist who offers cosmetic dentures and implant-supported dentures to get natural-looking results.

Any disadvantages to a hybrid denture?

When compared with complete removable dentures, there few disadvantages. Hybrid dentures cost more, and there is a waiting period for the implants to heal until you receive your permanent denture.

Your medical history will be carefully reviewed to ensure you are a candidate for implants. If you are, your implant dentist will let you know your options for stabilizing your denture.

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

Mar 18

2 loose teeth

By General Dentistry, Gum Disease

I have 2 loose teeth. I get dental cleanings regularly and I am sure that they have noticed my teeth are loose but I think it’s strange that no one ever said anything to me. My sister told me that I should check with another dentist just to be sure that nothing serious is wrong. Now I am scared and a little angry that this problem was overlooked. I got my teeth cleaned 2 months ago. Wouldn’t they have noticed a problem? If I go to a dentist with loose teeth will they automatically pull them out? – Faith P.

Faith – If you go to the dentist with loose teeth, he or she will x-ray and examine your teeth to determine why they are loose.

Trauma can cause loose teeth, in which case they may need to be stabilized. Have you recently experienced trauma to your teeth? Over time, grinding your teeth can cause them to become loose. Also, if teeth are misaligned, they can put pressure on other teeth and cause them to become loose.

Periodontal (gum) disease is another cause of loose teeth. If you have periodontal disease, loss of gum and bone around a tooth can make it loose.

Your dentist or a periodontist may perform a periodontal pocket procedure to fold back your gum tissue and remove the bacterial. Damaged bone may be smoothed. This procedure will help your gum tissue attach itself to the healthy bone.

Instead of extracting your teeth, every effort will be made to save them. If it is necessary to extract a tooth, it can be replaced with a dental implant.

Don’t worry excessively though, the cause of your loose teeth has to be determined first. Your dentist will recommend options. Since you are seeking a new dentist, we recommend that you find a prosthodontist—a specialist with advanced training in restoring teeth. You can get a second opinion before you make a final decision for a dental provider.

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

Mar 15

Looking for another opinion on Clear Choice because they won’t give me implants

By Blog

Clear Choice won’t give me implants and neither will another oral surgeon I went to. Both of them said my gums are in horrible shape. They told me I need to stop smoking which I refuse and get something done about my gums. I don’t want anyone to tell me that I have to stop smoking to get anything done. It’s not happening. The estimate in getting everything resolved with my gums is almost a year. I think that is crazy. Am I supposed to walk around with most of my teeth missing until 2017? Will your doctor see me and give me implants? – Luke

Luke – Dr. LaVacca will be happy to review your diagnostic studies, conduct an oral examination, and provide a third opinion. We can’t promise you that he will provide you with dental implants, though.

Clear Choice and the oral surgeon you saw correctly advised you that your medical health and oral health must be good for you to receive implants. Keep in mind that while it is possible to place dental implants while you continue to smoke and with poor gum health, it is not advisable. Your dental implants won’t last. They won’t even heal properly.

If you insist on receiving implants, someone who doesn’t care about your oral health may provide them for you. But you can almost count on infection, implant failure, and more oral health issues than ever.

If you schedule an appointment with Dr. LaVacca, he will recommend your options for replacing your teeth with or without implants. Even basic restorative treatment will require that your gums are in good condition. That’s a problem that does need to be addressed. Dr. LaVacca will recommend treatment and give you an estimate on how long it will take to treat your gums and get them healthy again.

 

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

Close Menu