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Monthly Archives

May 2016

My crown doesn’t match my teeth

By Cosmetic Procedures, General Dentistry, Porcelain Crown, Prosthodontist

My crown broke about 3 weeks ago and I had to get it fixed quickly before I went on vacation. I knew it was loose, but I didn’t expect it to break. My choice was a dentist who did CEREC in his office but also who was an emergency dentist. It worked and off I went! I was so busy that I really haven’t time to really look closely at the crown until this week. It is an incisor on the right side of my mouth and it doesn’t match my other teeth. If it was a molar I would let this pass but I really want the crown color changed. This isn’t my regular dentist and he really did me a huge favor. Should I go back to that dentist to get the color corrected? Thank you. COlton

Colton – Your selection of an emergency dentist who could also make a one-visit crown is understandable.

In-office crowns require the dentist to receive training in crown creation and placement, but it doesn’t require the dentist to be an artist. An artistic prosthodontist has training cosmetic dentistry. He or she has a keenly interested in providing crowns that function well and look completely natural—blending with your natural teeth.

Crowns are colorfast. They cannot be made darker or lighter. Unfortunately, the only way to receive a lighter crown is for a new one to be made. Contact the office of the dentist you saw and explain your concern. Request an appointment for an examination. Express your appreciation for the dentist’s help during your emergency and explain your concerns.

Along with any insurance you may have, you paid for a dental crown. It is reasonable for you to request and receive a crown that matches your natural teeth. A well-made crown lasts ten to twenty years. If your crown was made well, consider whether or not you can adjust to it lasting for many years that doesn’t match your natural teeth.

You can decide if you want to give the emergency dentist another chance, or if you prefer to visit an artistic prosthodontist dentist to receive a new crown. Before you proceed, be certain to speak with your dental insurance company about the issue and ask if your plan will provide any benefits toward a replacement crown if you choose a new dentist to replace it.

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

 

Should I Choose Clear Choice for dental implants?

By Dentures

I have 5 missing top right teeth. Some are missing due to an accident and others are from decay and not keeping up with my teeth. Some things get to be more important when you are in the situation, so after the accident I started going to the dentist and paying more attention to my teeth. My dentist told me my options are a denture or dental implants. After listening to all of the problems I can have with dentures, of course I wanted dental implants. The problem is the cost. I was all set to get them until my dentist quoted the figure. Thousands of dollars. I have been waiting and thinking about what to do. Meanwhile I am wearing a temporary partial denture that is killing my gums. Since I have been wearing my partial denture I have seen Clear Choice commercials on TV. The center is about 2.5 hours from where I live. I decided to make the trip just to compare the information and cost my dentist gave me. Clear Choice is a little cheaper. I am not sure if it is worth driving the distance though. If they are specialists in implants I am wondering if I might come out better off any way. Does it make sense to get the implants from Clear Choice? Jude

Jude – Dental implants are definitely a better option than a removable partial denture, or any other type of denture. Clear Choice specialized in implant placement, but that doesn’t make them the better choice.

There are mixed reviews from patients on the quality of service and the quality of implants received at Clear Choice. They are a large, nationwide operation with a net worth that allows them to market heavily. Clear Choice is advertised widely, so many people assume it’s the better choice.

Ensure you understand what the quote from your dentist includes, as well as the quote from Clear Choice. It may be advisable to get a third opinion from a prosthodontist. He or she completes the entire implant process from planning and diagnostics, to the implant surgery and restoring dental crown. The services a prosthodontist provides are similar to the one-stop implants approach Clear Choice has. A prosthodontist specializes in tooth restoration and replacement.

Compare your options to make an informed decision about your provider for dental implants.

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

Do pediatric dentists fix upper lip tie?

By Pediatric Dentist

If a baby has upper lip tie is this something a pediatric dentist can fix? I am told that an oral surgeon needs to do the repair, but if it’s a simple procedure, we would rather go to a doctor who is used to dealing with children. Thanks. Jen

Jen – Lip tie, or a short frenulum of the upper lip, restricts lip movement. The frenulum connects the very top of the inner, upper lip to the gums between your two front teeth. Lip tie can prevent the lip from moving much beyond the upper gum. Restricted movement can cause pain when breast feeding and affect an infant’s ability to get proper nourishment. The technically term for the condition is concomitant lip-tie.

What Are the Signs of Upper Lip Tie?

  • Inadequate latching while breast feeding – This can be accompanied by prolonged feeding because the baby is unable get enough milk
  • Inability to seal lips on a bottle – Restriction of the baby’s upper lip can prevent him or her from getting a good seal on a bottle nipple.
  • Inability to gain weight or weight loss – If your baby isn’t getting enough nourishment, he or she fail to gain weight, or lose weight.
  • Gasiness, fatigue, or fussiness from inadequate feeding
  • Inability to clean the spoon with his or her lips, if your baby is spoon feeding

If you notice any of the above signs while your baby is feeding, let your pediatrician know. He or she will examine your baby’s oral cavities and if necessary, recommend a specialist.

Complications associated with lip tie have caused many parents to seek a surgical solution. Before consulting a surgeon, many parents work with their pediatrician to get a feeding assessment. The infant’s feeding style and ability are assessed to help determine if intervention is needed. There are surgical and non-surgical treatments available.

Who Performs the Lip-Tie Surgery?

If lip tie is related to breastfeeding pain or malnourishment for the baby, surgery may be needed. The surgical procedure, or frenotomy, is performed in the doctor’s office in just a few minutes. Some pediatric dentists can perform the procedure. Either an oral surgeon or a prosthodontist frequently perform the surgery and can handle simple to complex cases. These specialists are very familiar with performing the procedure on children. To increase your comfort level, ask the specialist how many similar surgeries he or she regularly performs on children.

A clamp and scissors, or a laser, is used to release the frenulum. Only minor bleeding occurs and the recovery period is progressive.

Choosing a Specialist

Although the surgical procedure is quick, we recommend that you have a consultation with two or three experienced oral surgeons or prosthodontists. The consultations will help you choose a provider with whom your family is comfortable. Ensure you understand if and why a frenotomy is needed, the outcome you can expect, as well as the pros and cons.

After Lip-Tie Surgery

Keep your scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing. At times, a lactation consultant is recommended to ensure your baby receives optimum feeding.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca. Dr. LaVacca and his wife, Manal Ibrahim offer a range of oral care services with a team of skilled general dentists, pediatric dentists, and orthodontists.

 

I think I’m allergic to my dentures

By Dental Implants, Dentures

None of my natural teeth are left so I am wearing complete dentures. I got them in February of this year. Although I didn’t want dentures, dental implants are not an option for me so I had to get what I can afford. I really like the way my dentures look. They are more natural looking than I expected. The problem is that I can’t wear them without my gums itching and getting a rash. I can wear them but when I take them off it is hard to rest because of the irritation and itching. My dentist calls this an adjustment period, but it’s May now. How long does it take to adjust? If this is what I have to look forward to I am going to be miserable. I am beginning to wonder if I am allergic to the dentures. If so shouldn’t my insurance company pay for me to get a different pair of dentures or may dental implants? Also how do I handle this issue with my dentist when he thinks that I just need to adjust to the dentures? Thanks Vernon

 

Vernon,

If you didn’t experience any irritation issue prior to getting dentures, it is likely that there is something associated with wearing the dentures that is causing the problems. It is rare to be allergic to dental acrylic, but a few cases have been reported. Most often, metal in the dentures or the denture adhesive is causing irritation or rash.

Do you use denture adhesive? If so, try wearing your dentures without the adhesive. Your dentures are relatively new, so adhesive should not be needed at this point. If the irritation doesn’t occur and you still feel you need adhesive, try switching brands. Take note of the ingredients in the adhesives and see if there are any components that you may be sensitive to.

If your denture has a metal base or any metal components, it may be triggering an allergic reaction. If you are not using adhesive and you still get irritation and a rash, the denture may be the culprit. You can ask your dentist to switch you to another set of dentures, or you can get tested for metal allergies. Let your allergist know the details and circumstances of your reaction. He or she will have insight on how you should be tested.

Speak to your dental insurance company about the issue. Some benefits may be provided. It may help to have your dentures supported by dental implants, which prevents the dentures from resting on your gumliine. At the same time, your dentures will fit and function better. The implants will also prevent jawbone shrinkage. If needed, get a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist.

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

Do we need a prosthodontist, oral surgeon and our family dentist?

By Prosthodontist

My husband was in a motorcycle accident 5 months ago. He was hospitalized for almost a month. Thankfully he was wearing a helmet, but in addition to a broken leg and some broken ribs he still had trauma to his face. His jawbone cracked and he lost his front teeth and 5 teeth on the left side of his mouth. We are finally making some progress with therapy so we can begin thinking about his teeth and getting his smile back. Discharge papers said that we should see our dentist and a specialist such as an oral surgeon or a prosthodontist. I am wondering if we need to go to all three of these doctors and how we would know whether to go to a prosthodontist or an oral surgeon. Or is this maybe something our dentist should decide for us? Thank you – Lani

Lani –

All dentists complete training in general dentistry. Dentists who choose to specialize in a certain area spend additional time—usual two years or more—in specialized training.

Your family dentist may be able to complete some of the restorative work your husband needs. If extensive restoration is needed, your dentist will recommend a prosthodontist or an oral surgeon who can assist.

Damaged jawbone can be rebuilt or repaired by an oral surgeon. If your husband chooses to replace his missing teeth with dental implants, the oral surgeon will perform the implant surgery also. Your family dentist will provide the dental crown, which is secured to the implant. The crown serves as visible white, biting portion of a tooth.

A prosthodontist specializes in restoring teeth and mouth reconstruction. He or she also performs dental implant surgery and dental crowns. If prosthesis is needed, a prosthodontist can provide one.

You will not need to see all three dentists. Regardless of which specialist you choose, your family dentist should be kept aware of any dental treatment your husband needs. But the prosthodontist should be able to care for all of the dental procedures needed to restore your husband’s smile.

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

Will smoking prevent me from getting All on 4 implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dentures

I am so tired of my dentures. I want All On 4 but I smoke. I have tried to quit several times but it isn’t working. I don’t think that I will ever be able to stop. My dentures are stressful for me because I have been wearing dentures for 15 years. They slip more times in a day than I can count. Is there any way possible for me to get All On 4 even though I smoke? Jamison

Jamison,

Much of the success of dental implants, including All-On-4 implants depends on the healing process. Your jawbone must fuse to the implants for them to function properly and to support your dentures.

Smoking inhibits the healing process overall—not just for dental implants. It also affects your oral health. The healing process will be slower, or the fusion of your jawbone to the implant may not occur at all. There is also an increased risk of implant infection when you smoke. One study showed that of 165 participants showed that 16% of smokers experienced implant failure, compared with a 1% failure rate for non-smokers.

Although we can’t say that your implants will definitely fail or succeed, if you stop smoking before you receive them, the success rate will increase. It is also important not to smoke after implant surgery. Some dentist won’t complete the All-On-4 procedure unless a patient has stopped smoking.

Speak with your primary care doctor about your desire to stop smoking. He or she can provide you with resources and option that you may not have considered before.

As time progresses and your jawbone continues to shrink, it will become even more difficult to eat and speak with dentures. If you are a candidate for All-On-4, or some other dental implant treatment, now is a good time to pursue your options.

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

 

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