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August 2016

Aug 26

Should I switch our daughter from our family dentist to a pediatric dentist?

By Pediatric Dentist

Until last week my 10 yr old daughter had no problems with the dentist. She isn’t afraid of the dentist at all. I have taught her to floss and brush her teeth well. She actually stays on top of it all without my asking her to do so. Last week at her regular exam and checkup the hygienist checked for cavities and the probe stuck in one of the bottom left molar teeth. My daughter started to get this really concerned look on her face. During the rest of the appointment with the hygienist she got really quiet. The hygienist told my daughter that the dentist would make the final decision on whether or not a cavity was developing. When the dentist came in to check her teeth checkup, my daughter seemed better, but still a little anxious. The dentist did a thorough examination and his probe got stuck on the same tooth that the hygienist’s did. Without the dentist saying anything my daughter started crying and shaking uncontrollably. We have never scolded her about her teeth or threatened her about not getting cavities. I am not sure where all of this is coming from. Maybe it’s hormonal and a sign that her cycle might be coming early in life. For the life of me I can’t think of any trigger. The dentist was very kind, but said that the cavity needs to be filled. My daughter has wept on and off since then and she is dreading the appointment. The dentist looked to me for an answer, but I have no clue. I am wondering if a pediatric dentist might have a different approach with her. In the past my daughter has insisted that she wants to go to the same dentist that I do. He is a good family dentist but I am not sure what to do. I have spoken to my daughter about the reason for her reaction, but she doesn’t seem to understand it herself. Your thoughts? I really appreciate the advice. Lydia

Lydia – If your daughter’s anxiety is a reason for concern continues, a pediatric dental appointment might be appropriate. At 10 years old, she is still quite young. Pediatric dentists are familiar with child behavior at different stages and have learned how to adjust, talk with children about their oral health issues, and ensure they are comfortable.

You can have a consultation with one or two pediatric dentists. Take your daughter to the office with you to observe her reaction to the office environment, dentist, and staff. Although she might think she prefers your dentist, her response may show that another office is best for her.

It’s good that you are thinking about the emotional aspect of her oral health. If things don’t improve with a new dentist, she can always return to your dentist.

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

Aug 20

What’s the best adhesive to keep upper denture in?

By Dental Implants, Dentures

I’m in the third month of wearing dentures. I was expecting problems with the lower dentures but it’s the upper dentures that are giving me problems. They click or loosen from my palate at the most embarrassing times. When I first got them they seemed to fit perfectly. Now I am almost to the point where I hate them. It is really frustrating to think that I paid so much for them and they keep popping off. What is the best product to keep them in? Grayson

Grayson – Before considering a product to keep your upper dentures in, make an appointment with your dentist. Upper dentures are usually held in place by the suction of your palate. If you’ve only had them for a little more than two months, they should not be dislodging at all.

Your dentures may need to be lined again. If after relining you continue to have a problem with the fit of your dentures, consider getting a second opinion. It is possible that your dentures were incorrectly sized, or the impressions of your mouth weren’t taken correctly. A second opinion can help to clearly identify the issue.

Your dentures can be secured with dental implants. The implants will stabilize them and prevent jawbone shrinkage, which occurs after years of having all of your teeth missing. Implants improve your ability to eat and speak with dentures.

If you want to consider stabilizing your dentures with implants, see an experienced and credentialed prosthodontist. He or she will first ensure your dentures fit well. After that the base of your dentures can likely be altered to accommodate dental implants.

If you still need denture adhesive, ask your dentist for recommendations.

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

Aug 16

Advice on handling a Clear Choice second opinion

By Blog

I am exploring my options and considering getting a Clear Choice second opinion. I have 4 lower left teeth missing. Two are side by side. Clear Choice told me that because I only have 4 missing teeth I am not eligible for their regular promotion for something called all on 4. I really didn’t understand that process. Anyway they suggested replacing all of my teeth on the left hand side which sounds strange to me. Is there another option? Should I tell the second opinion dentist about the estimate from Clear Choice? Thanks. L.W.

L.W. – We encourage you to get a second opinion from a skilled implant dentist. There is no problem with letting the dentist know that you’ve been to Clear Choice for an evaluation and estimate.

You wouldn’t qualify for All-On-4 implants, which replace the entire arch of upper or lower teeth. Replacing your four teeth with individual implants is one option. You may also be a candidate for an implant-supported dental bridge which has replacement teeth suspended between the dental implant anchors. Before the exact treatment options can be determined, an examination and diagnostic studies are required. The condition of your surrounding teeth will be assessed.

We can’t speculate as to why Clear Choice recommended replacing all of your lower left teeth with dental implants, but when you receive a second opinion, inquire about the condition of all of your teeth on the left side.

A skilled prosthodontist can replace your teeth with a dental bridge or dental implants and produce results that will look completely natural.

A second, or even a third opinion, is wise to ensure you understand your options and make an informed decision.

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

Aug 11

Steroids and Antibiotics After Root Canal

By Root Canal Treatment

I got a canal at the beginning of July and my tooth still hurts. The pain is pretty bad. My dentist prescribed steroids and antibiotics but I can’t tell that they did anything at all. Actually, my tooth has been hurting since July but not it is getting worse. If I mistakenly bite down on anything with the tooth the pain is off the charts. The gum around the tooth hurts and the pain feels like it is deep in the tooth. I am not sure what should be done about this but I am not taking any more steroids for a tooth especially since it didn’t help at all. What should I ask my dentist to do about this tooth? Thanks. Vickie

Vickie,

Your concern about not taking any more steroids is valid. Although steroids can help treat root canal pain, they also prevent your body from properly fighting the infection. We’ll explain why some dentists prescribe steroids after root canal treatment.

During root canal treatment, instruments are used to clean the tooth. The tooth gets irritated, the tissue in it inflames, and there is pain after the treatment. The swollen tissue also raises the height of the tooth, which affects your occlusion, or the way your teeth fit together. The pressure on the tooth from the imbalanced bite causes more pain and inflammation. Steroids are effective in treating the inflammation.

As we mentioned, not only is inflammation blocked with steroids, so is your body’s ability to fight the infection. So antibiotics are prescribed for the infection. The symptoms you describe probably indicate here is still an infection in your tooth and another root canal treatment is needed. If a specialist didn’t perform the first root canal treatment, ask to be referred to a specialist. He or she might be able to get to the very tip of the roots and remove the infection. If the case is complex, the tooth might need to be extracted.

Instead of prescribing steroids and antibiotics, some dentists choose to give patients high-strength ibuprofen before the appointment. Time is allowed for the body to absorb the anti-inflammatory drug, which in turn limits inflammation after the root canal treatment. Additionally, the tooth that requires the root canal treatment is reduced a little to prevent it from rising and causing occlusal issues after the treatment. The tooth would eventually need to be reduced in size to accommodate a dental crown. Post-operative pain is minimal.

Contact your dentist for another evaluation of your tooth, or schedule an appointment for a second opinion with a prosthodontist.

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

Aug 07

Can All On 4 implants really last lifetime or will I have to replace them?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants

I am seriously thinking about getting all on 4 dental implants. I didn’t know that they were such a huge investment until I asked my dentist about them. She said that they will last for the rest of my life. She doesn’t place implants herself though. I would have to be referred out to another dentist. Can I really expect the implants to last a lifetime or will I have to replace them? Thanks – Abigail

Abigail – All-On-4 dental implants can last decades, if not a lifetime, depending on several factors, including:

  • your age;
  • the quality of implants;
  •  implant placement;
  • your health;
  • and how well you take care of them.

A younger person who is prematurely missing all of his or her teeth and needs All-On-4 implants may find that later in life, the implants need to be replaced. This is only reasonable. Additionally, although the dental implant fixtures might last a long time, depending on your lifespan, the implant crowns, or the dentures that are secured to the implants, will need to be periodically replaced.

As you mentioned, All-on-4 implants are an investment in your oral health. Some people want to save money, so they look for bargain implants. Very often, bargain implants result in cheap implant fixtures or shortcuts in the planning and placement phases. These factors can cause implants to loosen or fail. They won’t last a lifetime.

There are other factors that affect the success of dental implants:

  • Poor oral hygiene after receiving All-On-4 implants, or any other type of dental implants, can also cause them to fail.
  • Plaque buildup can lead to periodontal disease, bone loss, and implant failure.
  • Smoking immediately before, during, and immediately after implant placement can prevent proper healing and cause implant failure.
  • Alcohol promotes dry mouth, which can increase bacteria. It also dilates blood vessels. Both of these factors can interfere with the healing process.
  • Uncontrolled diabetes can prevent proper healing of dental implants.
  • Teeth grinding puts pressure on dental crowns and implants and affect their longevity.

If you receive All-On-4 dental implants, you must be diligent in following the guidelines to keep them clean and functioning proper. If you do, they can last a lifetime.

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

Aug 03

What will a prosthodontist do about a missing bottom central incisor?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I have a bottom front tooth missing. Central incisor is the name of the tooth. My dental hygienist wrote the name of it for me. It’s the one on the right side of my mouth. I am thinking about replacing it, but I haven’t said anything about it to my dentist yet. He is really a new dentist, maybe 3 years out of school and he refers patients out for tooth replacement. Don’t get me wrong. He is a good dentist but when I started going to him I didn’t have any major dental problems. So I am just trying to get a second opinion on what a prosthodontist would do to replace the tooth. I need a baseline before just accepting what someone pretty fresh out of dental school would recommend. An outside opinion on what my options are will help me make a decision. Thanks. Milt

Milton – It’s a good that you are seeking a second opinion from a prosthodontist. The replacement of a lower central incisor requires a very skilled dentist. The space for the tooth is very small, and care must be taken not to damage other teeth while replacing the missing one.

One option is a dental implant. A skilled implant dentist or prosthodontist needs to do the restoration. A small implant fixture will be used. Care must be taken to precisely place the implant to avoid damaging the roots of the adjacent teeth, and to allow the proper amount of space on either side of the implant.

The second option is a dental bridge. To receive a dental bridge, the tooth on either side of the missing one must be shaved down to have crowns placed over them. The replacement tooth will be suspended between the two dental crowns.

Find a dentist with credentials from either the American Board of Implantology or the International Congress of Implantologists. You’ll receive an accurate treatment recommendation and an excellent outcome for the treatment.

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

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