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February 2017

Will Invisalign make my gums look better?

By Invisalign

Can you help me determine if Invisalign is the best choice for my issue? My teeth have lots of spaces in between them and a few overlap. Also my gums are uneven and it makes it look like my teeth are even worse. I talked to my dentist about my teeth and gums and all she said was I can refer you to an orthodontist. She said it like I should know the process. I need some feedback and she was so curt that I don’t want to talk. Will Invisalign even out my gums as my teeth get straighter? Thanks. London

London – Orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, will straighten your teeth, but it won’t resolve the issue with your gums. There is cosmetic treatment that can improve the appearance of your gum tissue.

Gingivoplasty – This procedure uses a laser or a periodontal instrument to shape your gum tissue. It’s done right in the dental chair. Most recontouring, or reshaping, can be completed in one visit.

Gingivectomy – If you have excessive gum tissue around your teeth. A gingivectomy can be used to remove it and sculpt the gum issue in a way that complements your smile.

In either case, the process is quick, it’s done right in the dentist’s office, and your gums will heal quickly.

When you visit an orthodontist, be certain to let him or her know that your goals for your smile include aligning your teeth and ensuring your gums are proportionate with them. Your orthodontist will include your goals in a customized treatment plan. If your orthodontist isn’t trained in reconstruction of gum tissue, he or she will work with a trained dentist or periodontist who is skilled in that area.

You might consider scheduling consultations with two or three orthodontists who are skilled Invisalign providers to discuss your goals.

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

Can a pediatric dentist help my daughter stop swallowing toothpaste?

By Pediatric Dentist

My 4 year old daughter likes to swallow toothpaste. Can a pediatric dentist help her? I’ve already talked to her, given her time out, and taken her to our family dentist, but she keeps swallowing it. I do only give her a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on her brush, so it’s not much, but she swallows it almost every time. She puts the toothbrush in her mouth, swallows the paste, and then brushes her teeth. She thinks it’s funny for some reason. I’m not sure what to do about this other than take her to a pediatric dentist for a second opinion. Your thoughts? Thanks. Jill

Jill – We understand your concern. It’s good that you’re taking precautions by only giving your daughter a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. But it shouldn’t be swallowed on an ongoing basis. If it contains fluoride, swallowing large amounts of toothpaste can cause stomach pain, intestinal problems, breathing problems, and other medical issues.

Usually, an experienced pediatric dentist has treated many more children than a family dentist. He or she might have helped other patients with the same issue. Also, a pediatric dentist has experience with different behaviors in children and can offer practical suggestions.

We have a few suggestions, too:

  • Closely supervise when your daughter brushes her teeth.
  • Reward her with something meaningful when she doesn’t swallow her toothpaste.
  • Time-outs aren’t working, so consider withholding a privilege she really enjoys if she swallows toothpaste.
  • Instead of allowing her to brush her own teeth, brush them for her until the habit is under control.
  • Keep the toothpaste out of your daughter’s reach.
  • Choose a toothpaste flavor that your daughter doesn’t like.
  • Use organic or natural toothpaste. Your dentist can ensure your daughter’s teeth have enough fluoride.
  • Be patient, kind, and consistent with helping your daughter make improvement.

If you schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist, he or she can give you more suggestions to help your daughter break the habit. Your daughter might respond better if the dentist speaks with her about the habit. It’s likely a temporary phase that will improve with time.

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

Do I need another opinion after my Clear Choice second opinion?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I got a second opinion from Clear Choice on my All on 4 implants that I received from a completely different dental center. I got the implants last September and after the dentures were put on them, I noticed that my teeth seemed to protrude more than they used to. When I look at my profile in the mirror, my lips seems to puff out a little more. The teeth really look like Bullwinkle’s teeth. It is so obvious now that I have dentures. Even the gum part of the denture stands out. I see people looking at my mouth when I talk to them. 2 weeks ago I got a second opinion from Clear Choice. They want to give me new dentures and put the All on 4 implants in a completely different position because they say the implants are too far forward. I wasn’t expecting to need new implants and new dentures. Does this sound like a valid explanation of what is going on or do I need another opinion after my Clear Choice second opinion? Thank you. Joan

Joan – We recommend that you seek another opinion even though you’ve had a second opinion from Clear Choice.

If your dentures protrude, your All-On-4 dental implants were probably placed incorrectly. But whether or not you need new dentures should be verified first.

Below are some reasons to get another opinion:

  • Normally, finding a better location in your jawbone for dental implants doesn’t necessarily mean that you need new dentures.
  • A second opinion can help determine if there really is a problem with the dentures and if they need to be completely remade.
  • An experienced prosthodontist can determine if the position of the implants, the denture base, the denture teeth, or a combination of factors are causing your dentures to protrude.

Compare your options and the cost with the information you received from your Clear Choice second opinion.

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

Am I stuck with dentures now?

By Dentures

I started wearing dentures in 1997. At that time I didn’t know anything about dental implants. Dentures have been okay. But now they are so loose. No matter how many times they get relined, they still don’t fit right. Most of the time when I eat, my dentures lift up. I’m noticing that my face looks baggy, too. It is uncomfortable and embarrassing. I’m starting to notice a lot of commercials about dental implants for dentures. I don’t know if you can get implants after wearing dentures for so long. Can I get implants after wearing dentures so long, or am I stuck with dentures now? – LeVon

LeVon – The problems you’re describing with the fit of your dentures and your facial features are common after wearing dentures for years. When all of your teeth are missing, your jawbone gradually shrinks. Jawbone supports your facial muscles, so as it shrinks, your face begins to sag.

Jawbone shrinkage makes it difficult for your dentures to fit well and stay in place—particularly when you’re eating. Dentures can also rub against the ridge of your gums and make them irritated and sore.

If you’ve have significant jawbone shrinkage, the bone has to be built up to support dental implants. But first, an examination is needed, along with a review of your medical history, to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.

A few months after your bone grafting heals, dental implants can be placed to support your dentures. You will probably need new dentures. And a skilled prosthodontist who has training in cosmetic dentistry can provide you with natural-looking dentures.

Two to eight implants can be used to support your dentures. The bone grafting and dental implants will have many benefits.

  • Your dentures will be stable and no longer lift when you eat.
  • Building up your jawbone will provide support for your facial muscles and prevent or greatly reduce sagging.
  • Implants stimulate jawbone and will minimize shrinking.
  • Cosmetic dentures will look like natural teeth.

We recommend that you schedule consultations with two or three prosthodontists to answer any questions you have and to discuss your options. Take notes so you can compare your consultations and decide which dentist will provide you with cosmetic dentures and dental implants to support them.

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

sue-dentist-cut-tongue-blog

Can I sue the dentist for cutting my tongue?

By General Dentistry, Oral Health

I’m not a person who just walks around looking to sue a dentist. I’ve never filed a lawsuit and I’m not hurting for money. I’m just considering it based on principle and rudeness and the fact that I can’t think of another way to help this from happening to another patient.

I went to an oral surgeon yesterday to get a bottom right molar pulled. The tooth was impacted and partially sideways so I was sent to this guy. I had a feeling that I wouldn’t be cared for properly. He rushed me through my consultation and made little eye contact with me. My dentist recommended him so I moved forward.

So yesterday while the dentist was pulling out my tooth, he cursed. I felt pain underneath my tongue and when I said something like, “Ouch! What’s going on?!”, the dentist said I had a soft tissue tear. Then he told me he would stich it up right away. I could tell by the look on his assistant’s face that he did something careless. She looked at me like, ‘shame on him’, but she didn’t say anything to either of us. She just patted by hand.

So when the tooth was out and everything was done I asked to look at my tongue. I could tell that he cut my tongue and it wasn’t a random tear. So as asked the dentist if he cut my tongue and his reply was, “It has 8 secure stitches and in a few weeks you won’t notice it at all.” Then he left the room. Jerk.

I’m angry that he was careless, didn’t apologize and wasn’t really truthful about what happen. I am definitely reporting this to a dental board or wherever I need to report it. I’m thinking that my report will get swept under the table and I really need to sue this dentist so that he will think twice about being rude to other patients or treating them like I was treated. What do I need to document to make sure this jerk doesn’t do this again? Thanks. Brooke

Brooke – Based on your comments, it does sound like the dentist was careless and rude. Your cut sounds like it was deep or long—eight stitches!

Even the most skilled dental surgeon can make a mistake though, and it sounds like he took immediate action to repair the damage to your tongue. It also sounds like it’s really his attitude and chairside manner that are really making you angry and feeling like suing the dentist. Additionally, the dentist’s failure to apologize and failure to tell you what really happened seemed to be adding to your frustration.

We’re not defending the oral surgeon’s attitude or response, but when lower molars are worked on, it’s easy to injure the tongue. A metal retractor can be used to hold the tongue away from the extraction site and prevent injury. Perhaps it wasn’t used and your tongue was accidently cut. The surgeon might have been embarrassed and too proud to apologize.

You can report the incident to the dental board, but it might not result in any reprimand—and not the kind you might be hoping for—unless there are multiple complaints in the dentist’s file. We’re not aware of any disciplinary action of a dentist or surgeon for rudeness.

An attempt to sue the dentist probably won’t go far. Your cut was an accident that doesn’t seem to indicate intentional negligence that wasn’t properly cared for.

What you can do is let your general dentist know about the incident, in case he or she has received repeated complaints from other patients about this surgeon. We’re sorry that you had this negative experience and hope for a better outcome if you need an oral surgeon in the future.

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

Do affordable dental implants need veneers to look good?

By Affordable Dental Implants, Porcelain Veneers

I’ve been saving for affordable dental implants because since 2002 I’ve been wearing a partial denture 2 missing top right teeth and it is very uncomfortable. My cousin is a dental hygienist and she suggested that I look into dental implants. That was 3 yrs ago. When I found out the cost of implants I knew I couldn’t do anything about the partial so I saved up for it. I found a dentist who supposedly offers affordable implants but now I’m beginning to wonder about him. I had consultations with 3 different dentists like my cousin advised me. I chose this dentist because he is personable and explained everything so clearly to me. Last week I went into the office to get digital x-rays. The dentist told me everything looks good and I am eligible to get implants. Then he started talking about my need to have porcelain veneers on the teeth on the left and right of the implants. He said that to get the teeth to match the implants I need veneers. I thought implants would be made to match my natural teeth. Now I’m getting nervous about the cost and I don’t want veneers anyway. Is it normal protocol to need veneers so the implants match my teeth? Thank you. Jovana

Jovana,

Unfortunately, we have to recommend that you see a different dentist for affordable dental implants. It is not normal for a dentist to recommend porcelain veneers to ensure your dental implants match the teeth on either side of them.

It sounds like your dentist might not have cosmetic dentistry training and is not confident that he can provide you with implants that match your natural teeth. Either he doesn’t have the skill to provide you with natural-looking results, or he is trying to increase his profit on your case.

Do any of the dentists with whom you had consultations also have training in cosmetic dentistry? If so, visit one of them again to get more information on their recommendations for your implants. If you were really dissatisfied with the other two dentists, we suggest that you find two more dentists who offer affordable dental implants.

Your priority should be quality implant placement and results that look good. It’s possible that to get affordable dental implants, financing or a payment plan might be your best option. It’s better to ensure you get quality dental care than for it to be the cheapest option available with a poor outcome.

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

Will gum disease prevent me from getting dental implants?

By Dental Implants, Gum Disease, Oral Health

I have gum disease and I’m losing teeth. I want dental implants to replace them but my dentist tells me that he has to get my gum disease under control first. It was February of 2016 when he first told me I have gum disease and it seems like it hasn’t gotten any better. I’m not sure what is taking so long to get it straightened out. I don’t want to keep losing teeth while he tries to get things under control. Can I get dental implants from another dentist or do I have to wait for my dentist to figure out what he is doing? Thanks. Karmin

Karmin – Dental implants are the best option to replace teeth that are loose or missing due to periodontal (gum) disease. Before you receive implants, periodontal disease should be under control. If it’s been a year, and your dentist isn’t able to control your gum disease, it might be time to visit a periodontist—a specialist in diseases of the gum tissue.

How Periodontal Disease Can Affect Dental Implants

Dental implants are most successful in people with sufficient bone density and healthy gum tissue. Here’s why periodontal disease should be controlled first:

  • Advanced periodontal disease damages gum tissue and bone. Bone and gums should have a snug fit around tooth roots or dental implant fixtures.
  • If gum disease has caused your gums to recede, the base of your dental implants will be exposed. It will be challenging to keep the exposed area clean and free of plaque buildup.
  • Thin or receding gums around an implant fixture are unattractive. Either the fixture will show through thin gums, or be completely exposed if your gums recede.

We recommend that you have a consultation with an experienced prosthodontist. After an examination, 3-D x-rays, and a review of your medical history, he or she will let you know if you are a candidate for this treatment.

The prosthodontist will also determine if your gums are healthy enough and thick enough to support dental implants. Bone grafting and gum tissue grafting might be needed to ensure stability and success of your implants. In several months, the grafts will heal, and the implant fixtures will be surgically placed in your jawbone.

After your periodontal disease is controlled, if you receive dental implants, your oral health will likely improve. The fixtures stimulate bone grown and promote healthy gum tissue.

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

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