New Patients: (833) 357-7578
Phone: (818) 248-1991
3730 Foothill Blvd, La Crescenta, CA 91214

ROBERT THEIN,
DDS, ABOI, ICOI

Archives for October 2018

Dental Anxiety is Costing Me Teeth

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I’ve been an idiot and I know it. I’ve been avoiding the dentist for years because I know it’s going to hurt. Now, though, I’m losing my teeth. I can’t live like this anymore and I need to take steps to get back on track. What do you recommend?

Alan

Dear Alan,

Woman asleep in the dental chair

Dental Sedation Has Changed Lives

You are not alone. So many people have suffered from dental anxiety. Don’t beat yourself up too much. The important thing is that you are taking steps to make things right now. For people with severe dental anxiety, such as yourself, I always recommend dental sedation to get your oral health back on track.

With sedation, you’ll finally have stress-free, pain-free appointments. Because of the amount of work you probably need to be done and the level of anxiety you’ve been dealing with, I’m recommending oral conscious sedation for you.

This is a simple pill you’ll take which completely relaxes you. However, you will be so relaxed, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. You’ll also need someone to stay with your until you are lucid. You will be unsteady on your feet. Most people sleep it off or just do a Netflix binge.

Another benefit to sedation is the amount of work you can get done. Because you are relaxed (and very likely asleep) the dentist is able to accomplish much more work at each appointment. This will get you back on track more quickly.

Replacing Your Teeth

Dental Implant Diagram

There is a significant chance you have gum disease. I don’t know if your tooth loss is from significant decay or advanced gum disease, but they generally go hand in hand. The best tooth replacement options will require you have your gum disease under control. Once that’s settled you can look into dental implants.

These place a prosthetic root into your jawbone. After healing time, you’ll be provided with porcelain crowns that will restore the appearance of your teeth. These are like having your own healthy, natural teeth back.

This blog is brought to you by Glendale, CA Implant Dentist Dr. Robert Thein.

Do I Need a Dental Implant Specialist?

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I lost a tooth and my dentist suggested I get a dental implant. He said he’s placed several. When I pressed him on several he admitted he’s done three and works with a good oral surgeon. I know everyone has to start somewhere, but this is a front tooth and I’m worried. Should I seek out an implant specialist?

Catherine

Dear Catherine,

An implant crown being placed in three stages

I’m glad you wrote. Never feel bad about wanting to make sure you get the best care possible. You’re right that everyone has to start somewhere, but I’m not sure placing a dental implant on your front tooth is the place for him to practice. Unfortunately, there isn’t a recognized dental implant specialty, this means patients have to investigate to make sure the dentist has the training necessary to give you a successful and beautiful restoration.

Dental Implant Imperative One

You want a dentist with extensive post-graduate training, both surgical and aesthetic. For example, Dr. Thein received advanced dental implant surgical and prosthetic training from Misch Implant Institute at University of Pittsburgh School of Dentistry. Additionally, he is Diplomate of International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

You want a dentist who can do both the surgery and the restoration. This prevents any miscommunication between the dentist and the surgeon, which happens more often than you think. I’ve known patient’s who had the surgeon place the dental implant, then after the healing time was over, go back to their dentist to have the restoration done, only to find out the surgeon placed the implant in the wrong position.

It’s always better for the patient when they don’t have to switch back and forth between practitioners for each stage of the same procedure. Imperative number one for you would be to find a dentist who is trained in surgery as well. You want the implant for your front tooth in the perfect position to line the implant crown up precisely with the other teeth.

Dental Implant Imperative Two

It’s your front tooth, as you mentioned; the most visible of your smile. It’s important whichever dentist you go to is also skilled at cosmetic work, so you get a smile that is both beautiful and natural looking. Believe it or not, cosmetic work isn’t taught in general dental school. The dentist has to make it a serious area of study after they graduate.

Dr. Thein received his post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry and full mouth reconstruction from the Esthetic Professional Dental Education Institute under Dr. Bruce Crispin, Professor Emeritus of the UCLA School of Dentistry.

What it boils down to is you need a dentist with two areas of expertise. Don’t hesitate to ask about their post-graduate training. If they balk about it, they’re not qualified. Also, ask (as you did with your dentist) how many cases they’ve done. Then ask how many of those were successful. Anything less than 98% is unacceptable. Look at their smile gallery, to make sure you’d be happy with the aesthetics of their work.

I’m going to mention this just in the way of long-term thinking. The color of your dental implant is permanent. If you’re even considering getting your teeth whitened, make sure you do it before you have your porcelain crown made. This way the color of your crown will fit perfectly in with your whiter smile.

If you’re in a hurry, you can have whitening done in one appointment with Zoom Whitening.

Of course, that’s just an option. You can wait and then get your whitening done later, but it will require you to re-do the implant crown afterward.

This blog is brought to you by La Crescenta Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Robert Thein.