Archives for March 2019

Three Surgeries and Still No Implant Overdentures

Posted on March 28, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’m hoping you can advise me. My dentist has done quite a few dental implant procedures over the years, so I felt pretty safe going to him. When he went in for the first surgery, he decided there wasn’t enough bone there. He suggested I have bone grafting done. So we waited for some healing to take place then did the bone grafting. After that healing time, we went in for a third surgery. He got some implants in and again decided that the bone was still too thin. We’re going to regroup and figure out what to do. Is something weird going on here? Should I switch dentists or is this normal? He hasn’t charged me for any failed procedures so I don’t feel cheated. I just want to get my teeth.

Andrew

Dear Andrew,

Illustration of Implant overdentures — Implant Overdentures

I wouldn’t say this is normal. I don’t want to be too hard on your dentist. He is absolutely trying to do his best for you and he obviously has integrity. Either time he placed the dental implants, he could have easily just completed the surgery instead of recommending further treatment.

He’d have gotten his money and a few years down the line, your implants would have failed, with no definitive reason to hold him accountable. Instead, he is losing money trying to make sure you get the right treatment.

While he may have a lot of experience placing dental implants, it doesn’t sound like he’s had much experience with the bone grafting procedure. He may be new at that. Every dentist is new to a procedure at some point and it is admirable that he is furthering his skill base.

Your Options for Implant Overdentures at this Point

There are a few ways you can handle this. First, you can continue to give this dentist another chance to do both the grafting and the implant procedure.

You could see someone more experienced for your bone grafting and then return to him to do your implants, which he has more experience doing.

Finally, you could go to someone who can do both procedures, There’s no right or wrong answer here. It’s all in what risks you are willing to take until you get the result you want.

There is no shame, especially after three failed procedures, for you to go to someone with more expertise and just be ready to get this finished and finally have your implant overdentures.

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

3 Reasons Not to Take Your Dental Emergency to the ER

Posted on March 19, 2019 by AllSmiles.

A throbbing toothache, cracked crown, or a lost filling—they are all dental emergencies, but is the ER the right place to go for treatment?

Facts about the ER and Your Dental Emergency

No dentists are available – Emergency rooms are full of professionals who are trained to take care of medical emergencies, but there are no dentists in the ER. And dental tools? Not in the ER.
Care is limited – You might receive pain medication or antibiotics for a tooth infection. But you will be told to see your dentist in the morning.
Time is wasted -The average wait time in a U.S. emergency room is 10-45 minutes. Overall, you’ll spend about two hours in an emergency room before you’re sent home—without having received dental care.

Exceptions – If your tooth is bleeding excessively or causing your face or neck to swell, or if you’re having difficulty breathing, go to the ER. Use good judgment if you’re experiencing extreme signs or symptoms.

What Will an Emergency Dentist Do?

Man holding jaw in need of an emergency dentist

An emergency dentist will assure you that you’ve come to the right place. The dentist will relieve your pain, examine your tooth, identify the source of the problem, and recommend treatment. Depending on the circumstances, you might need a follow-up appointment for treatment to be completed. If the dentist thinks there is a chance that your tooth can be saved, it’s best to let him or her try to preserve it.

Think an Extraction Is Easier?

Don’t insist on an extraction if it isn’t necessary. There are several problems that can result if your tooth is extracted.

Detracts from your smile – An extracted tooth leaves an empty space in the mouth and detracts from the beauty of your smile.
Contributes to misalignment – Empty spaces cause other teeth to drift and become misaligned.
Bone loss – The body resorbs the jawbone in the empty space, because the bone is no longer needed to support a tooth.
Nutrition – Depending on the location of a missing tooth, it can affect how well you chew and digest food.
Pain and recovery – Tooth extraction is more painful and takes longer to heal than root canal treatment. No patient regrets a successful root canal treatment.
Expense – Many people who are missing a tooth later want to have it replaced. Additional expense is incurred. Although you can get a dental implant, a dental bridge, or a partial denture, no form of tooth replacement functions as well and looks as good as a natural tooth.

Emergency care from a dentist—not the ER—can save your tooth, restore your oral health, and keep your smile intact.

This post is sponsored by Robert Thein, DDS, a Glendale, CA emergency dentist.

Gums Won’t Get Numb at the Dentist? Sedation Can Change That

Posted on March 13, 2019 by AllSmiles.

My 20 year old daughter had a dental appointment last week. Days before the appointment, she kept saying that she was not looking forward to it, and she started looking a bit pale. This is because there is always a problem getting her gums numb, and we have to keep re-scheduling appointments. I am wondering if we need to switch to another dentist. She doesn’t like needles anyway but the dentist keeps giving her shot after shot and it doesn’t work. What do you suggest? – Yvette

Yvette – Your daughter’s comments about not looking forward to her dental appointment, along with the fact that she isn’t getting numb, suggest that she has dental anxiety.

If a patient isn’t able to relax, the level of anxiety and adrenaline flow prevents the local anesthetic from working. A dentist who offers sedation will determine which level is best based on your daughter’s anxiety level and the dental treatment required. A relaxed state calms the nervous system so that local anesthetic can be effective.

Levels of Sedation Dentistry

Nitrous – A sedation dentist can use nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help your daughter relax. She will be awake, but relaxed enough for the anesthetic to work. Nitrous oxide provides a sense of well-being and is quickly reversed after the procedure.

Picture of a young woman relaxing in a hammock on the beach, as an example of how relaxing sedation dentistry can be from Glendale, CA dentist Dr. Thein. — Sedation dentistry makes appointments relaxing

Oral conscious sedation – This moderate level of sedation works well for patients who are especially anxious. It also works well for lengthy procedures. Just before her appointment, your daughter will take a small amount of oral medication commonly prescribed to relieve anxiety. She will be conscious and her vital signs will be monitored. But she will be so relaxed during the appointment that she is likely not to remember it. Arrange for transportation to and from the dental appointment, because she will be drowsy.

IV sedation – IV sedation is the highest level of treatment. Its effects are rapid because it is administered intravenously. It causes drowsiness, so patients need transportation to and from their dental appointment.

Catering to Anxious Patients

In addition to providing sedation, some dentists cater to anxious patients by practicing gentle dentistry and making the effort to adjust treatment techniques to ensure the each patient’s comfort.

If your daughter’s dentist doesn’t offer sedation dentistry, you can search for a dentist who is able to help her relax and get the care she needs.

This post is sponsored by Glendale, CA dentist Dr. Robert Thein.

4 Reasons to Consider a Palateless Denture

Posted on March 6, 2019 by AllSmiles.

Thanks to dental implants, a palateless denture can improve your experience with dentures and your quality of life.

What Is a Palateless Denture?

A palateless denture is arch shaped. It is designed for use when all of your upper teeth are missing. Unlike traditional dentures, it does not cover the roof of your mouth. The base of it is made with metal rings that snap onto dental implants.

What’s the Process?

Impressions – Impressions of your upper and lower arch will be taken to ensure the denture fits correctly and that your bite is well aligned.
Dental implant placement – After dental implants are placed in your jawbone, time is allowed for them to heal.
Healing period – In three to four months, the implants will fuse to your jawbone to provide a solid anchor for your palateless denture. Meanwhile, you can wear a temporary denture.
Additional impressions – After the healing period, more impressions may be taken to ensure no changes are needed to provide an accurate fit.
Permanent dentures – Your permanent denture will be made. When they are ready, they will be snapped onto the dental implants and checked for appearance, bite, and fit.

Why Consider a Palateless Denture?

A palateless denture that is stabilized with dental implants has several advantages worth considering:

It is secure and feels more like your natural teeth.
It’s more comfortable than traditional dentures.
The open palate enhances your taste and enjoyment food.
The implants stimulate your jawbone and help prevent shrinkage that normally occurs when all of your teeth are missing.

How Many Dental Implants Are Required?

Although as few as two dental implants can be used, more implants will increase the stability of your prosthesis.

What Can You Expect?

You will be sedated for the procedure.
The surgery will be pain-free, but afterward you will experience minor discomfort that improves with over-the-counter pain reliever.
Implant placement takes about an hour per dental implant.
You’ll be given post-care instructions.
You will be able to resume normal activities the next day.

Interested in Stabilizing Your Denture with Implants?

Diagram of a standard dental implant fixture (left) and a mini dental implant (right). — Standard and mini dental implants

Much of the success of dental implants depends on the dentist and his or her standards for planning, placement, and follow-up care. If you’re interested in palateless dentures secured with dental implants, find one or two experienced dentists with advanced training in implantology. You can schedule consultations with them to discuss your options for implant-supported dentures.

This post is sponsored by La Crescenta implant dentist Dr. Robert Thein. Dr. Thein is a diplomate of both the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.