Glendale CA Implant Dentist Archives

Should I Switch Implant Dentists?

Posted on July 17, 2019 by writeradmin.

I think my dentist is in over his head, but I can’t be certain. I have a tooth which needed to be extracted. I also needed some bone grafting done. My dentist did the grafting and then placed a Maryland Bridge as a temporary replacement. The problem is in the two weeks I’ve had this it has had to be replaced three times. Maybe this is normal, but I tend to think he’s not sure what he’s doing. Would I be better off finding a different dentist to finish this procedure? Is that even possible?

Lindsey

Dear Lindsey,

Dental Implant Diagram

Your gut feeling is correct. Your dentist seems to be in over his head. A Maryland Bridge is composed of a false tooth suspended between two metal wings. The wings are etched, and the backs of the adjacent teeth are etched, and then a bonding composite is sandwiched between the wings and the tooth. The fact that it keeps coming off means one of these things were done incorrectly.

There are a few things which bother me about this. First is the fact that he used a Maryland Bridge as a “temporary” replacement to begin with. It’s not temporary because it causes a permanent change in your adjacent teeth. He should have chosen a true temporary replacement.

Second, he can’t seem to do the bonding correctly. There’s a flaw in one of the parts of the procedures and he can’t figure out which one.

Finally, placing dental implants is a much more advanced procedure than the bridge. Not only that, but the consequences for getting it wrong are more severe. You can lose part of your jaw due to infection. You could end up without teeth. One woman had such a disastrous encounter with a supposed dentist in Colorado she ended up losing 70 pounds and is confined to a wheelchair.

Finding a Qualified Implant Dentist

Placing dental implants requires extensive post-doctoral training. You’ll want someone who has invested the time necessary. Take a look at Dr. Thein’s qualifications to get an idea of what you’re looking for in your implant dentist. You’ll also want to ask them about their experience and success rate. It needs to be at least 98%.

Getting a Beautiful Smile with Dental Implants

I’m a big believer in making something good come out of bad situations. You may want to consider using this as a chance to get a mini smile makeover. You could whiten your teeth before having your implant crowns made. Then the crowns can be made to match the new white color. That’s not by any means required. It’s just a way to give yourself a treat.

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

What the Secret to Choosing an Implant Dentist?

Posted on April 13, 2019 by writeradmin.

I lost a tooth years ago. I want to replace it with a dental implant. I’ve spoken to two dentists. One had significantly higher prices than the other. I don’t want to choose based on price, but I also don’t want to go to the wrong dentist. How do you choose the best of two implant dentists?

Micah

Dear Micah,

You are very wise. It’s smart not to price shop when it comes to health. However, the first thing I’d do is compare what they gave you quotes on. It’s possible they were talking about different services. You mentioned it had been a long time since you’d lost the tooth. That would mean you may have significant bone loss in that area, requiring bone grafting.

The more expensive dentist may have factored that in and the “cheaper” dentist just quoted you their standard dental implant charge without considering the overall needs of your case.

Picking the Best Implant Dentist

Finding the best implant dentist depends on two things. First, their training and second, their success rate. Dental implants are an extremely advanced procedure. Post-doctoral training is imperative.

Ideally, you’ll also want a dentist who can do the implant surgery as well as the crown. That leaves less opportunity for miscommunication regarding proper placement.

In your case, you’ll also want a dentist who can do the bone grafting procedure. This way you’re not being shifted between caregivers.

Look at Dr. Thein’s training credentials to get an idea of what you’re looking for in training.

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

Dental Anxiety is Costing Me Teeth

Posted on October 31, 2018 by writeradmin.

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,

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?

Posted on October 19, 2018 by writeradmin.

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,

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.