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Bite does not align with my implant bridge

Posted on by smiles4u.

I recently had four teeth on my bottom right replaced with a new implant bridge, with two implants. When I bite down on the right side, my top and bottom teeth line up, but they don’t on the left. Is this normal?     — Sharon in PA

Sharon,
This is not normal. All your teeth should come together at the same time, and if this isn’t fixed, it could lead to TMJ disorder.

This brings to light a good point about the quality and standards of implant dentistry among dentists today. Implant dentistry is not a recognized specialty, so any dentist can claim to be an implant dentist – even if they have no extra training.

You should have another dentist look at this – one who understands and practices quality implant dentistry and has credentials from either the International Congress of Oral Implantologists or the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

It could be possible that the implants were restored incorrectly or more likely that the implants were placed in the wrong position. Sometimes, when surgery is done by one dentist and the implants are placed by another, there can be a lack of communication and the implants are placed in a position that makes it difficult or impossible to restore them correctly. A restorative dentist skilled in implant dentistry should make some type of surgical guide that fits in your mouth and that fixes the exact position and angle where the implant should be placed.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

If I have a metal allergy, will I be allergic to an implant?

Posted on by smiles4u.

Hello!

I have a very severe metal allergy. When my skin has any contact with metal from jewelry or even buttons on my pants, I break out into a rash that eventually blisters, oozes and scabs. I need to replace a missing tooth, and according to my dentist an implant is my best choice. I am very concerned, even though he has assured me that he uses pure titanium and that the implants are hypo-allergenic. My biggest worry is that this is something that will not just be touching my skin and I have no idea how my body might react. Will a pure titanium implant be ok?

Shelly in Omaha

Shelly,
Studies show that allergies to metals, especially nickel, are on the rise. It’s unfortunate that your dentist doesn’t seem to be listening to your concerns, so it’s great that you are looking out for your best interest.

Most people have no problem with pure titanium – even people like you who suffer from severe metal allergies. Titanium can be found in candy and even toothpaste. If you’re concerned about a reaction to titanium, consult with an allergist first to determine exactly what metals you have issues with.

Pure titanium dental implants do exist, but titanium alloy ones are common, too. Your dentist should get a copy of your allergy report and you should insist on seeing the package insert from your dental implant. If you have any questions or concerns, call the company to find out what metals are used.

If you do find out you are allergic to titanium, there are ceramic implants on the market. They are not as common, but if you do your homework, you can find a dentist who uses them.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Can Fake Teeth be Whitened?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I have two fake lateral incisors on a retainer that I wear, but I am planning on getting permanent implants within the next couple of years. In the meantime, my natural teeth are noticeably yellow and I’d like to whiten them. Can I whiten my fake teeth?

— Mark in PA

Mark,

Unfortunately only natural teeth whiten. For the process to work, the whitening agent must come in contact with a live surface – like that of a natural tooth – and open the pores in the enamel to reach the dentin. The oxygen in the whitening agent then penetrates the dentin layer where more whitening takes place and makes it last. That means things like crowns or porcelain veneers cannot be whitened.

If you’re planning on getting implants, we recommend bleaching your teeth about a month before your porcelain crowns are placed. Your dentist will be able to match your new crowns to the new tooth color. If you want to whiten now, a new retainer will need to be made to match your new tooth color. You’ll need to decide if it is worth the cost to do it right now and then also pay for implants later. If you do whiten now, be sure to do a quick touch up right before your crowns are made.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

New dental implants done overseas hurt ALL the time. Can they be removed?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I had 4 dental implants overseas and now they ALL the time. I can’t believe that all of them hurt. The pain is not intense but it is moderate and very uncomfortable. It’s been 10 months since I had them done and I can’t afford to keep going in and out of the country for the dentist there to get it right. I want to cry because I am so frustrated, and I am embarrassed for taking the risk and having thing turn out so wrong. Can the implants be removed? What’s involved? – T.M.

T.M. – We are sorry to hear about the difficulty you are experiencing with your dental implants.

An experienced implant dentist will examine your implants and if necessary, remove them. An incision will made to expose the implants. The implant dentist will gently remove the gum tissue off of the bone. An attachment will be used to carefully remove the implants without damaging the bone.

If the bone is firmly attached to the implant, the bone may need to be weakened to remove the implant. Bone grafting will be needed to build back the bone. In four to five months, new bone will grow and new implants can be placed.

Before you select an implant dentist verify the amount of training and experience he or she has in implant dentistry and implant removal. Ensure that your questions are answered and your concerns are addressed. You should also consider getting the opinion of two different implant dentists.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Loose dental implant

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I had 3 dental implants fitted in April and one has come a bit loose. Can this be dangerous or is just like a loose tooth that will fall out later? – Janet

Janet – Dental implants should not become lose or fall out. A loose implant is a sign of dental implant failure. Have you had any follow-up visits with your implant dentist to check the progress of your implants?

A dental can become loose if it is improperly placed, if cheap implant fixtures are used, or if you have inadequate bone density to support the implant. You should schedule an appointment with your implant dentist right away. If the dental implant has failed, it will need to be completely redone.

If you prefer, you can get a second opinion from an experienced implants. He or she will examine the implant and let you know your treatment options.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read about his Top Dentist award from his peers, and find out why his patients consider him to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

How do you know if your dental implant is messed up or failing?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

How do you know if your dental implant is messed up or failing? – Melanie

Melanie – There are several indicators of dental implant failure.

  • Infection – Infection can result from implants that were improperly placed or poorly fitted.
  • Loose implants – Cheap implant fixtures can cause the implants to loosen. Implants can also loosen if there isn’t enough bone density to support them, or if replacement teeth are prematurely loaded onto them.
  • Nerve impairment – Numbness, pain, and tingling that persist can result from improper placement of the implants. Nerves in the jaw can be pinched and cause persistent problems.
  • Puncture of other body structure – The nose, sinus, or the area of your lower jaw and beneath your tongue can be punctured and result in much discomfort.

If you suspect that your dental implants have failed, notify your implant surgeon. You may prefer to get a second opinion from an experienced implant dentist.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Find out why so many patients think he is the best dentist in New Orleans.

What should I expect after dental implant surgery?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I am considering getting dental implants but I want to know as much about the whole process as possible. After dental implant surgery, how will I feel/what should I expect? – Kent

Kent – After your dental implant surgery, for 24 to 48 hours, you may experience minor bleeding around the implant site. You will be instructed not to sip through a straw, spit, or rinse your mouth, because these actions can increase bleeding.  But you should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You should avoid physical exertion, which can result in more bleeding.

Your gums and face may be swollen after surgery, and your jaw muscles may feel tight. You may notice bruising on your face and gums. Slight elevation of your body temperature may occur. It is persists, notify your implant surgeon.

Antibiotics may be prescribed. Depending on the complexity of the surgery and the level of pain anticipated, you may also receive a prescription for pain medication. Many patients are comfortable with over-the-counter pain reliever.

It may be recommended that you eat soft foods during the initial phase of healing, which can last up to two weeks.  During the entire healing period, avoid foods such as nuts, seeds, or popcorn, which can get lodged between your teeth and gums. The sticthes at the implant site should dissolve within two weeks or less.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to the healing process. Tobacco use should be avoided, because it interferes with the healing process.

We recommend that you have a few consultations with experienced implant dentists. The consultation will allow you to ask questions about the procedure, and the implant surgeon’s credentials and experience.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Find out why many consider him to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

We can’t afford all-on-4 dental implants so what are the options?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My moms teeth are really bad, and they are starting to like chip away and stuff, and we can’t afford dental implants. We went to one dentist and we talked about something called all-on-4 where she could get the implants and dentures all on the same day. But we found out the cost and because its like thousands of dollars, and insurance doesn’t cover it so we can’t get them. What are other, cheaper, alternatives? I feel really bad for my mom, because she is really upset about it and embarrassed about her teeth. – Jada

Jada – All-on-4 dental implants are placed in the front of the jawbone and are highly angled so that bone grafting is not needed. In some cases, the procedure can be completed in the same day. But this technique is not right for everyone.

Your mom can consider complete removable dentures. A cosmetic dentist can give your mom dentures that are customized to fit her facial features. The dentures will look like her natural teeth.

Many people worry about dentures falling out, which sounds as if it may be your mom’s concern. Mini implants are more affordable than standard implants. Dentures can be secured with as few as two mini implants, but the more implants there are, the more secure her dentures will be.

Insurance companies generally do not provide coverage for dental implants, because there are other means of replacing your teeth. Many dentists offer financing, payment plans, and accept major credit cards for payment.

Be sure to let your mom know that she should see an experienced cosmetic dentist to get natural-looking dentures that fit well.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune, who was voted a top dentist in New Orleans magazine.

Can a broken partial denture be fixed?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

The metal bar on my partial denture broke. The partial is for 2 upper left and 2 upper right teeth. The teeth are now kind of hanging lower than they should but I don’t want to remove the partial all together because then I would have 4 missing teeth. Can I get it fixed? Tom

Tom – Unfortunately, the metal framework of a partial denture cannot be fixed. The partial will need to be replaced.

A traditional partial denture with the metal framework has an acrylic base, in which either acrylic or composite teeth are embedded. The plastic parts are easy to repair and re-attach to the framework. Repairing the framework would require welding, which would melt the acrylic base. The lab work required to re-position the teeth, clasps, and saddle of the framework would be just as costly as making a new partial denture.

If your budget permits, dental implants are the most effective and most natural-looking way to replace your missing teeth. They are a permanent solution, and you would be free of concerns about replacing a partial denture in the future.

This blog post is sponsored by the office of Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

What can be done if my root canal treatment didn’t work?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I think that I got a bum root canal treatment. I had been reading about how not to worry about it because it’s a simple procedure but I have pain behind my ear on the same side as the tooth that had the infection. I went to an endodontist to be sure that I wouldn’t have no problems with it. The pain is not really all the time but every now and then during the day there is this sharp pain behind my ear. What can I do if the root canal didn’t work? – Tony P from Tennessee

Tony – It is possible for a root canal treatment to fail, but it might not be true in your case. Jaw or tooth problems can present themselves with pain behind the ear.

Regardless of the care that a dentist takes to clear the root of infections, there are times where all of the pathways cannot be reached. In those cases, a root canal treatment might not be successful. In rare cases, even an endodontist (root canal specialist) performs a root canal that fails.

You didn’t indicate how long it has been since you received the root canal treatment, but usually there are no symptoms of failure until an infection develops, which may take three to six months or longer.

It is best to return to the endodontist for him or her to exam your tooth to determine if it is the source of your pain. If infection is present, the endodontist will determine if another root canal treatment is required, if surgery is needed to access the root tip from the outside so it can be sealed, or if the tooth should be extracted and replaced with a dental implant or a dental bridge.

 

This blog post is courtesy of New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie