Dental Implants Archives - Dr. Duane Delaune's Blog

Can I Get a Refund and Implant If My New Partial Denture Keeps Breaking?

Posted on May 15, 2024 by AllSmiles.

Can I get a refund and dental implant if my new partial denture keeps breaking? After a failed root canal, my dentist agreed to give me a partial denture. I asked my dentist to remove the tooth before the root canal failed, but he wouldn’t listen. The partial denture is uncomfortable and defective. It broke twice, but my dentist wants to charge me for the root canal and the partial. I regret using this dentist, but I want a refund before I switch. How should I handle this? Thanks. Shaunda

Shaunda,

We recommend talking to your dentist about his treatment recommendations and your disappointment. Although root canal treatment from any dentist can fail, your dentist failed to give you a functional partial denture.

Dental implant

You have these options to help resolve the issue.

Contact your insurance company (if applicable) – Tell your dentist you will report the issue to the dental insurance company and follow through. Your insurance company wants to know if they paid for a faulty partial denture.
Report the issue to your state dental board – The state dental board will investigate the issue, although may not penalize your dentist.
Leave negative online reviews – Dentists know that patients read online reviews before choosing their practice. Tell your dentist you will leave a negative online review.

Finding a Dentist for Implants

Look for a dentist with post-graduate training in dental implants and restoring them with dental crowns. Some dentists prefer to restore implants only and refer patients to an oral surgeon or periodontist for implant surgery, which is fine. A dentist skilled in aesthetics can perfectly match your implant crown with your surrounding teeth. Schedule consultations with two implant dentists to discuss your treatment options.

Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie, Louisiana, sponsors this post. Read why Dr. Delaune’s patients consider him one of the best dentists in town.

Throbbing Pain in One Spot in My Gums After Eating

Posted on January 31, 2024 by AllSmiles.

A persistent soreness in my gums between my first and second molars is getting worse. The spot hurts daily and throbs after I eat. The pain decreases in about an hour. It doesn’t hurt again until I eat something. I’ve felt discomfort for about eight months. I asked my dentist to check it during my last dental cleaning, but she didn’t see anything, even after an X-ray. The second molar had a root canal seven years ago. My dentist said we could consider removing the tooth if the pain didn’t go away. I reminded her that my gums, not the tooth, hurt. May I ignore the pain if it didn’t hurt so bad after eating? What could be causing it? Thanks. Klark from GA

Klark,

We are concerned that your dentist recommended an extraction if the pain doesn’t resolve. If you are experiencing ongoing pain and an X-ray didn’t reveal its source, your dentist should have referred you to a periodontist (gum specialist). If the problem is with your gums, it is unrelated to the root canal tooth.

A periodontist may check the pockets between your teeth to see if a periodontal abscess is causing the gum pain. Sometimes, food particles get between the teeth and gums and cause inflammation and pain. If the particles disintegrate, the pain will resolve.

Treat gum pain and disease to prevent tooth extraction and a dental implan

Do you floss thoroughly between your teeth? If not, a lack of flossing can contribute to gum pain. Trapped food and bacteria can lead to gum disease and increase the depth of gum pockets. Unresolved gum disease can result in gum and bone deterioration and, eventually, tooth loss. Getting treatment can prevent the need for tooth replacement options, such as a dental bridge or a dental implant.

We recommend asking your dentist for a referral to a periodontist or self-referring to a specialist. If your discomfort is related to your gum health, a periodontist will find the issue.

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.

An Unhealed Sinus Perforation Is Delaying My Treatment Plan

Posted on August 31, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I’ve waited for an upper left sinus perforation after tooth extraction to heal since late May, but I still have symptoms. My next step was to get teeth whitening and four dental implants. I’m concerned that it will be 2025 before my dental work is complete. I don’t think my dentist can control the infection because he keeps prescribing antibiotics, but the infection flares again as soon as I finish the medicine. Should I request a referral to an oral surgeon, or is it too late? – Caleb from NM

Caleb

When a sinus perforation does not heal, it may be delayed by a root tip or bone fragment in your sinus. If your dentist took an X-ray of your sinus, he should be able to see if any foreign objects are lodged, preventing the area from healing.

What Can You Do If a Sinus Perforation Doesn’t Heal?

If a sinus perforation does not heal after tooth extraction, you can ask your dentist to refer you to an otolaryngologist (ENT) doctor. The specialist will examine your X-ray to determine whether a bone fragment or root tip remains in the sinus, interfering with healing.

Dental implants need the support of healthy gums and bone

If you have a foreign object lodged in your sinus, the ENT will take these steps:

Remove the fragment, root tip, or other object
Suture the perforation
Prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection

After treatment from the ENT and confirmation that the area has healed, you can resume your dentist’s treatment plan for teeth whitening and dental implants. We recommend getting a second opinion from an advanced implant dentist to determine whether you need bone grafting or sinus augmentation before dental implant surgery.

Although you are understandably anxious to complete your smile makeover, please patiently wait for healing. Dental implants require healthy jawbone and surrounding tissues to ensure the implants and bone integrate. Otherwise, you may experience dental implant failure, which can further delay treatment, sometimes requiring alternative forms of tooth replacement.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.

Is There a Special Diet After Dental Implant Surgery?

Posted on April 15, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I am anticipating getting four dental implants in August. I am excited about replacing my teeth but worried about how I will manage on a restricted diet. I get weak if I don’t eat enough. What can I expect after implant surgery regarding eating? How soon after surgery will I be able to eat a regular meal? Thanks. Jordyn

Jordyn,

Thank you for contacting Delaune Dental about what you can eat after dental implant surgery. We will explain the timeline and how to ensure you get enough nutrients.

Is There a Special Diet After Dental Implant Surgery?

After dental implant surgery, you will begin a liquid diet for at least the first day or two. Afterward, you can progress to soft foods that require no chewing. Eventually, you can enjoy foods that require minimal chewing while avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Your implant dentist or oral surgeon may recommend a longer liquid diet.

Timeline for Eating After Getting Dental Implants

The timeline below shows what your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend. Please follow your dentist’s instructions on what to eat and when.

24 to 48 hours – Maintain a liquid diet. Drink lukewarm to cool liquid but avoid drinking through a straw to prevent dislodging blood clots at the surgical sites.
Day 3 to 14 – Avoid icy cold or steamy hot drinks. Soft foods that require minimal chewing are best.
Day 15 to week 12 – Eat soft foods that require minimal chewing.

What Types of Foods Can You Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?

A soft-foods diet protects your dental implants

Below are examples of soft foods that require no chewing and food that require minimal chewing.

Soft foods with no chewing

Jello
Applesauce
Pureed fruit, vegetables, and meats
Smoothies without nuts or seeds
Hummus
Yogurt

Soft foods with minimal chewing

Steamed vegetables
Baked fruit
Eggs
Flaky fish
Bananas
Mashed potatoes
Finely diced meat

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water while avoiding sugary drinks. A restricted diet allows your implants and jawbone to fuse. Taking risks and chewing food can cause implant complications.

Your implant dentist or oral surgeon will give detailed instructions for post-operative care and a smooth recovery.

Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie, Louisiana, sponsors this post. Read why Dr. Delaune’s patients consider him one of the best dentists in town.

My Bite Is Off with New Dental Implants

Posted on January 19, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My bite is off with my new three dental implants. I had three missing teeth from my first premolar back that my dentist replaced with dental implants last July. Now that I have the permanent crowns, I told my dentist that my upper and lower left teeth don’t match when I bite down. The upper teeth are too far left of the lower teeth. I saw my dentist for an adjustment three weeks ago, but I am unsure what he adjusted. I do not notice any difference, though. I am worried about how many adjustments my dentist can make before my crowns or implants fail. I don’t know what to do. – Thank you. Kevin D. from OK

Kevin,

Get a second opinion to determine why your bite is off with dental implants

Thank you for contacting our office. Dr. Delaune would need to examine your crowns and implants and take x-rays to determine what is affecting your bite. But it is not okay to experience discomfort after getting your implant crowns.

What Causes Occlusion (Bite) Problems with Dental Implant Crowns?

If you have concerns about your bite (how your upper and lower teeth meet) with new dental implant crowns, the cause may include one or more of the following:

Incorrect dental implant placement – When a restoring dentist (who provides the dental crowns) provides clear communication to an oral surgeon or periodontist, it ensures precise implant placement. Skilled restoring dentists provide a surgical guide that defines implant location angle. Without specific instructions, misplaced dental implants can disrupt your bite. Some dentists have advanced training in implant surgery, providing both the implants and dental crowns for a smooth process.
Incorrect crown restoration – A dental crown must precisely fit the connector on top of a dental implant. If a crown doesn’t fit well, it will affect how your upper and lower teeth meet (your bite).
Bruxism – Teeth grinding adds stress to dental implants and can disrupt harmony between your implants and crowns.
Incompatible dental crown and implant size – When a dental implant is too long or too short for the crown attached, it will affect your bite. The same applies if the crown is out of proportion to the implant size.

The July 2019 issue of the International Journal of Implant Dentistry published an article on occlusal overload with dental implants. According to the report, when the bite force on dental implants is too strong, it may lead to irritation in the gum tissue around the implants (peri-implantitis), which affects the bone if left untreated. So, we urge you to seek a qualified dentist.

We recommend scheduling an exam with a restorative dentist with advanced dental implant, cosmetic dentistry, and occlusion and bite training. A prompt examination and treatment will help prevent further irritation to the gum tissue and bone around the dental implants.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.

What brand of implants should I ask for?

Posted on October 31, 2021 by AllSmiles.

I need dental implants, but I know not to get cheap ones that might fail. What brand of dental implants should I ask my dentist for? Thanks. Martin H.

Martin – Thank you for your question. Patients with an interest in dental implants frequently ask the same question.

Which Dental Implants Brands Are Best?

U.S. major manufacturers all have quality dental implants. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the sale and distribution of dental implants in the United States.

In conjunction with the dental implant standards from the American Dental Association, the FDA also monitors dental implants for safety and effectiveness. The FDA protects and promotes public health and safety, so the dental implant screw, which dentists surgically place jawbone, and the dental crown attached to the implant must meet FDA requirements.

Priorities for a Dental Implant Candidate

As a patient receiving dental implants, your primary concern should be finding a dentist who uses quality fixtures and properly plans for and places your implants with care. A skilled implant dentist will first review your medical history and conduct diagnostic studies to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.

Choose an experienced implant dentist or oral surgeon for high-quality implant fixtures

Diagnostic studies will also reveal your bone structure and sinuses to ensure your dentist places your implants in the best position for your oral health. Proper placement avoids nerve damage, puncturing sinuses, and damaging other body cavities. A skilled implant dentist will select the correct implant diameter and length for your case.

Before selecting a provider for your dental implants, check their training, experienced, and credentials. Rather than the brand of implants used, your provider will focus on quality implants and quality placement for restorations that will last you a lifetime.

Duane Delaune, DDS, an cosmetic dentist of Metairie, New Orleans, sponsors this post.

Her Dentist Won’t Take Out all the Teeth She Wants Out

Posted on April 20, 2021 by writeradmin.

I have an infected wisdom tooth and a tooth near it that had a root canal treatment a year ago. I want them both removed but for some reason, my dentist is only willing to take out the wisdom tooth. I’m putting off getting the wisdom tooth removed until I can talk him into doing both. Do you have any tips for getting a dentist to do what you want?

Danny

Dear Danny,

Before you pressure your dentist, I want you to think about why he would NOT want to extract this tooth. Extracting it makes more money for him. Leaving it does nothing for him To me this speaks volumes. My assumption is he truly doesn’t believe there is anything wrong with the tooth and feels it would be an unnecessary procedure and expense for you. Plus, while you do not have to replace wisdom teeth, you do need to replace other missing teeth. By not replacing it, your bite will shift which risks you developing painful TMJ Disorder.

Now, in addition to the cost of the additional extraction (which makes him money), you will have the cost of a tooth replacement, such as a dental implant (which also makes him money). It sounds to me like you have a dentist with integrity that is trying to give you the best oral health possible without costing you money for procedures you don’t need.

If you still want to extract the tooth, then you can pressure him by saying, “either you extract it or I’ll go somewhere else to have it done.” That may have him extract it or he may tell you to go somewhere else.

Whatever you do, do it quickly. You have an infected wisdom tooth. Tooth infections are considered dental emergencies for very good reasons. Think about how close your jaw is to your heart, lungs, and brain. Tooth infections spread. If it reaches a sensitive area, such as those I mentioned then you put your life at risk. If you still want to insist on both teeth being removed at the same time, I am sure you will find a dentist willing to take the fee.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

I Can’t Keep My Denture In Any Longer

Posted on April 6, 2020 by writeradmin.

I have had dentures for over twenty years. Several years ago, they started becoming tricky to keep in. Now they are not staying in at all. What do I do?

Cary

Dear Cary,

The Results of Facial Collapse

When your teeth are removed, your body recognized that. Its job is to be as efficient as possible with your body’s resources. Because of that, once you no longer have any tooth roots, your body interprets that as no longer needing a jawbone to keep those roots in place. As a result, it will resorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere in your body. This has the result of slowly shrinking your jawbone. Hopefully, your dentist warned you about this before you decided on dentures instead of your other options.

Where you are in this process is known as facial collapse. You now no longer have enough jawbone left to retain your dentures. Unfortunately, just getting new dentures won’t help. You are going to have to have some bone grafting done to build that back up. Once that happens, you have two choices.

Your first choice is to get dentures again. Just bear in mind that you are going to go back through the cycle of losing your jawbone again. Your second choice is to get implant-supported dentures.

How Implant Supported Dentures Prevent Facial Collapse

Implant overdentures work by having four to six dental implants in your jaw and then anchor your dentures to the implants. Having the implants in your jaw serves as prosthetic roots. Your body interprets that as having teeth and leaves your jaw intact.

Not only that, you will find all the problems you had with removable dentures disappear. There is no more slipping. Additionally, you will find your chewing capacity goes up significantly. This is because even your best fitting dentures will reduce your chewing capacity by at least 50%. You’ll be so excited to be able to eat whatever you want again.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

root canal problems

Posted on January 27, 2020 by writeradmin.

I had a root canal treatment for an infected tooth. After I finished treatment, my dentist gave me a prescription for penicillin. A week later I was still in pain. He wrote me a prescription for Vicodin and said if it still hurt after another week he’d give me a different antibiotic. I don’t think I can wait that long. Plus, the Vicodin makes me feel weird. What do you recommend?

Barry

Dear Barry,

man grabbing the side of his jaw in pain

Your dentist is missing the boat here. First, the antibiotic prescription. While penicillin can work, it wouldn’t be my first choice after a root canal treatment. Instead, I’d try a stronger antibiotic such as clindamycin.

Second, the amount of time he’s waiting to get you on the correct antibiotic is way too long. You should have been feeling better after a couple of days and he wants you to wait over two weeks! No.

There’s a good likelihood you still have a dental infection because something was missed here. You don’t want the infection to spread any more than it already has.

Where to Go From Here

I think you need to see a root canal specialist and have this re-treated. When you call the office, let them know what is going on so they can get you on the right antibiotic.

To give you realistic expectations here, a root canal re-treatment is usually successful only in 50-75% of the time.

If it turns out, the re-treatment doesn’t work, you may need to extract the tooth in order to get rid of the infection. If that happens, you’ll want to discuss your tooth replacement options with your dentist. If you want the top of the line replacement, then getting a dental implant is the best bet. Your next best option is a dental bridge. However, it does require crowning the two adjacent teeth.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

medical insurance & dental implants

Posted on January 14, 2020 by writeradmin.

I had to remove all my upper teeth due to extensive gum disease and decay. I’ve gotten the gum disease back under control, though it cost me a small fortune. I’ve been trying traditional dentures, but that dental plate has made things impossible for me. I have too strong a gag reflex to even keep it in. This has made eating almost impossible. I’ve already lost ten pounds and I’m not a big woman to begin with. My dentist suggested I get implant dentures. Is it possible to get medical insurance to pay for this because I can’t eat? I would think that would count as a health issue. My dentist didn’t think it would.

Beth

Dear Beth,

upper implant overdentures — Implant overdentures

Implant overdentures will be a great solution for someone in your position. The extra hardware in your mouth which comes along with traditional dentures is a problem for most people.

Using dental implants to support them, not only makes them more secure, it also removes all the extra material over your palette which causes so many gagging problems. Not to mention the food that can get under there.

Medical Insurance for Dental Implants

Unfortunately, your dentist was right. It is highly unlikely medical insurance with cover you getting the dental implants you need. This is a shame because it does have a negative impact on your health when you can’t eat and get the nutrition you need.

Most medical insurance comes with a dental exclusion clause. There is sometimes an exception where if you had a car accident and lost your teeth. Then, it COULD be covered through the medical portion of your car insurance.

Affording Dental Implants

There are a few ways to make this more affordable. First, you should know you don’t have to pay for the entire procedure at once. Instead, you pay for the implant portion before that is done. Then there is a period of healing, which also allows for osseointegration. When that is completed, it is time for the denture portion. That is when you’ll pay for the second half.

Even then, things can be broken up for you. Many dentists work with a company called “Care Credit“. This is a medical credit card of sorts which will pay for your procedure and then allow you to pay them back.

The interest is much lower than traditional credit cards. If you have good credit, you can even get a zero-interest payment plan. I would talk to your dentist. Their business office can usually find options for you.

If they’re not willing to show you options, then this isn’t the best dentist for you. Find a better dentist. One who is more compassionate.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.