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Could my implant be causing my stinky breath?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’ve had nothing but trouble with my dental implant. Not only were the appointments grueling, but I had bone grafting as well as a problem with my crown resulting in it having to be re-cemented. To top it all off, I had an infection that just wouldn’t go away, so I was on several rounds of antibiotics. I’m finally to the point where the implant feels ok, but I’ve recently noticed a really bad taste in my mouth and my husband now says I have bad breath. Nothing seems to help. Could this bad taste and smell be coming from my implant? My dentist insists that everything is fine and suggested that I watch the foods I am eating and referred me to my doctor.   — Lisa in Oakland

Lisa,
It seems like you can’t seem to catch a break in this whole process. It must be so disappointing to invest all that time and money and have to endure so many problems. There’s so much expertise and skill that goes into placing implants…that’s why it’s so important to do your research up front when choosing the best implant dentist.

Go ahead and check with your physician, but you should also seek  a second opinion from another implant dentist. The reoccurring infections you have been dealing with could be a sign that there is something wrong. Active infections can cause many of the symptoms you are describing and if ignored and not treated the infection can spread – costing you not only the implant, but even your jaw or something much worse.

A failing implant is not something to brush aside – it’s a very serious issue. Find someone who can get to the root of why you are having these problems. Antibiotics are only a temporary fix until the real problem is addressed and treated. If a proper diagnosis is not made, the infections will continue – and so will the bad smell and taste.

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.

Is there such a thing as a good deal on implants?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I have a couple of missing teeth and I am thinking about having implants placed. It will be a significant investment for me and I want to be sure I get the most affordable price possible. How will I know if my dentist is giving me a good deal?  – Mark in Idaho

Mark,
It’s always nice when you can shop around and save a little money on things in life. However, dental procedures are not something that you want to cut corners on. Often the best deal might turn out “to good to be true” and one crucial mistake can often lead to spending thousands of dollars more than you intended to get the smile of your dreams.

First you need to find a good implant dentist who can help you determine what treatment options are best for your situation and then what will fit your budget. Today, many dentists are helping make implants more affordable by offering payment plans or accepting credit. And because implants take several months to complete, most dentists give the option to pay for each procedure as it occurs, which also helps spread out the cost.

Getting the best deal can be a bonus, but focusing on the skill and knowledge of the dentist should be your first priority. After you find that, then it’s time to talk about what options are available to you for your particular situation and whether or not the office can work with you on payments and insurance billing to help make it more affordable.

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.

Why do my gums look gray around my implants?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I recently had a couple of implants placed, but I think there is a problem and it is very noticeable – the gums around the implants look gray! My dentist didn’t mention anything about this, and now I am worried that I paid a bunch of money and something is wrong with my implants or the materials that were used. Should my gums be turning gray? — Sheila in New Orleans

Sheila,
The grayish or dark color is likely the collar of the implant showing through your gum tissue. This is not uncommon and it can be a result of your gum tissue being too thin, as well as the implant not being placed at the right depth. It is the titanium from the implant visible at the gum line, which can eventually lead to gum recession.

You could have a soft tissue graft done to thicken the surrounding gum tissue or if you haven’t had your permanent crown placed yet, your surgeon could switch out the titanium for Zirconia (a tooth colored material that would eliminate the gray color). Regardless of what you decide, you definitely need to have your dentist take a look at it and make sure there is no bone loss.

There’s no doubt that implants are a major investment. All too often, people look for ways to cut costs or make implants more affordable. Many times that means compromising on quality and unfortunately there are dentists who cut corners or costs in the materials. Find an implant dentist who is properly trained and has the credentials and experience needed to give you the best results possible.

A great deal may be good for some things in life, but not when it comes to dental implants. The “deal of a lifetime” is likely too good to be true and could end up costing you even more money and heartache in the end.

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.

What Can I Expect When Getting Dentures?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I think I am to the point where I need to get dentures. How does the procedure work? Will my dentist put me to sleep and pull out all my teeth and make the dentures all at one time?

Sylvia in California

Sylvia,

If you are in need of dentures, your dentist will extract all of your teeth at one time. Most patients have the option of IV or oral sedation, but if you want to just have local anesthesia and be awake for the procedure, you can do that, too. Keep in mind that not all dentists are certified in IV and oral sedation, so if this is something you prefer, be sure your dentist offers it.

When it comes to dentures, you have several options. An immediate denture is the most common type of denture and it is placed right after your teeth are extracted so you can leave the office with a new smile. Another benefit of an immediate denture is that it helps reduce swelling and bleeding. They are, however, more expensive than conventional dentures because they take more time to make and you will need more follow-up visits for adjustments after initial placement.

Conventional dentures are placed about eight weeks after healing, but the advantage is that you will likely have a better fit then with an immediate denture. During the healing process your gum tissue shrinks and the immediate becomes loose, requiring a soft temporary reline material to be placed on the denture for refitting. After about six months, when your mouth is completely healed, you will need a more permanent reline or possibly a new denture.

Before you make any decisions, talk with your dentist or specialist and discuss all your options. Dentures don’t always stay put in the mouth, and that is a problem for some patients. There are options to make dentures more permanent, such as snap on dentures that snap onto dental implants. Be sure to learn as much as you can before determining the type of denture that is right for you.

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.

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.

I received a dental implant bridge and now my bite is off

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Ever since I got my dental implant bridge, my teeth don’t line up correctly. When I am chewing, the teeth on the right side are off. Is this a normal adjustment period? – Meghan

Meghan – Your teeth should be aligned immediately after receiving your dental implant bridge. There is no adjustment period required for the alignment. Either your implants were not properly placed during the surgeon or the restoration was done incorrectly.

Implant dentistry requires careful planning and placement for the surgery. Although some dentists offer affordable dental implants, affordability alone should not be the patient’s only concern.

We recommend that you find a dentist with extensive post-graduate training in implantology. If the surgery and restoration are completed by two different dentists, the restoring dentist should provide a template of your mouth that indicates the exact angle and placement of your dental implants.

This blog post is brought to you by New Orleans dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie.

Is the bleeding near my dental implant caused by smoking?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I notice that sometimes when I brush my teeth there is bleeding in the area where I got a dental implant. I’ve had the implant for about two months. I am a smoker. Does that have anything to do with the bleeding? – Rebecca B., Louisiana

Rebecca – New dental implants are sensitive. Brushing too hard can cause some bleeding. If you have pain, if the implant is loose, or if the bone around it is loose, it can be a sign of a failed dental implant. Although smoking is very unhealthy, it’s unlikely that it is causing the bleeding.

This blog is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie.