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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

My dental implants itch. Will they fail?

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I got dental implants several days ago and they itch. It feels like the itching is between the implant and my gums. This isn’t something that the surgeon said I should expect. Does this mean that the implants might fail? – Gabriel T.

Gabriel – Itching is most likely a side effect of the pain medication. If the itching is severe, contact your oral surgeon. He or she may recommend reducing the dose of pain medication. If you also have a rash, you may be experiencing a severe allergic reaction to the medication. Additionally, smoking after implant surgery and before the surgical site is healed, may cause itching and irritation.

Some swelling and pain is normal after the implant surgery. Itching can be part of the healing process. If the itching is accompanied by unusual pain, swelling, or bleeding, an infection may be developing. Contact your implant dentist right way to report your symptoms. He or she will determine if an immediate examination is necessary. If there is a problem that can compromise the healing of the implants, prompt action may help prevent dental implant failure.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

 

Why do dental implants cost so much? What am I paying for?

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I need, really I want, 2 dental implants. The cost is outrageous and my dentist wants it upfront with the exception of the crowns on the implants. Why do implants cost so much? – Garrett

 

Garrett- Dental implants last a lifetime. Some of the costs that may be included in receiving dental implants are:

  1. Diagnostic studies to plan proper placement of the dental implants
  2. Dental implant fixtures – There is a cost per implant.
  3. Bone grafting, if needed – This will include the bone grafting material and the procedure.
  4. Dental implant surgery
  5. Final restoration – This includes fixtures for a dental crown, bridge, or dentures, and the placement of the restoration.
  6. Lab fees

Most insurance companies provide little or no benefits at all for dental implants. There is significant cost associated with the materials and procedures required for dental implants.

If you are interested in dental implants, you can speak with an implant dentist to find out how they can be made affordable. Payment plans and financing are often available.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

When is a sinus lift needed to receive dental implants?

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I went to 2 implant dentists and both of them said that I need a sinus lift. I didn’t anticipate this. I have 3 missing upper teeth. They explained the whole thing to me. I just want to be sure that I was not misinformed. So my question is: When is a sinus lift necessary to receive dental implants? Thank you. Daneen

 

Daneen – When teeth are missing, your body resorbs your jawbone. When upper molar teeth are missing, in addition to jawbone resorption, your sinus cavity expands, leaving inadequate bone density for dental implants.

A sinus lift, or sinus augmentation, adds bone below the sinuses so that dental implants can be placed and properly supported. The bone can take four to twelve months to heal. After it’s completely healed, your dental implants can be placed. A sinus lift helps to ensure the success of your dental implants.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Are my dental implants giving me sinus problems?

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I had 4 dental implants places last fall and since I got the implants, I’ve had problems with my sinuses. I never had trouble before that. I spoke with my dentist and he told me that it’s totally unrelated. He didn’t do an exam or x-rays to see if my sinuses are affected by the implants. He just says it’s not related. How does he know that without checking? How can I get him to check? Cynthia

Cynthia – You can ask your dentist to check the implants specifically for impact to your sinuses. But you can also get a second opinion from another implant dentist who will perform the exam and diagnostic studies.

Another option is to schedule an appointment with an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) to determine the cause of your sinus problems.

If the problem is with your dental implants, you may consider getting a second opinion from a skilled implant dentist on the best way to correct the situation.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

My bite is off after I glued my dental implant crown back on

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So my dental implant crown came off for the 3rd time. The first 2 times I super glued it back on and I could chew fine. I had to glue it back on again 2 weeks ago and my bite is off and now my teeth are starting to hurt. I never had to take the crown off before, it just fell off. How can I get it off and try again? Joseph

Joseph – You need to have an implant dentist remove your dental crown. You could damage the implant, the crown, or nearby teeth if you try to remove it yourself.

An implant dentist will remove the crown and ensure that it is properly placed and secured so that it doesn’t continue to fall off of the implant.

If the dentist who placed the implants is unable to secure it, seek a second opinion from an experienced implant dentist.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.