Dental Implants Archives - 5 Star Dental Group

Could a Specialist Have Prevented My Bone Graft and Dental Implant Failure?

Posted on November 15, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I’ve had the same dentist for the past seven years and had no reservations about her placing my dental implants. Several co-workers referred me to this dentist, and three of them had great success with implants from the dentist.

My case must have been unusual for her because she said I needed bone grafting before getting my first implant. After four months, my dentist attempted the implant but said she needed to remove it because the bone was too shallow. I’ve had three surgeries, and I still don’t have a dental implant. I have much respect for my dentist, but I must ask, would I have had a better experience if I had chosen a specialist? – Thanks. Paulo from Houston

Paulo,

Choosing a specialist reduces the risk of dental implant failure.

While dental implantology isn’t a formally recognized specialty, some dentists, oral surgeons, and periodontists have advanced training in this area.

We understand your dentist’s intentions and their potential experience with implants. However, bone grafting is a complex procedure that requires specific expertise. Your dentist may be relatively new to this aspect of implant dentistry. Remember, every professional, even the most skilled, has a learning curve when venturing into new techniques.

It’s commendable that your dentist is being honest about the situation. A less ethical practitioner might have proceeded with the implant, potentially leading to complications down the line.

Your dentist’s transparency suggests a commitment to a positive outcome. Dental bridges and implants are viable options for a single tooth replacement, each with advantages and disadvantages. If you prefer an implant, consider asking your dentist for a referral to a prosthodontist, periodontist, or oral surgeon for bone grafting and implant placement.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read how they strive to provide patients with some of the best dental care in San Antonio.

What If I Can’t Afford Dental Implants?

Posted on August 17, 2024 by AllSmiles.

What are my options if I can’t afford dental implants? I’m 42 and am embarrassed to wear dentures. I know it makes sense to have dentures rather than a toothless smile. I wonder if there are alternatives that I may not know about. Thanks. Tish

Tish,

Tooth replacement options include partial dentures, removable complete dentures, a dental bridge, and dental implants. Your options depend on your oral health and the number of teeth you have lost.

A palateless denture

Dental implants are a significant investment, but there are options to make them more accessible. While it’s unlikely to find dentists willing to provide implants in exchange for advertising, there are several strategies to consider:

Dental School Clinics: Many dental schools offer discounted treatment to patients who participate in their implant training programs. Treatment from a dental school can be cost-effective, though it may involve longer treatment times and potential discomfort associated with student practitioners.
Affordable Dental Implant Options: Snap-on dentures supported by two standard dental implants or mini implants can be less expensive and less invasive than traditional implant procedures.
Phased Approach: Consider getting a removable denture now and saving for implant-supported dentures in the future. This phased approach can help you spread out the costs over time.
Charity Dental Clinics: While dental clinics often focus on providing primary care, they may offer some assistance with dentures or partial dentures.

Explore these options and consult a dentist to determine the most suitable approach for your needs and budget. While there may not be a straightforward solution, these strategies can help make implant dentures more affordable in the future.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

Can Dental Implants Replace Canine Teeth Never Erupted?

Posted on March 26, 2024 by AllSmiles.

Neither of my top permanent canine teeth erupted. I still have my baby teeth. A dentist removed my lower canine teeth to help the permanent ones come in, but they are not in line with my other teeth. My former pediatric dentist recommended seeing an orthodontist, but our family could not afford it then. Now I am 26 years old and very self-conscious about the small teeth when I smile. My current dentist recommends removing the small teeth and replacing them with implants. I don’t know if I should see an orthodontist like my pediatric dentist recommended years ago or get dental implants. Does it matter? Thank you. Nabil from NV

Nabil,

Your permanent canine teeth may be impacted if you still have primary canine teeth as an adult. If your dentist took X-rays, they would show whether you have permanent teeth and their location.

Permanent Teeth That Do Not Erupt

When permanent teeth do not erupt, an orthodontist can help release them and use braces to guide them into the correct position.

Make a surgical opening to expose the tooth
Attach a bracket to the tooth if needed
Use braces, if needed, to help the tooth erupt and guide it into position

If your teeth are crowded or there is not enough room for the permanent tooth to erupt, an orthodontist may remove another tooth. When canines do not emerge, removing the first molar can make room for it. Braces will straighten and position the remaining teeth.

Permanent Teeth That Never Form

Permanent teeth never form sometimes, but it usually applies to lateral incisors, lower premolars, and wisdom teeth. It is rare for canine teeth not to develop.

Dental Implants for Impacted Permanent Teeth

Dental implant

Although you can agree to remove and replace your impacted permanent teeth with dental implants, it may not be necessary. Why remove impacted teeth if an orthodontist can release them and help them erupt? Unless the teeth are unhealthy or malformed, you should not need to replace them with implants.

Your former pediatric dentist’s suggestion was appropriate. We recommend you schedule a consultation with an orthodontist and then agree to X-rays and an exam. The orthodontist will explain the condition of your canine teeth and if they can do anything to save them and help them erupt. Consult a prosthodontist if you need dental implants.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read what they do to provide some of the best dental care in San Antonio.

Do I Have Nerve Damage in My Jaw After Tooth Extractions?

Posted on February 16, 2024 by AllSmiles.

Do I have nerve damage in my jaw after wisdom teeth extractions? I had the surgery three weeks ago, and my jaw is still numb on the bottom left side of my mouth. I can barely feel any sensation when I chew or eat. It’s almost entirely numb. I told my dentist about it, and she sent me to the oral surgeon for tests. I am waiting for a resolution. I have a follow-up appointment with my dentist next Friday, and I am anxious to see what she says about the lingering damage. Could the damage be permanent? I was waiting to get a dental implant in my bottom first molar, but now I’m afraid to do anything else to my teeth. Thanks. Eduardo

Eduardo,

Your dentist and oral surgeon likely agree that you’ve experienced nerve damage. It can heal in time, but in some cases, the nerves do not recover.

Nerve Damage Categories After Extractions

Bruising, crushing, and severing are nerve damage that can occur with wisdom teeth removal. The extent of damage affects your recovery.

Bruised – The feeling in your jaw will gradually return in about a month
Crushed – It takes about a year for new nerve fibers to grow
Severed – Permanent damage prevents the nerve from growing back

Although you have a follow-up appointment with your dentist next week, don’t expect to feel improvement. It can take a month to a year to regain the sensation in your jaw, depending on whether the nerve was bruised or crushed. Your test results from the oral surgeon will reveal the extent of nerve damage and what to expect.

Symptoms of nerve recovery

You may feel tingling in your lip as the nerve recovers and sensation will increase over time. Even people who do not fully recover report that the numbness becomes less intense than when the nerve damage occurred.

Schedule a consultation with a prosthodontist about replacing your first molar with a dental implant to discuss your concerns and treatment options.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

Does a Failed Dental Implant Need to Be Replaced with a Bridge?

Posted on February 11, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My upper left first premolar cracked last summer while I was eating. My dentist pulled the tooth because he said he couldn’t save it. After seven lidocaine shots, I felt burning my tongue, and the roof of my mouth began to burn. My dentist said he would start a bone graft and immediate implant. My mouth healed, although the turning never stopped. My dentist placed the implant crown last November. I could feel the force of him trying to get the crown on, and it hurt so bad, so he gave me three more rounds of Novocain.

Over the Christmas holiday, the implant crown fell off. My mouth was burning, and it still burns. Last month, my dentist told me I needed a bridge instead of an implant. I’ve had 19 dental visits since last summer, and my mouth is miserable. Why would I let this dentist remove and replace the implant with a bridge now? What else should I consider before finding a new dentist besides asking for a refund? Thank you. Tyler

Tyler,

High anxiety can prevent achieving numbness during your dental appointment. Anxiety can significantly impact the effectiveness of local anesthesia, possibly explaining the burning sensation you feel. This sensation aligns with symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome, which, though its cause remains officially undetermined, has been linked to traumatic dental experiences. The initial diagnosis of thrush by your dentist, which was incorrect as the condition persisted, highlights a misunderstanding of your symptoms.

Dental Implant Failures and Dentist Expertise

Not all dental implant failures stem from improper procedures, yet many do, underscoring the complexity of implant placement. This procedure demands substantial training, which some dentists may lack. Your account raises concerns about the dentist’s competence in placing your implant. The sequence of issues, including the thrush misdiagnosis, the crown detachment, and the implant failure, casts doubt on his proficiency.

Investigating Implant Issues and Potential Actions

Dental implant success requires advanced training and experience

Questions about handling your implant, especially without mentioning looseness, suggest your dentist overlooked something. An infection typically results in some degree of dental implant looseness. Your first dentist’s attempts to attach the crown caused pain and may have compromised the implant’s integration with the bone, contributing to failure.

You can report the dentist to the state dental board or threaten to inform the insurer if dental insurance paid for some of your treatment. However, asking for a partial refund might be more strategic, considering the difficulty in proving the cause of implant failure.

Challenges in Pursuing Dental Malpractice

Navigating a dental malpractice lawsuit involves hurdles, including an expert witness. The compensation is usually low for such cases. Small claims court offers an alternative path without needing a lawyer, though you will still need expert testimony from a dentist to establish fault.

We recommend scheduling a consultation with a skilled implant dentist for an exam and review of your diagnostic studies. A failed dental implant compromises your oral health.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

What Can I Do for a Tooth Infection If I Don’t Have Insurance?

Posted on January 28, 2024 by AllSmiles.

The left side of my face has been swollen for over a month. I have three cavities in my teeth on that side of my mouth. While eating something chewier than usual two days ago, I felt the discomfort increase in my teeth, and today it hurts. Unfortunately, I’ve been job searching for the past eight months and don’t have dental insurance. I’ve had several promising interviews, and I should hear back in a few weeks. I am still looking for work, but my unemployment income is not enough to pay my rent and utility bills and find a dentist. I’m unable to get credit because I don’t have a job. Can I do anything at home to manage the infection until I see a dentist? Thanks. Rachida

Rachida,

Ignoring a toothache and facial swelling caused by a dental infection is risky. Studies show that five to ten people lose their lives to dental infections yearly. Dead pulp tissue inside a tooth is usually the source of a tooth infection. Although antibiotics may seem like a quick fix, they only treat the symptoms, not the source. Antibiotics can’t reach inside a tooth, so taking them can lead to resistant bacteria and a potentially life-threatening infection.

Even small communities often offer free dental care if you don’t have dental insurance. Search the Internet for a dental clinic, a non-profit healthcare center, or a university dental school within driving distance.

Dental implant

Dentists often go above and beyond to help. Many dedicate time to charity clinics, especially in areas with limited access to care. In larger cities with dental schools, the students need volunteers for dental cleanings, exams, or extractions. While more complex procedures like root canals might not be available at every location, these clinics can offer temporary or permanent fillings, extractions, and other crucial treatments.

Getting treatment quickly can prevent the tooth infection from affecting your overall health, losing the tooth, and needing a dental implant or bridge.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. If you don’t have dental insurance, call to ask about financing or payment plans.

Why Do I Need Root Canals If I Floss and Brush Daily?

Posted on November 30, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Although I floss and brush my teeth daily, I still need root canals on two teeth. I’m frustrated because my dentist started my Invisalign treatment 2 months ago. And now I’m having problems with my teeth. One tooth had a filling that failed, and the other tooth had a crown on it. Both teeth were getting sensitive. My dentist and I decided to do the root canals, let my teeth relax, and resume Invisalign. I’m worried about my teeth because I’m only 31 years old. I also grind my teeth at night. But I don’t want to go through orthodontic treatment, spend thousands of dollars on it, and still need extractions because I have bad teeth. – Chelsea

Chelsea,

Why Do You Need Root Canals If You Floss and Brush Daily?

You may still need root canal treatment even if you floss and brush daily if your teeth are weak or sensitive. For example, grinding your teeth stresses them and can make them sensitive.

According to the Nation Institute of Craniofacial Research, bruxism or teeth grinding affects teeth in the following ways:

Creates cracks or chips
Causes pain or sensitivity
Loosens teeth
Wears away tooth enamel

Other factors that can weaken teeth include:

Binge eating
Excessive alcohol use
Nail biting
Smoking
Sugary foods and drinks

Dental implant

It’s worth interrupting Invisalign treatment to take care of your teeth. Otherwise, pressure from the aligners moving your teeth can cause more irritation. Without treatment, a tooth infection will progress, so it’s best to treat it immediately to avoid losing the tooth and needing dental implants.

Successful root canal treatment lasts a lifetime. You don’t need to worry about losing teeth and wasting money on orthodontic treatment. Proper tooth alignment promotes better oral health.

Our advice is that you continue to receive good dental care. It sounds like your dentist is concerned about your oral health. Let her follow through with root canal treatment and stabilize your oral health. You can resume Invisalign with healthy teeth.

Missing Lateral Incisor – Will a Mini-Implant Work?

Posted on October 15, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I was born without my upper right lateral incisor. Can a mini-implant replace it? I wore braces as a teen, and our family dentist had a dental flipper made to replace the incisor. Now, I want something more permanent. I have seen the cost of dental implants and wonder if a mini-implant will work since incisors are smaller than other teeth. If not, what other options might I have? – Thanks. Steve from RI

Steve,

Thank you for your inquiry.

Dental implants are ideal for replacing missing teeth. After orthodontic treatment and creating space for tooth replacement, an implant is the only way to prevent bone shrinkage in the area. Also, an implant will last longer than other types of tooth replacement.

Will a Mini-Implant Work for a Lateral Incisor?

A mini-implant can work for a later incisor. Mini-implants are one-third the diameter of standard implants. However, they are not as strong as traditional implants.

Mini-implants have these uses:

Replace small teeth
Fit spaces too small for a standard implant
Stabilize dentures

Mini-implant for an incisor

Consult a prosthodontist about replacing a lateral incisor with a dental implant

A dentist would need to perform an exam and take impressions and a CT scan of your mouth, many dentists replace lateral incisors with mini-implants. It might work for your case, too. After an exam, a skilled implant dentist will explain which implant size will work best for your case.

Dental Bridge – An Alternative to Replace a Missing Tooth

A dental bridge can replace a missing tooth. It contains at least three adjoined crowns:

Crowns on the end of the bridge are anchors
A center crown replaces the missing tooth

Your dentist must grind down the tooth on either side of the missing one so the end crowns will fit over your natural teeth. But if your teeth are healthy, why grind them down? Dental implants do not require work on other teeth.

Schedule consultations with at least two prosthodontists or dentists with advanced implant training to discuss your options for replacing your missing lateral incisor.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

I Have a New Tooth Gap from Gum Disease

Posted on July 24, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I have a new tooth gap from gum disease between my front left center tooth and the canine. I had braces from ages 15 to 17, and my teeth were straight, but now my smile is messed up. I am afraid of what will happen to my teeth. How does a dentist close a gap that results from gum disease? Thanks, Martine

Martine,

Periodontal (gum) disease is advanced when it causes your teeth to move. If you have not begun treatment, schedule an appointment with a periodontist for an evaluation.

Why Do Tooth Gaps Form with Gum Disease?

Tooth gaps can form with untreated gum disease. The infection and bacteria cause teeth to separate from their ligaments and supporting bones. The condition will also destroy the bone. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, a periodontologist (gum specialist) will assign a stage to your gum disease—from initial to severe—and recommend treatment.

What Is the Treatment for Tooth Gaps from Gum Disease?

Treating tooth gaps from gum disease depends on the severity of your case but can include:

Deep cleanings – Removing plaque and toxins from gum pockets and smooth tooth roots
Bone graft – Replacing damaged or destroyed bone with grafting material
Gum grafts – Replacing destroyed gum tissue with donor material or soft tissue from your palate

A dental implant can replace unsavable teeth

Your specialist will explain which treatment combinations you need. Some treatment plans include braces to realign teeth.

Unsavable teeth require removal and replacement with dental implants. A dental bridge may be an option if your budget does not allow you to get dental implants.

We recommend scheduling a consultation with a periodontist and a skilled cosmetic dentist to help restore your oral health and smile.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

Dental Implants Infection Won’t Improve

Posted on April 4, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I broke 4 teeth in an accident when my face hit the steering wheel. They have horribly broken almost to the gumline, so it was easy for me to decide on dental implants. I chose a dentist here whose cost was $3000 less than the other 3 quotes I got from other dentists. I am almost in tears and 2 months into an infection that won’t disappear. Somehow, I convinced myself that the doctor was looking out for me and that the other dentists were trying to make a profit. Now the dentist is telling me that my implants need to be redone. The dental implants were cheap because the price was so low, but now I see they are also cheap. I don’t know what went wrong. The dentist said he would fix it at all no cost, but I am so afraid that my mouth will never heal. What should I do? Thank you. Vaibhav

Vaibhav,

Thank you for contacting 5 Star Dental Group in San Antonio regarding your dental implants.

What Can You Do When a Dental Implant Infection Lingers?

When a dental implant infection does not improve, we recommend getting a second opinion from an independent, experienced implant dentist. If your dental implants have failed and a dentist must replace them, something went wrong in one of these areas:

Planning
Placement
Implant quality

Dental implant

It is possible that your dentist made more than one mistake.

Look for a dentist with advanced implant training and proven experience in proper and successful implant placement. You will discover what went wrong with your current dental implants and what a dentist must do to correct the situation. Although your dentist offers to replace the implants at no cost, it may cause more discomfort and other concerns with your oral health that will be even more costly.

A second opinion will help you decide what to do in the best interests of your oral health.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.