Baton Rouge Dentist

Will Methadone Conflict with Dental Implant Sedation?

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I use methadone, but I didn’t disclose it on my patient questionnaire for dental implants. My only concern is whether the methadone could conflict with sedation. I hesitated to tell the doctor about my methadone use because I thought they would cancel my case. Am I putting myself at risk if I don’t tell the doctor that I use methadone? – Thanks. HD from Ohio

HD,

Tell your surgeon you take methadone and be specific about your dose and frequency. They need this information to sedate you safely. Methadone in your system—and the effects of long-term opioid use—directly influence how your body responds to sedation medications.

Adjusting sedation for methadone is manageable for a qualified team. If they seem unwilling to individualize your care, that’s a sign to look for another surgeon who will.

Find a Provider Committed to Your Care

Dental implant components, including the post, abutment, and crown
Disclose all medication or substance use before dental implant surgery

If the office minimizes your concerns or makes you feel dismissed, consider finding another dentist to meet your needs. Many dentists and surgeons have strong implant training, and you may find care that’s more cost-effective as well.

Start with a general dentist who understands implant planning. Even if a surgeon or periodontist places the implants, the general dentist usually oversees the treatment plan. Reviewing their background can help you make a confident choice.

Training and Credentials for Implant Dentistry

Implant dentistry requires specialized knowledge. These qualifications can help you identify a clinician with solid expertise:

  • International Congress of Oral Implantologists
    Misch Implant Institute
    American Academy of Implant Dentistry
    Engel Institute
  • Extensive post-graduate courses or continuing education focused on implant surgery and restoration

Some general dentists place implants themselves, while others collaborate with surgeons. Schedule two or three consultations with implant dentists to discuss your options.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.

What Are the Best Brands of Dental Implant Abutments and Crowns?

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I’m scheduling consultations with three dentists in the area because I want to replace four missing teeth with dental implants. Which dental implant abutment brands and crowns should I ask for? I want my implants and crowns to last and look good. They cost too much for anything less. Thank you! Kingsley from NJ

Kingsley,

We understand your concerns about getting quality dental implants. However, finding a dentist with expertise and artistic vision is essential to getting healthy, beautiful results. Dictating which materials and techniques the dentist uses can hinder the desired outcome.

Imagine asking an artist to create a series of paintings for your home or office. Would you tell the artist which materials to use? Doing so would stifle the artist’s creativity and hinder the overall aesthetic appeal of the artwork. Instead, choosing a skilled artist who will use the necessary tools and materials for your requirements is best.

Similarly, when pursuing cosmetic dental procedures, it’s essential to trust the expertise of your chosen dentist. After conducting thorough research and selecting a qualified professional, allow them to assess your oral health and understand your aesthetic goals. Trust your dentist to choose the most suitable brands and materials for your needs, ensuring a healthy and personalized smile.

Periodontists, specialists in dental implants, possess the in-depth knowledge and experience necessary to select high-quality implants best suited to your oral anatomy and treatment plan.

Why Requesting Specific Brands of Dental Materials Isn’t Enough

Even if you could meticulously research and select specific materials, you would need to consider the dentist’s skills and experience with those materials to achieve the desired clinical and aesthetic outcomes effectively.

Understanding Gumline Darkness with Dental Crowns

Dental implant parts, including the screw, connector, and crown, and one complete implantIt’s a common misconception that specific dental crowns, such as those made from porcelain fused to gold or white metals, will eliminate the appearance of a dark line at the gumline. All metals used in dental crowns, regardless of color, can exhibit a visible line at the gumline where the crown meets the natural tooth structure. While the color of this line may vary (black instead of gray), it will still be discernible.

Advanced bonding techniques with pure ceramic crowns can eliminate this dark line. However, other methods, such as cutting the metal back at the margin, can minimize its visibility but not eliminate it.

Zirconium oxide is a highly versatile material for dental crowns due to its exceptional strength and opaque white color. While not transparent, it allows a skilled dental technician to skillfully layer translucent ceramic with it to create highly lifelike and aesthetically pleasing restorations.

Prioritize a dentist’s expertise and artistic vision to increase the likelihood of achieving a beautiful, functional, and long-lasting smile. Look for dentist with extensive post-graduate training in implantology and cosmetic dentistry.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry has MDI and Zimmer dental implant training.  Read how Dr. Perry strives to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

 

Why Are My Dental Implant Crowns Loose?

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In July 2022, a dentist completed a full-mouth reconstruction for me. I received dental implants, crowns, and porcelain veneers. All four implant crowns were loose within eight months. The dentist secured them again. But last month, the implants became painful again, and one crown is loose. Two of my veneers are loose.

I am deeply concerned because I called the dentist’s office and did not get a response. I searched for the practice on Google, and their Google page says the office is permanently closed. This can only mean that I need to find a new dentist. A friend suggested that I try to track the dentist through the state dental board. I do not want anything from the dentist but my dental records. If the office is closed, my chances of getting a refund are unlikely. I do not know where to start. I appreciate your help. Lamar from NV

Lamar,

We are sorry to hear about your experience. It is undoubtedly traumatizing. Unfortunately, the only thing you can do is find another dentist, but be cautious when selecting.

Why Are Your Dental Implant Crowns Loose?

Your dental implant crowns may be loose due to incorrect implant fixture placement or faulty crown placement/

What Is Full-Mouth Reconstruction?

Full-mouth reconstruction is a combination of dental procedures to rebuild or replace most of your teeth. It requires advanced training and experience. A dentist needs occlusion, bite, and cosmetic dentistry training to restore oral health and give you a beautiful smile. We have several suggestions.

Why Should You Avoid Cheap Dental Implants?

Dental implant components, including the post, abutment, and crown
Many dentists try to preserve natural teeth before recommending an extraction and crown

Cheap dental implants will not give you great results. Dentists often use low-quality implant fixtures or take diagnostic shortcuts to provide exceptionally low fees for their services. Your implants will not last. Although you do not need to choose the most expensive implant dentist, do not seek a bargain.

How to Find an Implant Dentist

You can find an implant dentist by researching several dentists’ training, education, credentials, and memberships.

Research the dentist’s implant training

Check dentists’ websites to see if they refer patients to an oral surgeon or periodontist for implant surgery or perform the surgery themselves.

When a dentist performs both implant surgery and restoration, look for credentials or membership from these organizations:

  • Misch Implant Institute
  • International Congress of Oral Implantologists
  • American Academy of Implant Dentists

Ask about the diagnosis process

Seek a dentist who uses 3-D CT technology to plan for your dental implants. Or the dentist should refer you to a specialist who uses that technology. 3-D scans reveal your oral and facial anatomy to ensure optimal implant placement.

Take the following precautions:

  • Research the dentist’s cosmetic dentistry training.
  • Look for a dentist with post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training. Also, check for the dentist’s continuing education in cosmetic dentistry. It will increase your chances of getting natural-looking results. An accredited cosmetic dentist will give you high-quality results.
  • Check online reviews
  • Read Google and Yelp reviews about the dentist’s work. And look for comments about dental implants or full-mouth restoration.

You can schedule a consultation with two or three dentists before choosing one to restore your teeth.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post.  Read how Dr. Perry strives to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

 

My Overdenture Doesn’t Fit on My Mini Implants

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Can I get a refund if my overdenture doesn’t fit on my mini implants? I got a new overdenture last month to replace my old one. I have four mini implants. Although the dentist agreed to complete the denture in three weeks, it took almost three months. The dentist had to force it on implants. For the next three days I was in pain, ate with difficulty, and had problems taking the denture off and could not put it back on. When I called the dental office, another dentist in the practice agreed to see me that day. She said the holes in the denture bases did not fit around the attachments properly because they weren’t drilled correctly. I’ve talked to my dentist, and he said I need new gaskets for the attachments, which will help the denture fit well. I don’t want to prolong this situation if it doesn’t sound logical. Should I ask for a refund? Thank you. Brandley from San Diego

Bradley,

Your experience has created dental and legal concerns. The legal concern is that your dentist did not produce your overdenture in the time frame promised. The dental problem is that getting a new overdenture should have taken about three weeks and what you received didn’t fit.  Ordering new gaskets may not be the resolution since the overdenture doesn’t fit and its arrival was late.

Diagram of a standard implant (left) and a mini implant (right)
Look for a dentist with experience in providing overdentures for mini implants (pictured right)

A noteworthy fact that can affect the outcome of an overdenture is that implant dentistry is a highly unregulated branch of dentistry. Also, mini implants are an affordable option, but they are not commonly used. Your dentist may not have been forthcoming about how much experience he has with them.

Should You Ask for a Refund for Your Overdenture?

You should ask for a refund for your overdenture if your dentist agreed to complete it in three weeks, but it took almost three months. Also, your denture did not fit, caused pain, and prevented you from putting it back on. Your dentist didn’t meet standards of acceptability.

If your dentist doesn’t want to issue a refund, you have three or four points of leverage:

  • Write negative online reviews: Data shows that 60 to 65 percent of prospective patients check online reviews before scheduling an appointment with a dentist. In contrast, you can offer to leave a good review if your dentist refunds you.
  • Complain to the state dental board – This approach is effective because dentists don’t want negative reports that prompt the dental board to contact them.
  • Complain to your dental insurance company – If you have dental insurance, a complaint to the company may prompt your dentist to refund you.
  • File a malpractice lawsuit – Although your case doesn’t seem to qualify for a lawsuit or yield much compensation, a malpractice lawsuit is an option for some patients.

What to do next:

  • Respectfully ask for a refund and offer to write a positive review about the dentist’s integrity and what you liked about the office.
  • If the dentist hesitates, be firm and ask for specific information about how much experience he has with mini implants and creating overdentures for them.
  • If he still won’t refund you, tell him that you will file a complaint with the dental board.

 

Beverly Hills accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. Brian LeSage sponsors this post.

New Dental Implant Bridge and My Bite Is Off

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After getting a new implant bridge in November, my teeth on the left side do not line up. My bite  The bridge has two implants and replaces four bottom teeth. I think this is weird, but my dentist says it’s better each time he tries to adjust it. Maybe it looks better, but it doesn’t feel better. Is this a common issue? If so, who do I need to see to resolve it? I no longer value my dentist’s opinion. I’m frustrated and think that I deserve a refund. I don’t know how I could afford to finish the work again. Thanks for your help. Justin from Dayton, OH

Justin,

We are sorry to read about your disappointing experience with your implant bridge.

Model of a dental implant bridge for three lower molar teeth
Dental implant bridge

When you bite down, your upper and lower teeth should meet simultaneously. Although the issue can occur, it is related to the quality of dental implants and the skill of the implant dentist. If the problem continues, it could lead to TMJ disorder.

What May Cause Misalignment in a Dental Implant Bridge?

Misalignment can occur in a dental implant bridge from miscommunication, implant placement, or dental bridge construction.

  • Miscommunication. Sometimes, miscommunication can occur between an oral surgeon who places the implants and a dentist who restores them with crowns or a bridge.
  • Dental implant placement. If the surgeon places the implants in a location, the dentist did not anticipate, your crowns or bridge will not fit correctly, and it can misalign your bite. Or a dentist can misplace implants. Symptoms can include teeth, jaw, neck, ear pain, and other jaw joint issues.
  • Dental bridge construction. Mistakes while taking impressions of your mouth or errors with dental bridge construction can affect how the oral appliance fits.

We recommend getting a second opinion from a skilled implant dentist. You will need an examination and a 3D X-ray to determine whether the surgeon placed the implants incorrectly or whether there is an issue with the position or quality of the implant bridge.

Getting a second opinion promptly can prevent you from experiencing symptoms that will worsen with time. Also, you paid for a functional implant bridge, but your teeth are misaligned and interfering with the bridge function. You can ask for a refund after getting a second opinion and evidence of your current dentist’s faulty work. If your dentist took shortcuts for your bridgework, it might cost more than your refund amount for a dentist to complete the necessary steps. Ask your new dentist about payment options to make your treatment more affordable.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post.

I Have Two Missing Teeth and Can’t Afford Dental Implants

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I lost my upper left canine and premolar teeth five years ago and have been wearing a partial denture since then. Two weeks ago, I talked to my dentist about how uncomfortable the partial denture feels. She explained that I could get a dental bridge or implants, and she really pushed for implants. I cringe at the thought of being $6,000+ in debt for dental implants, so I need another perspective on my alternatives. Please assist. Thank you. Kaye

Kaye,

Thank you for contacting our office. Dr. Perry would need to perform an oral exam and take x-rays to determine your treatment options. Still, we understand your concerns. A smile is part of our facial expressions and personality, so we must weigh our options carefully when teeth are missing. Even if you cannot afford dental implants, getting natural-looking results is essential for your self-esteem and confidence.

What Are the Options If You Can’t Afford Dental Implants?

If you cannot afford dental implants, the options include a fixed or a removable prosthesis (artificial teeth).

Removable Replacement Teeth

Whether you are missing one or multiple missing teeth, a partial denture can replace them. If you already wear an uncomfortable partial denture, you can get a more comfortable new one from a skilled dentist. You can consult with a cosmetic dentist for a partial denture with these improvements:

  • Better quality
  • Sturdy, comfortable framework
  • Natural-looking replacement teeth

Fixed Replacement Teeth

Fixed replacement teeth include a dental bridge and dental implants.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a series of dental crowns connected at their sides. The end crowns fit over your natural teeth, and the crown(s) in the middle replaces the missing tooth or teeth.

  • A dentist must shave down two natural teeth for the ends of the bridge to fit over them.
  • Your jawbone will shrink wherever your teeth are missing.
  • A well-made dental bridge can last five to ten years.

Dental Implants

Dental implant parts, including the screw, connector, and crown, and one complete implantDental implants are artificial tooth roots with a crown attached to the top. You can get a dental implant for each missing tooth. A dental implant is the most expensive form of tooth replacement. Consider three features of dental implants:

  • Your jawbone anchors your implants, not adjacent teeth.
  • Dental implants stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone shrinkage.
  • An implant screw can last 20 years or longer. You will only need to replace the dental crowns.

Your oral health and your budget influence the tooth replacement option you choose. We recommend scheduling at least two second-opinion appointments to discuss your options and how each dentist can make treatment affordable. If you cannot afford dental implants, speak with a cosmetic dentist about achieving the most natural-looking results possible with a partial denture or a dental bridge.

 

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post.

Will I Need Bone Grafting for Dental Implants?

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I need extractions for my remaining teeth because I lost most of them to injury and disease. I think I would need bone grafting if I got implants or implant dentures My family dentist says he can place implants, but when I ask them how many implant patients he has had, his answer was “a few.” I’ve been missing teeth so long that I am concerned about needing bone grafting before implants. How do I explain to my dentist that I would rather someone else do the implants? Thank you. Richard from Minneapolis

Richard,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Perry’s implants. Your decision to get dental implants will improve your oral health and quality of long-term quality of life. You are wise to look for a dentist with advanced implant training for the long-term survival of your implants.

Will You Need Bone Grafting for Dental Implants?

You will need bone grafting for dental implants if you lack enough bone volume to support the implants. After taking a 3-D CT scan, an implant dentist or oral surgeon will explain whether you need bone grafts.

What Is Dental Implant Bone Grafting?

Dental implant bone grafting is a method of building up the lost bone with a graft. Grafts are necessary because the jawbone shrinks when all your teeth are missing. Without enough bone, your dental implants will lack support. It takes about four months for the grafts to heal before you can get implants.

In cases where a dentist must remove damaged teeth, extractions, bone grafting, and implant placement may occur on the same day.

What Are Sources of Bone for Grafts?

An implant dentist may use these sources for bone:

  • Donor’s bone
  • Synthetic bone
  • processed bone from a cow or big
  • Bone harvested from your shin or hip

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants and Grafting?

An implant dentist will determine if you are a candidate for implant dentures and bone grafting after taking x-rays and a CT scan. You are probably a candidate if the following is true about you:

  • Good oral health
  • Good overall health, including free of gum disease
  • A non-smoker

How to Find a Dentist for Implants

You can find a dentist for implants by looking at dental websites and reviewing each doctor’s biography for these qualifications:

  • Post-graduate training in implant dentistry
  • Continuing education in implant dentistry
  • Currently and regularly performs implant surgery
  • Positive online reviews
Snap-on denture as an affordable alternative to individual implants
A snap-on denture is an affordable implant denture

After choosing two or three dentists who meet the qualifications, schedule consultations to discuss your concerns and learn about your treatment options and costs for implant dentures. Explain to your family dentist that you appreciate and value his work in support of your oral health. Still, you prefer a dentist with years of training and experience with implant patients.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, family and implant dentist, sponsors this post.

My Dental Implants Only Lasted a Week

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I got implant overdentures, and two of the six implants came out in a week. Of course, I returned to my dentist last Wednesday, and he took x-rays to determine the issue and said that he would call me to schedule another appointment and explain what to do next. My anxiety level is high. I am more fearful than anxious. I do not know what to expect or if I can trust my dentist. Is this an issue where I should give my dentist another chance or ask for a refund and run? I am so overwhelmed that I don’t know what is best. Thanks for your help. Gilbert T. from Rockford, IL

 

Gilbert,

Thank you for your question. We understand why you feel overwhelmed. An article published by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry confirms that dental implants have a 95 percent success rate. When dental implants fail within a week of placement, the problem is often due to negligence. Whether you receive an overdenture with two, four, or six implants, your dentist should be diligent in planning for and placing them to succeed.

What Causes Dental Implant Failure Soon After Placement?

Some causes of early dental implant failure include:

  • Poor-fitting implant fixtures
  • Infection
  • Insufficient bone volume for implants
  • Substandard implant fixtures
  • Incorrect implant placement
  • Stress on the implant before it fuses with the jawbone
  • Patient’s medical issues

Depending on the cause of failure for two of your six implants, the others may be at risk. We recommend getting a second opinion from another implant dentist or specialist (periodontist). Arrange to give the dentist a copy of your dental records and x-rays. The dentist will review your documents and take a 3-D CT scan if necessary to determine why your implants failed.

The following steps depend on the cause of implant failure and may include bone grafting and new implant fixtures. You can anticipate waiting periods for the implant sites and bone grafts to heal before getting new implants.

You paid for healthy implants, but two of them failed, so your dentist owes you a refund. If your dentist is uncooperative, you can report the issue to the state dental board.

We wish you a swift resolution and a smooth recovery.

 

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post.

Why did my dental implant fail?

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I am in desperate need of dental implants that are affordable. I consulted several dentists, but had succumbed to the idea that my only affordable choice was a partial denture. Not all of the dentists I met with suggested this. Some advised that I needed dental bridges, and one even suggested I needed surgery. I finally landed on a dentist who said he could provide me with affordable dental implants, with no prior surgery. It never occurred to me that I should have questioned this, seeing as none of the other dentists made this suggestion. Therefore, I proceeded with his treatment plan and received the implants. Unfortunately, they have been problematic from the beginning. In fact, one of them fell out completely! Is this typical or did I receive sub-par treatment? The dentist states that there is no way to anticipate problems like this, and sometimes dental implants fail. Is this the case, or did I have the wool pulled over my eyes?

Thank you,
Mandy

Dear Mandy,

The affordability of the implants is not as important to answering your question as is the skill level of the dentist. The success rate of a procedure such as this can be as high as 98%. However, this statistic varies greatly based on the skill and experience of the dentist.

No, a dental implant completely falling out is not common. If no other symptoms accompanied this issue, the signs point to the implant not having adequate time to complete integrate with the bone before the crown was placed. This is called osseointegration, and generally takes six to nine months to be fully complete.

It is possible that your dentist did everything correctly, yet your body rejected the false tooth. This has happened before and there is no way to predict to whom it will happen. But, when it does happen, and the body rejects the tooth, it can look different from patient to patient.

Considering all of the above factors, it is difficult to conclude whether your dentist was just inexperience, or if he short-changed you. It would be a a great idea for you to consult with an experienced dental implant provider, in order to for your implants to be evaluated. He or she may be able to provide you with a better understanding of why yours failed, as well as help determine a plan to replace the one that fell out.

This article is brought to you by Baton Rouge affordable dental implant provider Dr. Ryan Perry.

Are affordable dental implants a good idea?

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I am missing several teeth. I looked into replacing them a few years ago, but my dentist was going to charge several thousand dollars. Because the amount was out of my budget, I had him do partial dentures instead. However, I am still interested in a permanent solution.

I recently saw an ad for an office claiming to specialize in affordable dental implants. I have tried to research on my own, and everything I am finding suggests this is a safe procedure, but to check on the dentist’s experience level. However, nothing tells me what level of experience I should be looking for, or what details I should be trying to found out. Can you help?

Thank you,
Janet

Dear Janet,

Just like dentists are all different, so are affordable dental implants. After talking with various dentists who provide this option, you may find that affordable dental implants are different depending on who you speak to. Some may be placing mini-implants, while others are performing All-on-Fours. Some may be using sub-standard parts, or are inexperienced, while others are genuinely knowledgeable and skilled. Still, others may be using discounts to encourage new patients to join their practice.

Asking questions is really the best way to truly learn the motivation behind the dentist providing affordable dental implants. If he or she is not using posts of standard sizes, they are probably using minis. If the procedure is coupled with dentures, it is likely an all-on-fours. You should inquire if the parts have been approved by the FDA. If the answer is no, they may not meet the durability and sterility guidelines.

Finally, regarding the level of experience, any dentist can call themselves an “affordable dental implant specialist,” but this does not mean they have any more experience than another dentist who has performed the procedure or offers the procedure. It would be a good idea to find out where the doctor attended dental school, and also the number of hours he or she has spent studying the procedure. If the answer is at least 200+ hours, you can assume he or she has had the training, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the skill is there. You should find out the number of procedures which they have completed, as well as their success rate to determine this. Implants generally have a 98% success rate. If the number is around that, you should feel confident in the service.

This post is provided by the office of Baton Rouge dentist, Dr. Ryan Perry.