Dental Implants and Hockey

My son is a freshman in college and plays for the hockey team. He hasn’t been playing that long but lost a tooth, which sounds like a hockey stereotype but it happened. We’d planned on getting him a dental implant. The prosthetic implant is placed. The crown is coming as soon as the bone is integrated with the implant. However, one of his teammates, who is a senior and has a lot of experience told him that a dental implant is a bad idea because he is likely to be injured again. Is that accurate? If so, what do we do? We want something that looks nice because he is getting married in a few months.

Lorna

Dear Lorna,

I had to think about this because I haven’t done much with hockey players in the past, but what the senior told your son makes sense. If your son is reinjured and the implant crown is attached to the prosthetic root, then it could do serious damage to his jaw by ripping through the bone. The good news is that you already have the prosthetic root in. This will protect him from bone resorption, which is one of the reasons dental implants are the best tooth replacement options.

My suggestion is that for now you get him a removable partial flipper for that tooth. This way if he does get in another accident the false tooth will not put his jaw at risk. If you go to a skilled cosmetic dentist, even a denture can look stunning. Once he is done with hockey, then you can have the permanent crown placed. It will be worth the investment to go to a top notch cosmetic dentist for this if you really want it to look perfect for his wedding.

This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.

I Can Smell My Husband’s Dental Implants?

Can you help me? My husband is in the middle of the all-on-4 dental implant process. The implants are in and he has some acrylic dentures. There are porcelain ones coming. However, the smell of his mouth right now, makes me gag like you would not believe. I can even sleep in the same bed with him anymore. I am positive I can smell his metal implants. I’d like him to switch them out for the non-metal kind. I’ve heard that there are now zirconia dental implants. I think those would be better and not smell as badly. His dentist said he wouldn’t do it. Can we switch dentists to have this done? Can you tell me anything to help convince my husband this is a good idea?

Sunny W.

Sunny,

I’m sorry for the stuggle you are having with the smell, but I do not believe the dental implants are the cause of it. Traditional metal implants are made from titanium. These are very inert. Even exposed to the air you would be hardpressed to smell them. Embedded deep in your husband’s bone, it is even more unlikely that you’d be able to smell them.

There are countless reasons why your husband’s mouth could be exuding that smell. The most likely culprit is the acrylic denture. It’s possible food is getting caught in and around it. Assuming he regularly brushes and flosses, I would start by having your husband use a Waterpik to help with his flossing. It is a bit trickier when you are dealing with dental work in addition to your natural teeth.

Why You Would Not Want to Re-do Dental Implants

If you have a successful dental implant case, as it seems your husband does, you do not want to re-do it. This is because it is not simply a matter of taking out one group of dental implants and replacing them with another. First, when you remove the implants, there will be bone structure that comes with it. Unfortunately, that bone sturcutre is necessary in order to retain the dental implants.

This means an additional surgery of bone grafting will have to be performed so the necessary support structure can be built back up. After that has time to heal, then it will be time for his next implant placement.

In total, that is three additional surgeries your husband would have to undergo in order to switch out these implants. I would recommend looking for other, less invasive causes and solutions first.

This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Goebel.

Can I Switch Dentists In the Middle of My Dental implant Porcedure?

I’m not too thrilled with my implant dentist. I’m getting a dental implant and another tooth replaced with a Maryland Bridge. The bridge is done but it keeps falling off. This worries me. My dental implant case is planned out and I’m suposed to have the surgery in just a few days. However, I fear if he can’t do a dental bridge correctly, he will not be able to do the dental implant porcedure either. Is it too late to switch dentists for this?

Sean

Dear Sean,

I share your concern about your dentist. A dental implant porcedure is much more advanced that a Maryland Bridge. Plus, there is much more training for a dental bridge in dental school than there is for dental implants. To do it well requires post-doctoral training. There are way too many dental implant horror stories as a result of patients going to inexperienced dentists for this procedure.

It is not too late to switch dentists. In fact, you can switch during any procedure at any time. Your dentist is ethically obligated to share all his diagnostics and notes with whichever dentist you end up choosing.

It’s good that you are thinking this through now instead of after the implant surgery, where you would risk dental implant failure.
By the way, a dental implant is a fantastic choice for a tooth replacement. When done well, they are the closest thing to having a healthy, natural tooth in your mouth again.

This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Goebel.

Alternatives to Dental Implants?

I had an accident that caused me to lose a tooth. I was hoping to get a dental implant for it, but my dentist said I wasn’t a candidate because it is a front tooth. I was disappointed but need to find a replacement for this tooth. What are my next best options?

Corinne

Dear Corinne,

I am sorry to hear about your accident. Given what you’ve said, My first suggestion is that you find another dentist. You can absolutely get a dental implant on a front tooth. My guess is your dentist does not do dental implants because he doesn’t have the training. It is a procedure that he would have needed to get post-doctoral training in. Rather than send you to a dentist that could do the procedure, he lied and said you were not a candidate. Not the best dentist for you.

I would like you to get a second opinion from someone else. In most cases, if you are in good general health, then you should be a fine candidate for dental implants. There are exceptions, of course, which is why I want you getting a second opinion.

If for some reason it turns out you are not a candidate for a dental implant, you do have other options. Your next best option is to get a dental bridge. Though, that does require the two adjacent teeth to have dental crowns placed on them. Your false tooth will be suspended between the two crowns. Like the dental implant, it is permanently placed.

I would not give up on the idea of the dental implant yet. Get that second opinion.

Whichever procedure you end up with, you may want to consider teeth whitening first, depending on how satisfied you are with the current color. Once your dental implant crown is made, the color is permanent and will not respond to whitening. If you have the bleaching done first, you can match your new crown to the color you’ll be proud to keep around.

This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Goebel.

Are Dental Implant Tax Deductable?

I’m scheduled for dental implant surgery tomorrow and it just occurred to me that it MIGHT be tax deductible. If so, is there anything I need to know or hoops I have to jump through? I’ve only got a day to figure this out.

Jake

Dear Jake,

You’ve made a great choice on your tooth replacement. Dental implants are the closest thing to having a healthy, natural tooth in your mouth again. Your question is also perfect timing for the end of the year! To answer your question, yes, dental implants can be tax deductible under IRS Topic 502: Medical and Dental Expenses. However, as you would expect with the government, there are some catches.

7.5% of Your Gross Income is the Magic Number

It’s not a straight forward deduct the cost of this procedure type of thing. First, you will have to itemize each expense. Then, you can only deduct the cost of what goes above 7.5%. Let’s say your gross income is $50,000 to make this simple. That means the first $3,750 you have to cover without claiming it. Anything over that is deductible.

The good news is this does not apply to individual procedures. You can itemize all your medical and dental expenses. Then, anything over whatever your magic number is will be what is deductible. Be aware, that whatever your insurance covers cannot be applied to the cost.

Consider an HSA for Next Year

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow people to deduct pre-tax money to place into an account for use in medical and dental costs. Typically, these funds are placed on an HSA Debit Card that you can use with your medical and dental providers. Human resources should be able to set you up with one if you don’t have it already. This is just one more way to keep some of your hard earned money.

A word of warning for future readers. Tax laws change each year, but these are accurate as of the date at the top of this post. It is always best to check with a tax professional.

This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.

 

Should I Update My Dental Implants?

I have had my current dental implants since the late 1990s. There are two of them on my lower arch. I keep reading about the updates in the dental implants technology and materials and have lately been wondering if I should update mine for the newer materials, such as zirconia rather than titanium. What do you think?

Pricilla

Dear Pricilla,

It is wonderful that you keep up with the developments in the dental field. That combined with how long your dental implants are lasting tells me you take very good care of your smile. Do the developments that have taken place in recent years warrant you updating your current dental implants, though?

Replacing a dental implant is not as simple as taking out the old ones and switching them with the new ones. When the older implants are removed, some bone structure will go with them. This means you will need to have some bone grafting done in order to place the new dental implants. Then, once that has had time to heal, it will be another surgery to get the new implants followed by another period of healing while osseointegration takes place. Only then, will the implant crown be able to be placed. That is a LOT to go through when you have solid, functional dental implants.

Zirconia is tempting for many people because we love the idea of metal-free dental implants. I’m not saying don’t switch out. That, of course, is up to you. However, I would say that there is no evidence that the zirconia is either superior or inferior to the implants you currently have so it may not be worth the unnecessary surgery.

What to Look for With Dental Implant Failure

When you would want to take action is when the implants seem to be nearing the end of their life. Here are some things you can keep an eye out for when it comes to failing implants:

• Discomfort and difficulty biting and chewing. This may signify a developing infection.
• Pain and discomfort around the implant.
• The implant shifting or feeling “loose”.
• Gingival recession around the implant.
• Swollen, inflamed gum tissue around the area.

If any of these symptoms occur I would consult with your implant dentist and evaluate whether it is time for a replacement.

This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.

 

Do I Need a Root Canal or an Extraction and Implant?

Three years ago, my wife and I got in an accident that released the airbags in our van. I took a hard blow to my face, and since then, my front left tooth has been sensitive on and off. My dentist said she would watch the tooth, but it began to turn dark last fall. I saw my dentist last week for the first time since Covid, and she referred me to an endodontist for a root canal. The endodontist will complete the root canal next week. Will the root canal improve the tooth color, or will I need to see a cosmetic dentist? Should I get an extraction and dental implant anyway? – Thank you. Gordon from St. Petersburg, FL

Gordon,

Thank you for your question.

Will Root Canal Treatment Lighten a Dark Tooth?

Root canal treatment will not lighten a dark tooth. It often makes a tooth darker. Why would root canal treatment darken a tooth? When a dentist leaves root canal filling material and cement in the portion of the tooth above the gumline, the tooth darkens.

Preventing a Tooth from Darkening After Root Canal Treatment

Your dentist can minimize the darkening effects of root canal treatment with these steps:

• Remove root canal filling and cement from the tooth crown
• Bleach the tooth internally
• Seal the bleaching solution inside the tooth
• Insert a flexible fiberglass post in the tooth and fill the tooth with composite, or correct the color with a porcelain veneer

When most of the structure is left on a front tooth, preparing it for a crown can weaken and increase the risk of breaking it. A cosmetic dentist can correct the color with a porcelain veneer after root canal treatment if your front tooth is intact.

Unless your tooth is severely damaged and the endodontist (a root canal specialist) cannot save it, it is best to preserve it and avoid extraction and a dental implant. We recommend scheduling a second opinion with an advanced cosmetic dentist to examine your tooth and discuss your treatment options.

 

Moline, Illinois dentist, Dr. Thomas Goebel, sponsors this post.

Why Are My Gums Bleeding Around My Crowns?

I got five new crowns three years ago, and I think I may be allergic to them now. For the past few months, I have noticed bleeding between two crowns and my gums. My dentist says my crowns are GC LiSi Press ceramic, so it is unlikely that it’s an allergy. Is it possible that I am allergic to the material? What could be irritating my gums? Will I need new crowns, or am I at risk of losing my teeth? Thanks for your help. Jayla T. from TX

Jayla,

Thank you for your question.

Dr. Goebel would need to examine your crowns and gums to determine what is irritating your gums. We will provide information on sensitivities to lithium disilicate.

What Are GC LiSi Press Crowns?

GC LiSi Press crowns are ceramic, lithium disilicate crowns. You would unlikely be allergic to only two of your five GC LiSi Press crowns. We have not heard reports of lithium disilicate allergies, but it is not impossible for someone may react to it.

What Causes Bleeding Around Dental Crowns?

Food particles caught between your gums or a functional problem with the crowns near your gumline may cause bleeding and irritation. When you floss, try to discern whether anything around your crowns is catching the floss or preventing it from moving freely. Snagging floss usually means your dentist must correct an overhang or ledge on the crowns.

It is unlikely that your concerns are related to a condition leading to tooth loss and the need for replacement options, such as a dental implant.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist for an examination. If your dentist cannot resolve the issue, get a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist.

Moline, Illinois dentist, Dr. Thomas Goebel sponsors this post.

 

I Still Have Two Baby Teeth

On the upper left side of my mouth, the incisor and canine teeth are still the baby teeth, even though I am 28 years old. The missing adult teeth never grew in. My smile really looks funny because the two teeth are very noticeable. I don’t want porcelain crowns or veneers. Is it possible to remove the teeth and replace them with implants? – Thank you. Karson from Lincoln, NE

Karson,

Thank you for your question.

If You Still Have Baby Teeth Will Dental Implants Work?

If you still have two baby teeth, dental implants can replace them if there are no impacted permanent teeth beneath the primary teeth. In many cases, the permanent teeth are impacted. You cannot replace the teeth with dental implants until a dentist takes x-rays to locate the permanent teeth. Afterward, the dentist will determine your treatment options.

Your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist who can help impacted teeth erupt into the correct position. It is common for lateral incisors, premolars, and wisdom teeth not to form. The orthodontist may open your gum tissue to expose each tooth. If the teeth need assistance emerging into the correct position, braces can guide them.

An orthodontist will determine whether there is enough room for each tooth to erupt or if they must reposition or remove any teeth to help impacted teeth emerge. Dental implants may be an option for underdeveloped or malformed impacted teeth.

Moline, Illinois dentist, Dr. Thomas Goebel, sponsors this post.

How Long Can I Delay Root Canal or Tooth Removal?

A crown on my upper left first molar broke. My dentist said that the tooth had died, and if he could not remove all the decay, he would refer me to an oral surgeon to remove the tooth. Then, he would place a dental bridge. I asked my dentist to refer me to an endodontist, and I have an appointment in two weeks. I read online that a dental implant is better than a bridge. Is there any reason I should have the tooth removed right away? How long can I wait before this becomes a bigger problem? – Thank you. Selina from Allegheny, PA

Selina,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Goebel would need to examine your teeth and x-rays. But we can offer some insight.

Removing vs. Saving a Tooth

If a tooth is healthy enough to save and will not negatively affect your oral health, it is best to save it. Although dental implants are a highly effective tooth replacement, healthy natural teeth are better. We recommend that you keep your appointment with the endodontist (root canal specialist) for a second opinion.

How Long Can You Wait Before a Root Canal?

You did not mention if your tooth hurts, but the specialist will need to check for the extent of the infection. Without treatment, infection will continue to spread. So, the condition of your teeth and your oral health will continue to decline without root canal treatment.

Also, if the tooth requires removal, leaving the space without a dental implant will allow other teeth to drift into the area. Tooth misalignment can lead to other issues like jaw pain or the need for orthodontic treatment.

Get a Second Opinion

Your dentist seems uncomfortable replacing your tooth with a dental implant and crown. Even if your dentist would refer you to an oral surgeon for implant placement, we are concerned about his experience with implant crowns and crowns in general. After your appointment with the root canal specialist, we recommend scheduling an appointment with an experienced dentist to discuss your options after root canal treatment or extraction.

 

Moline, Illinois dentist, Dr. Thomas Goebel, sponsors this post.