Dentures, Implants,Overdentures-Crystal Lake Dentist

New hope for denture wearers

Denture wearers now have options to improve retention with snap attachments to dental implants and mini dental implants.

Some of the more popular methods to convert an ill fitting lower dentures are:

1. A bar connecting 2 or more implants called a hader bar or a bar with individual snaps
2. Independent regular implants snaps to retain a denture
3. Mini implants that  can snap over an o-rings in a  metal housing held in the denture.

Details

I have worked with all three of these snap-on systems and each has its particular advantages and disadvantages. I will cover them in more detail below.

The hader bar

The hader bar consists of 2 or more implants and a custom cast metal bar connecting the implants. The denture houses one or more metal retainers and plastic clips.

The advantages of this system are:

1.     The implants do not have to be placed parallel (which is challenging to do and not always possible).

2.     The retention is good and depending on the configuration, one or several retentive clips can be placed increasing retention.

3.     If the bar has implants placed in both the back and front areas of the jaws, there is almost no movement of the denture during use.

4.     Can be used for upper and lower dentures.

5.     Implants can be loaded immediately if planned and a computer generated surgical guide system with CT scan is utilized. The implants are splinted with the  computer milled titanium bar

.

The disadvantages are:

1. Full sized implants must be placed.
2. The cast bar increases the cost.
3. The casting steps to the process
4. Due to the height needed some patients may not have enough vertical space available for this type if retention system unless the bite is opened or the bone is surgically lowered.
5. The cost is highest due to the type of implants needed, the lab procedures for the cast bar, and additional appointments.

Cast bar with ERA or Locator attachments

This type of system utilizes a cast bar and has 2 to several retentive clips soldered onto it. The 2 most common brands of clips are Locator and ERA.

 The advantages of this system are:

1.     The implants do not have to be parallel (which is challenging to do and not always possible).

2.     The retention can be increased with multiple clips.

3.     If the bar has implants placed in both the back and front areas of the jaws, there is almost no movement of the denture during use.

4.     Can be used for upper and lower dentures.

The disadvantages are:

1.   Full sized implants must be placed.

2. The cast bar increases the .
3. The casting adds steps to the process.
4. Due to the height needed some patients may not have enough vertical space without modification.
5. The cost is highest due to the type of implants needed, the lab procedures for the cast bar, and additional appointments.

Locator clip or ERA clip

The Locator/ERA type clip can be directly attached to 2 or more regular sized implants and provide good retention.

The advantages of these systems are:

1.     Lower cost than the bar system.

2.     Less time involved in fabricating as it is done chairside.

3.     Less vertical clearance is needed verses a bar system.

4.     Can be used for upper and lower dentures.

Mini Implant system

The Mini implant system consists of 4 or more implants placed in the across the front of the lower jaw and housings placed in the lowe3r denture with o-rings for retention.

The advantages are:

1.     Immediate loading of the implants (the entire process from implant placement to denture housing and loading of the housings can be done in about 1 hour

2.     Lowest cost of all. Lower cost of the mini implants (about ½ the cost of conventional implants each).

3.     Less bone is required for placement in atrophic jaws

4.     Fast healing as no tissue flaps are needed in most cases to view the site

5.     Less discomfort due to the smaller size and simple placement technique

6.     Do not have to be perfectly parallel with each other

Disadvantages  are:

1.     Can only be placed in lower jaw due to lower density of the bone in the upper jaw.

2.     May not be able eliminate some slight denture movement in the back when chewing (usually not a problem)

3.     Cannot be mixed with regular implants very easily.

 Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about  implants, dentures, and overdentures  at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Phillip C. Neal DDS
Crystal Lake Dental Associates
280 B Memorial Court
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

                                    815 459 2202                  

www.DrNeal.com

Special day special offer Crystal Lake Dentist

In Celebration of Dr. Neal's 35 years in Dentistry, we are offering July 24 as a special crown day. $100.00 off crowns to the 1st 50 people who call to schedule today!

815 459 2202 today

Philip C. Neal DDS

Back to School-Crystal Lake Dentist

Back to school, back to the dentist.

Back to school planning

At this time of year, many of you are making a back-to-school checklist for your kids. New clothes and school supplies are a given. But have you given any thought to their dental care?

Tooth decay is one of the biggest health issues among children, accounting for over 51 million hours of school time lost every year. What’s more, poor dental health in youth can lead to chronic problems like discomfort, difficulty chewing and the need for painful and expensive procedures down the road.

Child dental exams an important of back-to-school plans

An annual back-to-school dental checkup is an easy way to help prevent these problems. It’s so important, Illinois actually require children to get a dental exam before entering certain grades in school. Illinois requires a dental exam before entering kindergarten, 2^nd grade and 6^th grade.

For a copy of the Illinoisstate regulations follow this link.

If you want to download a copy of the Illinois State dental exam formfollow this link and print the form.

Regular dental exams do more than catch tooth decay. They also let us see if teeth are growing in properly, monitor the results of their brushing and flossing techniques (and give lessons, if necessary), and apply fluoride treatments or protective sealants that can prevent decay before it happens. If your kids play sports or engage in other activities that might cause oral injuries, we can fit them for protective mouth guards.

Mouthguards are important in protecting your teeth during sports

If your kids are in college, planning checkups during school breaks can ensure that they’re receiving regular professional dental care. And even if they’re too young for school, your kids are probably old enough to go to the dentist. The ADA recommends babies start seeing a dentist when their first tooth comes in, usually when they’re between 6 and 12 months old.

So while you’re making back-to-school plans, plan on bringing your kids in for a visit. And for extra credit, try these fun tips for sending them to school with a smile: 

Pick up dental supplies during back-to-school shopping

1.                         Buy new toothbrushes: While they’re getting new notebooks, pens and other supplies, why not let them pick out a new toothbrush? While you’re at it, pick up two — one for home and one to bring to school.

2.                         Make a dental care kit for school: To encourage them to brush after lunch and snacks, buy a zippered plastic-lined bag and include a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss.

3.                         Pack dental-friendly lunches and snacks: Fruit, nuts, string cheese and bottled water are all good choices. Avoid sticky foods like raisins or fruit leather, as they can cause cavities.

4.                         Start a reward system: Encourage good dental exams like you encourage good grades — with a prize like a night at the movies, a new video game or other coveted item.

Add a reward system to your routine for better dental checkups

Need to make an appointment for your kids, or even yourself?

 Simply call 815 459 2202 today.

 Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about Back-to-School exams at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Phillip C. Neal DDSCrystal Lake Dental Associates280 B Memorial CourtCrystal Lake, Illinois 60014            815 459 2202      

www.DrNeal.com

Your comments are welcome

HPV Oral Cancer in the News Crystal Lake Dentist

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) Incidence Rising.

A virus lives inside a cell

What is HPV?

HPV is a group viruses. These like all viruses live inside cells. When they enter a cell, they take over and use the cell's reproductive capacity to reproduce themselves and thus spread. Most viruses have a short life outside the body and are usually species specific (you cannot catch a virus from your dog and vice versa).

The HPV virus causes a type of wart (papilloma). 

HPV  papilloma on the skin

What is the History of HPV?

It was first discovered in the 1950's. In 1972 the association with skin cancer and HPV5 was made. A few years later it was learned that there was a link between HPV 16, HPV18 and cervical cancers. More recently a link between these same HPV strains (16 and 18) and certain oral cancers has been established.

How is HPV passed?

HPV can be passed by kissing

HPV is commonly considered a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). Skin to skin contact is usually necessary to pass the virus. A sexual act is not necessary to pass it. Deep Kissing and Oral Sex can cause HPV infections of the mouth. It has been postulated that drinking from the same glass has passed the virus from an infected individual to another in rare instances. 

What are the chances of getting HPV?

chances are high thay all of you will get HPV at some time

Almost everyone will be infected with a strain of HPV at some time in their life. There many strains of HPV. The majority of these are usually self limiting and of no consequence. 

Are some HPV infections dangerous?

Some are dangerous but most are not. Most of the time, HPV is self limiting. The virus can be dormant for years and appear/reappear at any time. The body's natural immune system normally will get rid of the virus.

Why is HPV on the rise?

Changes in sexual activity are the driver in the increase of HIV, HPV, and other STD's. People are experimenting with sex at very early ages. Oral sex has become very popular as one way to prevent pregnancy. This is leading to a drastic rise in oral HPV infections.

Why are we concerned about oral HPV?

The 2 strains of HPV that lead to cancer are causing a rapid increase in oral cancer among the younger adult population. This group was low risk for oral cancer in the past and now is the fastest growing group. Oral cancer has a low survival rate when detected late.

What can be done HPV?

Parents, this means your children are at risk as well as you. Since deep kissing is all that is needed to pass this virus, children who are not sexually active can still develop oral HPV and oral cancer.

• Changing social behavior though not easy is the best method of eliminating this epidemic.
• Consider getting vaccinated against the most common and deadly forms of HPV at an early age.
• Get yourself and your children tested for HPV.
• Make sure your gynecologist and dentist are doing regular cancer screenings.

What does the dentist do?

a visual and digital oral cancer screening is a good start

Vizilite for advanced oral cancer screening

oral CDX swabbing a suspected area

Velscope advanced oral cancer detection

There are 4 ways that a dentist can screen for oral cancer.

• A visual and digital exam (look and feel)
• A Vizilite exam using a dye and special light
• Oral CDX swab for cancer cells of a suspicious area
• Velscope exam ( a special light and filter)

Is something is unusual, the dentist may want to check it again in 2 weeks to see if it has cleared up and or refer for a biopsy.

What We Recommend.

If your dentist's office is not doing at least a visual/ digital screening for oral cancer at every checkup, find a new dentist. We use the Velscope VX and strongly recommend an advanced oral tissue scan on everyone age 14 and up every 6 months.

References for HPV vaccine.

http://www.gardasil.com/what-is-gardasil/index.html?WT.mc_id=GL0ES&MTD=2

http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv-vaccine-young-women.htm

 Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about HPV and advanced oral cancer detection at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.drneal.com


Phillip C. Neal DDS
Crystal Lake Dental Associates
280 B Memorial Court
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014
                                    815 459 2202                  


www.DrNeal.com


Your comments are welcome

Oral Cancer Detection with Velscope Crystal Lake Dentist

Oral cancer rates are increasing
Currently over 600.000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed worldwide each year. In the US one person per hour dies from Oral Cancer. Earlyg detection is key for a high survival
Traditionally oral cancer was seen in males over age 50 who use tobacco and alcohol. This is rapidly changing due to the rapid spread of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).


HPV Spread
You will most likely be infected with some form of HPV in your lifetime*. Most strains of HPV are self limiting, however HPV 16 and HPV 18 have been strongly linked to cervical and oral cancer. The various ways HPV can be spread through skin contact is quite alarming.

Oral Cancer Screening in the News
The spread of oral cancer and need for screening has been  in the media and on some of the more popular TV doctor shows. In this clip Dr. Oz discussed oral cancer and the need for the Velscope exam at every checkup.  Velscope Oral Cancer Screening - Dr. Oz June 2011
In tghis link, Several doctors  on "the Doctors" show discuss sexual transmission of HPV and the need for a Velscope exam. VELscope on The Doctors. 


ORAL ASSESSMENT

Velscope is easy to use

Why Use the VELscope Vx?

The VELscope's blue light stimulates natural fluorescense in the soft tissues of your mouth.
Natural fluorescence, seen through the VELscope Vx, allows dental professionals to see disease not visible with the naked eye
The VELscope Vx helps us discover oral disease BEFORE it can be seen under ordinary light.



VELscope Vx:

The Two-Minute Exam That Could Save Your Life

How many little sores do we find in our mouths? Dozens? Hundreds? More? Most of the time we ignore them, and they simply go away.
But sometimes our mouths keep secrets. That's why we use the VELscope Vx Enhanced Oral Assessment system.

normal oral tissue under white light

normal tissue under Velscope

oral cancer under white light

oral cancer under Velscope ( note the dark area)

The VELscope Vx Helps Us:

Improve our assessment of your overall oral health.
Ensure that the delicate tissues of your mouth are healthy.
Protect you from oral disease, including oral cancer.
All this in two minutes, with no rinses, stains or discomfort.



VELscope Vx - for a Clean Bill of Health

Helps dental professionals find oral mucosal abnormalities, including oral cancer
Over 10,000,000 examinations performed
Recognized by the World Health Organization
The most powerful tool available for assisting in the discovery of oral abnormalities


Oral Cancer and Oral Disease

The VELscope Vx helps us identify oral disease early, while it's still easy to treat.
One of the VELscope's most important tasks is to help locate areas that might, if not treated, progress to oral cancer.

• Found early, oral cancer's 5-year survival rate is good: approx. 83%
• Found late, oral cancer's 5-year survival rate is poor: approx. 32%
• Clearly, finding oral cancer in its early stages is key to survival.

The VELscope Vx offers hope for the early discovery of oral disease, including precancer and cancer.


Risk Factors

Tobacco and chewing tobacco, along with alcohol, are the leading causes of oral cancer. Over the last four decades, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), known for its role in cervical cancedr, has been showing up in increasing numbers of oral cancer cases.


*http://www.healthywomen.org/condition/human-papillomavirus-hpv



Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about advanced oral cancer detection at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.drneal.com


Phillip C. Neal DDS
Crystal Lake Dental Associates
280 B Memorial Court
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014
                        815 459 2202            


www.DrNeal.com


Your comments are welcome

Improved Cavity Detection Crystal Lake Dentist

Why Digital X-rays?

The diagnostic ability of digital x-rays now exceeds that of film with up to 90% radiation exposure.

New Software and Hardware Improves Cavity Detection


We have been using digital x-rays since 2000, and now with our new Kodak imaging system, we can  detect decay (cavities) with 90% accuracy (verses 70% previously)* Logicon  is a computer-aided-detection tool that provides  important decision-support instrument for better patient care. Logicon provides an electronic second opinion by analyzing tooth density and demineralization patterns for interproximal (between the teeth) caries (decay) to help search for caries (cavities or decay) and determine whether they exist in the enamel or dentin. With one click, Logicon automatically scans all proximal (between the teeth) surfaces in a bitewing radiograph and gives a preview of the patient’s state of proximal (between the teeth) caries.

Improved Patient Care 

The program also dramatic graphics and visual aids to help us communicate our diagnosis to patients in a way you can easily understand.treatment recommendations.

Automatically scans x-ray

Close up of decay pattern 

Density changes across decay site 

Probability of decay

We Diagnose Caries with More Confidence 

Logicon analyzes shades of gray (many more than the human eye can resolve), 

extracts caries related image features and correlates them with a database of 

known caries problems. In doing so, the software automatically highlights possible 

abnormalities on digital dental radiographs that otherwise might be missed, 

signaling the dentist to take a closer look at the tooth and surface involved. 

How It Works 

Logicon uses detection algorithms based on laboratory data produced in 

association with a leading school of dentistry. With one click Logicon scans all the 

proximal surfaces in a radiograph and highlights the decay sites on all of the teeth 

in one picture for quick review. Detailed information about the change in tooth 

density and lesion probability are saved for each surface and can be retrieved in 

graphical format. 

*Gakenheimer, David C. “The Efficacy of a Computerized Caries Detector in Intraoral Digital 

Radiography”. Journal of the American Dental Association133 (2002): 883-890 

In addition to our new Logicon Kodak imaging software, we have upgraded out sensors to Kodak 6100 system which provides a higher resolution for improved images.  

Added to that is our new quickcam intraoral imaging system. 

Quickcam

Images

Our ability to detect and treat tooth decay is the best around with the use of DIAGNOdent, Carifree, Loupes (all clinical team members wear these to enhance our ability to diagnose and treat you).

Carifree 

DIAGNOdent

Loupes

We have also introduced our new Kodak 8000 pan/ceph machine which enables us to now take digital panoramic images and lateral cephalometric images.

Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about advanced decay detection at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.drneal.com

Phillip C. Neal DDS

Crystal Lake Dental Associates

280 B Memorial Court

Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

            815 459 2202      

www.DrNeal.com

Your comments are welcome