Monthly Archives: October 2017

What’s the Difference Between a Grill and Dental Implants

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My friend says I’m getting a grill because I’m getting dental implants. He says Lil’ Wayne has grills. I don’t think they’re the same thing. Who’s right?

Marcus

Dear Marcus,

Libertyville Dental Implants

Normally, this would be a straightforward, easy answer. But, you added Lil’ Wayne into the equation which muddies the waters a bit. Lil’ Wayne has gone on the record saying they are not a grill. In fact, he said that he’s dying with them because changing them would require surgery. You can see the conversation in the video below. That would imply that he has dental implants.

So why is that muddy? Because his dentist implied it’s a grill on his website. Though, since then, all articles he had on his site about Lil’ Wayne have been removed. So, either, his dentist wasn’t honest about what happened, Lil’ Wayne just didn’t like him using him to drum up business, or Lil’ Wayne has no idea which procedure he actually had. I do know whatever he did cost him over $150,000, which unless he’s wearing real diamonds, would make me think it’s implants.

A Grill versus Dental Implants

But, to answer your original question. A grill is removable and just goes over your teeth. Dental implants are surgically implanted and are permanent. In fact, they’re as strong as natural teeth.

You can still get them decorated like a grill if you wanted to. It just increases the price for you. Also, unless you’re getting dental implants on all your teeth (which would be ridiculously expensive) make sure you whiten your teeth first. For whatever color your implant crowns are made is permanent. If you want white implants, you’ll want them to match white teeth.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. David Potts.

What Went Wrong With My Last Dental Sedation Case?

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I’ve had five procedures which required dental sedation. Until this last one, everything went smoothly. I have switched dentists mostly because of a move to another city. But, this time was different. The procedure itself went similar to the others, but after I got home my heart started racing and I had trouble breathing. I was on my way to call an ambulance when the nausea kicked in so I just lay where I was on the floor until it passed. That’s never happened to me before. Do you know what could have happened?

Milus R.

Dear Milus,

Libertyville Sedation Dentist

The Importance of an Attentive Caregiver With Dental Sedation

We all know a good dentist is important. But, the fact that your dentist let you leave after a dental sedation procedure alone, is very concerning. Those types of details need to be attended to. A patient doesn’t always understand the post-operative care procedure and it needs to be overseen by the dentist.

When you have dental sedation, you not only need someone to drive you to and from your appointment, but to stay with you for a while after the appointment as well. I hope you didn’t have to drive yourself home. One of the reasons for a caregiver is you’ll be unsteady on your feet so it’s helpful to have someone who can get things for you and help you to the restroom. Another reason is because of what happened to you. What if your heart rate rose so high you ended up having a heart attack. As it was, you couldn’t make it to the phone. Imagine if your breathing and heart rate didn’t calm down. You could have died.

What Went Wrong With Your Dental Sedation?

I wasn’t there so anything I say in this case is a suggestion. Two possibilities come to mind. The first is your new dentist uses a different type of sedation medication than your old dentist and your body reacts to it poorly. There’s an easy way to find out. Call the office, let them know what happened and ask them to call your old dentist. If it’s a different mixture of sedation, they can be sure to use the other kind with you.

Another possibility is if you’ve had any medication changes or are taking anything new that’s over the counter. These things can affect the way the sedation works. Be sure you’ve told your new dentist about any medications, including over the counter meds, that you’re taking. He’ll be familiar (or at least should be) with any interactions.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. David Potts.