Services
Prophylaxis
The Professional tooth cleaning (prophylaxis) is used to supplement oral hygiene at home. Food residues remaining in the oral cavity can form a compound (plaque) with bacteria, which adheres to the teeth and can harden into tartar. During food metabolization, the bacteria excrete metabolic products which attack the tooth substance and can lead to tooth decay and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and the periodontium (periodontitis). The regular removal of pathogenic plaque is an essential part of dental prophylaxis and serves to maintain the health of the entire oral cavity. All tooth surfaces are cleaned and polished and advice is given on how to optimize your own oral hygiene measures at home. Superficial discoloration of the teeth can be removed.
Dental hygiene is particularly important for the long-term preservation of implant-supported dentures, crowns and bridges. Just as with natural teeth, inadequate care around an implant can lead to gum inflammation and bone loss. Partially removable implant systems allow for a good access for professional cleaning in the dental practice.
We recommend having your teeth cleaned twice a year. For patients with an increased risk of caries or periodontal disease, it makes sense to come to the practice more frequently for cleaning. The dentist will recommend the most suitable interval for you.
Restorative therapy/fillings
Caries is a widespread infectious disease. The culprit bacteria excrete metabolic products during the metabolization of food residues, which attack the tooth. The result is a “cavity”. Among other things, this can lead to pain and the loosening of existing restorations. If a “cavity” is diagnosed by the dentist, it can usually be restored with the help of a filling. Thanks to the development of modern filling materials, we have materials at our disposal with which we can achieve a high level of aesthetics. Composite fillings can be matched to your own tooth color, are dimensionally stable and abrasion-resistant. In addition to restoring decayed areas, broken teeth can be built up and gaps between teeth can be closed by applying filling material.
In the early stages of a carious lesion, it can be treated without grinding the tooth (without “drilling”). The area is conditioned with different liquids and sealed with a low-viscous resin. This prevents the caries from progressing. This microinvasive procedure can also be used for the aesthetic rehabilitation of disturbing decalcifications on the smooth surfaces of the teeth. By infiltrating such areas, they can be optically adapted to the surrounding tooth color as far as possible.
Harmful mercury vapors are released during the placement, grinding and removal of amalgam fillings. If you would like to have your existing amalgam fillings replaced for aesthetic reasons or due to health concerns or allergies, we will take special precautions in our practice. We will be happy to advise you on further measures you can take yourself to bind heavy metals.
Inlays are “indirect fillings”. After the tooth has been ground, an impression is taken. The inlay is then produced in the laboratory by a dental technician and after completion it is fixed in the mouth by the dentist. Inlays are usually made of ceramic or metal alloys. As these materials are more resistant than the filling materials described above, inlays also last much longer. The production of an inlay is associated with a higher technical and time expenditure, which is reflected in a higher price.
Endodontics
The aim of root canal treatment is the long-term preservation of a tooth whose pulp is inflamed or irreparably damaged. Reasons for this can include a deep caries lesion or a deeply broken tooth. Inflammation of the nerve (pulpitis) can be accompanied by pain and a feeling of pressure. However, a chronic process can also be completely asymptomatic. Bacteria can penetrate the jawbone via the root tip and cause inflammation there. Timely treatment can prevent this.
After local analgesia, the tooth is opened to create a direct access to the root canals. The inflamed tissue is then removed up to the physiological opening of the tooth at the root tip. During the entire procedure, the root canals are regularly disinfected with antibacterial rinsing solutions. The insertion of a medication concludes the first session. In a second session including another desinfection of the tooth, the root canals are then sealed with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha).
Root canal treatment is often a “last attempt” to save a tooth. Alternatively, tooth extraction is usually the only option. A one hundred percent guarantee of success cannot be given. However, the use of modern treatment methods can significantly increase the chances of long-term tooth preservation. Yet, the costs for the necessary additional expenses are not fully covered by general health insurance.
A tight seal of the tooth after root canal treatment is of great importance. This is done by placing a filling (ideally a composit filling). In order to ensure long-term tooth preservation, a restoration covering the tooth cusps, in the form of a partial crown or crown should follow, as it ensures a tight seal and stability and reduces the risk of tooth fracture.
Periodontology and bad breath
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the periodontium caused by bacteria, which is accompanied by bone loss. Especially in areas that are difficult to clean (e.g. interdental spaces), bacterial plaque builds up if oral hygiene is inadequate, which can lead to inflammation of the gums with redness and bleeding gums. If the irritation persists, the infection spreads to the periodontium (periodontitis). This can lead to the formation of gingival pockets as well as gum and bone recession. As the periodontium continues to deteriorate, affected teeth can become loose. Stress, tobacco consumption and certain underlying diseases can have a negative impact on the course of the disease. Periodontitis itself can in turn have an impact on the entire organism, as the bacteria that cause it promote cardiovascular disease and diabetes, among other things.
Once periodontitis has been diagnosed, a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation is drawn up. After the removal of bacterial niches and recesses and a professional tooth cleaning, a detailed periodontal status is determined and a deep cleaning (curettage) is planned. During curettage, the gingival pockets and root surfaces are cleaned with special instruments and antibacterial rinsing solutions to make it more difficult for bacteria to reattach. Cleaning can be supported with an antibiotic. Our aims are to eliminate the inflammation, reduce the bacterial count and reduce tooth mobility.
As periodontal disease is usually chronic, long-term aftercare is essential. Depending on the severity of the periodontitis, a suitable recall interval for check-ups and professional tooth cleaning will be determined for you.
Bad breath is usually caused by volatile sulphur compounds that are excreted by bacteria when they metabolize food residues. The culprit bacteria are often found in the spaces between the teeth and in existing gingival pockets. Patients suffering from periodontitis are therefore particularly frequently affected. However, the cause of bad breath can also originate outside the oral cavity. Certain medication and illnesses can be triggers. A detailed examination can determine whether the cause lies in the oral cavity. If this is the case, we will present you with a suitable treatment plan. If the examination suggests an origin outside the oral cavity, we will refer you to a fitting specialist.
Aesthetic dentistry
Aesthetic dentistry is concerned with the appearance of teeth and an attractive relationship between teeth and gums.
Veneers are tooth-colored ceramic works that are particularly suitable for the high-quality aesthetic restoration of front teeth. Their translucency makes them look very natural. Veneers can be used to conceal discoloration, correct enamel defects, visually lengthen teeth, compensate for minor misalignments and close unwanted gaps. As a rule, only minimal grinding of the teeth is required. On request, a model of the future situation can be produced in the laboratory in advance for illustration purposes.
Color pigments from food and stimulants (e.g. smoking) can settle in the fine pores of the tooth substance over time and make the teeth look darker. Certain medications and medical conditions can also discolor the teeth. With the help of a bleaching agent, the stored color molecules can be destroyed and the teeth whitened. Please note that fillings and prosthetic dentures cannot be whitened.
What requirements must be met?
If caries lesions or leaking restorations are detected during the check-up before bleaching, these must be treated first to prevent damage to the dental nerve. We recommend that you have your teeth professionally cleaned before bleaching to remove superficial stains.
In-office whitening
Teeth whitening takes place in the dental practice. After thorough shielding of the gums, a high-dose bleaching agent is applied to the teeth. The result is visible after just one session.
Home bleaching
After taking an impression, we produce a bleaching tray customized to your teeth in our laboratory, into which you apply a low-dose bleaching agent yourself at home according to instructions and allow it to take effect. It can take up to several weeks before a whitening effect is noticeable.
What should be considered after bleaching?
In the first few days after bleaching, we recommend that you refrain from eating foods and beverages with a strong coloring effect, as the teeth can absorb more color pigments during this time. The durability of the treatment results depends largely on your lifestyle and can last up to several years.
Aesthetically disruptive decalcifications or enamel stains on the smooth surfaces of the teeth due to fluorosis or long-term use of medication can be treated by infiltrating the area with a liquid resin (without any grinding of the teeth). By sealing the enamel, we can match the surrounding tooth color as closely as possible.
Periodontal disease can lead to unsightly receding gums. With the help of periodontal surgery, an attempt can be made to regenerate the lost bone and soft tissue. In “guided tissue regeneration”, the growth of the physiological tissue of the periodontium is supported by the insertion of special membranes. Exposed tooth necks can be covered with a gingivoplasty.
Aligner therapy
Thin, transparent aligners can be used to gently correct misaligned teeth. The teeth are moved gradually by using several aligners. Each aligner is worn for one to two weeks before it is replaced with the next one. The advantage of this therapy is that you can simply take the aligners out of your mouth to eat and brush your teeth without any restrictions.
Can all misaligned teeth be corrected with aligners?
No. We only treat mild to moderate malocclusions with aligners. After an initial examination with impression taking, the result, that can be achieved for you can be calculated and simulated. Extensive movements, especially over greater distances, are carried out in orthodontic practices.
Prosthetics
Dental prosthetics deals with the functional and aesthetic reconstruction or replacement of damaged or lost teeth.
Inlays are “indirect fillings”. After the tooth has been ground, an impression is taken. The inlay is then produced in the laboratory by a dental technician and after completion it is fixed in the mouth by the dentist. Inlays are usually made of ceramic or metal alloys. As these materials are more resistant than the filling materials described above, inlays also last much longer. The production of an inlay is associated with a higher technical and time expenditure, which is reflected in a higher price.
Crowns are laboratory-made restorations that completely cover the tooth like a “cap”. Among other things, a crown can be used to reconstruct a tooth after major loss of substance, to restore teeth that have undergone root canal treatment or as an abutment on implants. A partial crown only covers a part of the crown of the tooth, including the cusps. The extent depends on the size of the tooth’s structural defect. Crowns offer a high degree of stability with the aim of long-term tooth preservation. Precious metal alloys and ceramics are used in our practice. With modern ceramics, very high aesthetics can be achieved, which is particularly important for restorations in the anterior region.
Bridges are used for reconstruction after tooth loss. If a tooth has to be extracted, the resulting gap can be closed with a bridge as long as neighboring teeth are present. The bridge pontic is anchored to the teeth bordering the gap by crowns. Alternatively, a tooth gap can be closed with an implant.
Dentures are removable dental prostheses that are intended to replace the function and appearance of lost teeth. For this purpose, plastic teeth are anchored in a gum-colored base. The use of special plastics allows for good aesthetics and resilience. A full denture is used when all the teeth in one of the jaws have been lost. The holding mechanism is based on a kind of suction effect between the denture acrylic and the oral mucosa. In partially edentulous jaws, a partial denture can be made that is supported by the remaining teeth. Due to progressive bone loss, dentures often have to be adapted to the new situation after a certain period of wear. Such a relining can be carried out in our in-house laboratory within one day.
Implantology
An implant can be regarded as an artificial tooth root that is permanently inserted into the jawbone. The implant is placed under local anesthesia in a minor surgical procedure. We use titanium implants, which are characterized by high strength and good tissue compatibility. After the healing phase, the desired abutment is attached. If a single tooth is replaced, an abutment is made in the form of an artificial dental crown with high-quality aesthetic ceramics. Implants are also suitable for attaching bridges and as supporting elements for removable dentures.
- By placing implants, a restoration with a removable prosthesis can be avoided. Instead, a fixed implant-supported denture is fabricated.
- The physiological load on the jawbone is retained.
- If an implant is chosen as an alternative to a bridge restoration, the grinding and crowning of the teeth limiting the gap is avoided.
- Implants can serve as supporting elements for dentures and thus significantly improve their retention.
- An important prerequisite is a sufficiently large amount of bone.
- Implants are only placed after the jaw has finished growing. They are therefore only suitable for adult patients.
- The patient must be in good health. Contraindications include serious general illnesses and the use of certain medications. Caries or periodontitis therapy should be completed before implantation.
- Smoking can have a negative effect on the healing of an implant.
- Patients should optimize their oral hygiene and maintain it consistently, as gum inflammation can also occur around implants, which can spread to the bone (peri-implantitis). We recommend a six-monthly follow-up with professional teeth cleaning.
Surgery
Surgical procedures in our practice are performed under local anesthesia.
Severely damaged teeth with a poor prognosis or a lack of space may make it necessary to remove a tooth. Tooth removal in our practice takes place under local anesthesia.
Root tip resection is a surgical procedure with the aim of preserving the tooth. It is often the last alternative to tooth removal if a pathological, inflammatory process persists or reappears after a root canal treatment has been performed. Root fractures, broken root canal instruments and complicated root anatomy can also make root tip resection necessary. During this procedure, the jawbone is opened in a small area under local anaesthesia and the root tip of the tooth is removed. The wound will be sutured and healing will be monitored.
Craniomandibular dysfunktion
Craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) is a functional disorder of the masticatory apparatus. The interaction between the chewing muscles, temporomandibular joint, tendons and ligaments is disturbed. CMD is usually caused by a combination of different factors, above all, teeth grinding/clenching (bruxism) and stress. The loss of several teeth in the posterior region, misaligned teeth and jaws and osteoarthritis can also be triggers. CMD is mainly diagnosed through manual functional tests. An experienced doctor can assess the mobility and imbalances of the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint.
After a thorough examination, a treatment plan tailored to your situation will be drawn up. In many cases, treatment with a specially made dental splint is sufficient to alleviate the symptoms. Physiotherapeutic treatments may also be necessary. Acupuncture, stress management and relaxation exercises are also possible treatment options. In other cases, dental rehabilitation, orthodontic or oral surgery may be the appropriate solution.
Children's dental treatment
Your child’s first visit to the dentist should take place after the eruption of the first deciduous tooth. We examine existing teeth and tooth development. We take our time and playfully explain our instruments and what we do to your child. To familiarize your child with the atmosphere in the dental practice, we recommend that you take them to your own check-up appointments without any planned major procedures. This can create initial positive associations. At home, you can do small exercises to prepare your child for the examination (e.g. counting or brushing each other’s teeth). Avoid transferring your own fears, concerns or even aversion to dental treatment to your child. Please attend your child’s check-ups and do not take them to the dentist only when they are in pain.
Children under the age of 6 receive a children’s dental pass (zahnärztlichen Kinderpass) with specified intervals for check-up examinations. There is a special prevention program for children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 17. The so-called “individual prophylaxis” (Individualprophylaxe) should be carried out twice a year. This involves a check-up, cleaning and fluoridation to protect the teeth. A preventative fissure sealing serves to protect the first permanent molars.
Anxious patients
Many anxious patients report a fear of the unexpected. We counteract this in our practice by providing detailed information. Your first visit is an appointment to get to know us, where you can tell us openly about your concerns. First of all, your oral status will be assessed. Each tooth is examined in detail using a dental mirror. An X-ray may also be taken. We will then discuss the current situation with you and explain which treatment measures would be necessary to restore a healthy oral situation. There is a solution for every initial situation.
The fear of pain can also be unsettling. We therefore always ensure that the pain is sufficiently eliminated by local anesthesia (“injection”). This involves anaesthetizing the relevant teeth and the surrounding soft tissue. In order to make the injection as comfortable as possible, we also have the option of desensitizing the oral mucosa beforehand with the help of a surface anaesthetic.
Regular check-ups are particularly important. This allows potential health problems to be detected at an early stage and treated more gently than advanced lesions. You should therefore not delay a visit to the dentist until you are in acute pain. We recommend that you visit the practice twice a year for a check-up.