Why choose aesthetic filling?

In our days aesthetics receives more and more emphasis. Most patients do not want to smile showing grey amalgam fillings. Modern composite filling materials equal the durability and mechanical resistance of amalgam.

What are white fillings made of?

Composite fillings are usually synthetic resin based. They also contain silica particles and a light sensitive catalyst speeding up bonding. You may receive detailed information about the materials to be used in our office.

Is there any other solution than filling?

There is another solution called "inlay” or “onlay”. Inlays are custom made in a dental lab based on impression, just like crowns, than bonded into position in the dentist’s office. Inlays do not need removing more tooth structure than a filling. The advantage is that they provide a more permanent solution although they are more expensive.

What materials are used for crowns?

Several materials can be used but most often they are porcelain-fused-to-metal. The metal is usually some kind of tissue friendly base metal alloy that does not contain nickel but can be gold alloy as well. There are also metal-free crowns. For these full ceramic restorations a special zirconium oxide is used and they fully restore both aesthetic and chewing functions.

Do I get temporary crown until the next appointment?

During the first office visit your dentist will make a temporary crown which is not as resistant to chewing forces as the permanent one but it will be sufficient both functionally and aesthetically until the latter gets ready.

How long is the treatment?

It requires at least two visits. In the first appointment the tooth will be prepared, an impression made, the shade selected and the temporary crown made; while at the second visit the permanent crown is cemented in place. In certain cases more appointments may be necessary.

What can I do at home to extend the lifespan of the crown?

Typically, crowns can last between 5-10 years. Proper home care and regular dental check-ups can prevent their early wear. Plaque and tartar can build up on ceramic crowns just like on your own tooth, so it is important to take care thourough to prevent decay and periodontal diseases.

What is a post crown?

When a tooth has received root canal treatment, to protect the rest of the tooth, it may be necessary to remove part of the root canal filling and place a post inside the tooth which forms a peg on top of the tooth and acts as a seat for the crown. When the post is cemented in, the crown can be prepared ensuring a long term, stable result due to the enforcement by post.

How to replace missing teeth?

It depends on the number and location of the gaps and the condition of the remaining teeth. The options are bridges, removable partial dentures, or implants.

Is it always possible to have a bridge?

If there are enough teeth left in proper condition to support the abutments of the bridge, then there is nothing against getting a bridge.

What is a partial denture?

This is a type of removable false teeth which replaces the missing teeth with a plate with artificial teeth attached. They can be made of plastic resin or a combination of metal and plastic resin. Typically, they are fixed to the remaining teeth with metal clasps, but there are also types with hidden push buttons.

What materials are used for bridges?

Several materials can be used but most often they are porcelain-fused-to-metal. The metal is usually some kind of tissue friendly base metal alloy that does not contain nickel but can be gold alloy as well. There are also metal-free bridges, for which a special zirconium oxide is used and they fully restore both aesthetic and chewing functions, however they cannot be used to replace too long gaps.

How to take care of my bridge?

Typically, bridges can last between 5-10 years. Proper home care and regular dental check-ups can prevent their early wear. Plaque and tartar can build up on ceramic surfaces just like on your own teeth, so it is important to take care to prevent decay and periodontal diseases.

Under the bridge where the tooth is missing special cleaning is required using dental floss and mouthwash.

Why would I need a dental bridge?

The main reason you would need to get a dental bridge is that even one missing tooth may compromise proper chewing and speaking ability and both adjoining and opposite teeth can be damaged. Teeth tend to shift out of position or lean in toward gaps, spoiling the distribution of chewing forces or enabling food particles get stuck. Replacing missing teeth is also important for your appearance.

How long is the treatment?

In case of bridges it usually requires 2-3 visits, in case of dentures more appointments may be necessary.

How do I take care of my partial denture?

To clean your dentures, always remove them from your mouth. Rinse them under running water using a tooth brush. Do not use toothpastes because they are too abrasive for the polished surface. Use denture cleansing tablets regularly.

What is the difference between permanent dentures and immediate dentures?

Permanent dentures can be made on the completely healed mucosa of the alveolar processes, thus it is practical to wait a few weeks after the extraction of the teeth. The immediate dentures you will get as soon as your teeth are extracted. Their advantage is that you will never need to appear in public without teeth. After extraction however bones and gums change, so immediate dentures shortly require relining.

Should I use a denture adhesive?

Denture adhesive can provide additional retention for well-fitting dentures. Denture adhesives are not the solution for ill-fitting dentures.

Is dental implant procedure painful?

The patient gets anesthesia to control the pain during the procedure. Following the surgery you may experience slight pain and swelling. The discomfort of the first days will go in a week and after the removal of the stitches our patients are usually free of any symptoms.

How can I keep the implant roots clean?

Implants go with either fixed or removable dentures. In case of fixed dentures the bride or crown must be cleaned just like your natural teeth, while removable dentures should be cleaned like traditional dentures. The abutment posts can be cleaned with special tools. The tools and method to be applied should be select together with your denstist in the office.

When will my teeth for the implants be ready?

In most cases, the bone cells around the implant need about three months to heal and fuse with the implant roots, when an imprint can be made. In some cases, when also bone grafting is envolved this may take half a year. During this period the implant roots are hidden under the gum. Afterwards a so-called “healing screw” is inserted in the implant, the role of which is to help develope the final shape of the gum. Getting the new teeth ready takes the same time as in case of other replacement teeth.

What is the lifespan of the implants?

Of course, it varies from patient to patient but basically at least 10-15 years. There are several factors influencing lifespan, like oral higieny, age, and other general health conditions.

Filling materials

Impression materials

Root filling materials

Metal cast

Ceramic