Frequently Asked Questions
Preventive Care
From what age does fissure sealing make sense?
Fissure sealing makes the most sense right after the permanent molars erupt, usually at primary-school age. It protects the deep grooves of the chewing surfaces, which are often difficult to clean with a toothbrush.
Oral Surgery - Frequently Asked Questions
What is oral surgery?
Oral surgery covers surgical procedures in the mouth, such as the removal of teeth and wisdom teeth, apicoectomies, implant treatments, and treatments of the gums and jawbone.
Does an oral surgery treatment hurt?
Procedures are usually carried out painlessly under local anaesthetic. For anxiety or more extensive procedures, we additionally offer gentle sedation methods.
Do I need a referral for an appointment?
No, you can also come to us directly without a referral. If you are already undergoing treatment, we are happy to coordinate with your dental practice.
How long does recovery take after a surgical procedure?
This depends on the extent of the treatment. Smaller procedures usually heal within a few days, while larger surgical measures may take a little more time. We inform you individually about the expected healing time.
Do you offer treatment with sedation or anaesthesia?
Yes, for anxious patients and for more extensive procedures, we offer various sedation methods that make the procedure noticeably more relaxed.
Implantology - Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a dental implant last?
With good care and regular check-ups, implants can last many years to decades. Careful oral hygiene and attending aftercare appointments are decisive.
Does inserting an implant hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and is usually low in pain. Mild discomfort may occur after treatment, which can be well controlled with pain medication.
Is my jawbone sufficient for an implant?
This can only be said with certainty after 3D diagnostics. If there is not enough bone, there are gentle augmentation methods that still make implantation possible.
How long does the healing time of an implant take?
Depending on bone quality and individual situation, healing usually takes between six weeks and a few months before the implant is finally loaded.
Can you get implants even with a completely toothless jaw?
Yes, with a defined number of strategically placed implants, a stable basis can be created for fixed or removable dentures.
Dentoalveolar Surgery - Frequently Asked Questions
When is a surgical tooth extraction necessary?
For example, in the case of severely damaged, deeply fractured or unfavourably positioned teeth, as well as wisdom teeth that cannot erupt normally.
What happens during an apicoectomy?
The inflamed root tip of an already root-treated tooth is surgically removed to preserve the tooth and heal the inflammation in the jawbone.
How does periodontitis treatment work?
First, the severity is diagnosed, followed by thorough cleaning of the periodontal pockets and, if necessary, surgical measures to regenerate the tissue.
How long does recovery take after a surgical procedure?
This depends on the extent of the procedure. Smaller procedures usually heal within a few days, while larger operations may take a little longer. We inform you individually.
Can I be sedated during treatment?
Yes, for larger procedures or fear of treatment, we offer gentle sedation methods that make the procedure noticeably more relaxed.
Anaesthesia and Sedation - Frequently Asked Questions
What helps against fear of visiting the dentist?
Open communication, an agreed stop signal during treatment, and gentle sedation if needed help many people reduce their fear of visiting the practice.
Do I become unconscious during sedation?
No, during sedation you remain conscious but are noticeably more relaxed and less anxious. You can still respond when spoken to.
Is sedation useful for every procedure?
This depends on the extent of the treatment and your personal level of anxiety. We discuss together whether sedation makes sense for your procedure.
Am I allowed to drive myself home after sedation?
After sedation, you should generally have someone pick you up, as your reaction time may be temporarily impaired. We discuss the details individually before the appointment.
Diagnostics and CBCT - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CBCT and classic X-ray?
A classic X-ray image is two-dimensional, while digital volume tomography provides a three-dimensional representation of the jaw - for significantly more precise planning.
Is a CBCT scan associated with higher radiation exposure?
The radiation dose of modern CBCT devices is low and is individually limited to the necessary level. We use the examination specifically where it offers real diagnostic added value.
What is 3D implant planning used for?
Based on the CBCT data, we digitally determine the exact position, length and axis of the implant before the actual procedure begins. This increases planning certainty.
Can I view my X-ray images?
Yes, we show and explain your images directly on screen, so you can better understand your treatment.
Surgical Tooth Extraction - Frequently Asked Questions
Does a surgical tooth extraction hurt?
The procedure itself is generally painless due to local anaesthetic. After the anaesthetic wears off, mild to moderate pain may occur, which can be well treated with pain medication.
How long does healing take after a wisdom tooth extraction?
The first days are usually marked by mild swelling; complete healing of the wound usually takes one to two weeks.
What should I pay attention to after the procedure?
Cool your cheek during the first few hours, avoid physical exertion, and follow our individual instructions on oral hygiene and diet.
Can I be sedated during treatment?
Yes, for anxiety or more extensive procedures, we additionally offer gentle sedation methods.
Apicoectomy - Frequently Asked Questions
When does an apicoectomy make sense?
If inflammation forms again at the root tip of an already root-treated tooth and a repeat root canal treatment is not sufficient, an apicoectomy can preserve the tooth.
How successful is an apicoectomy?
With careful diagnostics and execution, the prospects of success are good, but depend on the individual starting situation. We discuss your personal prognosis before the procedure.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure itself is performed under local anaesthetic and is low in pain. Afterwards, as with other minor operations, mild discomfort may occur.
What happens if the apicoectomy does not help?
In rare cases, tooth preservation may not succeed despite the procedure. We then discuss further treatment options together, such as implant treatment.
Periodontology - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is a superficial, usually reversible inflammation of the gums. If it spreads further and affects the jawbone, it is called periodontitis.
How do I recognise early-stage periodontitis?
Typical signs are bleeding gums, redness, bad breath and receding gums. If you notice these symptoms, you should arrange an examination promptly.
Is periodontitis treatment painful?
Cleaning the periodontal pockets is usually performed under local anaesthetic and is well tolerated. After treatment, the gums may be temporarily sensitive.
Can periodontitis be fully cured?
Periodontitis can be treated well and its progression stopped, but a complete cure in the sense of restoring the original condition is not always possible. Regular aftercare is important.
Bone Grafting - Frequently Asked Questions
When is a bone graft necessary before an implant?
If, after 3D diagnostics, there is not enough jawbone for a secure implant fit, a bone graft creates the necessary basis.
Is a bone graft painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and is generally well tolerated. As with other minor operations, mild swelling may occur after the procedure.
How long does healing take after a bone graft?
Depending on the extent and material used, healing usually takes several months before the implant can be placed. In some cases, simultaneous implantation is also possible.
What is a sinus lift?
During a sinus lift, the floor of the maxillary sinus in the posterior upper jaw is carefully raised to gain additional bone height for an implant.
Children
How does braces treatment work for children?
That depends on age. During the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth (mixed dentition), we take advantage of natural jaw growth. At this stage, treatment usually involves removable braces, such as single plates or gentle appliances like the Bionator.
My child still sucks their thumb – does that damage the teeth?
Yes, persistent thumb sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier are bad habits (so-called "habits") that can lead to an open bite or crossbite. Early treatment during the baby teeth phase helps prevent more severe misalignments later on.
When should I take my child to the orthodontist for the first time?
Initial orthodontic check-ups are usually recommended from the age of 3 to 5 to detect misalignments in the baby teeth early. If there are no abnormalities, the age of 8 to 9 during the tooth change phase (mixed dentition) is ideal for the first examination.
From what age does health insurance cover braces for my child?
Statutory health insurance covers the costs for children and adolescents when there is a medical necessity. This is classified according to the orthodontic indication groups (KIG levels 3 to 5). We check this classification directly during the first examination.
How can dental misalignments in children be prevented?
Some jaw anomalies are genetic and unavoidable. However, many misalignments develop through avoidable habits. To prevent maldevelopment, harmful habits such as thumb sucking, intensive use of pacifiers or feeding bottles should be stopped by the age of three at the latest. Mouth breathing with open lips, incorrect swallowing patterns (where the tongue presses against the teeth), and lip biting should also be addressed early.
Thorough oral hygiene and a tooth-friendly diet protect against premature loss of baby teeth.
Thorough oral hygiene and a tooth-friendly diet protect against premature loss of baby teeth.
Are pacifiers and thumb sucking harmful to the teeth?
Yes, persistent thumb sucking or intensive pacifier use beyond the third year of life damages dental development and can lead to an "open bite" or deformed jawbones. The consequences are often pronounced dental misalignments and associated speech disorders such as lisping.
Adolescents
Is there a completely invisible type of braces?
Yes, the so-called lingual technique offers an aesthetically perfect and virtually invisible alternative to conventional braces. The brackets are custom-made and bonded to the inside of the teeth. The treatment can go completely unnoticed by others in everyday life or at school.
Another alternative are aligners. The transparent, nearly invisible dental aligners are hardly noticed in everyday life and allow for an elegant correction without drawing attention.
Another alternative are aligners. The transparent, nearly invisible dental aligners are hardly noticed in everyday life and allow for an elegant correction without drawing attention.
How long do aligners need to be worn daily?
The duration of treatment with invisible aligners is individual and depends on the extent of the dental misalignment. For mild to moderate corrections, therapy is usually successfully completed in approximately 9 to 15 months.
For an optimal and fast treatment result, aligners must be worn at least 18 to a maximum of 22 hours per day. The trays should only be removed for eating, drinking sugary or acidic beverages, and for dental care. Consistent wearing shortens the overall treatment time.
For an optimal and fast treatment result, aligners must be worn at least 18 to a maximum of 22 hours per day. The trays should only be removed for eating, drinking sugary or acidic beverages, and for dental care. Consistent wearing shortens the overall treatment time.
Are aligners suitable for adolescents?
Yes. For adolescents who prefer a discreet treatment, aligners can be a suitable alternative to conventional braces. We offer young patients a discreet correction with individually fitted aligners.
Adults
Is orthodontic treatment still possible for adults?
Yes, dental correction is possible at any age without restriction and is absolutely worthwhile in adulthood for health or aesthetic concerns. For adults, discreet and virtually invisible treatment methods such as transparent aligners or lingual braces (invisible braces on the inside of the teeth) are particularly popular.
How often do I need to visit the practice during treatment with transparent aligners?
With aligners, check-up appointments are usually every 6 to 8 weeks.
What are transparent dental aligners?
Aligners are thin, transparent plastic trays that are ideally suited for correcting mild to moderate dental misalignments. The ultra-thin trays fit precisely, are comfortable to wear, and do not interfere with speaking or laughing.
Transparent aligners are particularly suitable for adults and adolescents from around the age of 12.
Transparent aligners are particularly suitable for adults and adolescents from around the age of 12.
How often do aligners need to be replaced with a new tray?
Depending on the misalignment and the system used, an aligner tray is usually replaced by the next tray in the treatment plan after two to three weeks. Regular check-up appointments at our practice ensure that tooth movement is progressing as planned.
How many hours a day do aligners need to be worn?
For an optimal and fast treatment result, aligners must be worn at least 18 to a maximum of 22 hours per day. The trays should only be removed for eating, drinking sugary or acidic beverages, and for dental care. Consistent wearing shortens the overall treatment time.
How long does aligner therapy take on average?
The duration of treatment with invisible aligners is individual and depends on the extent of the dental misalignment. For mild to moderate corrections, therapy is usually successfully completed in approximately 9 to 15 months.
Orthodontics
Why is orthodontic treatment beneficial?
Orthodontic treatment corrects misalignments of teeth and jaws to sustainably improve both the aesthetics of your smile and the health of the entire masticatory system. Beyond cosmetic corrections that boost self-confidence, the focus is on functional aspects: straight teeth optimise biting and chewing, which relieves the digestive system.
Complaints such as teeth grinding, jaw clicking, tension headaches, and even postural problems of the spine can be effectively prevented.
Complaints such as teeth grinding, jaw clicking, tension headaches, and even postural problems of the spine can be effectively prevented.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
The active treatment phase usually lasts about two to three years but depends greatly on the individual case. Key factors include the severity of the misalignment, the patient's age, and the type of braces chosen. Since the jaw is still growing in children and adolescents, therapy typically progresses faster than in adults. A precise time estimate is provided after the initial examination. The success and duration also depend significantly on the patient's reliability (compliance) in wearing removable appliances and maintaining oral hygiene.
When is the best time for the first visit to the orthodontist?
An initial orthodontic assessment is already advisable at the age of four to six to detect severe maldevelopments early. Although treatment during the baby teeth phase is rare, in serious cases early treatment with simple preventive appliances (such as space maintainers or vestibular plates) can prevent worse outcomes. The regular and most effective treatment period is usually between the ages of 9 and 11 during the late mixed dentition stage, as natural jaw growth can be optimally utilised at this time. If in doubt, parents should ask their family dentist for an assessment during the six-monthly routine check-up.
How often do I need to visit the practice for check-ups during orthodontic treatment?
The check-up intervals depend on the type of braces: for removable appliances and aligners, appointments are usually every 6 to 8 weeks, while fixed braces need to be checked and adjusted approximately every 3 to 4 weeks.
Orthodontic Prophylaxis
What should I pay attention to regarding dental care with braces?
Thorough oral hygiene is essential throughout the entire orthodontic treatment. Especially with fixed braces, plaque quickly builds up around the brackets and wires. Interdental brushes and dental floss help with precise cleaning of the gaps. The additional use of fluoride gels strengthens the tooth enamel. Supplementary professional prophylaxis measures at our practice offer the best protection against cavities.
Why do I need to go to the practice for prophylaxis?
The special advantage of professional dental cleaning at a specialist orthodontic practice is that all orthodontic appliances that would hinder a thorough cleaning are removed. Only this way can a comprehensive cleaning be ensured. Afterwards, the appliances are reinserted and optimally readjusted.
How often do I need to come to the practice for prophylaxis?
For most orthodontic patients, it is sufficient to have a professional dental cleaning carried out every three to six months. In special cases, professional cleaning at shorter intervals may be necessary.
Need for Treatment
How can I tell whether orthodontic treatment is necessary?
Typical signs include visible misalignment of teeth or jaws, an incorrect bite, difficulty biting or chewing, and recurring discomfort in the jaw joint. An orthodontic examination provides clarity on whether treatment is advisable and to what extent.
Can untreated misalignments lead to further problems?
Misalignments can create areas that are difficult to clean, which may increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Pronounced misalignments are also sometimes associated with tension in the jaw, neck and back. Whether this applies in your individual case is something we clarify together with you.
Is orthodontic treatment only relevant for aesthetic reasons?
No. Alongside the aesthetic wishes many patients have, functional aspects such as chewing, speech and breathing also play an important role. We discuss with you which medical and personal reasons apply in your specific case.
Treatment Planning
How does orthodontic treatment planning work?
The basis is a thorough examination including digital X-rays, facial photographs and a plaster model of the jaws. Using these records, we work out the right treatment path together with you.
What is a model analysis and what is it used for?
For the model analysis, we take impressions of the upper and lower jaw and use them to create a plaster model. This allows precise measurement of the teeth and jaws and forms an important basis for individual treatment planning.
Does planning also take growth and tooth eruption into account?
Yes. Especially in children and adolescents, current jaw growth and the stage of tooth eruption are factored into the planning so that treatment can be well matched to individual development.
3D Diagnostics
What is digital volume tomography (DVT/CBCT) and when is it used?
DVT is a low-radiation, three-dimensional X-ray procedure. We use it particularly for more complex misalignments, for example in cases of disturbed tooth eruption, impacted or displaced teeth, or unusual bone structures.
Does 3D diagnostics involve a high radiation dose?
Compared with conventional CT scans, digital volume tomography is considered low-radiation. We use it selectively, only when the additional diagnostic benefit meaningfully complements conventional X-ray diagnostics.
What advantage does 3D diagnostics offer for treatment planning?
The high-resolution, three-dimensional images show the structures of the jaw in detail and without distortion. This supports us in precise planning as well as in monitoring the course of treatment.
DentalMonitoring App
What is the DentalMonitoring app and what is it used for?
The DentalMonitoring app allows the progress of your orthodontic treatment to be followed digitally. Using regular scans taken with the app and the corresponding scan box, interim steps of the treatment can be made visible.
What do I need to use DentalMonitoring?
You only need a smartphone with the DentalMonitoring app and a DentalMonitoring scan box. Our team will explain how to use it in detail; no special prior knowledge is required.
Does the app replace regular check-up appointments at the practice?
No. DentalMonitoring complements personal care but does not replace the necessary check-up appointments at the practice. If anything unusual appears in the scans, we will contact you additionally if needed.
