Often there arise questions that may increase the patient’s insecurity if they remain unanswered.

In order to show you that one does not need to approach this treatment with fear, we compiled the most frequently asked questions and the answers to them:


Gerneral questions

I am terribly afraid of dental treatments. what should I do?

The exaggerated fear of dental treatment may be subject to psychological or psychotherapeutic treatment. Proven solution to short- and longer-lasting operations is the semiconscious sedation (analgo-sedation), that introduce the patient into a relaxed semi-consciousness in which he breathes on his own (not general anesthesia).

This procedure combines the advantages of rapid efficacy, very few side effects, and affordable costs. Conditions: you must abstain from food or drink for six hours prior to the operation and have someone to accompany you on the way back home.

For especially sensitive patients it is also possible to proceed with lesser operations under hypnosis. General anesthesia for ambulatory dental operations is subjects to strict limitations on the part of state health insurance.

However keep in mind: our experience has shown us that many patients following an overt and encouraging conversation decide to do away with these additional steps.


Why must there be again an x-ray done? Is the radiation not too high?

The Federal Dental Association points out that in 1999 the absolute part of X-ray check-ups in dental offices amounted to 18,4 percent (that is the number of pictures taken) of the whole medical uses, but the radiation intensity of these check-ups amounted to 0,1 percent of the collective effective radiation dosages.

The DGZMK estimated that four X-ray pictures of the mouth or one panoramic picture equals the risk of smoking one cigarette or taking a flight over the distance of 9600 km.


I’m supposed to have wisdom teeth extracted - Why?

Most people with the full set of teeth lack the place for their wisdom teeth in their jaws. In the past few thousand years man in his evolutionary development became subject to the reduction of his jaws while the number of his teeth remained constant. Wisdom teeth that are not thoroughly and regularly flossed may become inflamed, contribute to the damage of the neighboring teeth or displace the other teeth in the jaw. As soon as a dentist, jaw orthopedist or jaw surgeon recognizes such need, you should schedule an appointment for the extraction of a wisdom tooth.
(Information of the Federal Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer))


Do I need general anesthesia?

In cases of the extraction of four wisdom teeth general anesthesia may be applied. Individual factors may play a certain role here as well. Whether the local or general anesthesia is preferable in an individual case, should be established in a personal conversation. Since 2007 general anesthesia is paid by the insurance only in a few exceptional cases, e.g. in case of children below 12 years of age, or by the treatment of retarded patients, or those who cannot be treated with local anesthesia.

As an inexpensive alternative to general anesthesia we offer semiconscious sedation/ analgo-sedation

Both forms of anesthesia (general anesthesia and analgo-sedation) require the following:

  • You must abstain from food or drink for six hours prior to the operation (if you really have to, drink one swallow !, regular medications may be taken).
  • You need to have someone to accompany you on the way back home (can be a taxi driver).

What is the actual difference between jaw surgeon, jaw orthopedist and oral surgeon?

Jaw orthopedists are dentists who have completed jaw-orthopedic specialization studies. They specialize in non-surgical treatment of a tooth displacement. A successful therapy of the displaced teeth is achieved by removable (so called braces) or fixed apparatuses.

Oral surgeons are dentists who have completed oral-surgical specialization studies. Their specialization is the equivalent to one of the areas dealt with by jaw surgeons.

Jaw surgeons (specialists for mouth-jaw-face-surgery) must graduate from Medical College as well as Dentistry College before they are allowed to start a five-year specialization in the clinic. That specialization encompasses the diagnosing and therapy of the diseases of the oral cavity, the jaw and teeth, as well as of the face and of facial part of the skull. Before taking the final specialization exam the dentist must perform extensive oral surgeries (tooth extractions, resection of an inflammation root apex, cist extractions), subsequently he has to do complex traumatological, tumor-surgery and plastic-surgery operations.

The actual specialization of a mouth-jaw-face surgeon can be completed with a three-year additional plastic-surgery specialization in the head-neck area (so called plastic surgeries)


Questions for implantology

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small device of titan that serves as the replacement of the dental root of a missing natural tooth. The implant is inserted in the upper or lower jaw, holds firmly in the bone and serves as anchorage for the tooth substitute. Dental implants can be used for a single-tooth or multilink cares.


How much does an implant cost?

Depending on the implant system and expenditure the insertion of the implant screw in the jawbone costs between 500€ and 900€. The total price will be determined on the basis of the following further steps of treatment and their prices: the preparation of the crown / bridge / denture that tops the implant, or a necessary additional bone transplantation. The Foundation Warentest determined in 2005 between 1800€ and 2000€ for an implant including supra-construction (e.g. crown), but without any additional bone transplantation.


Which costs of an implant are covered by health insurance?

Private health insurance pay according to the conditions of the insurance, sometimes even 100%.


Which costs of a dental crown are covered by health insurance?

Like in the case of implants, a private health insurance sometimes covers up to 100% of the cost, and the state health insurance as well, in certain exceptional cases - you may inquire about details there.


Are dental implants right for me?

Any patient who lost one or more teeth due to an injury, disease or caries, is a possible candidate for dental implants. The main limitation is the available bone mass. Your dentist knows best whether or not dental implants are right for you.


What advantages do dental implants have over dentures or a bridge?

  • Improved appearance; When you lose the whole tooth (the crown and the root), your face may look older on account of the atrophy of jawbone. Dental implants can stop that process. That is not the case with a conventional denture or bridge.
  • Keeping natural teeth; With a conventional care each tooth on either side of the gap must be filed in order for the bridge to be placed. In case of dental implants the filing of healthy teeth almost always can be avoided.
  • Permanent solution; You don’t have to worry about loose elements. The implant is stable and pleasant to wear. Following the insertion no adjustment it required. In normal cases it holds firmly all life long.

Do my teeth look natural?

When dental implants are coupled with modern restorative care, your looks, the comfort of wearing, and the performance will most likely by far exceed your expectations.


Lifelong if the implantation is performed by a highly qualified dentist applying the required standard of hygiene (OP-indications). At the same time, the patient’s cooperation in keeping a very thorough oral hygiene is an equally important condition.


Can I apply the same pressure when i chew as I did with my natural teeth?


Yes. After a short transitional phase the burden-bearing capacity is compatible with natural teeth.


Is the insertion of an implant painful?

No, since the patient remains under sufficient local analgesia or, if he wishes so, it may be performed under semiconscious sedation or even under general anesthesia


How long does it take to insert an implant?

Including the preparation time and the check-up it takes about one hour.


Can it happen that an implant will be rejected by my system?

Like it is the case with your own teeth, the lasting of an implant depends on a good care and regular check-ups. Provided that the insertion of an implant is done by an experienced surgeon and the implants heal properly in periodontium and are surrounded by healthy gums, the risk for the reaction of rejection is slim. Modern titan implants are not subject to reactions of rejection on the grounds of intolerance of the material.


Are there alternatives for implants?

Yes, the conventional denture in the form of bridges and dentures.


Can implants be inserted under general anesthesia?

Yes, but for that must be available the necessary equipment and anesthesiologists. These requirements are met at our location.


What materials are used with implants?


Only pure titan, which is specially coated in fast-healing implants.


Does old age pose a problem?

In some cases older patients think that on account of their age they cannot take advantage of the benefits of dental implants. Good health is here a far more important factor than age. When you are strong and healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you are probably healthy enough to go through the process of implantation. In case of some chronic diseases an implant treatment may be ill-advised. Following a thorough examination of your teeth and their medical history your dentist determines whether or not dental implants may be considered.


Can I as a diabetic have implants inserted?

Basically, yes, if – as usual – you are appropriately prepared by your doctor.


I already have several implants and i am very satisfied. How often should I have check-ups done?

Exactly as if they were your own teeth – twice a year, best by a dentist experienced in implantology or by jaw surgeon.


I heard you should not smoke when you have an implant inserted. Smoking could strongly influence the healing of the implant. Is that correct?

Indeed tobacco, alcohol, and drugs weaken the bodily strength that is needed for the implants to heal and remain in place for the rest of one’s life.


What is the approximate cost of a crown placed on an implant?


You have to expect to pay between 500 and 1000 Euros..


Do several implants come in cheaper?

Yes. As a single implant requires almost the same application of apparatuses and examination as several implants, it pays off, if needed, to have several implants inserted during one treatment session.


How long does it take for an implant to heal and when will I get my tooth placed on it?

As a rule the healing of an implant in the upper jaw should take not less than 5 months, and in the lower jaw at least 3 months. In some cases there can be used quicker-healing implants. That means that the time of healing is reduced to minimum and the implant may be already toped with a new tooth after a few weeks, and sometimes even immediately.

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