What kind of materials are used for filling the teeth?

Materials used for fillings include a composite resin (tooth-colored fillings or white fillings), gold, and porcelain, which are used in inlays. Dentists used to apply amalgam, which is an alloy of Mercury, Silver, Copper, Tin and sometimes Zinc, but we don’t apply this material any longer.

How long lasting these fillings are?

These have the same color as your teeth and therefore, are used where a natural appearance is desired. They can also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco, and do not last as long as other types of fillings; generally, from three to ten years

Does it hurt?

With nowadays used anaesthetic agents it is completely painless.

If the amalgam filling is large, is it possible to replace it with white filling?

It depends on the patient and the situation. If there is not enough healthy tooth tissue and a large filling must be done, than the edges of the tooth can break down, in this case an inlay is suggested. The dentist makes a cavity into which the dental technician will prepare the consolidated filling, then the dentist glues it into the tooth. This way the original shape of the tooth can be fully set back.

What is the direct, composite and indirect, porcelain veneer?

It is mainly used on the front teeth, for correction of aesthetical faults, discolourations and broken teeth.
The direct technique involves placing a soft or malleable filling into the prepared tooth and building up the tooth before the material sets hard. The advantage of direct restorations is that they usually set quickly and can be placed in a single procedure. Since the material is required to set while in contact with the tooth, limited energy can be passed to the tooth from the setting process without damaging it. Where strength is required, especially as the fillings become larger, indirect restorations may be the best choice.

The indirect technique of fabricating the restoration outside of the mouth using the dental impressions of the prepared tooth. Common indirect restorations include inlays and onlays, crowns, bridges, and veneers. Usually a dental technician fabricates the indirect restoration from records the dentist has provided of the prepared tooth. The finished restoration is usually bonded permanently with a dental cement. It is often done in two separate visits to the dentist. Common indirect restorations are done using gold or ceramics.

While the indirect restoration is being prepared, a temporary restoration is sometimes used to cover the prepared part of the tooth, which can help maintain the surrounding dental tissues.

Is it possible to supply a tooth without abrading?

If only one tooth is missing the neighbouring teeth will be abraded and the absence will be replaced by a bridge. If those neighbouring teeth are healthy and the patient doesn’t want to abrade them, then implantation or a so called adhesive bridge can be done. The adhesive bridge is a glued technique: the missing tooth is formed from a special filling material and fixed to the healthy neighbouring teeth.

How can we replace a missing teeth?

The decision depends on the number of missing teeth, their position in the mouth and the condition of the neighbouring teeth. There are two options. The first option: a removable false tooth or teeth which is called partial denture. The second option: a fixed bridge. A bridge is usually used if only few teeth are to be replaced, or if there are enough post teeth to hold it, or if some of the teeth can be replaced by implants.

At the edges of old crowns a bluish discolouration can be seen quite often on the gum, how can it be avoided?

1. Abroading technique: with the traditional, old technique the tooth was abraded under the gum and the crown was dented into the gum, so the gum can be irritated, inflammated, becomes bluish and easy to bleed. With the modern technique we polish a line of demarcation into the tooth, which we call collar. The crown will lean on this collar and will not irritate the gum, so this will remain healthy.

2. Precision: the other important aspect is precision. If the edge of the crown doesn’t fit accurately the tooth it can also cause inflammation and discolouration of the gum.

What causes the bluish line at the edges of the crowns?

While making crowns first a metal base is pulled onto the tooth, then it is covered by porcelain which makes the crown tooth-coloured. This metal base can be seen through the gum. It can be avoided by using metal-free crowns, the base of which is Zirconium – this material is originally white, so we can avoid the decolouration on the gum.

How can be natural, lifelike crown made?

By using metal-free crowns. Zirconium is rapidly becoming the material of choice for dental crowns. It is a remarkably robust material able to withstand the wear and tear of every day use. More importantly however, it has a translucency that is very similar to a natural tooth. Light is reflected from a Zirconium crown in much the same way. This means that Zirconium will produce the best aesthetic effect, which is important if your new crowns are to be at the front. It is particularly the case when the crowns will be seen beside natural teeth.

The advantages of metal-free crowns and bridges:

– they fit the tooth very accurately
– they are lifelike, their translucency is very similar to natural tooth
– they ensure the best aesthetic effect
– they don’t cause allergic reactions
– they are strong enough to use them for dental bridge work

What causes the discolouration of the teeth?

Our teeth become even more grey during our lifetime. Coffee, tee, coke, wine and smoking can stain your teeth. These colouring materials are neutralized by the whitening substances and the original colour of our teeth can be seen again.
Before the bleaching procedure we check the teeth carefully. We take health and dental history (including allergies and sensitivities), observe hard and soft tissues, placement and conditions of restorations, and sometimes x-rays to determine the nature and depth of possible irregularities. During the oral hygenic treatment we remove the fur, do scaling and polish the surfaces of teeth. After this we check the filling and if it is necessary, we change them. The devitalized teeth that have undergone endodontic therapy need further treatment, which we call internal bleaching.

What is the difference between the at-home and in-office bleaching?

There are two main methods of gel bleaching – one performed with high-concentration gel, and another with low-concentration agents. High-concentration bleaching can be accomplished either in the dental office, or at home. Performing the procedure at home is accomplished using high-concentration carbamide peroxide, which is readily available online or in dental stores and is much more cost-effective than the in-office procedure. Whitening is performed by applying a high concentration of oxidizing agent to the teeth with thin plastic trays for a short period of time, which produces quick results. The application trays ideally should be well-fitted to retain the bleaching gel, ensuring even and full tooth exposure to the gel. Trays will typically stay on the teeth for about 15–20 minutes. Trays are then removed and the procedure is repeated up to two more times. Most in-office bleaching procedures use a light-cured protective layer that is carefully painted on the gums and papilla (the tips of the gums between the teeth) to reduce the risk of chemical burns to the soft tissues. The bleaching agent is either carbamide peroxide, which breaks down in the mouth to form hydrogen peroxide, or hydrogen peroxide itself.
Low-concentration whitening is far less effective, and is generally only performed at home. Low-concentration whitening involves purchasing a thin mouthguard or strip that holds a relatively low concentration of oxidizing agent next to the teeth for as long as several hours a day for a period of 5 to 14 days. Results can vary, depending on which application is chosen, with some people achieving whiter teeth in a few days, and others seeing very little results or no results at all. Whitening is potentially better at a dentist because the strip or mouth-guard does not completely conform to the shape of the teeth, sometimes leaving the tips of the teeth (near the gumline) unbleached. The bleaching agent is typically less than 10% hydrogen peroxide equivalent, so irritation to the soft tissue around teeth is minimized. Dentists as well as some dental laboratories can fabricate custom fitted whitening trays that will greatly improve the results achieved with an over-the-counter whitening method.

Does bleaching harm the teeth?

Tooth whitening, which is led by a dentist and done with the offered materials have no deteriorative effect. It won’t change the structure of teeth and the bleached teeth won’t be more disposed to caries than usual.
Tooth sensitivity, which is due to temporary water-loss of the teeth is usually present for 1-2 days after the treatment. Of course, it will disappear in a few days. To release your complaints you should use fluoride containing tooth paste and avoid eating and drinking cold meals and drinks.
In contempt of gumprotection the material can touch the mucous membrane and colour the gum to white. It will disappear in 15-20 minutes after rinsing your mouth and then won’t cause any furher complaints.

For what should I care after bleaching?

After the whitening you should avoid coloured meals and drinks (for example coffe, tee, coke, red wine, foods containing paprika) and smoking. You’d better use this opportunity for giving up smoking!

For how long will this effect last?

According to the patient’s customs it lasts usually from 1-3 years, but many patient needs only sustaining therapy for decades. Toothwhitening can be repeated!

What’s the philosophy of our office?

Every patient needs a tailor-made treatment, planned by the orthodontist and agreed with you, the patient. In order to decide what treatment is required for you, your orthodontist will need to carry out a full assessment of your teeth which is likely to include x-rays, impressions (moulds of the teeth) and photographs. Treatment can last for more than two years so it is important that you should be happy from the outset with what is recommended.

Why is it good to have a regular denture?

With a regular denture you can smile beautifully and irresistibly. Your face will be harmonious, your self-confidence will grow and you’ll more successful in your life. The risk of oral cavity will decrease. The jawbone will be strained equally, so you won’t have joint problems.

When should we start orthodontic treatment?

You can start orthodontic treatment at any age, from 3-4 years old as long as you want. The most important thing is that the patient – at any age – should really want it, because a high level of cooperation is required. First you can have an informal consultation, when the orthodontic specialist estimates the opportunities and problems. An exact diagnosis and a treatment plan is made with the aid of dental impressions and special a x-ray. During the second session the patient is informed about the treatment specially-tailored for him.
The orthodontical treatment started in childhood affects not only the denture, but the development of face. With an early treatment (even at the age of 4) we can assist the harmonious bonedevelopment. In this case we use removable or fixed braces.
Many things that are possible in adolescents are equally possible in adults. Crooked teeth can be straightened out in much the same way, although it may take a little longer to get there. The main differences arise because adults are not growing so orthodontists cannot harness the natural growth of the jaws to correct problems like prominent upper teeth.
If you don’t want to wear metal braces: Ceramic brackets are tooth coloured or translucent. They are less noticeable than metal brackets and therefore often favoured by adults. Treatment can take more than two years so it is important you are happy from the outset with what is recommended.

What are dental implants?

An implant is an artificial dental root made from Titanium, which is implanted into the jaw through a surgical operation and which keeps the artificial tooth or teeth firmly in position. The dentures and bridges fixed by the implants do not move in the mouth which is an important advantage during eating and speech. This safe fitting gives a more natural feeling.

Who performs the implantology in Joob Dentistry?

Several dental specialists may treat you if you get an implant. A dental surgeon inserts the implant. The prosthetic specialist or the general dentist prepares crowns, bridges or dental prosthesis. The surgeon is in control of the team, and they make a decision together about the type, number and place of the implant. All of our doctors are practised, the dental surgeon is Arpad F. Joob (Master of Implantology).

What kind of implant systems are used in Joob Dentistry?

In our surgery we use Nobel (www.nobelbiocare.com) and Straumann (www.straumann.com) implant every day, but our specialist are also practised in other systems.

Who can get an implant?

The patient is ready for an implantation if he or she is in good health, has good oral hygiene and possesses sufficient bone substance. During the preliminary examinations, the therapist informs the patient about treatment and surgery procedures and the planning of prosthetic dentistry. There are illnesses when you have to despair the opportunity of implantation temporarily or for good (for example severe diabetes or chronic inflammation).

What kind of examinations are required to decide whether the patient is suitable for dental implantation or not?

When consulting someone to find out more about dental implants you will be expected to answer detailed questions concerning your medical history and there will be a complete examination of your mouth and remaining teeth to discover the nature and extent of any current dental problems. X-rays or a CT-scan is also taken. Sometimes models and photos will also be needed so that these can be examined after your visit.
As described earlier, establishing good basic dental health is a key stage in any treatment plan. At this first appointment you should be made aware of which problems are urgent, and what treatment is required to stabilise any gum or tooth related problems.

What are implants made of?

Today, most dental implants are made of titanium, a metal that has special qualities that make it useful for this purpose. Titanium develops a thin film on its surface that protects it from corrosion. It is resistant to acids, salt solutions and oxygen, among other things. Titanium also is almost completely nonmagnetic and is extremely strong for its weight.
Perhaps most important, the body does not reject titanium implants as foreign objects. When implants are placed in bone, the bone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration.
Well maintained implants placed into adequate bone can be expected to last for many years and probably for your lifetime.

When is bone-build up needed?

To determine if you have sufficient bone substance, we need to perform preliminary examinations. If you do not have sufficient or healthy bone substance than bone replacement has to be made to make the implantation successful. The bone replacement and the implantation may happen simultaneously, but your specialist can decide if the bone build-up should be performed first, and then you have to wait till recovery before the implant is inserted. During the recovery time, you can also wear your dental prosthesis or bridge without any problem.