More quality to life due to tooth implantations

If a gap in the teeth is to be closed or a whole row of teeth is to be replaced, the treatment within regular dental medicine is limited. Implants can be used when the absence of suitable critical points, e.g. the natural teeth necessary for the procedure no longer exist. The implants allow functional, high-quality and aesthetic tooth replacements.

Today, dental medicine can offer solutions which were inconceivable in the past. Gaps, or even completely toothless patients are treated in no time.

Nowadays many people live with artificial roots. In virtually hopeless cases functional, high-quality dentures are possible using implants. However, implant care also has its limitations. The cooperation of the patient is essential to guarantee a long-term survival of the implant. Only patients who pay attention to their oral hygiene can be helped with implants.

Ex.: Screw implants

What are implants?

An implant (lat.) is an artificial body which is „planted“ into a living organism.

Implants replace missing teeth, including the root. They substitute the former teeth in the jawbone. During recovery, the bone fuses with the implant, enabling it to sit solidly. For at least three months, the implant lies below the oral mucosa, which acts as a protectorate. Afterward an additional device is screwed into the implant, onto which the „new tooth“ is then firmly anchored like a customary dental crown.

Instead of the root, the implant receives the pressure caused by chewing and initiates it into the jaw.

Who is in need of implants?

The purpose of every prosthetic dental treatment was always to replace the loss of the natural tooth as realistically as possible. However, the less teeth there are, the more difficult it becomes to reach this goal. Often a flawless function with extensive duration is not possible using prosthesis, due to the changes of the jawbone and the oral mucosa. Over time the prosthesis ceases to fit exactly and looses it’s hold.

In many of these cases, dental implants allow for a more optimal solution. Implants are possible for all toothless patients with bad dentures and for patients with big and small tooth gaps.

Ex.: Screw implants

Photos: approved by Sybron Implant Solutions GmbH

Which material do implants consist of?

The material that implants consist of has to be acceptable to the body. Dental implants are comprised primarily of titanium which also acts as a bone like coat. The application of material and the type of implant which is to be used depends on each individual patient. Thus the implant cannot result in a material-conditioned rejection.

How are implants applied?

Previous to the treatment with implants, every patient is thoroughly examined. Periodontosis and cavities in affected teeth must be treated beforehand. In case of a present general illness a consensus with the family doctor might be necessary. If the diagnosis calls for an implantation, the treatment follows a detailed discussion and clarification with the patient. The planning can begin and the operation smoothly carried out. The intervention is carried out under local anesthesia. According the the number of implants being used, the operation lasts between 30 and 90 minutes.

After the implant bed is prepared, the implant is inserted and the mucous membrane sewn closed again. The mucous membrane protects it against unfavorable strain during the recovery phase. Depending on the individual situation, the implant heals into the jawbone after 3 to 6 months. The patient receives an intermediate solution and attends regular check-ups during this time.

Ex.: Screw implants

Photos: approved by the company Straumann

How long do implants last?

The patient himself is responsible for the long-term success of the implant. An accurate and careful oral hygiene ensure protection against dental plaque and infections which could endanger the implants.

Many patients carry their implants free of pain indefinitely. If the patient adheres to all advice given, he will have a lot of satisfaction with his „third teeth“ for a long time.

Who pays for the implants?

Treatment involving implants is partially covered by most state health insurance plans, however this varies according to individual plans and the patients needs.

Private health insurance plans usually cover a large portion or up to 100% of the of the fees.

A better quality to life with implants

The „new teeth“ provide the patient with renewed self-esteem and a better quality of life. The set of dentures are barely noticeable to the wearer or to others. The functional and aesthetic benefits of implants can achieved at an affordable price. Commonly called „thirds“ can be used as natural teeth.

Implant prosthesis:

After the implantation, the artificial roots must merge with the natural bone. This usually happens easily and without repulsive reactions. Hazards for this important process are primarily bacterial infections between the implant and gums which can lead to so-called Periimplantitus and endanger the hold of the implant. Common causes of these infections are pre-existing illnesses of other teeth, for instance, Parodontitis, or the bacterial plaques which result from insufficient oral hygiene.

Only if the implants have grown together stiffly with the bone apparatus and are diagnosed without infections after rehabilitation, the implantation can be considered successful and the real prosthetic care begins. Here there are many types of substitutes and materials that the gap needing to be filled depends on. Whether single crown or bridge, the variants are diverse and must be customized from case to case, depending on the patient’s situation. For implant patients there is no age limit, because implants are basically usable without risk. However, implants require good care. Hence, a thorough oral hygiene and participation in the semi-annual prophylaxis check-up in the dentist’s practice are essential.

Aesthetic aspects of modern dentistry have won themselves an important place in recent years. Previously, the main focus of dental activity lay in the reconstruction of defects. Today, this and the striving to a perfect appearance dominate. Suitable fillings made from plastic and ceramics as well as ceramic crowns and veneers are the various applications used in dental coloring.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin, nearly transparent ceramic bowls. The tooth in need of a veneer is sanded 0.7 mm on the exterior surface and approx. 1 mm on the edges. In special cases there are exceptional ceramics which do not require a sanding of the tooth if correctly indicated. These ceramics distinguish themselves by a layer thickness of approx. 0.3 mm.

Image 1	Image 2

Image 3	Image 4

Image 1: source situation
Image 2: final situation
Image 3: veneer blend from the front
Image 4: dental row with veneer blend

Where can veneers be used concerning aesthetic improvement?

• unsightly tooth structures or darkened tooth color
• front teeth with many fillings of different coloring
• damage of the front teeth as a result of accidents
• small dispositions of the front teeth without additional jaw-orthopedic therapy

Advantages of veneers

The largest part of the tooth substance is spared, because the veneers are individually formed by the dental technician and stuck on the prepared tooth surfaces with special adhesives. Veneers show no edges in the gums, the crossing to the natural tooth is invisible. This way a flawless aesthetic result is achieved. The functional efficiency of a tooth with veneer resembles that of a healthy tooth – it is completely resilient.

Manual and instrumental FAL and Cadiax

The jaw joint is the most complex joint in our body. Not only because it is a so-called „turn-and-slide joint“, but also because when the right jawbone moves, so does the left one. In addition, the left jawbone moves to the middle while the right one may either not move at all, or in random directions.

All movements, in particular the non-physiological ones, may now cause pain – either by pressure on the so-called bilaminar zone, located behind the jaw heads or by irritation caused by a shifted discus (so-called „shock absorber“ between jawbone heads and jaw sockets). However, pain may also be released by disruptions of different jaw structures.

To find the cause of the patients pains, precise diagnostics with accompanying examinations and individual questioning must be carried out.

During the following functional analysis, a detailed examination of the chewing system is carried out. Considering the results of this examination, suitable procedures to release or remove pain are arranged. According to the diagnosis, other approaches may be necessary to locate the source of the ache. The concluding therapy (e.g. biting rails, coping with stress caused by crunching and pressing, medicinal therapy and physiotherapy) is adjusted according to the needs of the patient.

Pains in the area of the jawbone and the chewing musculature, joint noises (rubbing and/or cracking), restriction of mandible mobility and tensing of the chewing musculature often originate in the teeth. Crooked teeth, tooth loss, defective set of dentures, poor fillings as well as the crunching and pressing of the teeth (stress) can be the cause of discomfort in the jawbone area. Due to the close proximity of jaw and ears, jaw pains are often mistaken as an ear ache. In such cases the ear, nose and throat specialist often finds no explanation for the pains. Jawbone, chewing musculature and teeth form a unity, which means that diagnostics and especially the therapy must take all components of this united system into consideration. Principally the jawbone should not be thought of in isolation, but as a part of the whole. This means that, for example, a dislocated spine or a tense back musculature may originate in the region of the jawbone and vice versa.

Causes of pain in the area of the jawbone:

• Joint-related causes, for example misalignment of the joint disc (cracking while opening of mouth, mouth opening restriction and grater noises)
• Arthritis (ruptured joint disc – bone rubs on bone)
• Muscle pains – tensing of the chewing musculature by crunching or rubbing of the teeth (released by stress, missing teeth and poor set of dentures)

Functional analysis

A precise diagnostic with detailed questioning and examining of the patient is always necessary to find the cause of pains.

First a functional analysis is carried out. This includes a detailed examination of the chewing system. On account of the knowledge gained following the examination procedures, further courses of action, for example visual procedures (X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging), measurements etc., must be taken.

According to the diagnosis, different therapies can be indicated, e.g. bitting rails, coping with stress (crunching, pressing), medicinal therapy and physiotherapy. This reaches from light grinding of the interrupting contacts in the available teeth up to a newly formed set of dentures.

Manual and instrumental analysis

Concerning the diagnostics, a functional and instrumental analysis must always be carried out before the previously mentioned visual procedures.

The difference between manual and instrumental functional analysis is the they basically pursue different purposes. Manual functional analysis covers the structures of the jawbone which have fallen ill. So-called “pressure technologies” determine the damaged structures by putting adequate pressure on the jawbone. With suitable experience and technology the finest damaged areas can be identified.

Instrumental functional analysis, primarily depends on the individual movement of the jaw, as there can be considerable differences. Either the motion path is monitored on paper records two-dimensionally, using old technologies, or is analyzed by means of electronic writing utensils and computer support three-dimensionally. This way the articulator (also called chewing simulator) is essentially programmed to analyze the motion paths and determine the damaged places more precisely. Particularly here the Cadiax, IPR and DIR system should be applied.

Pattern of a chewing simulator (articulator)	The attached Cadiax-facial curve in the pattern

The path to a nice and healthy set of teeth an entire life long requires systematic care and attention.

Prophylaxis is the most important branch of dentistry. Disregarding these, merits all other measures as senseless. The biotope of the oral cavity influences one’s general well-being far more than is acknowledged or accepted. The mouth acts as the absorber of nutrients and enables us speech, feelings are expressed through it. In addition to being a prop to the lips and cheeks, the teeth are of great importance to the appearance of the face. Healthy teeth are a gift, underlining the feeling of general health. 

Teeth and gums fallen ill are not hard to come by. A large percentage of the population is affected by oral diseases. Nevertheless, dentists can help to prevent the slow and often painful damage of teeth and the surrounding tissue. There are few aspects of dentistry that are as effective and indisputable as the measures of prevention. Following long-standing experience with prophylaxis and founded on the results of international research, dentists can offer a program of prevention which is successful when consequently followed through. Thus treatments for existing damages in tooth and gums are only sensible if an intensive, organized and controlled prophylaxis is pursued.

Possible steps of a prophylaxis treatment

1. Initial condition before the consultation
2. Coloring of the layers
3. Prof. cleaning with ultrasound
4. Prof. cleaning with hand instrument
5. Polishing of the teeth with powder ray device
6. Polishing of the teeth with polishing paste
7. Coating of the teeth
8. Purpose of treatment: clean and healthy teeth

What distinguishes the systematic and organized individual prophylaxis from the standard prophylaxis?

No age limit

Also before the 6th and after the 18th year of age, many patients suffer from caries.
Dentists recommend the systematic individual prophylaxis for all age groups.

Measures

Dentists are aware that domestic dental care is not sufficient. That is why they apply professional mechanical teeth-cleaning during the systematic individual prophylaxis. Only using this method of prophylaxis treatment is the dentist able to use Fluoride in very small quantities sensibly and efficiently. Scientific knowledge determines the style and character of these measures.

Frequency

Frequency and expenditure of time for prophylaxis measures depend on the individual needs of the patient and are not limited by the regulations of the health insurance scheme.

Time Allocation

The available treatment time is determined individually. Good prophylaxis requires time and patience!

Every laser has it’s own special field of operation. Our practice for innovative dentistry offers various possibilities of treatment to the patient, as we have several laser systems at our disposal.

The practice uses „LaserSmile™“, „ezLase™“, „WaterlaseMD™“ and the „Diagnodent™“ laser.

Advantages of laser applications

Lasers can be applied in nearly all dental areas of treatment.

Simplicity and quickness, the absence of post surgical bleeding and edemas are characteristic of laser treatment. Additional preventions are not necessary. As a rule there are no restrictions concerning the patient’s dietary and general living habits.

• Gentle and effective
• Little or no numbing
• Little or no bleeding
• The healing process is accelerated
• Less pain
• Vibrations causing pain and the heat associated with drilling are non-existent in laser use.

During the application of a laser, an interaction occurs between the special wavelength and the molecule structure of the tissue being worked on. According to the setting of the laser, a thermal effect more or less appears during the application. The special thing about this intervention is that it is often treatable without numbing, in other words there is little or no bleeding and the healing process is accelerated.

Operational field of different laser types

	The WaterlaseMD ™ is the worldwide leading laser for practically painless dental treatment. The Hydro kinetic Er.Cr.:YSSG laser enables the surgeon a clean and exact cut. Also, the hard tissue has a high wastage rate which produces better results than the customary Er:Yag lasers – namely in a very diverse indication spectrum. In addition, many problems with drilling, for example, the micro fractures which weaken the stability of the tooth, are avoided. Moreover, in addition to virtually no pain a better hold of the fillings through an optimized surface structure of the tooth and a caries protective result are effected. With the use of the WaterlaseMD ™ we, as a dentist’s practice, treat the patient with careful and precise technology!
	The iPlus is the FOLLOW-UP LASER on the MD with even shorter pulses and thus increased preparation speed with less sensitivity for the patient. The menu navigation is more intuitive and the setting is understandable even for patients.
	The LaserSmile™ is essentially used for the bleaching of teeth, as well as within the confines of the root canal and gum treatment.
	The epicX diode laser is a further development of the ezLase with intuitive operation and higher performance values. The epicX is mainly used in the context of surgical interventions, root canal and gum treatments.
	The EzLase ™ is mainly used within the scope of surgical interventions, root canal and gum treatments.
	The iLase diode laser is a small, practical diode laser. The iLase is mainly used in the context of root canal and gum treatments. But it can also be used in other areas.
	The Diagnodent laser ™ is exclusively applied in the absolutely painless cavity detection. It also impresses by the fact that it recognizes carious defects not visible to the human eye.
	With dye and laser light, the HELBO therapy is painless and quick to use. & nbsp; It is a purely local therapy to destroy the bacteria and fungi that cause inflammation and, above all, has no negative side effects .

Laser in surgery

Another advantage in the application of laser technology in dental surgery is the fact that during an operation the patient can remain completely free of stress because they don’t see the customary scalpel. Blood vessels are hermetically closed with laser radiation, allowing a virtually blood-free incision. Thus patients who are inclined to bleeding can be helped with laser treatment.

Laser beams kill the pathological micro flora (bacteria and viruses) in the area of the surgical intervention, reducing the likelihood of a post surgical complication.

Application fields of the WaterlaseMD ™

General

• Desensitization

Filling therapy

• Anesthetize
• Work on enamel
• Work on dentin
• Corrosion of surfaces
• Removal of caries
• Conditioning and disinfection of cavities

Periodontics

• Disinfection of the root canal
• Treatment of the fistula canal

Prosthetic

• Opening of the sulcus before the molding
• Lengthening of the clinical crown

Periodontics

• Removal of infected tissue
• Deepilisation of the gum pockets
• Disinfection of the gum pockets

Surgery

• Opening of abscesses
• Removal of gum pieces
• Removal of lip and tongue strings
• Removal of tissue
• Herpes treatment
• Aphtha treatment
• Bone treatment
• visible enlargement of the jaw comb
• Root tip resection
• Coagulation

Implantation

• Location of the implant position
• Tissue cut
• Implant opening
• Opening of the maxillary sinus considering the area of the nasal sinuses membrane
• Therapy concerning implantation in general

Every laser has it’s own special field of operation. Our practice for innovative dentistry offers various possibilities of treatment to the patient, as we have several laser systems at our disposal.

The practice uses „LaserSmile™“, „ezLase™“, „WaterlaseMD™“ and the „Diagnodent™“ laser.

Advantages of laser applications

Lasers can be applied in nearly all dental areas of treatment.

Simplicity and quickness, the absence of post surgical bleeding and edemas are characteristic of laser treatment. Additional preventions are not necessary. As a rule there are no restrictions concerning the patient’s dietary and general living habits.

• Gentle and effective
• Little or no numbing
• Little or no bleeding
• The healing process is accelerated
• Less pain
• Vibrations causing pain and the heat associated with drilling are non-existent in laser use.

During the application of a laser, an interaction occurs between the special wavelength and the molecule structure of the tissue being worked on. According to the setting of the laser, a thermal effect more or less appears during the application. The special thing about this intervention is that it is often treatable without numbing, in other words there is little or no bleeding and the healing process is accelerated.

Operational field of different laser types

• The WaterlaseMD ™ is the worldwide leading laser for practically painless dental treatment. The Hydro kinetic Er.Cr.:YSSG laser enables the surgeon a clean and exact cut. Also, the hard tissue has a high wastage rate which produces better results than the customary Er:Yag lasers – namely in a very diverse indication spectrum. In addition, many problems with drilling, for example, the micro fractures which weaken the stability of the tooth, are avoided. Moreover, in addition to virtually no pain a better hold of the fillings through an optimized surface structure of the tooth and a caries protective result are effected. With the use of the WaterlaseMD ™ we, as a dentist’s practice, treat the patient with careful and precise technology!

• The iPlus is the FOLLOW-UP LASER on the MD with even shorter pulses and thus increased preparation speed with less sensitivity for the patient. The menu navigation is more intuitive and the setting is understandable even for patients.

• The LaserSmile™ is essentially used for the bleaching of teeth, as well as within the confines of the root canal and gum treatment.

• The epicX diode laser is a further development of the ezLase with intuitive operation and higher performance values. The epicX is mainly used in the context of surgical interventions, root canal and gum treatments.

• The EzLase ™ is mainly used within the scope of surgical interventions, root canal and gum treatments.

• The iLase diode laser is a small, practical diode laser. The iLase is mainly used in the context of root canal and gum treatments. But it can also be used in other areas.

• The Diagnodent laser ™ is exclusively applied in the absolutely painless cavity detection. It also impresses by the fact that it recognizes carious defects not visible to the human eye.

• With dye and laser light, the HELBO therapy is painless and quick to use. & nbsp; It is a purely local therapy to destroy the bacteria and fungi that cause inflammation and, above all, has no negative side effects .

Laser in surgery

Another advantage in the application of laser technology in dental surgery is the fact that during an operation the patient can remain completely free of stress because they don’t see the customary scalpel. Blood vessels are hermetically closed with laser radiation, allowing a virtually blood-free incision. Thus patients who are inclined to bleeding can be helped with laser treatment.

Laser beams kill the pathological micro flora (bacteria and viruses) in the area of the surgical intervention, reducing the likelihood of a post surgical complication.

Application fields of the WaterlaseMD ™

General

• Desensitization

Filling therapy

• Anesthetize
• Work on enamel
• Work on dentin
• Corrosion of surfaces
• Removal of caries
• Conditioning and disinfection of cavities

Periodontics

• Disinfection of the root canal
• Treatment of the fistula canal

Prosthetic

• Opening of the sulcus before the molding
• Lengthening of the clinical crown

Periodontics

• Removal of infected tissue
• Deepilisation of the gum pockets
• Disinfection of the gum pockets

Surgery

• Opening of abscesses
• Removal of gum pieces
• Removal of lip and tongue strings
• Removal of tissue
• Herpes treatment
• Aphtha treatment
• Bone treatment
• visible enlargement of the jaw comb
• Root tip resection
• Coagulation

Implantation

• Location of the implant position
• Tissue cut
• Implant opening
• Opening of the maxillary sinus considering the area of the nasal sinuses membrane
• Therapy concerning implantation in general

Dear patients

In Germany, according to surveys, 70% of the population feel uncomfortable before a visit to the dentist, 20% of them are extremely anxious and 5% avoid visiting the dentist completely.
These 5% suffer from the so-called dental phobia, which affects millions of people. < / p> The fears have very diverse origins, whereby “the uncertainty about what will happen at the dentist” and the trauma experienced during childhood are mentioned most frequently when visiting the dentist.

The fears that develop from this affect all possibly painful, invasive & nbsp; Interventions, especially the drill, a root canal treatment, the “pulling” of a tooth, but also the syringe to eliminate pain.

These patients & nbsp; experience their fears during a visit to the dentist not only psychologically but also physically: & nbsp;
The symptoms range from dizziness, nausea and sweating to palpitations and circulatory collapse.

How does an anxiety patient differ from a phobia patient?

Here is a small example to illustrate the difference:
A man drives to the airport, checks in, sits on the plane and takes off. After a while he sees smoke on the engine, then flames and hears the captain’s announcement that there will be a landing due to technical problems. The man has sweats, palpitations, wet hands, so fear, and justified fear.

Another man drives to the airport, checks in and takes off. During the flight, he imagines the engine full of smoke and flames and gets wet hands, sweats and a racing heart. This man is scared. & nbsp;

Another man who is sitting in the taxi to the airport and now imagines the situation in the plane with the engine burning. He also gets wet hands, sweats and a racing heart, whereupon he drives back home and skips the planned trip. This man has a phobia.

Consequences

Those affected mostly avoid any ZA visit and live / suffer with the consequences:

• Carious, discolored teeth with partly large defects
• Gum disease and bad breath
• Pain, resulting in increased use of painkillers
• Shame, and much more
• Often the result is a severe reduction in the quality of life and the social isolation of those affected.

General anesthesia

These patients often want treatment under general anesthesia.
This decision is particularly problematic for patients who cannot be completely rehabilitated in one session under general anesthesia or who have chronic diseases Suffer. The risks and side effects should also not be ignored.

But what about general anesthesia & nbsp; There is no way to cure someone of their phobia!
This is not intended to condemn general anesthesia, but should only be chosen carefully and with the strictest indication.

The phobia of dental treatment is a recognized mental illness and in pronounced cases can also be treated as such by a psychotherapist.

Sometimes, through close cooperation between the dentist and psychotherapist, an improvement in the condition (ability to treat) and healing can be achieved.

So how can patient and dentist? become a team despite all the difficulties?

• Talk to us openly about your problem so that your dentist and practice team can adapt to your situation. There are many patients who are extremely anxious and do not need to be ashamed!
• Let yourself be fully informed before the treatment and discuss with your dentist which treatment steps you already feel ready for.
• We take time for you! Our team is experienced in dealing with phobia patients and will guide you through the treatment in a friendly manner.
• You may need to bring someone with you who has your trust and supports you.
• Clarify the need for treatment and set goals.
• We offer you painless to painless treatments with the help of the laser, which works without contact and without the familiar drilling noise.
• If you are in severe pain, contact a dentist you trust as quickly as possible. In any case, you can also be helped with gentle methods (including the laser).
• With a previously determined treatment plan, you know what to expect and have the opportunity to adapt to it.

An example for the 1st appointment with us:

After you have answered our anamnesis sheet with a few questions, you will be taken to one of our treatment rooms, where you will first sit down and & nbsp; get to know your dentist. I.e. You report on the reason for your visit, your expectations and wishes. The doctor will then advise you on various treatment options. educate, e.g. explain the use of the laser.

This is followed by an examination of the oral cavity, with mirrors and blunt instruments (possibly the Diagnodent, a non-contact diagnostic laser) and X-rays may be taken. & nbsp;

Very important: & nbsp; You should never feel at the mercy! You have the option of interrupting the treatment at any time and influencing the further course.

Finally, your dentist will explain the necessary treatments to you and answer your questions. You can then plan further appointments and their schedule together.

Everyone who dives and many who have already flown have noticed that the pressure in the ears changes considerably. However, this is only noted if the surroundings change.

The altered pressure is also found in other body organs. The teeth and the gums, the jaw joint and the facial muscles, thus the whole oral-, jaw-, and facial area, are also affected.

Reasons other than pressure- and temperature change, are vibrations and stress. This means that dental medicine concerning diving and flying inevitably has to consider environmental factors in certain surrounding relations (in particular: pressure fluctuations).

The influence on the dental-, oral-, and jaw systems is especially likely to occur when there have been previous illnesses or therapies which have not taken surrounding environmental factors into account. Therefore dental diagnostics must take different environmental factors into consideration.

Irritated wisdom teeth and infected teeth along the root canal are especially affected. The phase in which the surrounding relations change is the point in which most problems appear.

Concerning aviation, the discomfort appears primarily during take off and in the landing phase. Since during diving a change in the environmental surroundings happens much faster, many problems are to be expected here too.

Names for such illnesses are usually: Barodontalgie, Dysbarismus, Aerodontalgie, Aerodontopathie, and pressure disturbance.

 

a pilot license since 1995	Safety diver since 1998 (Professional Association of Diving Instructors)