Loss of teeth and molars. You can loose teeth and molars by an accident, dental decay and/or inflammation of the gums and the surrounding strengthening tissue.

Eventually this can lead to the complete lose all your teeth and you will have to turn to dentures. The jaw bone however will shrink steadily, leaving little support and causing the dentures to be only loosely attached.

What is an implant? An implant is an artificial root, placed into the jaw bone. Implants are made of titanium and look like little ‘screws’.

Implants are small, have a diameter varying from 3.3 to 4.8 mm and are between 6 to 16 mm long. They are about the same size as a natural dental root.

Among the so-called tissue-friendly materials, titanium is the most appropriate metal for the construction of implants. Therefore titanium is used very frequently in modern medicine. (for example for bone fracture plates, artificial joints and pacemakers). Titanium is completely accepted by the human body; in other words, the body does not reject the strange material.

Since a very long time, dentistry has always tried to replace lost teeth as naturally as possible. The final result has to be the recovery at the appearance and function, like chewing, talking and laughing. Nature developed a perfect chewing system that can never be completely replaced by artificial means. An implant in the jaw as a pillar for tooth replacement is the closest one can get to a natural dental root. By now, placing implants has become a reliable treatment method and it normally leads to a predictable good final result.

An implant serves as a replacement of a real dental root and offers footing to:

1. A crown (replacement of one single tooth or molar)

If one tooth or molar is missing, for example by an accident, an implant can be placed in the created space. At a later stage a crown is installed onto this implant. This treatment has the major advantage that the adjoining teeth are left untouched and do not need to be ground for the placement of a bridge.

2. A bridge (replacement of several teeth or molars)

If a couple of teeth or molars are missing, a bridge or a partial prosthesis (frame or plate) can be made. For the installment of a bridge it is necessary to grind the teeth down. This is a pity of course, especially when it concerns healthy teeth and molars. Wearing a frame or plate is often considered to be a nuisance and moreover it places a load on the teeth and molars that are still present. Implants can be an attractive alternative. It is possible to make a bridge construction on the implants, just like with natural dental roots.

3. Dentures

If all teeth and molars are missing and the existing dentures are not fixed tight enough on the jaw, then it is possible to click the false teeth onto implants. In addition, shrinkage of the jaw is slowed down significantly by the presence of implants.

Sometimes the jaw bone has shrunk to such a degree that it is too narrow and/or too low to place an implant. Examination of the jaw bone with a.o. x-ray pictures will decide this. In these cases additional techniques are needed to allow placing an implant. For patients who use certain medication, or smoke a lot or are not able to keep their natural teeth in a good condition, implantation is not a good idea.

The implantation procedure consists of 5 phases:

1.    The examination: The examination consists of a medical and a dental part. X-ray pictures can help in determining whether sufficient bone is present.

2.    The implantation: Placing an implant is a small surgical operation. This operation can usually take place with local anaesthetics. An opening in the gums is made; then a hole is drilled in the bone, fitting the implant perfectly. The operation takes, depending on the number of implants, usually around 30 to 90 minutes. In general the aftereffects like pain and swelling are not so bad. Swelling following the operation, can be limited by cooling the cheek.

3.    The phase of growing in: It will take ± 6 weeks up to 3 months for the implants to grow into the jaw. The time span depends on a number of factors like bone quantity and quality. During the phase of growing in, the healing progress will be checked regularly. If desired, an emergency solution for esthetic reasons can be made.

4.    Placement of the implant structure: After the period of growing in, the implant structure is placed. On this structure the teeth replacement (a prosthesis, bridge or crown) can be fitted.

5.    Aftercare: A good mouth hygiene and regular check-ups (each 3 to 6 months) are essential for a long life span of the implants. Extensive studies and experiences have already shown that implants, if they are properly taken care of, will still function perfectly after decades.

Yes, in about 1.5% (upper jaw) to 5% (lower jaw) of the cases, a failure does occur. The implant does not grow into the jaw or comes loose after some time. In these cases the implant can cause sensations of pain and it will have to be removed.

A facing is originally a thin ceramic plate on a tooth is bonded with the intention of the tooth a more attractive appearance. Sometimes the ceramic plate on an uncut element pasted, but usually because of the form element to be ground down a bit. Sometimes only the front but often something from the top and sides. When the patient is below what rubbed off on all sides.

A crown is a type of dental restoration, which completely covers or surrounds a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the continued health of a tooth. They are usually attached to the tooth with a dental cement. Crowns can be made from many materials, usually made using indirect methods. Crowns are often used to improve the strength or appearance of the teeth. While unquestionably beneficial to dental health, the procedure and materials can be relatively expensive.

Depending on the situation, there is much or little of the tooth to be ground. On average, the treat tooth 0.8 millimeters from the front and sides and 1.5 millimeters ground away from the cutting edge. Of the teeth that you see below is nothing ground away and the facings on the uncut teeth stuck.

It takes roughly a week or two of a period of adjustment to get used to your teeth that have been changed in color, size, spacing and shape.

It is common to have minor sensitivity after your teeth have been prepared for your veneers while wearing the temporary veneers.

If you suffer from bruxism, clenching or grinding of your teeth, veneers can be damaged, chipped or cracked from this.

Veneers are not a good choice for individuals with unhealthy teeth (for example, those with decay or active periodontal disease), weakened teeth (as a result of decay, fracture, large dental fillings) or for those who have an inadequate amount of existing enamel on the tooth surface.

What causes inflamed dental pulp?

From tooth decay or a leaking filling, your pulp can become inflamed. A hard slap on your teeth can also be a reason. Bacteria are usually the cause of the inflammation. Are your teeth sensitive to drinking cold or hot drinks? That can be a first signal. Sometimes the inflammation starts without complaints, but also severe pain can occur. Your dentist must then remove inflamed gum tissue, otherwise it will die. When the tooth tissue is not removed, the inflammation will expand to your jawbone. This cuases bone loss around the teeth. Ultimately, much jawbone disappears and the teeth loose stand or even come loose. Your tooth may feel too high from this initially.

During a root canal treatment the dentist removes the inflamed or dead pulp. Inflamed or dead pulp does not heal anymore. It is an irreversible process. So get your dentist to inspect inflamed or dead tissue. A root canal treatment is also called cryotherapy or duct.

During a root canal treatment the dentist removes the inflamed or dead pulp.

Step 1

After the tooth is anesthetized, an opening is made through the crown into the pulp chamber.

Step 2

The length of the root canal is determined.

Step 3

Unhealthy pulp is removed. The canal is cleaned, enlarged and shaped.

Step 4

The canal is filled and sealed. A metal post may be added for structural support or to retain restorative materials.

Step 5

The tooth is sealed with a temporary filling. Usually a gold or porcelain crown adds further protection.

The material used to fill your root canal will probably last you a lifetime, but eventually the filling or crown may need to be replaced.

A root canal treatment with an anesthetic is usually not painful.

The length of a root canal treatment depends on the number of root canals. Teeth usually have one root. Molars have always more. The treatment time therefore varies from half to one and a half hours. Often the dental root canal treatment can be done in a single finish. But sometimes you have to come back a few times.

After clearing the root canal there can possibly be afterpains, which may persist for several days, but can be treated with painkillers and antibiotics.

There are many causes. The most common include ageing, consumption of staining substances i.e. tobacco, coffee, tea, red wine, cola, curry etc. Discoloration may also be caused by tooth trauma, nerve degeneration and old restorations.

This treatment is carried out in the clinic and is ideal for those who want fast and effective results. The whitening gel is applied directly onto the teeth and a state of the art laser is used to activate the gel, resulting in lighter and brighter teeth. You can expect to lift up to 10 shades in just 1 hour.

If you prefer you can whiten your teeth in the privacy of your own home using our custom made trays and whitening gel. This treatment uses a mild “oxygen releasing” gel and is simple and effective for those who want a more gradual and discreet whitening effect. Simply apply the gel using the trays for 30 minutes per day. You can expect to lift 3 to 5 shades lighter in just 5 days. However, depending on the amount of discoloration you have you may choose to continue whitening for up to 10 days until you achieve the desired results.

Some people experience some sensitivity to hot and cold drinks after treatment which will go away within 24 to 48 hours after completing your treatment.