QUESTIONS OF GENERAL CONTENT

• How much does a filling cost? An Extraction? A root canal? A periodontal surgery? An implant?
  

These are common and very important questions that concern the majority of patients and much more in today’s difficult times. However, the immediate response from conscientious dental practitioners who love and respect their work is a very difficult case. The cost of one of the above dental works or any dental work depends on the type of work, its size, the overall works required, as well as many other factors and data which should be taken into account. The most appropriate thing to do, is for the patient to present themselves in our place, the intended examination and checking of the oral cavity should be performed, and then the final cost of the work and the method of payment in a more precise and detailed manner shall be calculated. We believe that this is the most honest and moral answer which can be given to the above question when it comes to professional dentists who respect the work they perform, but mostly themselves! 

• Is there a possibility of paying with a debit or credit card in your place?
  

Of course, there is also the possibility of paying by debit or credit card, and furthermore, in the second case, even in instalments, as our office is equipped with a card payment system (POS). The method of payment is always determined in consultation with the patient, according to their needs and capabilities, as well as the possibilities of the practice.

• Do I have to book an appointment first, in order to visit your dental practice?
  

For your better and faster service, it would be preferable to book an appointment before. However, in cases where this is not feasible or in an emergency (acute pain, etc.), there is direct treatment by our well-trained and qualified staff.

• If I need a dentist in hours or days (e.g. 02:00 am or Sunday or a Public Holiday) when your clinic is closed, what will I do?

All you have to do is call the numbers of the clinic and our staff will be ready to assist you at any time of the day or night, even on public holidays. If necessary, there is a possibility of transferring of our staff to the dental practice for an immediate service, providing you with the appropriate treatment.

SPECIAL DENTISTRY QUESTIONS

• When do we need to visit our dentist?

 It is probably the most frequent question being asked to a dentist. The frequency with which we should visit our dentist for preventive purposes or to have some cleaning performed is not the same for everyone. Once every six months will usually have a good result. However, the attending physician is the one who will decide when a checking or cleaning etc should be performed, depending on the needs, oral health and the patient’s hygiene. For example, patients with periodontal disease should visit the dentist more often.

• When do we need to brush our teeth?

 It would be ideal to brush the teeth after every meal. If this is not feasible, it should be done at least twice a day, especially in the evening. It is important to follow the correct brushing method, in order to minimize the risk of damage to the teeth or gums. The use of oral solutions is not always necessary, and it is good to be made in consultation with the dentist.

• What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is basically an inflammation of the gums. Classical symptoms of gingivitis are the intense red and swollen gums, which bleed very easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible, so you should promptly visit your dentist. If not treated promptly and correctly, gingivitis may develop into a more serious condition, periodontitis.

• What is periodontitis and what is a periodontist?

     Inappropriate diagnosis and treatment of gingivitis can lead to a more difficult and serious condition, periodontitis. In this case, the inflammation progresses and grows in the bone and tissues surrounding and supporting our teeth. The teeth gradually lose their support, they begin to move, until they eventually fall.

     The treatment of periodontitis is performed by a specialized dentist, a periodontist, and is a more complex process than that of gingivitis. It varies depending on the degree of the periodontal disease.

     The periodontist is the specialist in alveolar bone, gums and tissues which surround a tooth in both prevention and treatment. Its goal is not to lose a single tooth from the patient’s mouth. There are several techniques to achieve this (surgical or not), always having, as an ally and friend, the as early as possible diagnosis of the disease. In order to maintain the therapeutic effect and to prevent the recurrence of periodontitis, patients join a regular procedure which includes periodic re-checkings by their dentist-periodontist and always in consultation with them.

• Is periodontitis associated with other health problems?

It is scientifically proven and commonly accepted that the health of our mouth reflects the overall health of our body. Scientific studies have shown that periodontal disease is directly linked to various diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and others. Still, it has been proven that the chronic intake of several drugs of wide circulation affects the state of the mouth and is directly related to the disease of gingivitis and periodontitis.

     In these cases, it is absolutely essential that our dentist performs a regular preventive checking as well as the good oral hygiene the patient should have, in order to maintain the gums and teeth in excellent condition.

• I am pregnant or intend to have a child. What should I watch for the health of my teeth and my mouth in general?

Recent scientific studies have shown that pregnant women suffering from gum inflammation or periodontitis (normal phenomena due to hormonal changes) are more likely to have premature labour and underweight babies. Bacteria which develop and exist in an unhealthy oral cavity pose a direct risk to both the pregnant woman and the fetus. Therefore, special care and monitoring of the oral health of a pregnant or prospective pregnant woman by her dentist are required, and immediate restoration and treatment of any diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

• What is a dental implant and why is the periodontist considered as the best suited person for its placement?

The dental implant is essentially the “foreign body”, which replaces the root of a lost tooth. It is made of titanium, the most biocompatible metal with the human body, and its placement in the jaw of the patient is surgically performed by a specialized dentist. A crown, the so-called cap, is placed on the implant. It can be used to replace or restore a tooth or to be used as a support for fixed bridges, for partial or even total denture. This is a modern and very successful way of replacing lost teeth with an amazing and very natural result.

     In the case where the patient suffers from gingivitis or periodontitis, it is necessary, as is reasonable and scientifically acceptable, to initially treat gingivitis or periodontitis, and then to place an implant and prosthetic restoration. It is not meant to place an implant in a bone and gums that are sick (gingivitis, periodontitis). The most important point of implantology is not the implant placement, but maintenance and treatment, if necessary. Therefore, the periodontist, being the most specialized in the bones of the jaw, gums and tissues, is the most suitable and specialized person, not only for the treatment of periodontitis and gingivitis, which must be preceded, but also for subsequent placement of the implants into the bone.

• Bridge, partial denture or implant?

The choice of the prosthetic work depends on the number of teeth we want to restore, but also on the needs of each patient. In modern dentistry, however, there are various techniques for restoring lost teeth. Some of these are the bridge, the partial or total denture, the implant, etc. Through the implant method, we avoid moving dentures which lack stability in relation to these, but also the bridges, which require the grinding of adjacent teeth. Anyway, the patient has to consult their dentist so that, with proper guidance and information, they choose the ideal solution according to their needs.

• Is it true that bleaching destroys the enamel of my teeth?

Many inaccuracies are heard about the destruction of the tooth enamel from whitening. Whitening materials and techniques used in modern dentistry are safe and do not, under any circumstance, harm our teeth. What is considered as important is good oral hygiene, smoking avoidance and the no intake food with pigments (coffee, tea, red wine etc.) for a few days until the tooth enamel returns to its earlier state, the enamel which is only superficially affected by whitening. An essential precondition for the success of this dental work is the supervision of the whole procedure by our attending physician, whether it is done in the dental practice by the dentist, or at home with individual whitening nurses.

• Is the filling with composite resin (white) or an amalgam (metallic) better?

Composite resin was previously not as durable as the metallic filling. Through the development of dental technology, however, composite resins become more and more resistant. The use of classical black fillings, nowadays, has been greatly reduced, as composite resin is more pliable and serves aesthetic purposes. Also, the latest scientific studies question the safety of the amalgam for the patient, as it is considered to be toxic. So, we think that composite resin is superior, compared to the amalgam. For this reason, if there are any old metallic fillings in our mouth, they should be replaced and removed, even if they have not undergone any corrosion.

• What is endodontic treatment?

Endodontic treatment, commonly known as a root canal, is a dental work which takes place in order to save a tooth with damaged or dead pulp, from the penetration of the caries and the microbes that accompany it to the inside of the tooth, namely, its nerve. It is usually accompanied by acute pain, an abscess and / or an edema (swelling). During the endodontic treatment, the nerve is removed, the root canals are cleaned and obstructed with special pastes. After the procedure has ended in the denervated tooth, in the majority of cases, because it is vulnerable, a cap or resin onlay should be placed, for greater protection.

• Why and when do I need endodontic treatment (denervation)?

Endodontic treatment is necessary when the tooth can not heal itself from one point onwards. Antibiotics and any painkillers help in the temporary suppression of symptoms (pain, abscess, etc.). Without any endodontic treatment, the infection can spread to the bone and there is a great risk that the tooth will be lost. The only usual alternative is to extract the tooth. But this can cause other complications. Although the export looks like a more economical solution, however, a gap is created in the place of the extracted tooth, which, in order to be able to be covered, a prosthetic work is required, such as the implant or the bridge. So, we realize that in such a case, the cost is rising. However, even in this case, the choice of treatment should be made in consultation with our dentist and always according to the needs and requirements of the patient.

• In what cases do we proceed to the apicoectomy?

When the inflammation is too extended and the tooth can not be “saved” through denervation only, the process of apicoectomy is considered as necessary. This is a microsurgical procedure in which the specialized dentist (usually a periodontist or a maxillofacial surgeon) proceeds to reveal the gums and removes a small piece of the root, together with the infected tissue. The edge of the root is hermetically sealed with a special blockage material. After the procedure, sutures are applied to the gum, in order for the wound to heal.

• At what age should my child visit an orthodontist?

The best age for a child to visit an orthodontist is at 6 to 8 years old. The sooner the problem is diagnosed, it shall be treated the faster, with less or no pain at all, and less money will be spent. We should never forget that prevention is better than cure. However, there are so many solutions and techniques, such as fixed orthodontic mechanisms (braces) metallic and ceramic devices for both young and older children, even for adults. Another modern method is the INVISALIGN clear braces, also known as invisible orthodontics, as well as the lingual orthodontics (Incognito technique, braces placed on the inner surface of the teeth).

• Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea, is there a solution in dentistry?

An alternative but also effective solution in most cases of a mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea or Snoring can be a specialized intraoral splint. This is a new, internationally recognized form of treatment, constantly evolving, with many supporters and with very good results. The intraoral splint consists of a mechanism made under the guidance of the orthodontist or dentist, according to the needs, the problem and the anatomy of the patient’s mouth.