Category: Dental hygiene

Category: Dental hygiene

Dental implants

Dental implants in Poland

Dental implants are an increasingly popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants are a long-lasting solution that can look and feel like your natural teeth.

The first step in the dental implant process is a consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays, and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. If you are a candidate, the next step is the implant surgery. During the surgery, a small titanium post is inserted into your jawbone, which acts as the root of your new tooth. The post is then allowed to fuse with the bone, which can take several months.

Once the post has fused with the bone, a connector called an abutment is attached to the post. This connector serves as the base for your new tooth, which is then attached to the abutment. The new tooth is custom-made to match your natural teeth in size, shape, and colour, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.

Long-lasting solution

One of the primary benefits of dental implants is that they are a long-lasting solution. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last for many years, making them a cost-effective solution for restoring your smile. Additionally, dental implants can help prevent bone loss in the jaw, which can occur when teeth are missing, and can also improve your ability to chew and speak properly.

While dental implants are a safe and effective solution for most patients, there are some potential risks and complications to be aware of. These can include infection, nerve damage, or implant failure. However, with proper care and maintenance, the risk of these complications is low.

Due to the cost in the UK, many Brits decide to have their dental implants in Poland where they can save up to 70% on UK prices.

Popular dental implants in Poland

All-on-4 / All-on-6 – This is a popular procedure in Poland where 4-to-6 dental implants are placed in the upper or lower jawbone to serve as a support for a permanently fixed (non-removable) ceramic bridge made of 10-14 custom-made ceramic crowns.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull. It supports a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis or to act as an orthodontic anchor. It is a fairly complicated and lengthy procedure requiring a minimum of two visits so you should bear this in mind when having your dental implants in Poland.

Dental implants in Poland

Osseointegration

The basis for modern dental implants is a biologic process called osseointegration, in which materials such as titanium form an intimate bond to bone.

The implant fixture is first placed so that it is likely to osseointegrate, then a dental prosthetic is added. A variable amount of healing time is required for osseointegration before either the dental prosthetic (a tooth, bridge or denture) is attached to the implant, or an abutment is placed which will hold a dental prosthetic.

Success or failure

Success or failure of implants depends on the health of the person receiving the treatment, drugs which affect the chances of osseointegration, and the health of the tissues in the mouth.

The amount of stress that will be put on the implant and fixture during normal function is also evaluated. Planning the position and number of implants is key to the long-term health of the prosthetic since bio-mechanical forces created during chewing can be significant.

Positioning

The position of implants is determined by the position and angle of adjacent teeth, by lab simulations or by using computed tomography with CAD/CAM simulations and surgical guides called stents. The prerequisites for long-term success of osseointegrated dental implants are healthy bone and gingiva. Since both can atrophy after tooth extraction, pre-prosthetic procedures such as sinus lifts or gingival grafts are sometimes required to recreate ideal bone and gingiva.

Fixed or removable

The final prosthetic can be either fixed, where a person cannot remove the denture or teeth from their mouth, or removable, where they can remove the prosthetic. In each case an abutment is attached to the implant fixture. Where the prosthetic is fixed, the crown, bridge or denture is fixed to the abutment either with lag screws or with dental cement. Where the prosthetic is removable, a corresponding adapter is placed in the prosthetic so that the two pieces can be secured together.

Risks & complications

The risks and complications related to implant therapy divide into those that occur during surgery (such as excessive bleeding or nerve injury), those that occur in the first six months (such as infection and failure to osseointegrate) and those that occur long-term (such as peri-implantitis and mechanical failures).

In the presence of healthy tissues, a well-integrated implant with appropriate biomechanical loads can have 5-year plus survival rates from 93 to 98 percent and 10 to 15-year lifespans for the prosthetic teeth. Long-term studies show a 16- to 20-year success (implants surviving without complications or revisions) between 52% and 76%, with complications occurring up to 48% of the time.

Medical uses

The primary use of dental implants is to support dental prosthetics. Modern dental implants make use of osseointegration, the biologic process where bone fuses tightly to the surface of specific materials such as titanium and some ceramics. The integration of implant and bone can support physical loads for decades without failure.

For individual tooth replacement, an implant abutment is first secured to the implant with an abutment screw. A crown (the dental prosthesis) is then connected to the abutment with dental cement, a small screw, or fused with the abutment as one-piece during fabrication. Dental implants, in the same way, can also be used to retain a multiple tooth dental prosthesis either in the form of a fixed bridge or removable dentures.

An implant supported bridge (or fixed denture) is a group of teeth secured to dental implants so the prosthetic cannot be removed by the user. Bridges typically connect to more than one implant and may also connect to teeth as anchor points. Typically, the number of teeth will outnumber the anchor points with the teeth that are directly over the implants referred to as abutments and those between abutments referred to as pontics.

Implant supported bridges attach to implant abutments in the same way as a single tooth implant replacement. A fixed bridge may replace as few as two teeth (also known as a fixed partial denture) and may extend to replace an entire arch of teeth (also known as a fixed full denture). In both cases, the prosthesis is said to be fixed because it cannot be removed by the denture wearer.

A removable implant supported denture (also an implant supported overdenture) is a type of dental prosthesis which is not permanently fixed in place. The dental prosthesis can be disconnected from the implant abutments with finger pressure by the wearer. To enable this, the abutment is shaped as a small connector (a button, ball, bar or magnet) which can be connected to analogous adapters in the underside of the dental prosthesis. Facial prosthetics, used to correct facial deformities (e.g., from cancer treatment or injuries) can use connections to implants placed in the facial bones. Depending on the situation the implant may be used to retain either a fixed or removable prosthetic that replaces part of the face.

Dental implants in Poland

TADs

In orthodontics, small diameter dental implants, referred to as Temporary Anchorage Devices (or TADs) can assist tooth movement by creating anchor points from which forces can be generated. For teeth to move, a force must be applied to them in the direction of the desired movement. The force stimulates cells in the periodontal ligament to cause bone remodelling, removing bone in the direction of travel of the tooth and adding it to the space created. In order to generate a force on a tooth, an anchor point (something that will not move) is needed.

Since implants do not have a periodontal ligament, and bone remodelling will not be stimulated when tension is applied, they are ideal anchor points in orthodontics. Typically, implants designed for orthodontic movement are small and do not fully osseointegrate, allowing easy removal following treatment.

Composition

A typical conventional implant consists of a titanium screw (resembling a tooth root) with a roughened or smooth surface. The majority of dental implants are made out of commercially pure titanium, which is available in four grades depending upon the amount of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and iron contained.

In conclusion, dental implants are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile. If you’re considering dental implants, it’s essential to work with a qualified and experienced dentist who can guide you through the process and provide you with the best possible care. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can provide a long-lasting solution that can improve your quality of life and restore your confidence in your smile.

FAQs about Dental Implants

How much are dental implants in Poland?

Prices vary from clinic to clinic; however, as a general guide: A single tooth implant in Poland will cost from £550, the cost in the UK is around £2,000. Full mouth implants in the UK are £7,000 – £28,000, in Poland the cost is £4,000 to £9,000.

What are All-on-4 dental implants?

All-on-4 is a procedure where 4 dental implants, depending on bone availability (i.e., volume, density, etc.) are placed in the upper or lower jawbone to serve as a support for a permanently fixed ceramic bridge made of 10-14 custom-made ceramic crowns.

How much do All-on-4-dental implants cost in Poland?

All-on-4 dental implants cost from £5200 – £7000 in Poland. In the UK, the cost is from £9500 – £16000.

Are dental implants removable?

The final prosthetic can be either fixed, where a person cannot remove the denture or teeth from their mouth, or removable, where they can remove the prosthetic.

What are the risks with dental implants?

The risks and complications related to implant therapy divide into those that occur during surgery (such as excessive bleeding or nerve injury), those that occur in the first six months (such as infection and failure to osseointegrate) and those that occur long-term (such as peri-implantitis and mechanical failures).

How long do dental implants last?

In the presence of healthy tissues, a well-integrated implant with appropriate biomechanical loads can have 5-year plus survival rates from 93 to 98 percent and 10 to 15-year lifespans for the prosthetic teeth. Long-term studies show a 16- to 20-year success (implants surviving without complications or revisions) between 52% and 76%, with complications occurring up to 48% of the time. Many dentists conservatively estimate that implants will last about 25 years.

What is osseointegration?

The basis for modern dental implants is a biologic process called osseointegration, in which materials such as titanium form an intimate bond to bone. The implant fixture is first placed so that it is likely to osseointegrate, then a dental prosthetic is added. A variable amount of healing time is required for osseointegration before either the dental prosthetic (a tooth, bridge or denture) is attached to the implant, or an abutment is placed which will hold a dental prosthetic.

 

Dental extractions

Reasons for dental extractions

There are many reasons why dental extractions are necessary, the main ones being tooth damage, due to breakage or decay especially when they are associated with toothache. Dental extractions are also referred to as exodontia or exodontics.

A dental extraction is a common dental procedure used to remove a damaged, decayed, or otherwise problematic tooth. While most dental problems can be treated with less invasive methods, such as fillings, crowns, or root canals, sometimes dental extractions are necessary to prevent further damage or alleviate pain. Whether you’re experiencing a severe toothache or your dentist has recommended an extraction for other reasons, understanding the process and aftercare is essential for a successful outcome.

Sometimes wisdom teeth are impacted (stuck and unable to grow normally into the mouth) and may cause recurrent infections of the gum (pericoronitis). In orthodontics if the teeth are crowded, sound teeth may be extracted (often bicuspids) to create space so the rest of the teeth can be straightened.

Dental extractions

Procedure

Tooth extraction is usually relatively straightforward, and the vast majority can be usually performed quickly while the individual is awake by using local anaesthetic injections to eliminate pain. While local anaesthetic blocks pain, mechanical forces are still felt. Some teeth are more difficult to remove for several reasons, especially related to the tooth’s position, the shape of the tooth roots, and the integrity of the tooth.

Dental fear

Dental phobia is an issue for some individuals, and tooth extraction tends to be feared more than other dental treatments such as fillings. If a tooth is buried in the bone, a surgical or trans alveolar approach may be required, which involves cutting the gum away and removing the bone which is holding the tooth in with a surgical drill. After the tooth is removed, stitches are used to replace the gum into the normal position.

Post extraction

Immediately after the tooth is removed, a bite pack is used to apply pressure to the tooth socket and stop the bleeding. After a tooth extraction, dentists usually give advice which revolves around not disturbing the blood clot in the socket by not touching the area with a finger or the tongue, by avoiding vigorous rinsing of the mouth, and avoiding strenuous activity.

Sucking, such as through a straw, is to be avoided. If the blood clot is dislodged, bleeding can restart, or alveolar osteitis (“dry socket”) can develop, which can be very painful and lead to delayed healing of the socket. Smoking is avoided for at least 24 hours as it impairs wound healing and makes dry socket significantly more likely. Most advise hot saltwater mouth baths which start 24 hours after the extraction.

Other reasons

  • Severe tooth decay or infection – (acute or chronic alveolar abscess, such as periapical abscess – collection of infected material (pus) forming at the tip of the root of a tooth.). Despite the reduction in worldwide prevalence of dental caries, it is still the most common reason for extraction of (non-third molar) teeth, accounting for up to two thirds of extractions
  • Severe gum disease – which may affect the supporting tissues and bone structures of teeth
  • Treatment of symptomatic impacted wisdom teeth – who have or cause certain diseases such as non-restorable caries or cysts
  • Preventive/prophylactic removal – of asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth
  • Supernumerary teeth – which are blocking other teeth from coming in
  • Supplementary or malformed teeth
  • Fractured teeth
  • Cosmetic – to remove teeth of poor appearance, unsuitable for restoration
  • In preparation for orthodontic treatment – (braces)
  • Teeth which cannot be restored endodontically
  • Prosthetics – teeth detrimental to the fit or appearance of dentures
  • Lower cost – compared to other treatments

Types of extraction

  • Simple extractions – are performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth, usually with the patient under local anaesthetic, and require only the use of instruments to elevate and/or grasp the visible portion of the tooth. Typically, the tooth is lifted using an elevator, and using dental forceps, rocked back and forth until the periodontal ligament has been sufficiently broken and the supporting alveolar bone has been adequately widened to make the tooth loose enough to remove. Typically, when teeth are removed with forceps, slow, steady pressure is applied with controlled force.
  • Surgical extractions – involve the removal of teeth that cannot be easily accessed, for example because they have broken under the gum line or because they have not erupted fully. Surgical extractions almost always require an incision. In a surgical extraction the doctor may elevate the soft tissues covering the tooth and bone and may also remove some of the overlying and/or surrounding jawbone tissue with a drill or osteotome. Frequently, the tooth may be split into multiple pieces to facilitate its removal.

Replacement options for missing teeth

Following dental extraction, a gap is left. There are various options to fill this gap including a bridge, implant or dentures.

Dental extractions in Poland

The cost of extractions in Poland are much less than in the UK. Typically, an extraction will cost £30 in Poland compared to £125 in the UK. Surgical extractions can cost as little as £65 compared to £295 (UK).

 

Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist Poland

A dental hygienist or oral hygienist is a licensed dental professional, registered with a dental association or regulatory body within their country of practice. In Poland, that is The Polish Academy for Dental Prophylaxis.

Once registered, hygienists are primary healthcare professionals who work independently of or alongside dentists and other dental professionals to provide full oral health care. They have the training and education that focus on and specialise in the prevention and treatment of many oral diseases. They play a vital role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

One of the primary responsibilities of a dental hygienist is to conduct thorough teeth cleanings, including removing plaque and tartar from teeth and gum lines. They use specialised tools to scrape and clean teeth, and they also provide instructions to patients on how to properly brush and floss to maintain good oral health.

Dental hygienist

In addition to cleanings, dental hygienists also perform oral health assessments and assist with dental procedures. They may take X-rays, conduct screenings for oral cancer, and provide fluoride treatments to help prevent tooth decay. Dental hygienists can also apply sealants to teeth to help prevent cavities, and they can provide recommendations for over-the-counter dental products that can help patients maintain good oral health at home.

Another critical role of dental hygienists is educating patients on the importance of good oral hygiene practices. They work with patients to develop a personalised oral care routine and offer guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques. Dental hygienists can also provide information on how to prevent dental problems, such as gum disease and cavities.

Dental hygienists work in a variety of settings, including dental offices, hospitals, schools, and public health clinics. They are licensed professionals, and they must complete a rigorous educational program before becoming certified. In addition to their academic qualifications, dental hygienists must also stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and advancements in dental care.

Dental hygienists have a specific scope of clinical procedures they provide to their patients. They assess a patient’s condition in order to offer patient-specific preventive and educational services to promote and maintain good oral health.

Periodontal therapy

A major role of a dental hygienist is to perform periodontal therapy which includes things such periodontal charting, periodontal debridement (scaling and root planing), prophylaxis (preventing disease) or periodontal maintenance procedures for patients with periodontal disease.

Dental hygienists work in a range of dental settings, from independent, private, or specialist practices to the public sector. Dental hygienists work together with dentists, dental therapists, oral health therapists as well as other dental professionals.

Hygienists aim to work inter-professionally to provide holistic oral health care in the best interest of their patient. Dental hygienists also offer expertise in their field and can provide a dental hygiene diagnosis, which is an integral component of the comprehensive dental diagnosis.

Services

In the dental office, the dentist and the dental hygienist work together to meet the oral health needs of patients. Some of the services provided by dental hygienists may include:

  • patient screening procedures, such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental charting and taking blood pressure and pulse
  • taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
  • removing calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth
  • applying preventive materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides)
  • teaching patients’ appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health
  • counselling patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral health
  • making impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts (models of teeth used by dentists to evaluate patient treatment needs)
  • performing documentation and office management activities

Periodontal Treatment

Gum disease is caused by a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Plaque is always forming on teeth, but if they aren’t cleaned well, the bacteria in plaque can cause gums to become inflamed. When this happens, the gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces called pockets.

Plaque then gets trapped in these pockets and cannot be removed with regular brushing. Untreated gum disease can lead to bone and tooth loss. If the periodontal pockets are too deep a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is necessary to remove the plaque in these pockets.

Scaling and root planing is a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins. Scaling and root planing is sometimes followed by adjunctive therapy such as local delivery antimicrobials, systemic antibiotics, and host modulation, as needed on a case-by-case basis.

Most periodontists agree that after scaling and root planing, many patients do not require any further active treatment. However, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain health. The maintenance phase involves continuous care, at patient specific levels.

In conclusion, dental hygienists play an essential role in maintaining good oral health. They work closely with dentists to provide a comprehensive approach to dental care, from cleanings to preventative treatments and education. By working with a dental hygienist, patients can develop healthy oral care habits and prevent dental problems for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Dental crown

Crowns, Inlays & Onlays

If you are having dental treatment in Poland, you’ll probably going to hear your dentist talk about a crown or dental cap. But what is a dental crown, how does it work & what will it cost? These are all questions we will deal with in this article.

Dental crowns are a popular dental restoration that can improve both the appearance and function of your teeth. Dental crowns are a versatile solution to a variety of dental problems, from damaged or decayed teeth to cosmetic concerns such as misshapen or discolored teeth. By covering the tooth with a custom-made cap, dental crowns can provide protection, support, and a natural-looking finish to your smile.

  1. What is a dental crown?

    A crown, sometimes known as dental cap, is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant.

    Dental crown

  2. Why is a dental crown needed?

    Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. Crowns are often used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth. While inarguably beneficial to dental health, the procedure and materials can be relatively expensive.

  3. How are dental crowns made?

    The most common method of crowning a tooth involves using a dental impression of a prepared tooth by a dentist to fabricate the crown outside of the mouth. The crown can then be inserted at a subsequent dental appointment. Using this indirect method of tooth restoration allows use of strong restorative materials requiring time-consuming fabrication methods requiring intense heat, such as casting metal or firing porcelain which would not be possible to complete inside the mouth.

    Dental crown

  4. What are the reasons why I need a dental crown?

    There are many reasons:
    Replace existing crowns which have failed
    Restore the form, function and appearance of badly broken down, worn or fractured teeth, where other simpler forms of restorations are unsuitable or have been found to fail clinically.
    Improve the aesthetics of unsightly teeth which cannot be managed by simpler cosmetic and restorative procedures.
    Maintain the structural stability and reduce the risk of fractures of extensively restored teeth including those which have been endodontically treated.
    Restore the visible portion of a single dental implant

  5. What are dental crowns made from?

    Crowns are either made from metal, ceramic or a mix of both. As the name suggests, full metal crowns are entirely cast in a metal alloy. There are a multitude of alloys available and the selection of a particular alloy over another depends on several factors including cost, handling, physical properties & biocompatibility. Dental ceramics or porcelains are used primarily for their aesthetic properties compared to metal restorations. These materials are generally quite brittle and prone to fracture.

  6. How much do dental crowns cost in Poland?

    A crown or onlay in Poland will cost from £300 on average compared to £795 in the UK.

  7. What is an inlay or onlay?

    Inlays and onlays are used in molars or premolars, when the tooth has experienced too much damage to support a basic filling, but not so much damage that a crown is necessary. The key comparison between them is the amount and part of the tooth that they cover. An inlay will incorporate the pits and fissures of a tooth, mainly encompassing the chewing surface between the cusps. An onlay will involve one or more cusps being covered. If all cusps and the entire surface of the tooth is covered this is, then known as a crown.

  8. How many treatments are required for a dental crown?

    Usually, two treatments are required because crowns are usually manufactured in a laboratory; however, it is possible to have this treatment in just one visit to the dentist using CAD-CAM.

  9. What is CAD-CAM?

    CAD-CAM (aka Computer Aided Design-Computer Aided Manufacture) is a fabrication method which aids the production of dental restorations e.g., crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays. It is possible for these indirect restorations to be provided in one visit.