Questions and answers on dental topics

Please contact our practice immediately. We will give you an appointment on the same day. If the practice is closed, take a painkiller first. If the pain persists, contact the emergency dental service or the university hospital.

Outside our daytime and evening office hours, the dental emergency service at Regensburg University Hospital is available around the clock for dental emergencies. It is intended for emergencies such as acute pain, swelling, post-operative bleeding and accidents. Please understand that consultations, check-ups, denture repairs and similar services are not available during this time. The clinic can be reached by telephone day and night.

Please contact our practice immediately. We will give you an appointment on the same day. If the practice is closed, you can also try to temporarily attach the crown or inlay with denture adhesive. You can buy this at any chemist's or supermarket.

Sugar is harmful to teeth because it causes bacteria in the mouth to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

We recommend fluoridated toothpastes that do not have high abrasiveness. We therefore advise against whitening toothpastes with a high abrasive content, as these cause permanent damage to the enamel.

These are often very abrasive, i.e. they contain abrasive particles that can wear away the enamel. We therefore advise against using whitening toothpastes. As a rule, these do not lead to whiter teeth.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, tartar build-up, bad breath, gum inflammation, periodontitis and ultimately tooth loss. It also increases the risk of various diseases, such as cardiovascular disease.

As a rule, you should brush your teeth in the morning and evening – ideally with a sonic toothbrush – use dental floss and interdental brushes regularly and use an antibacterial mouthwash as needed. However, as this is an individual oral hygiene concept, you should discuss this with us in detail.

We recommend an electric sonic toothbrush, which gently and effectively cleans teeth using vibration. Studies have also proven that these brushes provide better cleaning performance.

It is recommended to floss daily.

Of course, you can also visit our practice as a National Health Service patient. We offer a wide range of advanced dental services for all patients, regardless of their insurance status. Our focus is always on providing the best possible care, tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Our goal is to provide every patient with high-quality treatment that is precisely tailored to their needs and health requirements.

No, we are approved by health insurance funds and, of course, also treat patients with statutory health insurance.

No, we treat all patients equally, regardless of their insurance status. Patients with statutory health insurance do not have longer waiting times.

Here, a distinction must be made between statutory health insurance funds and private health insurance or supplementary insurance. Depending on the tariff agreed, private insurance or supplementary insurance covers a fixed proportion of the treatment costs.

Statutory health insurance funds only cover what is known as standard care. This means that only the simplest, most necessary and most economical care is covered by the insurance fund. Today, standard care often does not meet modern, current and scientific standards, which is why an additional payment is necessary for higher-quality care with fillings or dentures.

As far as prosthetic care (e.g. with crowns, bridges, dentures or implants) is concerned, the so-called fixed subsidy system has been in place since 2004. Statutory health insurance funds pay a fixed subsidy for the treatment, based on the individual findings.

There is no general answer to this question. You should seek advice from an insurance broker, as there are so many different rates and each case is unique.

Prevention means preventing tooth decay and gum inflammation from developing or worsening in the first place. At our dental practice in Regensburg, this includes regular check-ups, professional teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments and, if necessary, sealants. This is always cheaper, gentler on your teeth and more pleasant than undergoing extensive treatment later on.

As a rule, it is sufficient to come in for a check-up twice a year. Statutory health insurance funds cover the cost if there is at least four months between appointments. We will be happy to enter the examinations in your bonus booklet – this may entitle you to a higher subsidy for dental prostheses later on.

We examine all teeth and document our findings in a dental chart. We then check the oral mucosa and tongue for any changes. If necessary, we also examine any existing dentures. This enables us to detect at an early stage whether caries, inflammation or periodontitis could develop anywhere.

The PSI is a brief measurement of the gum pockets. This allows us to see whether your gums are healthy or whether periodontal disease is developing. At our practice in Regensburg, we take this measurement in order to detect problems at an early stage and treat them in a targeted manner.

Yes. Regular check-ups at the dentist are usually covered by statutory health insurance twice a year. These appointments can be entered in your bonus booklet. The bonus booklet is your proof of regular visits to the dentist and ensures that you will receive a higher fixed subsidy for dental prostheses later on.

During professional teeth cleaning, we remove plaque and tartar even from areas that are difficult to reach at home. Your teeth are then polished and fluoridated. This significantly reduces the risk of tooth decay and periodontitis and ensures smoother, cleaner teeth. At our dental practice in Regensburg, professional teeth cleaning is an integral part of our preventive care programme.

After cleaning, any remaining plaque and discolouration – e.g. from coffee, tea or smoking – are gently removed using a powder jet device. A mixture of air, water and powder ‘blows’ the discolouration off the surface of the teeth and out of the spaces between them. We then polish and protect the teeth.

The deep grooves on the chewing surfaces are often difficult to clean. If there is an increased risk of caries, we can seal these fissures with a thin layer of plastic to protect them from bacteria. We will decide whether this is advisable for your child or for you based on your individual caries risk.

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to caries. That is why we usually apply a fluoride varnish or gel to all teeth after professional teeth cleaning. You should not eat or drink anything during the application time. As part of your personal prophylaxis plan, we will also tell you how you can fluoridate your teeth at home.

Yes, if the decay is only very superficial in the enamel (early decalcification), it can sometimes be stopped or slowed down with highly concentrated fluorides. Prerequisite: We detect it early – that's why regular check-ups at the dental practice in Regensburg are so important.

We assess your current oral hygiene status, your risks and your lifestyle, and then determine what is best for you: e.g. professional teeth cleaning every 6 months, special brushing techniques, fluoride application or sealants. This means you don't get a one-size-fits-all approach, but a plan that is truly tailored to you.

Children and young people are introduced to proper tooth cleaning in a playful way, learn about healthy eating for their teeth and are motivated to take care of their own oral hygiene. The aim is to keep teeth healthy from childhood onwards – supported by regular check-ups at the dentist in Regensburg.

During a routine check-up, we can provide you with a non-binding cost estimate at any time. First, we work with you to determine the optimal position for your front teeth. After taking impressions, the necessary individual correction steps and the total duration of treatment are planned in the laboratory and a non-binding, free cost estimate is prepared.

If desired, splints are then manufactured to move the teeth in small steps until the desired end result is achieved. At the end of the treatment, we will work with you to determine whether further corrections are necessary or whether we should manufacture a retainer for the lower jaw and a night splint for the upper jaw to ensure the long-term success of the treatment.

Correcting tooth position is possible at any time, regardless of the patient's age.

The cost depends on the extent of the tooth alignment correction required. We will be happy to provide you with a non-binding, free estimate.

Aligner therapy is an orthodontic method for the virtually invisible correction of minor tooth or front tooth misalignments. It involves wearing thin, transparent plastic aligners that are custom-made for you and designed by us at our dental practice in Regensburg.

They are suitable for patients who want to correct their front teeth but do not want to wear visible fixed appliances (brackets, fixed braces). With the transparent aligner, the position of the teeth can be discreetly improved even in adulthood.

The aligners should be worn for most of the day so that the teeth can move evenly. They are only removed for eating and daily cleaning – this is part of the treatment process and makes the therapy suitable for everyday use.

First, we work with you to determine the optimal position for your front teeth. We then take impressions and discuss the individual correction steps and the overall treatment duration in the laboratory. Based on this, we provide you with a non-binding cost estimate. Next, we fabricate the aligners that will move your teeth step by step into the planned position.

The cost depends on how many correction steps and braces are needed. At our dental practice in Regensburg, we can provide you with a non-binding cost estimate as part of a normal check-up, based on the actual position of your teeth.

The planning of the individual correction steps and the manufacture of the aligners are carried out in collaboration with a highly experienced orthodontic laboratory in Regensburg. This allows us to provide treatment and aftercare from a single source and make adjustments as necessary.

Finally, we will jointly assess whether any further corrections are necessary or whether a retainer should be fitted in the lower jaw and a splint for night-time wear in the upper jaw. This will ensure that the results achieved are permanent.

The splints are transparent and very thin, making them virtually invisible to others. Speaking is usually possible without any problems.

The necessary corrective steps and the total duration of treatment are planned in the laboratory after the impression has been taken. This planning forms the basis for the further course of treatment.

First, make an appointment for a consultation at our practice. No treatment will be carried out during this appointment; instead, we will simply assess your treatment needs and discuss them with you. This initial consultation can often help to reduce any fears you may have. We are particularly sensitive to the wishes and needs of patients with dental anxiety. We value a relaxed and calm atmosphere in which you, as a patient, feel well cared for. We will discuss everything else with you at your leisure, including the option of treatment with nitrous oxide.

Yes, we also treat patients with nitrous oxide, of course.

Before treatment, we first measure the patient's blood pressure. We attach a pulse oximeter so that we can regularly check the patient's pulse and blood oxygen saturation during treatment. Then, a nasal mask that fits the patient perfectly is selected and put on. A mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen is now administered to the patient through this mask. At the beginning, the nitrous oxide concentration is gradually increased and checked until the effect is fully developed. Once the patient feels relaxed, the actual dental treatment is carried out. After completion, the nitrous oxide content is reduced and the patient is supplied with pure oxygen for a few minutes to ensure that all nitrous oxide has been exhaled. When the patient feels ready, they may get up and leave the practice.

Yes. At our dental practice in Regensburg, we can only talk, explain and plan during the first appointment – without providing any direct treatment. This way, you know exactly what will be done and remain in control.

It is often because you cannot speak during treatment, cannot see what is being done, and cannot identify the sounds made by the equipment. This leads to a feeling of helplessness. Previous bad experiences or reports from others can also increase fear of the dentist.

We explain each step before, during and after the treatment, check in with you along the way and give you the opportunity to take a short break. We allow plenty of time to avoid stress and pressure and create a calm atmosphere.

During nitrous oxide sedation, you breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a nasal mask. This calms you down, relieves tension and makes the treatment seem shorter. However, you remain awake and responsive throughout.

Yes. You remain awake, able to respond and in control. This is precisely why nitrous oxide is well suited for anxious patients.

The nitrous oxide is absorbed through the lungs and 99% of it is exhaled through the lungs. We monitor your vital signs throughout the entire procedure. There are only a few cases of general illnesses in which nitrous oxide should not be used – we will discuss this with you beforehand.

Nitrous oxide can be used for almost any type of dental treatment – especially if you are very tense or have long appointments ahead of you.

Yes. We announce each step of the treatment and ask for your feedback. If you give us a signal, we will pause briefly. This allows you to remain in control and means you don't have to “endure” anything.

Yes, that is possible. Especially if you are afraid of the dentist, having a familiar person accompany you can help you feel more secure. Just let us know in advance.

Then we stop. We work with clear signals so that you can make yourself known. The calm atmosphere and the announced steps usually help to quickly reduce tension.

Yes. We tell you in advance when anaesthesia will be necessary and administer it as gently as possible. With nitrous oxide, injections are much easier for many patients to tolerate.

We consider all treatments that improve the appearance of teeth to be cosmetic dentistry – for example, veneers, all-ceramic inlays/onlays/partial crowns, tooth-coloured composites, minimally invasive fillings and minor shape corrections (shaping). We always take the gums and the interaction between the upper and lower jaw into account.

Veneers are very thin, translucent ceramic shells that are bonded to the front teeth in particular. They can be used to visually correct discolouration, small gaps between teeth, broken corners or slight misalignments. The visible tooth surface then appears more harmonious.

We use these restorations primarily for tooth defects in the posterior region, e.g. after caries. The ceramic part is custom-made in the laboratory and bonded to the tooth. An inlay replaces only parts of the chewing surface, an onlay also covers the cusps, and a partial crown replaces larger areas of the tooth – always tooth-coloured and very stable.

All-ceramic restorations are tooth-coloured, stable and can be bonded in place. This stabilises the existing tooth structure and produces a very natural-looking result.

Yes. We work with tooth-coloured composites in various shades so that the filling can be matched to the natural tooth. In the posterior region, we use reinforced composites with ceramic particles so that they can better absorb chewing forces.

This means that we only remove as much tooth substance as is absolutely necessary. With magnifying glasses, very fine instruments and special matrix systems, even small areas of caries can be treated with pinpoint accuracy – healthy tooth material is preserved.

Yes. Shaping involves slightly straightening and polishing the teeth in the enamel area or correcting small edges. This allows minor crowding or frayed cutting edges, for example, to be discreetly improved.

Yes. Your text clearly states that aesthetics and function go hand in hand. That is why we make sure that not only the colour of the teeth is right, but also the gums and the interaction between the upper and lower jaw.

Veneers are very thin ceramic shells manufactured in a laboratory that are bonded to the front of the teeth and can change the entire visible surface. Tooth-coloured composites are built up directly in the mouth and are more suitable for smaller defects or fillings. If the surface of a front tooth needs to be completely redesigned, a veneer is often the better aesthetic solution.

If a tooth defect is larger and several areas of the chewing surface or tooth walls are already affected, a normal filling is often no longer sufficient. In this case, a ceramic partial crown is the more durable and stable solution – it replaces only the damaged part and preserves the remaining tooth substance.

Minimally invasive means that only the diseased area is removed – not a large area around it. With magnifying glasses, fine preparations and matrix systems, even small areas of caries can be treated very precisely. Amalgam-free means that modern, tooth-coloured materials are used.

Yes. Tooth-coloured composites are available in many shades, allowing fillings to be matched to the natural colour of the teeth. Ceramic restorations can also be custom-made by the laboratory to match the colour of the teeth – this is important for a harmonious overall appearance.

Teeth discolouration is usually caused by tobacco use, smoking or drinking tea and coffee. In most cases, this is surface discolouration that can be removed with professional teeth cleaning. In some cases, a dead tooth can also turn dark, e.g. after trauma.

Preparations containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are used for teeth whitening. They can penetrate the tooth and split off oxygen radicals there. These are able to chemically alter pigments in the tooth so that they no longer appear in colour. After taking impressions of the teeth and producing a model, custom-fit plastic trays are created. For teeth whitening, these trays are filled with bleaching gel and left in the mouth at home for 2 hours. After 10 days of use, we carry out an initial colour check and look at the results with you using the before and after photos we have taken. Depending on the result, individual discolorations can then be corrected.

Whitening is a safe method when carried out under dental supervision and following a prior examination. That is why we always start with a dental check-up and professional teeth cleaning.

Crowns, bridges, other dentures and fillings cannot be whitened. Only tooth enamel can be bleached.

That depends on the individual situation. We would be happy to provide you with a non-binding and free cost estimate.

We distinguish between medical and cosmetic reasons. Medically, whitening can be useful if teeth have become dark due to enamel defects or after root canal treatment. Cosmetic whitening is used to lighten the natural colour of the teeth.

Discolouration can come from within – e.g. due to medication, dental accidents, tooth decay, dead tooth nerves – or from outside, e.g. due to coffee, tea, red wine or tobacco consumption. Age also plays a role.

So that we can see the actual original colour and the whitening gel can reach the tooth. Any build-up is removed beforehand so that the whitening can be more even.

First, impressions of your teeth are taken and customised plastic trays are made. You fill these with whitening gel at home and wear them for approx. 2 hours. After about 10 days, you come to our practice in Regensburg for a colour check, and we can also make any necessary corrections to individual areas.

If a single tooth that has undergone root canal treatment has become discoloured, it can be whitened from the inside. To do this, the tooth is opened, a whitening agent is inserted and the tooth is temporarily sealed. After a few days, the material is removed and the tooth is permanently sealed.

The whitening usually lasts for several years. How long exactly depends on your oral hygiene and habits – strongly discolouring foods or smoking can affect the result more quickly. Regular professional teeth cleaning can help the result remain stable for longer.

Yes. If your teeth darken again after a while, the whitening process can be repeated. The bleaching trays that were made for you can usually be reused for this purpose.

Yes, that is exactly what internal bleaching is for – e.g. for teeth that have undergone root canal treatment and are discoloured from the inside.

The healing phase after a tooth extraction usually takes around 6 weeks.

Depending on the individual situation, the healing time for an implant is usually 3 months. After that, it can be fitted with a dental prosthesis, e.g. a crown. If bone augmentation is necessary beforehand, the waiting time is extended by about 6 months.

This depends on the bone availability and the individual situation.

There is no general answer to this question, as it depends on the individual circumstances of the patient. It also depends on the amount of bone available. If bone augmentation is necessary beforehand, you will incur additional costs. We will be happy to provide you with an individual cost estimate.

If you decide to have dental implants, you will normally have high-quality dentures that will last for many years. It is important that the implants grow into the jaw properly and are well cared for. Good oral hygiene and regular professional teeth cleaning play a crucial role in ensuring durability.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is anchored in the jaw. A crown, bridge or even a prosthesis can then be attached to it. This is how we restore chewing function and aesthetics after tooth loss at our dental practice in Regensburg.

First, we will have a detailed consultation. During the preliminary examination, we will check for inflammation, assess the condition of your bones and determine your overall suitability. We will then plan the number and type of implants and draw up a treatment and cost plan. The implantation itself is usually performed under local anaesthetic, followed by a healing phase and later the fitting of dentures.

Statutory health insurance funds do not cover the actual costs of implants. Only the dentures placed on top of them are subsidised as part of standard care. You can see the expected personal contribution in the treatment and cost plan.

Because we can only achieve stable results if there is no inflammation, sufficient bone is available and the patient is suitable for the procedure. If, for example, there is inflammation in the jaw, this must be treated first.

Then bone augmentation may be necessary. This involves rebuilding the jaw so that the implant can be firmly anchored again later. Bone loss often occurs after tooth loss or due to dental disease and should be treated in good time.

The implantation is usually performed under local anaesthetic. Once the jaw is numb, we begin the procedure. After the operation, the patient should take it easy, maintain good oral hygiene and attend follow-up appointments.

The implant must first heal firmly into the bone. During this time, we regularly check the wound healing. Only when the implant is stable is it exposed, an impression taken and the final denture inserted.

If periodontitis has progressed to such an extent that normal treatment is no longer sufficient, the gum pockets can be opened surgically and the roots thoroughly cleaned, e.g. with ultrasound. This serves to preserve the teeth in the long term.

Yes. Implants can not only replace individual teeth, but also serve as anchors for removable dentures. This makes the prosthesis sit more securely and significantly improves chewing function.

Physical exertion should be avoided immediately after implantation. Good oral hygiene and disinfectant rinses support healing. The practice in Regensburg checks the healing process at regular intervals.

Untreated bone loss can continue to progress and also jeopardise the anchoring of other teeth. Timely bone augmentation therefore not only stabilises the planned implant, but also protects the rest of the dentition.

For patients who want fixed dentures after tooth loss – functional and aesthetic – and whose bone situation (possibly after augmentation) and general health allow the procedure.

Usually when the following criteria apply: the teeth do not have enough space in the oral cavity or are displacing other teeth after orthodontic treatment, the teeth are destroyed by caries, the teeth make cleaning difficult, the teeth have inflammation at the root site, the teeth are severely displaced and may damage neighbouring teeth, or the wisdom teeth cause pain in the masticatory muscles or jaw joint.

In rare cases, yes, if the wisdom teeth are not displaced in the bone. Otherwise, we refer patients to colleagues in oral surgery.

Yes, we also perform surgical procedures such as implant placement, tooth extractions, periodontal surgery and bone augmentation.

We distinguish between fixed dentures (e.g. crowns, partial crowns, bridges), removable dentures (full and partial dentures) and combined dentures, which consist of a fixed and a removable part. In addition, implants can be used as artificial tooth roots.

Since 2004, statutory health insurance companies have only covered what is known as standard care – the crown covered by health insurance. This means that only the simplest, most necessary and most economical treatment is covered by the insurance company. Today, standard care often does not meet modern, current and scientific standards, which is why a co-payment is necessary for higher-quality treatments, e.g. all-ceramic crowns.

A dental crown is necessary when a tooth is so badly damaged by caries or an accident that a filling is no longer possible. In this case, the crown covers the entire tooth.

This depends on the individual case and whether it is a standard treatment or an all-ceramic crown.

A bridge is used when one or more teeth are missing and the adjacent teeth are intact enough to support the bridge. It is a good solution when implants are not an option or are not possible.

A partial denture is a removable dental prosthesis that replaces individual missing teeth. There are various options for anchoring it to the remaining teeth.

A full denture, also known as a total denture, is a removable dental prosthesis that replaces all the teeth in a jaw. In this case, there are no natural teeth left.

We distinguish between fixed dentures (e.g. crowns, partial crowns, bridges), removable dentures (full and partial dentures) and combined dentures, which consist of a fixed and a removable part. In addition, implants can be used as artificial tooth roots.

Fixed dentures are permanently attached to existing teeth. These abutment teeth then also bear the chewing load of the replaced teeth. This is the closest to the natural situation and can almost completely restore chewing and speaking functions.

Bridges close one or more gaps between teeth by attaching them to adjacent abutment teeth. They consist of bridge abutments and bridge elements and can be made of zirconium or ceramic, for example.

With combined dentures, one part is firmly anchored in the mouth (e.g. telescopic bridge with double crowns) and one part is removable. This ensures good wearing comfort and, at the same time, good cleanability.

These include full and partial dentures as well as telescopic dentures. They are not permanently anchored in the mouth. The advantages are the comparatively low cost and the possibility of extending them later. Disadvantages include limited chewing function, possible denture retention and the often less aesthetic effect.

In the upper jaw, the palate plate still provides a certain amount of adhesion. In the lower jaw, it is often more difficult to achieve a secure fit. In addition, removable dentures do not place natural pressure on the jawbone, which can lead to bone loss and further impair the fit.

An implant is an artificial tooth root replacement onto which a crown or other dental prosthesis is attached. It is useful, for example, when a single tooth is missing and the healthy neighbouring teeth should not be ground down for a bridge, or when a prosthesis needs to be stabilised.

Implants offer natural aesthetics, high wearing and chewing comfort and a long service life. In addition, neighbouring teeth do not need to be ground down and the stress on the bone prevents further bone loss.

Dentures not only restore chewing function, but also influence aesthetics and speech. Well-planned dentures in Regensburg therefore always take function and appearance into account.

Yes. This is one of the advantages of classic partial and full dentures – they can be adjusted relatively easily if the condition of your teeth changes.

The causes of periodontitis are often smoking, diabetes, plaque and poor oral hygiene. In some cases, genetic risk factors also play a role.

If you have gum pockets, swollen or frequently bleeding gums, loose teeth or teeth that are shifting, you should have them checked to see if periodontitis is the cause. X-rays are often helpful in making a diagnosis. Once the diagnosis has been made, periodontitis treatment is essential to prevent the disease from progressing.

The treatment is carried out under anaesthesia. Hard and soft deposits are removed below the gum line. This is done using both hand instruments and sonic and ultrasonic devices. After one to two weeks of healing, the results of this treatment are checked by examining the healing of the gums and, if necessary, repeating the measures in individual areas.

The treatment is performed under anaesthesia and is therefore not painful.

After periodontal treatment, lifelong maintenance therapy is necessary, consisting of regular oral hygiene at home by the patient and regular professional teeth cleaning. The latter should be carried out every 3-6 months, depending on the severity of the disease.

There can be several reasons for this. It is often due to progressive periodontitis, i.e. inflammation of the periodontium, or permanent misalignment of the tooth. Trauma can also lead to loose teeth. Measuring the periodontal pocket or taking an X-ray often provides information.

There is no simple answer to this question. It depends on the cause of the loosening and its severity.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums only and is therefore a preliminary stage. If left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis – an inflammation of the entire periodontium, which in the worst case can lead to tooth loss. For this reason, gingivitis should not be left untreated for long periods of time.

The treatment is carried out in several stages: First, during the hygiene phase, the area above the gums is thoroughly cleaned and home oral hygiene is improved. This is followed by the actual (closed) periodontitis treatment, during which we remove plaque and deposits below the gum line. We then check the healing process and pocket depth and plan the follow-up care.

Because all accumulated soft and hard deposits must first be removed so that the gums can heal. At the same time, we will show you how to properly clean your teeth and interdental spaces at home – this is an integral part of the therapy.

Here, the deposits in the gum pockets below the gum line are removed using hand instruments and sonic or ultrasonic devices. The gums are then given time to heal, and we check the results.

If very deep gum pockets do not recede sufficiently despite hygiene measures and closed treatment, the pockets can be opened surgically and the roots thoroughly cleaned, including with ultrasound. This serves to preserve the teeth in the long term.

Modern ultrasonic technology allows plaque and tartar to be removed very gently. The root surface is less affected and many patients find this method more comfortable than using hand instruments alone.

Periodontitis is a chronic disease. To prevent it from flaring up again, gum pockets and oral hygiene must be checked regularly and plaque removed. Depending on the severity, we therefore recommend follow-up appointments every 3–6 months.

Samples are taken from affected gum pockets and examined in the laboratory. This allows us to determine whether particularly aggressive germs are present. The laboratory then recommends targeted antibiotic therapy if necessary.

Only if aggressive bacteria are detected in the germ test or if the inflammation does not subside sufficiently in other ways. In this case, antibiotic therapy can support the actual periodontitis treatment.

Consistent oral hygiene at home, combined with regular professional teeth cleaning and check-ups at our practice in Regensburg, are the best way to prevent gum inflammation from developing into periodontitis in the first place – or to ensure that treated periodontitis does not recur.

Dental prostheses include crowns, bridges, implants and dentures. Tooth preservation refers to the treatment of teeth to keep them healthy and avoid the need for dental prostheses. It includes various measures such as fillings and root canal treatments.

If the nerve of a tooth has died due to deep caries, trauma, a leaky crown, inflammation of the periodontium, root abscess or excessive strain, the only way to save the tooth is with root canal treatment. This involves removing the dead tooth nerve and filling the cavity in the tooth and roots with a plastic filling. This tooth will later need a crown, as it will become brittle.

When the tooth nerve dies, the tooth can be preserved by removing the dead nerve and filling the resulting cavity in the root with a plastic root canal filling. This treatment usually takes 3-4 sessions, as a disinfectant is inserted in between. After the canals have been permanently filled, the treated tooth needs a crown, as it becomes brittle after this treatment.

As a rule, root canal treatment is usually painless thanks to the anaesthesia of the tooth and modern electrometric mechanical preparation of the root canal.

The death of the tooth nerve does not always cause immediate toothache. This usually only becomes noticeable when the bacteria inside the tooth cause inflammation at the root tip. The pain then occurs when chewing pressure is applied, as the nerves leading to the tooth are still intact and transmit the pain.

Even after a perfectly performed root canal treatment, bacteria can remain at the root tip in individual cases and cause inflammation. In this case, further surgical measures must be taken to remove the inflammation in the area of the root tip.

If the tooth nerve has become inflamed due to deep caries, a leak under a filling or crown, or an infection, the bacteria and inflamed tissue must be removed from the tooth. Root canal treatment makes it possible to preserve your own tooth.

With modern, mechanical technology, even very fine or severely curved root canals can be carefully and gently treated. The procedure is often more comfortable for patients and allows for more thorough cleaning and more precise filling.

Electrometric length determination (endometry) measures very precisely where the root tip is located. This allows us to clean and fill the canal to the correct length. Today, this is one of the most accurate methods and complements X-ray examination.

After cleaning and disinfection, the canals are sealed tightly using a plastic filling technique (e.g. Thermafil). Heated gutta-percha is inserted into the canal, where it spreads throughout the entire canal system and prevents cavities.

For inspection purposes. We use this to check whether all root canals are filled to the tip and whether the filling is tight. Only then is the tooth crown closed again.

After about three months, we check whether the tooth is symptom-free and whether the inflammation in the area of the root tip has subsided. Once everything has healed, we plan the final dental prosthesis.

A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment is no longer supplied with blood vessels and is therefore more susceptible to fracture. To stabilise it in the long term, it is crowned. Often, a glass fibre post is also inserted to strengthen the bond between the tooth and the crown.

If the tooth is thoroughly prepared, tightly filled, checked and then fitted with a suitable crown, it can often remain in the mouth for many years – and that is precisely the goal of endodontic treatment at our practice in Regensburg.

To prevent this, we work in several steps: thorough preparation, rinsing, length determination, tight filling and X-ray control. This significantly reduces the risk of renewed inflammation.

Studies have shown that patients grind their teeth in 80 percent of cases. The cause is often stress and tension. This usually occurs at night, but can also occur during the day when under psychological stress.

The excessive strain usually leads to hypersensitivity of the teeth and periodontium, tension in the neck and masticatory muscles, headaches, tinnitus, exposed tooth necks and abrasion of the enamel. A custom-made grinding splint (bite splint) can help.

Craniomandibular dysfunction – CMD for short – refers to a malfunction of the masticatory system that often leads to pain and functional disorders in the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles. Typical symptoms include pain or noises in the jaw joint, facial, head or ear pain, dizziness and dental problems.

This is a plastic splint specially made for your teeth, which is worn at night. It allows the masticatory muscles and jaw joints to relax and protects the teeth from abrasion. The costs are currently covered in full by statutory health insurance, so you do not have to pay any additional private costs.

The high chewing pressure that occurs at night during sleep puts a lot of strain on the teeth and jaw joints. The splint relaxes the chewing muscles and jaw joints and protects the teeth from abrasion.

Yes, statutory health insurance covers the cost of a teeth grinding splint if it is medically indicated. The costs are currently covered in full, so you will not have to pay any additional private costs.

Night-time teeth grinding or clenching can put a lot of strain on your teeth, tooth necks and jaw joint. A custom-made mouth guard relieves the muscles and joints and protects the tooth surfaces from further wear.

Typical symptoms include morning tension in the jaw, head and neck pain, strained jaw joints, tooth neck defects and grinding marks on the teeth. Ear noises (tinnitus) can also occur in this context.

For temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscle problems, we manufacture a customised splint and supplement the treatment with exercises and physiotherapy. This provides effective relief for myoarthropathies (tense masticatory muscles).

Yes. A transparent anti-snoring mouthpiece is worn at night and holds the lower jaw slightly forward. This keeps the airways more open and can reduce the typical snoring noises – often without surgery.

Yes. We carry out snoring splint therapy in close cooperation with the treating ENT specialists to clarify whether the splint is suitable for your type of snoring.

In certain rare forms of snoring, such as those involving breathing interruptions (sleep apnoea), the splint alone is not suitable. We will clarify this in a personal consultation and, if necessary, with the ENT specialist.

To ensure that they fit securely, do not cause discomfort, and perform their intended function – protecting teeth, relieving pressure on the jaw, or keeping the airways open. That is why every splint in our practice in Regensburg is custom-made for you.

Yes, we of course also treat children in our practice.

No, you can bring your child to our dental practice regardless of their age. We treat our young and very young patients in a child-friendly, playful and empathetic manner, alleviating their worries and uncertainty about visiting the dentist.

As with adults, regular check-ups every 6 months are recommended.

Regular oral hygiene is particularly important in infancy and childhood in order to get children used to it at an early age and to prevent tooth damage caused by caries. Please talk to us about this.

Sealing children's teeth is not standard practice and is only indicated in individual cases for specific reasons. We therefore advise against standard tooth sealing.

The first milk teeth usually appear at the age of 5 or 6 months. However, tooth eruption is very individual. Some babies are born with their first teeth already in place.

When the first milk teeth appear, you should take your child to the dentist for the first time.

Ideally, before any treatment is needed – in other words, as soon as the first teeth appear. This allows your child to get to know the practice in a relaxed manner and associate visits to the dentist with something positive.

Yes. Children from the age of one to six can take part in our early dental check-up programme – this is free of charge for children with statutory health insurance.

Every six months, plaque is removed, teeth are cleaned and polished, the correct brushing technique is explained and, finally, the enamel is fluoridated. This basic prophylaxis is covered by statutory health insurance.

Children's teeth are particularly susceptible to caries due to the grooves and pits on their molars. With early prophylaxis, sealants and regular check-ups, we can prevent this from leading to more extensive treatment later on.

Come early, speak positively about the dentist and avoid words such as “fear”, “drill” or “injection”. We explain everything in a child-friendly way – you don't need to warn your child that ‘it won't hurt’, as this often triggers fear.

We do not persuade or restrain children. We explain, demonstrate instruments using child-friendly terms, and respect the child's boundaries. With patience, things usually go better at the next appointment.

Yes. In addition to the health insurance programme, we can apply antibacterial varnishes or make fluoride trays for use at home, for example – this is particularly useful for children and adolescents who are prone to caries.

The actual orthodontic treatment (braces) is carried out by our orthodontic colleagues. However, we continue to monitor the children with check-ups, tartar removal and prophylaxis.

Because teeth only stay healthy in the long term if they are cleaned properly at home. That's why we let children practise themselves and explain things in an age-appropriate way – so they become more confident in their dental care.

Yes, it is often helpful because the children see that it is not a bad thing – this builds trust in the practice in Regensburg.