FREQUENT ANSWERS AND QUESTIONS (FAQ)

IMPLANTS

1. What are dental implants?

A dental implant is like a titanium screw or cylinder which is inserted into the jaw bone to replace a natural tooth root. The dental implant must heal and integrate within the bone during three to four months before it can be restored with a crown.

2. What are the benefits of dental implants?

There are many benefits having a dental implant placed instead of a bridge or denture. A crown over dental implant looks like and resembles a natural tooth, it does not damage adjacent teeth, and is much easier to clean and maintain. It is also strong and able to perform the same functions as a natural tooth.

3. Why choose dental implants?

The main advantages of dental implants over dentures and bridges are:
Improved appearance: They offer a better, immovable solution than traditional removable dentures, especially if the dentures are loose fitting because of extensive bone loss.
Natural teeth maintained: It is possible to replace a missing tooth without compromising or damaging adjacent teeth using implants.
Permanent results: The implant is comfortable, stable and will usually last longer than other any other dental treatment.

4. Are dental implants approved?

Dental implantology was developed about forty years ago and is constantly improving technologically. Dental implants are made from harmless biocompatible materials that do not cause any allergic rejection.

5. Who is suitable for implant treatment?

Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay may be a candidate for dental implants. Sometimes if there is not enough bone available, it can be regenerated.

6. Is old Age a problem for implants?

Older patients are sometimes concerned that their age may stop them from receiving dental implants. Usually the health is more of a contraindication than age. There are some health limitations for dental implants. We can determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.

7. What is the procedure for implant treatment?

Implantation starts with the surgical placement of the implants into the bone. After surgery, there is a healing period of three to four months. During this time, the implants fuse to the bone by a process known as 'osseointegration'. When this period is completed, implants are exposed by a short surgical procedure, and the abutment is attached to implant .
The last phase is the restorative phase. We will take impressions and then make the teeth that will attach to the implants. Once completed, the natural beauty of your mouth will be restored with good strong teeth.

8. How long does implant treatment take?

The treatment can take between one day and six months and depends on the type of bone and where the implant is placed in the jaw.

9. How long will an implant last?

It is impossible to predict but the research suggests implants can last for long time. This depends on good dental hygiene, regular check-ups and maintenance.

10. How will dental implants affect my life?

Teeth supported by dental implants look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can continue to eat, drink and behave as you have been used to. Most importantly, dental implants can improve the quality of your life. Some people may suffer of low self-esteem due to their problems with teeth, but once they have had new teeth fixed over implants, they start to lead a normal life.

11. Will my new teeth look natural?

Dental implants used in combination with other dental treatments will appear and function just like natural teeth. Using porcelain fused to zirconia abutments and crowns the natural look can be greatly achieved.

12. Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?

After a brief period of getting used to the new teeth, the chewing ability is restored to that of natural teeth or greater.

13. Is the implant treatment painful?

As with any surgery there may be some discomfort. The level of discomfort is quite different from patient to patient, but most patients do not have significant problems. The procedure is often less painful than a dental extraction.

14. How will i feel after the implant treatment?

It's quite normal to feel some discomfort after the treatment but this can be controlled with ordinary painkillers. If the sinus floor elevation is undertaken swelling may develop, but it is resolved within a few days.

15. How should i care for my implants?

Your implants should be cleaned thoroughly, just as your natural teeth. It is useful to visit your dentist for regular check-ups and maintenance.

16. How much do implants cost?

It is difficult to give a straight answer, because the price is created by the cost of implantation, provisional work, different types of regenerative therapy, abutments and fixed bridgework, crown or denture.
A single implant (Astra Tech implant, Swedish high technology implant with certificate) without any other procedure can cost around 710 €. But if there are other procedures involved, the cost can increase. You do not need a separate implant for each missing tooth. Two implants can cover three to four teeth and five to six implants can cover 10-12 teeth. The implantological technique All-on-4 provides you with fixed circular bridge over only 4 implants.
Whatever your budget, we can provide you with a treatment plan which meets your expectations.

Cosmetic dentistry

1. What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic Dentistry refers to several dental treatments which are designed to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile. Cosmetic Dentistry offers aesthetic and functional benefits to your smile, while it can also significantly improve self-esteem, confidence and overall appearance.

2. Who is a candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?

If you are unhappy or embarrassed by your teeth, you may hide them and avoid smiling. Cosmetic Dentistry can be beneficial to patients who want their teeth to be: white and straight, without any gaps.

3. What are the benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic Dentistry can transform your smile and recapture your self-image. Just a few of the main benefits of treatment include:
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
- Improved oral health and general well -being
- Improved facial appearance
- Improved comfort
- Improved speech

4. What can Cosmetic Dentistry improve?

Stained or dull teeth can be dramatically improved by whitening, veneers, crowns or bonding. Misshapen, chipped, or worn teeth can be improved by veneers, crowns, bonding, or cosmetic contouring. Gaps between teeth can be closed with veneers, crowns, bonding or orthodontics.
Old crowns can be replaced with ultimate all-ceramic crowns. Crooked or crowded teeth are improved with veneers, crowns, bonding or orthodontics.

5. What are the latest developments in cosmetic dentistry?

The latest developments in dentistry include white fillings, porcelain inlays, crowns, bridges, tooth whitening treatments and veneers. These techniques can whiten and improve the shape and colour of your teeth.

6. What kind of crowns do you make?

We make every type of crowns available: metal porcelain, zirconia porcelain or glass porcelain crowns. These materials undergo continual technological development and offer very high strengths and aesthetics.

7. What are porcelain veneers?

As a result of modern technology, thin pieces of porcelain (usually about 0.5 mm thick), are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. Veneers can be used to improve the appearance of teeth by changing the shape and colour, the effects of ageing, discolouration, chips, cracks and gaps.
Porcelain is a very hard, wear resistant, non-porous material that will keep its appearance far longer than tooth coloured restorations.

8. How long do veneers take from start to finish?

Every case is different but as a guide, the usual smile makeovers can take as little as two to three appointments over a two weeks' period. However, if you have an event to attend, or need them earlier we can arrange to make them sooner.

9. How to maintain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are just like natural teeth and should be brushed and flossed daily. Porcelain veneers do not stain. You should never crack nuts, pistachios or open bottles with your teeth. Routine dental exams and cleanings are also essential to the preservation of porcelain veneers.

10. Can veneers damage the tooth structure?

Dental clinic dr.Blaskovic practice "minimalist ,conservative dentistry". Generally speaking, less than a millimetre is removed from the front of the tooth, to allow room for the veneer and to make sure the porcelain is strong enough to protect the treated area.

11. What is the most popular Cosmetic Dentistry treatment?

Tooth Whitening is a safe, fast and effective way to enhance the appearance of your smile. Tooth Whitening results are immediate and long lasting.

12. Is Cosmetic Dentistry expensive?

While at first glance Cosmetic Dentistry may seem expensive, we view your treatment as an investment in your health, appearance, self-esteem and overall well-being. Cosmetic Dentistry can transform your life. It is the very best investment you can make in yourself.

Tooth Whitening

1. What tooth Whitening method does your dental clinic prefer?

Patients who have a naturally darker colour of teeth can use teeth whitening or teeth bleaching. Our recommended method of tooth whitening starts in the office with the lamp and continues at home with trays. The trays are designed specifically for your mouth and are extremely thin. We have been making teeth whitening successfully for over 10 years. Research shows that tooth whitening causes no harm to teeth or gums.

2. How long can teeth remain white after bleaching?

The results can last for more than 3 years. Once again, this depends on your home care, if you're a smoker or have a tendency to eat and drink heavily coloured foods, your whitening results won't last as long. After 3 years there is still a 70% improvement but you can repeat bleaching with the home trays and fresh bleaching gel.

3. Is there age restriction for tooth whitening?

There is no age restriction, this procedure can be done on anybody. The procedure is not recommended to younger than 18 years.

4. Can fillings, crowns and veneers be whitened with the same procedure?

Tooth whitening will not work on crowned or veneered teeth. It doesn't change the shade of crowned or veneered teeth so they may need to be replaced.

Periodontal Treatment

1. How common is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, affecting more than three-fourths of all people. The earlier periodontal disease is detected, the more successful the treatment results will be.

2. What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease affects the gums and structures that support your teeth. There are two forms of disease: gingivitis is reversible with improved oral hygiene techniques and a professional cleaning. Left untreated, however, it will progress into an irreversible condition - periodontitis - that damages the gums and bone surrounding the teeth.
Periodontitis is a more advanced disease. Bone and tissues supporting the teeth are destroyed. When this occurs, the gum attachment begins separating from the teeth, creating "pockets." These pockets harbour millions of bacteria trapped in the plaque that sticks to the teeth.
Some individuals are more prone to periodontal disease than others. Some get a mild form, while others get a severe case. Probably we inherit a genetic predisposition to periodontal disease and this influences how severely we will be affected by it.

3. What causes periodontal disease?

Dental plaques, a film that stick to the teeth harbouring million bacteria, initiate the early changes in the gums. As the plaque matures on the teeth, the disease becomes more established to the point where it becomes irreversible.

4. What are the signs of gum disease?

There are many signs of gum disease.
• Gums bleeding when brushing the teeth
• Red and swollen gums. Tender gums
• Gums pulling away from the teeth, exposing roots and creating recessions and pockets.
• Pus between teeth and gums. Sudden swellings that are painful to the touch
• Loose teeth, or spaces suddenly appearing between teeth
• Teeth beginning to flare out
• A change in the way your teeth fit together/a different bite
It is important to note that you may have periodontal disease and not experience any of these symptoms. Periodontal disease is silent and chronic, rarely giving an advanced warning that tissue destruction is taking place. That why it is important to have regular dental checkups.

5. How can gum disease be prevented?

A very good, precise oral hygiene on daily basis is mandatory for long lasting periodontal results. Regular dental visits are essential to good dental health. In spite of daily oral hygiene measures, calculus (tartar) forms anyway. A professional cleaning by a dentist or hygienist will remove the hardened calculus off the teeth. Remove the tartar, and flossing and brushing will be that much more effective in removing plaque.

6. Once my gums have been treated, am I finished with periodontists forever?

Not in most cases. As mentioned earlier, periodontal disease is a chronic condition that is not cured but can be stabilized and maintained. Once the initial treatment has been completed, maintenance care is essential for future good oral health.

7. Who should get their gums checked?

Everyone would benefit from having a periodontal examination. Make certain your dentist checks your pockets the next time you get your teeth cleaned.