Frequently asked questions
The questions asked most often. If you cannot find what you are looking for, you are welcome to ask by telephone.
General
How do I make an appointment?
You can make an appointment by telephone or by filling in the form on the contact page.
When you send the form your message reaches the practice directly, and you are called back within working hours. If the matter is urgent, telephoning is more appropriate than waiting for a reply to the form.
I have severe toothache — what should I do?
A painkiller gives temporary relief but does not remove the cause. Pain stopping does not mean you have recovered.
You should be seen by a dentist the same day. Do not wait if any of the following are present:
- Swelling of the face or jaw
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth
These may indicate that the infection is spreading.
What do treatments cost?
A price can be given after an examination and, where required, a radiograph. A treatment with the same name calls for different work from one person to the next — whether a bone graft is needed for an implant, how many canals a tooth has in root canal treatment, and so on.
Exact figures given over the phone usually change at the examination. For this reason the practice examines first and quotes afterwards.
Is treatment covered by social security or private insurance?
Dental cover in private health insurance varies from policy to policy. If your policy includes dental cover, you can confirm the scope and any excess with your insurance company.
You are welcome to ask us which documents will be required before the examination.
Care
How often should I come for a check-up?
Every six months, even without a complaint. Decay and gum disease do not cause pain in their early stages; once pain begins, treatment takes longer and costs more.
For anyone with a history of gum disease, orthodontic treatment or an implant, the interval may be reduced to three months.
Am I brushing my teeth correctly?
The measure of good brushing is not time but coverage. Two minutes is a common recommendation, but the real point is to reach every surface.
The places most often missed: the inner surface of the lower front teeth, the back surface of the rearmost molars, and the gum line.
A brush alone is not enough. The surfaces between the teeth make up roughly a third of the total surface of the mouth and a brush does not reach them; floss or an interdental brush is needed.
Can I have dental treatment while pregnant?
Yes. Gum inflammation becomes more frequent during pregnancy, and leaving it untreated carries a risk for the mother’s health.
The most suitable period is the second trimester. Where a radiograph is required it is taken with a lead apron and only if necessary. Non-urgent procedures such as whitening are postponed until after the birth.
Please say that you are pregnant when booking — the appointment is planned accordingly.