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FAQ

FAQ

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions from our clinic specialists.

Dental fillings

Your questions

Discover answers to the most frequently asked questions about dental restorations.

Is a dental filling a painful procedure?

Getting a dental filling is not painful. The larger the lesion or cavity, the more sensitive the tooth may become, which is why anaesthesia is often used beforehand to prevent discomfort.

Does genetics influence the development of tooth decay?

Tooth decay develops when plaque and bacteria erode the enamel and dentin of the tooth. The strength of enamel and dentin depends on several factors, including diet, genetic and systemic conditions, oral hygiene, and other influences. If a patient’s diet is imbalanced, high in refined carbohydrates, and low in essential vitamins and minerals, combined with infrequent or inadequate oral hygiene, plaque accumulation can increase bacterial activity and lead to tooth decay. Even without genetic predispositions, a healthy lifestyle, proper oral hygiene, and routine professional cleanings are essential.

Are fillings durable?

The durability of fillings depends on various factors. Precision in placement is crucial. For longevity, the tooth must be isolated from saliva, the filling applied in small layers, polished, and correctly integrated into the bite. The patient’s oral hygiene routine is another crucial factor. Proper brushing and regular professional cleanings help protect sealed teeth from secondary decay.

Why do dental fillings vary in price?

The price of dental fillings can vary for multiple reasons. Factors include the complexity of the restoration, the size of the defect, the use of additional aids like a rubber dam for saliva isolation, nerve-protective materials for deep cavities, cavity base protection, and the use of a microscope for precise anatomical restoration. View our pricing here.

Professional oral hygiene

Your questions

Find answers to the most frequent professional oral hygiene questions

How often should I get a professional dental cleaning?

Professional oral hygiene should be carried out before any other dental treatments, such as fillings, orthodontics, surgery, or prosthetics.

For individuals with healthy teeth and gums, a professional cleaning is recommended 1-2 times per year.

Those with gum disease, diabetes, dental implants, or undergoing orthodontic treatment may require more frequent cleanings, as advised by a dentist or hygienist.

Is professional dental cleaning painful?

No, the procedure is generally painless. If a patient experiences sensitivity, anaesthesia can be provided. Fluoride treatments can be applied to reduce post-cleaning sensitivity.

Teeth whitening

Your questions

Find out answers to the most common teeth whitening questions

Can I eat after teeth whitening?

Yes, but avoid staining foods such as beetroot, carrots, coffee, black or green tea, pomegranate juice and blueberries for at least 24 hours. For the best results, limit these foods for up to two weeks.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes, when done properly and in moderation, teeth whitening is completely safe. Scientific studies have shown that with moderate whitening (1-2 times a year), no structural changes in the tooth tissues can be observed.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Results vary depending on diet and lifestyle habits. If you frequently consume staining foods or smoke, the whitening effect will not last as long.

Does teeth whitening cause pain?

No, However, in case of tooth sensitivity, the whitening is stopped and an anaesthetic is administered

Dentures

Your questions

Find out answers to the most common denture questions

How much do dentures cost?

The estimated treatment plan and cost will be discussed at your initial consultation. Flexible payment options may be available if needed.

 

What is unique about dentures at SANA?

Dr Domantas Girskis and his team oversee the entire process, from the initial consultation to the final prosthetic placement. This approach ensures seamless treatment and fosters a long-term relationship with the patient. We incorporate digital technology into our treatment process. This minimises the number of appointments and procedures, enabling faster, more efficient dental restoration without compromising quality.

What materials are used for dental crowns?

Dental crowns, as well as more conservative restorations like veneers and overlays, are typically made from ceramic. Modern ceramics closely resemble natural enamel in their biological, optical, chemical, and physical properties, making them the preferred choice.

How do I look after my teeth after getting dentures?

Fixed dentures and crowns should be maintained like natural teeth, using a toothbrush, interdental brushes, and a water flosser.

Can I get reimbursement for dentures from the National Health Insurance Fund?

SANA Dental Clinic offers reimbursement for prosthetic services through its agreement with the Territorial Health Insurance Fund (THIF). The prosthetic dental services and the reimbursement process follows the current guidelines of the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund (CHIF).

Dental implants

Your questions

Find out answers to the most common implantation questions

Is dental implant surgery painful?

No, the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring it is completely painless. Pain relief medication is provided after surgery to minimise discomfort.

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost depends on the number of implants required, the complexity of the treatment, and whether bone grafting is needed. A full cost breakdown will be provided during your consultation.

What should I know before getting dental implants?

Patients should not have colds, flu, or respiratory infections at the time of surgery. Any ongoing medications or medical conditions must be disclosed to the dentist during the consultation. Further tests may be required, or medication adjustments may be recommended before surgery.

At what age am I eligible for dental implants?

Dental implants are placed in patients whose jawbone has fully developed and is no longer growing. This procedure is typically performed from the age of 18 onwards. Eligibility for implants depends not on age but on overall health and any co-morbidities.

Is it possible for a dental implant to fail?

Dental implant failure is exceptionally uncommon. Our clinic has a 99% success rate for implant integration. If an implant does not integrate successfully, it is removed and replaced with a new one after healing. Reimplantation is carried out at no extra cost to the patient.

What is the lifespan of a dental implant?

The durability of implants and dentures depends on personal oral hygiene, routine dental check-ups, and regular visits to an oral hygienist.

All-On-4 Restoration

Your questions

Find out answers to the most common full-mouth restoration questions

Am I a suitable candidate for the All-On-4 procedure?

The All-On-4 procedure is an excellent solution for most patients who have lost most or all of their teeth. However, an oral surgeon must assess your case to confirm suitability for the procedure.

Will the All-On-4 procedure be painful?

Like any surgical procedure, the All-On-4 treatment may cause some discomfort, but any pain is generally mild and well-managed with medication.

How long does the All-On-4 surgery last?

The surgery typically takes up to four hours to complete. We include short breaks for patient comfort, and our attentive staff ensure you feel relaxed and secure throughout the procedure.

What is the recovery time for All-On-4 implants?

The initial recovery period is around 1-2 weeks, but full implant integration can take 3-6 months.

What is the lifespan of All-On-4 implants?

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups are essential for longevity.

Straightening teeth with aligners

Your questions

Find out answers to the most common aligner treatment questions

Are aligners noticeable to others?

Aligners are made from thin, transparent plastic and are often called invisible orthodontics due to their discreet appearance. Aligners are nearly invisible and very comfortable to wear, allowing patients to maintain their daily routines without disruption.

Can I remove my aligners when eating or sleeping?

The success of aligner treatment relies on consistent wear. Aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours per day and removed only for eating and brushing. Aligners must be worn while sleeping.

Does wearing aligners cause pain?

Aligner treatment is not painful, but when switching to a new aligner, some tightness or mild soreness in the gums may occur for a few days, which gradually subsides as the teeth adjust. The level of discomfort varies for each patient, depending on tooth alignment and individual sensitivity.

How long does aligner treatment take?

In some cases, aligner treatment is quicker than braces, but the duration depends on the complexity of the case, the patient’s compliance, and the natural speed of tooth movement. Aligners should be worn at all times, except during meals and oral hygiene routines. Consistent wear is essential for achieving the desired results and ensuring a successful treatment outcome.

On average, aligner treatment takes 1-3 years, but the duration may vary based on factors such as case complexity, age, bone structure, root shape, patient compliance, and tooth movement speed.

What age group is suitable for aligner treatment?

Aligner treatment is most commonly used by adults and older children who are motivated to follow the orthodontist’s instructions, ensuring smooth and effective treatment. Even younger children with mixed dentition can be treated using aligners designed to accommodate growing permanent teeth.

Modern aligners are generally as effective as braces, but each method has its own advantages and limitations. In certain cases, aligners offer a quicker, simpler, and more comfortable treatment experience. However, some cases may require a longer treatment period with aligners compared to braces, or a combination of aligners, braces, and additional orthodontic tools to achieve the best results. A thorough examination and analysis of the patient’s case is conducted before treatment begins to determine the most suitable orthodontic solution.

Endodontic treatment

Your questions

Find out answers to the most common endodontic treatment questions

What factors influence the cost of endodontic treatment?

The cost is influenced by the complexity of the procedure, the number of root canals in the tooth, and whether it is a first-time treatment or a retreatment. The estimated cost will be provided during the treatment planning phase. View our pricing here.

Does endodontic treatment hurt?

Anaesthesia is always administered to ensure a painless procedure. The dentist takes all necessary steps to make the treatment as comfortable as possible.

Will I experience pain after root canal treatment?

Mild sensitivity may persist after root canal treatment. In cases of severe inflammation, some discomfort may occur between treatment visits.

When is retreatment of a root canal needed?

Root canal retreatment involves removing the existing filling material and retreating the root canal system. Retreatment is required if the initial root canal treatment was inadequate, the crown filling has deteriorated and lost its seal, decay has developed, or a new infection has emerged.

Prevention of teeth grinding and wear

Your questions

Find out answers to the most common questions about teeth grinding and wear prevention

What can I do to manage stress and tension linked to bruxism?

Stress and emotional tension are key triggers for teeth grinding. To address this, we suggest improving sleep habits, engaging in regular physical activity, practicing relaxation techniques, and maintaining proper breathing patterns. Finding enjoyable and relaxing activities can also help reduce bruxism-related stress.

How long does it take to treat bruxism?

Treatment length varies based on the severity of the condition, the underlying cause of bruxism, and the extent of dental damage. Depending on the individual case, bruxism treatment may take several months to a few years.

Can bruxism come back after treatment?

It depends on the root cause of the bruxism. If bruxism is due to bite misalignment or poorly fitted dental restorations, treatment can provide a permanent solution. If stress and emotional factors are the primary causes, preventing recurrence depends on the patient’s own motivation and daily efforts.

Oral surgery

Your questions

Find answers to the most frequent oral surgery questions

Do oral surgical procedures cause pain?

Any surgical procedure involves some level of intervention and may trigger a physiological response. Procedures are performed under anaesthesia using minimally invasive techniques, ensuring that patients do not experience pain or discomfort. Mild pain or swelling may occur after surgery, but following the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions can help minimise discomfort.

Do wisdom teeth always need to be removed?

If wisdom teeth have fully erupted, function correctly, and do not cause oral hygiene issues, extraction is unnecessary. However, wisdom teeth are often misaligned, partially erupted, or problematic, leading to recurring inflammation, orthodontic complications, damage to neighbouring teeth, and hygiene challenges. In these cases, extraction is recommended.

How does a simple extraction differ from a surgical extraction?

A simple extraction is carried out when the tooth has fully emerged from the gum. A surgical extraction is necessary when the tooth is partially erupted or remains impacted beneath the gum.

When is bone grafting required?

Bone grafting is needed when a dental implant is planned but there is insufficient bone volume to ensure a stable and long-lasting restoration. To enhance implant longevity, missing bone is replaced with artificial bone granules to strengthen the area.

What should I do after tooth extraction?

Following an extraction, avoid eating or drinking for at least two hours, refrain from hot food and liquids for the first 24 hours, limit physical activity, do not rinse your mouth on the first day, and chew on the opposite side. If pain occurs, take pain relief medication. If bleeding persists, apply sterile gauze to the wound for a cooling effect. If bleeding continues, seek medical attention.

Investigations and consultations

Your questions

Find out the answers to the most common questions asked by patients

Are X-rays safe?

Modern digital X-ray and CT scan technology produce minimal ionising radiation, ensuring extremely low exposure levels. The need for an X-ray is carefully evaluated before the procedure is conducted. X-rays are avoided during pregnancy, so it is essential to inform your doctor if you are expecting.