Prophylaxis

During the dental check-up, the teeth and the oral cavity are thoroughly examined by the dentist for dental, oral and jaw diseases. First, the teeth are examined and the findings are recorded in a dental chart. Then the entire oral mucosa and the tongue (base of the tongue, edges of the tongue) are examined for changes.

Then the periodontal screening index (PSI) is determined, which measures the depth of the gingival pockets. Periodontal diseases can be deduced from the latter. If necessary, the functionality of existing dentures is checked.

If necessary or depending on the individual situation, further examinations such as an X-ray examination, a sensitivity test and a percussion test of the teeth may follow. The results of all examinations are recorded.

Statutory health insurance companies cover the costs of a normal preventive check-up once every six months, with a minimum interval of 4 months. The preventive examinations can be entered in the health insurance company's bonus booklet, which is proof of regularly performed examinations at the dentist and of sufficient oral hygiene. People with statutory health insurance need the bonus booklet as proof of entitlement to an increased fixed allowance for standard dental prosthesis treatment.

The current state of oral hygiene is assessed by taking an oral hygiene status. The presence of plaque (microbial plaque) and signs of inflammation of the gingiva are recorded.

Without plaque there is no caries, without gingivitis there is no periodontitis! This simple formula is the basis for the indication of an oral hygiene status. While a plaque index provides a snapshot of the success of the last tooth brushing, the gingival inflammation status provides a picture of oral hygiene over a longer period of time, as signs of inflammation only appear after several days of poor dental hygiene.

Professional tooth cleaning (PZR) or tooth maintenance therapy (ZET) is a main component of individual dental prophylaxis. It is understood as a comprehensive mechanical cleaning of the teeth, which regularly supplements daily oral hygiene. As a rule, PZR includes complete removal of hidden soft and also mineralized plaque above (tartar) and below (calculus) the gums.

Cleaning is done with hand instruments (scalers) and ultrasonic devices. Subsequently, any remaining discolouration and deposits on tooth surfaces (also on dental crowns and dental bridges) are removed by using a powder blasting device. Comparable to sandblasting, a heated mixture of air, water and a special cleaning salt blows the plaque from every tooth surface and also from the interdental spaces. The teeth are then polished with a rotating rubber cup or a rotating small brush using increasingly fine prophylactic pastes to smooth the tooth surfaces and make it more difficult for plaque to build up again. Finally, all tooth surfaces are treated with a special fluoride varnish to protect the enamel and a disinfecting gel is applied to the gingival pockets.

Once we have gained a comprehensive picture of your oral health status, we create a prophylaxis concept individually tailored to you based on all values and external influences. Here, for example, we recommend a regular time interval for professional tooth cleaning and give you individual tips for improving your daily oral hygiene. 

Fissure sealing (tooth sealing) is the coating of the notches or depressions on the chewing surface of the teeth with a thin layer of plastic.

In contrast to filling therapy, it can be applied preventively before a carious defect develops on the tooth. With extended fissure sealing, particularly narrow or ampullary fissures are previously widened. As a rule, fissure sealants are only recommended according to the individual caries risk.

Fluoridation is one of the main measures to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is applied to the teeth, which strengthens the enamel and makes the development of caries less likely. The dentist applies a fluoride gel or fluoride varnish to all tooth surfaces after cleaning or treatment, and this must be left to act for one hour. During this time, the patient must not rinse their mouth and should also refrain from eating, drinking and smoking.

As part of your individual prophylaxis concept, we will also give you recommendations for regular fluoride application at home, if necessary.

Treatment of incipient caries

Even an incipient caries that is only in the top layer of the tooth, the enamel (decalcification), can still be treated with the application of a high-percentage fluoride varnish if necessary. The fluoride can stop or slow down the process of caries formation.

Everyone wants beautiful, healthy teeth and gums for life. Children's and adolescents' teeth require very special care and you can never start too early! In addition to daily teeth cleaning, a healthy diet and regular dental check-ups, we offer our youngest and smallest patients an individual prevention program in our dental care school. Our prophylaxis staff patiently introduce children to dental care in an age-appropriate manner. It is particularly important to us to strengthen the personal responsibility of children and young people and to motivate them to maintain oral hygiene at home - so that their teeth and gums remain healthy into adulthood.