Prophylaxis

Dental prophylaxis is the preventive protection of teeth. Thanks to correct and regular dental care, you can actively contribute to good oral hygiene and prevent dental problems. Prophylaxis comprises various measures. Some of these can be implemented at home, while others are carried out by our practice team.

DENTAL PROPHYLAXIS AT HOME

Replete and comprehensive oral hygiene offers effective protection against tooth decay and other dental diseases. By brushing your teeth regularly, you remove the harmful plaque from your teeth. Toothpaste containing fluoride also strengthens the teeth and makes them resistant to bacteria. You should also clean the spaces between your teeth once a day with dental floss or interdental brushes.

In addition to oral hygiene, dental problems can also be prevented with a healthy and balanced diet. While sugar attacks dental plaque and makes the tooth susceptible to caries, raw foods such as carrots, wholegrain products or calcium (contained in dairy products or green vegetables) strengthen dental health.

Our practice team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about proper oral hygiene.

PROPHYLAXIS IN THE DENTIST'S PRACTICE

Regular and professional dental cleaning prevents dental diseases. Our experienced prophylaxis assistants also remove plaque and tartar in places that you cannot reach at home. The removal of plaque and discoloration as well as the careful cleaning of tooth surfaces and interdental spaces supports the optimal protection of the teeth. X-rays should also be taken every two years to find and treat cavities, even in hidden areas.

Tooth fillings

Caries (tooth decay) is caused by bacteria that adhere to teeth and interdental spaces - as part of dental plaque. These bacteria develop acid, which attacks the tooth enamel. If dental care is inadequate, a cavity develops over time that needs to be repaired. It is therefore important to remove plaque regularly by brushing your teeth and taking other prophylactic measures.

If teeth are affected by caries, the affected areas must be completely removed and the resulting holes sealed with fillings. In the worst case, caries bacteria can penetrate to the tip of the root and spread to the bones and soft tissues of the face. In the worst case, the bacteria can travel through the bloodstream into the entire body and infect other organs. This is why we treat tooth decay as early as possible.

TREATMENT METHODS

We anaesthetize the affected tooth on request so that the removal of the caries-infected areas with drills does not hurt. As a rule, we create an additional cavity in the tooth so that the filling is well supported. The cavity is dried, disinfected and given a lining. The filling material (usually plastic) is then gradually inserted into the cavity until the defect is sealed. We then remove any excess material to achieve a natural masticatory load. Finally, the surface of the filling is polished smooth. The most common filling materials for treating caries are ceramic or plastic (composite).

Composite fillings
Composite fillings consist of plastic and other components that are incorporated directly into the tooth cavity. We match the filling material to the surrounding tooth color by using different shades of white composite. A UV lamp helps to harden the resin. The treated tooth can be loaded again shortly after the filling has hardened.
The advantage of composites lies in their excellent aesthetic properties and the fact that hardly any healthy tooth structure needs to be removed for their processing. Composite fillings can still be repaired years later. With good oral hygiene, the fillings remain beautiful for a long time.

• Ceramic fillings
  Ceramic is a resistant material that is similar in color to natural tooth enamel. It is usually used as an inlay on posterior teeth, can withstand high chewing pressure and is aesthetically almost perfect.

Periodontal treatment

Inflammation of the gums or the periodontium (periodontium) is painful and must be treated urgently. There are many causes: gum problems can be triggered by a lack of oral hygiene or frequent smoking, but also by poor diet or hormonal influences. Symptoms range from mild gum discomfort and swollen gums to bleeding gums, gum loss or loose teeth.

FIGHTING THE HEART OF INFLAMMATION

In a first step, we localize the focus of inflammation and counteract it with cleansing and anti-inflammatory measures. In the early stages, inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) is easy to stop. However, as soon as the inflammation spreads to the tooth bed (periodontitis), in-depth root cleaning or even surgical intervention may be necessary.

Whenever possible, we avoid surgical interventions for periodontal treatment. In the case of very deep periodontal pockets, surgical procedures may be necessary for individual teeth. Depending on the extent and response of the treatment, it may be necessary to take antibiotics to support the treatment.
Following periodontal treatment, it is important to support dental health through good oral hygiene and preventive measures.

 

Aesthetic tooth position corrections

Wrong or missing teeth disrupt the harmony of a face. An aesthetically pleasing tooth position is an important part of your appearance and boosts your self-esteem.

Our practice uses suitable methods to correct misaligned teeth and help our patients achieve a beautiful and efficient set of teeth. We use traditional braces or transparent plastic aligners. We use the Swiss OrthoFolio® system. For severe jaw misalignments, we work together with specialist orthodontists.

EXTERNAL CLAMPS WITH BRACKETS

With external braces, brackets (small metal or ceramic plates) are connected with wires or elastic bands and attached to the outside of the teeth. By pulling on the brackets, the teeth gradually move into the desired position. We adjust them regularly until the desired tooth position is achieved.

Transparent braces (ALIGNER)

Transparent braces, known as aligners, are removable and barely visible to the naked eye. They offer the opportunity to treat minor misaligned teeth discreetly and effectively.

We use state-of-the-art technology (3D scanner) to determine the required tooth alignment correction and provide our patients with a set of around 30 different aligners, which they wear for 20 hours a day and change weekly. Each splint moves the teeth a little until the desired tooth position is achieved.
We work with the OrthoFolio® system, 100% Swiss Made, currently the most precise product on the market. It is made from a purely plant-based material and is well tolerated. The splints are removed for eating and brushing teeth. The teeth should be brushed after every meal. This prevents bacteria from settling in the tray.
 

Dental prostheses - crowns, veneers and bridges

If a tooth can no longer be repaired, crowns, veneers or bridges can help. These are durable dental prostheses made of plastic or ceramic that are modeled on natural teeth

This treatment method creates an aesthetically perfect dental appearance that makes your smile look particularly beautiful.

TOOTH CROWNS

If tooth damage is so extensive that we cannot restore the tooth with a filling, a crown can help: it replaces the natural tooth crown with a precisely fitting duplicate. If necessary, the damaged tooth undergoes root canal treatment and is then reinforced, built up with plastic and ground down. The tooth prepared in this way is then covered with a precisely fitting ceramic crown or a veneering ceramic-metal crown: the tooth is restored to its original state and provides good service when biting down in the long term.

VENEERS

The front teeth create the first impression and are important for your smile. Veneers are wafer-thin ceramic veneers that we use to correct the color or shape of your teeth.

Veneers make aesthetic corrections a breeze: enhancing the front teeth with ceramic produces particularly beautiful and natural-looking results.

What are the advantages of veneers?

• Veneers are gentle on teeth and do not cause any accompanying damage
• They cover gaps or cracks in teeth
• They can be matched in color and shape to the adjacent teeth
• Veneers help to achieve perfect dental aesthetics
• Veneers are extremely durable if they are cared for carefully. We support you with comprehensive care instructions
.

BRIDGES

A bridge is used to fill a gap between teeth, usually caused by tooth loss. A bridge consists of at least two teeth - the abutment teeth - which are fitted with a crown. The artificial teeth are then attached to these crowns as pontics.

We have been working with Dentallabor Jenni in Fulenbach for many years for dental restorations.

 

Implants - artificial tooth roots

Dental implants are special screw bodies (usually made of titanium) that are surgically inserted into the jawbone and serve as artificial tooth roots. They form the base on which an artificial tooth, bridge or denture can be attached in the next step.

A dental implant provides secure support for the inserted denture and helps to restore the aesthetics and chewing function of the teeth. As it continues to place stress on the jawbone, it also helps to prevent bone loss in the jaw.

INSTALLING AN IMPLANT

Inserting or healing the dental implant takes several months. The first step is to prepare the jaw for the artificial tooth root. As soon as the screw thread is inserted, a longer healing process follows. The gums surround the wound for several months. This ensures that the jawbone does not reject the inserted foreign body. Once the wound has healed well, the artificial dental crown can then be fitted.

WHEN ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS CONSIDERED?

Dental implants are used in various situations. The most common reasons for placing dental implants are:

• to close a single tooth gap: An implant is a good way to close a single tooth gap. It prevents malocclusions from forming in the jaw due to the missing tooth and fully restores the chewing function of the dentition. Another important advantage of implants over other forms of tooth replacement is that there is no need to grind down the adjacent teeth.
• as anchoring for removable dentures: partial or full dentures can also be anchored to implants with the help of press studs. They provide a secure hold and the artificial tooth root helps to prevent bone loss.
as abutments for extended bridges: While conventional bridges are fixed to adjacent teeth, known as abutment teeth, it is also possible to fix them wholly or partially to dental implants. The advantage of an implant-supported bridge is that the existing tooth structure is retained and the gums are perfectly flush.for anchoring an entire dental arch: four implants are usually used for attachment. According to the so-called "all-on-four" principle, we anchor an entire dental arch, 12 teeth, to four abutments (implants) in the upper or lower jaw.

We have decades of experience with implants and will be happy to explain the various application options to you.

Children's dentistry - care from the first milk tooth

Are you looking for a pediatric dentist in Solothurn? Then you've come to the right place: We work in school dental care and understand pediatric dentistry. We regularly examine schoolchildren in our practice. Of course, we are also there for younger children - our motto is: care from the first milk tooth.

Regular visits to the dentist are important for children because their teeth are still growing. We therefore already protect milk teeth from disease. This includes a playful introduction to brushing teeth so that young children are protected against tooth decay from an early age. To ensure that young patients come to our practice without any worries or fear, we place particular emphasis on three points when treating children:
• We make parents and children aware of the importance of good oral hygiene, regular tooth brushing and a low-sugar diet. Age-appropriate dental care should be part of everyday life from the first milk tooth onwards.
As the enamel of milk teeth is more susceptible to tooth decay and dental diseases, we strengthen and protect it with preventive measures such as fluoridation of milk teeth if necessary.
• We treat children with patience, empathy and understanding and show them and their parents in a playful way what is important when brushing their teeth. We are happy to take the time to answer your questions. We want children to remember their visit to the dentist as positively as possible.

During our examinations, we also assess the position of the teeth and initiate the necessary measures if orthodontic treatment, for example with braces, is required.

No fear of the dentist

You don't need to be afraid of the dentist at our practice - we treat you sensitively and with care. We will explain the proposed treatment to you step by step and address your needs. Let us know your wishes and any concerns you may have when you register. We will take time for you and discuss the options for pain-free treatment with you. Once you are in the treatment chair, you can help determine the pace and further steps of the procedure. We treat you with patience, sensitivity and largely pain-free treatment.

We use various methods to ensure pain-free treatment:

LOCAL ANAESTHESIA

Local anesthesia of teeth or gums is the most common measure for pain-free treatment. We have a lot of experience in administering anesthetic injections. You won't feel much from the injection, and after injecting the anaesthetic we carefully monitor the effect before continuing with the treatment. This largely avoids pain during the treatment.

treatments with laughing gas

Oxygen laughing gas is a great help for patients who want to be treated without pain: After inhaling the gas mixture through a nasal mask, they feel a sense of lightness and relaxation after a few minutes. The anesthetic injection is then almost imperceptible. Strong swallowing reflexes, which often make dental treatment difficult, are almost completely eliminated with laughing gas.

We have many years of experience in the use of nitrous oxide and will be happy to advise you on the choice of a suitable anesthetic method.
Dental hygiene - for shiny and healthy teeth

Regular dental hygiene is essential for the long-term health of your teeth. Periodic removal of plaque is necessary even with good oral hygiene, as tartar builds up over time in hard-to-reach areas and between the teeth. Only if this plaque is removed regularly can tooth decay and gingivitis be reliably prevented.

Professional teeth cleaning in our practice complements your personal dental care at home. Dental hygiene helps here: our experienced prophylaxis assistants remove tartar with special hand instruments and reach even the furthest corners of your teeth. We monitor your oral health comprehensively and ensure the long-term success of our dental treatments.
The benefits of dental hygiene at a glance:
• Professional dental cleaning thoroughly removes plaque and tartar
.
• Dental hygiene makes dental fillings, implants and dentures more durable
.
• Damage to teeth and gums is detected at an early stage
• Dental hygiene ensures well-maintained and healthy teeth - for a lifetime.

We recommend professional teeth whitening for discoloration that builds up on the teeth over the years.

DENTAL CLEANING

During dental cleaning, we remove tartar, plaque and discoloration even from hard-to-reach areas. Our experienced prophylaxis assistants clean all interdental spaces and tooth surfaces to complement dental cleaning at home.

Periodic and professional teeth cleaning is the basic prerequisite for healthy and shiny teeth.

BLEACHING

Our teeth are naturally ivory-colored, but they usually darken with age. The consumption of foods such as tea, coffee or red wine, the use of medication or regular smoking also lead to color pigments being deposited in the tooth enamel and discoloring the tooth. If tooth cleaning does not help, bleaching can successfully whiten discolored teeth.

Tooth whitening with bleaching works with us using a bleaching gel that is inserted into a custom-made tray (home bleaching). The gel breaks down the color pigments stored in the tooth into colorless compounds. The effect depends on the duration of use. In the case of heavily discolored teeth, several treatments are necessary until the desired degree of brightness is achieved.