Gemeinschaftspraxis Dres. Engelke, Büchter und Immenkamp

A dental crown covers and protects a tooth that has been weakened by decay, fracture, a large filling or root canal treatment. Crowns can be made from ceramic, metal, zirconia or a combination of materials. Treatment usually includes tooth preparation, an impression or digital scan and placement of a temporary crown before the final restoration is fitted. Patients travelling abroad should confirm laboratory times, material options, warranty terms and whether adjustments can be completed before departure.

Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth by supporting an artificial tooth from neighbouring teeth or dental implants. Traditional bridges require preparation of the supporting teeth, while implant-supported options avoid using natural teeth for support. The best approach depends on oral health, bone availability, bite and the size of the gap. Patients should discuss cleaning requirements, expected lifespan and whether several appointments are needed for preparation, laboratory work and final fitting.

Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used when a tooth needs more support than a standard filling but does not necessarily require a full crown. They are commonly made from ceramic, composite or metal and are produced from an impression or digital scan. These restorations can preserve more natural tooth structure than a crown in suitable cases. Patients should confirm whether the clinic offers same-day production or requires a second visit for laboratory fabrication.

A single dental implant replaces one missing tooth using an implant placed in the jawbone to support a crown. Planning may involve three-dimensional imaging to assess bone volume, nearby nerves and the position of surrounding teeth. After implant placement, a healing period is often required before the permanent crown is attached. Patients travelling for implant treatment should ask how many visits are needed, who manufactures the implant system and how aftercare will be managed at home.

Multiple dental implants may be used to replace several missing teeth with individual crowns or an implant-supported bridge. The treatment plan is designed around the number and position of missing teeth, available bone and bite forces. Using fewer implants to support a bridge may sometimes reduce the amount of surgery required. Patients should request a clear breakdown of implant placement, temporary teeth, healing stages and the final restoration before committing to travel.

Full-mouth implant treatment replaces most or all teeth in one or both jaws using a fixed or removable implant-supported restoration. Planning is complex and may include digital scans, imaging, bite analysis and assessment of bone and gum health. Some patients receive temporary teeth shortly after surgery, while the permanent restoration is completed after healing. Travelling patients should ask about the number of visits, temporary prostheses, maintenance, implant brands and support if complications occur after returning home.

Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants for improved stability compared with conventional removable dentures. They may be fixed or removable, depending on the design and the number of implants used. Treatment can improve chewing confidence and reduce movement of the denture, but cleaning and ongoing maintenance remain important. Patients should ask whether the quoted treatment includes attachments, the final denture, replacement components and future review appointments.

Bone grafting may be recommended when there is insufficient jawbone to support a dental implant. Graft material can come from the patient, a donor source, an animal-derived material or a synthetic substitute. The procedure may be completed before implant placement or at the same appointment in selected cases. Healing can add several months to the treatment timeline. Patients should confirm the graft material used, expected healing period and whether additional imaging or visits will be necessary.

A sinus lift increases bone height in the upper back jaw where the sinus sits close to the planned implant site. The procedure gently raises the sinus membrane and places graft material beneath it. Implant placement may happen at the same time or after a healing period, depending on the amount of existing bone. Patients travelling for treatment should ask about the surgical technique, recovery advice, flight timing and the planned interval before implant restoration.

Dentures replace missing teeth with a removable appliance designed to restore appearance and basic chewing function. Full dentures replace all teeth in a jaw, while partial dentures fill selected gaps. Materials, retention and comfort vary, and several appointments may be required for measurements, trial stages and adjustments. New dentures often need follow-up as the mouth adapts. Patients should ask whether adjustment visits are included and how repairs or relining will be managed later.

A tooth extraction may be advised when a tooth is severely damaged, infected, loose or unsuitable for predictable restoration. Simple extractions are performed when the tooth is accessible, while surgical extraction may be required for broken or impacted teeth. Healing time varies according to complexity, smoking, general health and aftercare. Patients should ask about pain management, bleeding precautions, replacement options and how long they should wait before flying.

Wisdom tooth removal may be recommended for repeated infection, decay, damage to nearby teeth or other complications. Assessment often includes an X-ray to evaluate the tooth position and nearby nerves. Some teeth can be removed simply, while impacted wisdom teeth may require a surgical approach. Patients travelling for surgery should allow time for swelling and review, and should ask whether sedation, stitches and post-operative medication are included.

A gum disease assessment measures gum health, bleeding, pocket depth, tooth mobility and bone support. X-rays may be required to evaluate bone loss around the teeth. Early gum disease may improve with professional cleaning and home care, while more advanced disease can require deeper cleaning or specialist periodontal treatment. Patients should ask whether the clinic provides a full periodontal chart and how ongoing maintenance will be coordinated after treatment.

Scaling and root planing is a deeper cleaning procedure used to remove bacterial deposits from below the gum line and smooth the root surfaces of affected teeth. Treatment may be completed in sections and local anaesthetic is often used for comfort. Follow-up is important to assess healing and determine whether additional periodontal care is needed. Travelling patients should ask how many sessions are planned and when reassessment should take place.

Periodontal maintenance is ongoing professional care for patients who have experienced gum disease. Appointments may include measurement of gum pockets, removal of deposits, review of home cleaning and monitoring of tooth stability. Maintenance intervals are usually more frequent than routine cleaning and depend on individual risk. Patients receiving treatment abroad should arrange continued periodontal care at home, as long-term results rely heavily on regular review and daily oral hygiene.

Professional teeth whitening uses regulated whitening products to lighten natural tooth colour and reduce selected staining. Treatment may be performed in the clinic, at home with custom trays, or through a combined approach. Existing crowns, veneers and fillings do not whiten in the same way as natural teeth, which can affect the final appearance. Patients should ask about sensitivity, expected shade change and whether any restorations may need replacement afterwards.

Composite bonding uses tooth-coloured resin to repair chips, reshape teeth, close small gaps or improve symmetry. It usually requires little or no removal of natural tooth structure and can often be completed in one visit. Bonding is less resistant to staining and fracture than some ceramic restorations, so maintenance and future repair may be needed. Patients should ask whether bite assessment, polishing and aftercare are included in the treatment plan.

Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic restorations bonded to the front surface of selected teeth to change colour, shape, size or alignment. Treatment commonly involves planning, tooth preparation, temporary veneers and laboratory manufacture. Veneers are not reversible when significant enamel is removed and may need replacement in the future. Patients travelling abroad should confirm how many appointments are required and whether a trial smile or digital preview is available.

A smile makeover combines two or more cosmetic or restorative treatments to address several concerns at the same time. The plan may include whitening, bonding, veneers, crowns, orthodontics or replacement of missing teeth. Good planning should consider gum health, bite, facial appearance and long-term maintenance rather than appearance alone. Patients should request a written staged plan and confirm which results are temporary, provisional or permanent before travelling.

Clear aligners are removable trays designed to move teeth gradually through a planned sequence. They may be suitable for selected crowding, spacing and bite problems, but more complex cases can require fixed braces or additional procedures. Successful treatment depends on wearing the aligners as instructed and attending regular reviews. Patients travelling for aligner treatment should clarify how scans, attachments, refinements and remote monitoring will be managed.

Fixed braces use brackets and wires to guide teeth into improved positions. They can treat a wide range of orthodontic problems and may be made from metal or less visible ceramic materials. Treatment typically requires regular adjustments over many months, making ongoing access to the orthodontic team important. Patients considering braces abroad should carefully plan follow-up, emergency repairs and eventual retainer provision before starting treatment.

Gum contouring reshapes the gum line to improve symmetry, expose more tooth surface or support restorative treatment. Depending on the goal, tissue may be removed or carefully repositioned, sometimes using a laser or conventional surgical technique. Gum health and the position of underlying bone must be assessed before treatment. Patients should ask about healing time, temporary sensitivity and whether additional restorative work will follow.

Full-mouth rehabilitation is a comprehensive plan used when many teeth are worn, damaged, missing or affected by failing restorations. Treatment may combine crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, gum care and bite correction. Because the plan can be complex, detailed records, digital scans and provisional restorations may be used before the final work is completed. Travelling patients should request a phased schedule, itemised costs and clear arrangements for long-term maintenance.

A bite assessment examines how the upper and lower teeth meet during rest, chewing and jaw movement. It may be useful when investigating tooth wear, fractured restorations, jaw discomfort or planning extensive dental treatment. The dentist may use photographs, digital scans, models or specialised measurements. Treatment is only recommended when findings are clinically relevant. Patients should ask how bite considerations are incorporated into crowns, veneers, implants or full-mouth treatment.