Treatment guide

A dental implant is a screw-shaped part, usually made of titanium, placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once it has fused with the bone, a crown, bridge or denture is made on top.

It is considered as one of the options when one or more teeth are missing. Bone volume, gum condition and general health affect suitability, so the decision is made together with your dentist after an examination and imaging.

The process starts with an examination and planning based on X-rays or a CT scan. After the implant is placed, a healing period follows so that it can fuse with the bone, and then the restoration is prepared. The timing of each stage varies from person to person.

Root canal treatment cleans out the pulp, the tissue containing the tooth's nerves and blood vessels, when it is inflamed or infected, and then fills the root canals. The aim is to keep the tooth.

It is considered when deep decay, a fracture or a blow has affected the pulp. Sensitivity to hot and cold, discomfort when biting or swelling of the gum may call for an examination; the diagnosis is made with a clinical examination and X-ray.

After the tooth is numbed, the pulp is removed, the canals are shaped, disinfected and filled. Treatment may take one or several sessions; afterwards a filling or crown may be needed on the tooth.

Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the very back of the mouth. In some people they come through without problems; in others they stay partly or fully in the bone because there is not enough room.

Extraction may be considered with recurring gum inflammation, decay in the neighbouring tooth, a cyst, or a tooth lying sideways. Not every wisdom tooth that causes no problems needs to be removed.

First the position of the tooth is checked with an examination and X-ray. The extraction is done under local anaesthesia; impacted teeth may need a minor surgical procedure. Following your dentist's aftercare advice supports healing.

A filling restores a tooth that has lost structure through decay or a fracture, using a suitable material once the decayed tissue has been removed. Tooth-coloured composite materials are often used.

It is considered when decay is limited to the outer layers of the tooth, or for small fractures or wear. When decay is found early, a smaller repair may be enough, which is why regular check-ups matter.

If needed the area is numbed, the decayed tissue is removed, the tooth is prepared and the filling material is placed in layers and shaped. Finally the bite is checked and the filling is polished.

A zirconia crown is a crown placed over the tooth with a framework made of zirconium oxide. It contains no metal framework.

It may be considered as one of the options to protect teeth that have had root canal treatment, large fillings or fractures, to make a bridge where a tooth is missing, or for needs concerning the colour and shape of the teeth.

The tooth is prepared to receive the crown and an impression is taken. A temporary crown may be fitted while the crown is made in the laboratory. In the final step the fit and bite are checked and the crown is cemented.