Deutsch
RomânăWhy is prophylaxis so important?
Even with careful oral hygiene at home, not every spot can be reached perfectly. Plaque forms between the teeth, along the gum line and in tiny irregularities of the tooth surface, and over time it hardens into tartar. This is where professional teeth cleaning comes in: it adds to your home care exactly what you cannot do yourself.
For decades, studies have shown the same result: people who have regular prophylaxis suffer significantly less tooth decay, less periodontitis and fewer lost teeth over their lifetime. Prevention is one of the most effective and at the same time gentlest forms of dentistry.
Our approach
For us, prophylaxis is not an off-the-shelf standard cleaning, but an individually tailored appointment: we take our time, respond to your situation and show you the care techniques that fit into your everyday life.
Ms Becker, Ms Giesguth and Ms Silvi look after you during your prophylaxis and professional teeth cleaning.
What is professional teeth cleaning?
Professional teeth cleaning (PZR in German) is a special treatment carried out by trained staff, usually a dental prophylaxis assistant (ZMP) or a dental hygienist. It includes:
- Thorough cleaning of all tooth surfaces, including the spaces between the teeth
- Removal of tartar and hard deposits
- Gentle removal of stains from coffee, tea and nicotine
- Polishing of all tooth surfaces, so that new deposits find it harder to build up
- Fluoride treatment to strengthen the enamel
- Individual advice on caring for your teeth at home
How professional cleaning works at our practice
Examination
We examine your teeth and gums, record where deposits have formed and determine your individual risk of tooth decay and periodontitis.
Removing hard deposits
Tartar is gently removed with ultrasound and fine hand instruments, including below the gum line.
Soft deposits & stains
Using an air-polishing device (Airflow), we remove even stubborn stains gently and thoroughly.
Polishing
All tooth surfaces are smoothed, so new deposits have less to cling to and your teeth feel silky smooth.
Fluoride treatment
A high-dose fluoride varnish strengthens the enamel and helps protect against new decay, especially in sensitive areas.
Advice & recommendations
We discuss with you which aids for home care (dental floss, interdental brushes, electric toothbrush) best suit your situation.
Prophylaxis for every stage of life
Adults
For adults, the focus is on preventing periodontitis, the most common cause of tooth loss from the age of 40. With an individual risk assessment and regular check-ups arranged with you during your visit, we help you keep your gums healthy in the long term.
Children & teenagers
For children, we offer individual prophylaxis (IP1–IP4), which is covered by German statutory health insurance. We teach correct brushing in a playful way, check oral health and protect sensitive back teeth with fissure sealing.
Pregnant women
During pregnancy, the gums are particularly sensitive due to hormonal changes. Adapted prophylaxis protects you and helps prevent what is known as pregnancy gingivitis.
People with implants
Implants need special care. With our implant prophylaxis, we help protect you against peri-implantitis, the inflammation around the implant which, if left untreated, can lead to the loss of the implant.
How often should you come?
The right interval depends on your individual risk. As a guide:
a year
Standard recommendation with good oral hygiene and low risk
a year
With increased risk (history of periodontitis, implants, diabetes)
a year
During active periodontal treatment or with risk factors such as smoking
Tips for care at home
Prophylaxis at the practice is only one building block. The most important part takes place every day at home:
- Brush twice a day for two minutes, morning and evening
- Use an electric toothbrush or a soft manual toothbrush
- Clean between your teeth once a day (dental floss or interdental brushes)
- Use fluoride toothpaste, as it is the most effective way to prevent tooth decay
- Do not brush immediately after acidic drinks (wait at least 30 minutes)
- A tongue cleaner complements oral hygiene and reduces bad breath
Does health insurance cover the costs?
For adults, professional teeth cleaning is not part of the benefits covered by German statutory health insurance and has to be paid privately. Many supplementary insurance policies and some health insurers contribute to the cost. Please ask your insurer. Individual prophylaxis for children and teenagers, on the other hand, is covered by statutory health insurance.