Dental clinic

The ZZ Zdravje dental clinic at Medicinski center Ljubljana provides general dentistry: preventive check-ups, removal of dental deposits and periodontal treatment, minor oral surgery, removal of caries and endodontic (root canal) treatment, direct fillings, fixed and removable prosthetics, and cosmetic dentistry. The clinic works under the public health insurance scheme (concession) and provides its services on the basis of health insurance.

Caries that the dentist finds early is usually treated with a filling. The decayed tissue is removed and the tooth is filled with a direct filling, which the dentist shapes right in the mouth. If the infection has reached the dental pulp, endodontic treatment is needed – treatment of the root canals, which often takes several visits. This makes it possible to keep a tooth that would otherwise have to be extracted.

Bleeding gums when brushing, bad breath and a feeling that your teeth are loose can be signs of gum disease. Periodontal treatment starts with removing deposits above and below the gum line and continues with regular check-ups. The dentist works together with the dental hygienist, described further below.

When a tooth is missing or too damaged for a filling, prosthetics come into play. Fixed prosthetics, such as a crown or a bridge, are attached to teeth or implants, while a removable denture is put in and taken out by the patient. Cosmetic dentistry deals with the shape and colour of teeth. The dentist suggests which solution makes sense for you after the examination.

Orthodontic treatment, that is the straightening of teeth and jaws, is provided at the centre by ORTHOS, an institute for orthodontics and maxillofacial orthopaedics. You can read more on the Orthodontics page; booking is done directly with ORTHOS.

The examination begins with a conversation. The dentist will want to know what brought you in, when you last saw a dentist, which medicines you take and whether you are allergic to anything. They then examine your teeth, fillings, restorations and gums, and suggest X-rays if needed.

At the end, you agree on a plan: what needs to be dealt with first, what can wait and roughly how many visits will be needed. If anything is unclear, ask before treatment starts.

A procedure that could be painful is done under local anaesthetic. If you are afraid of the dentist, say so when booking or at the start of the examination. The dentist can explain what they are doing as they go and agree with you on a signal for stopping.

Tartar also builds up where the toothbrush does not reach: along the gum line, between the teeth and on the inner side of the lower incisors. Once deposits have hardened, they can no longer be removed at home. That is when the dental hygienist comes in, removing the deposits professionally and then advising you on how to prevent them from quickly coming back.

Treatment begins with an examination of the teeth and gums. This is followed by removal of hard and soft deposits above and below the gum line, and if needed smoothing and polishing of the tooth surfaces. Staining, for example from coffee, tea or smoking, is removed by air polishing (sandblasting). If your gums bleed or are sensitive, the hygienist takes this into account during cleaning.

The second part of the visit is a conversation. Which toothbrush suits you, when to change its head, whether you need interdental brushes or dental floss, how to clean around crowns, bridges and orthodontic braces. The advice is different for everyone, because teeth, saliva and habits are different too.

How often should you have a clean? A frequently mentioned interval is once a year, but many people need more frequent visits. It depends on your tendency to build up deposits, the condition of your gums and how well your care at home is going. The interval that makes sense for you is suggested by the dentist or hygienist after the examination.

Regular removal of deposits prevents and slows the development of periodontal disease. The dental hygiene clinic works closely with the dentist and a periodontist, which allows gum disease to be monitored closely and treated.

A dental implant replaces the root of a lost tooth. It is a small screw, most often made of titanium, which the oral surgeon places in the jawbone; a crown, bridge or removable denture is later attached to it. Besides implants, the clinic also carries out other oral surgery procedures.

These include more complex tooth extractions, removal of impacted wisdom teeth and treatment of changes in the jawbone. Before the procedure, an examination and imaging are needed so that the surgeon can assess the amount and quality of bone and the position of the nerves.

Placing an implant is not a single visit. First come the examination and the plan, then the surgical procedure, then a healing period during which the bone grows onto the surface of the implant, and only at the end the prosthetic part. Weeks or months pass between the individual steps; exactly how long depends on the starting condition of the bone and gums.

An implant is not suitable for everyone. Untreated gum inflammation, too little bone, smoking and some chronic illnesses are reasons why the surgeon may suggest either preparatory treatment first or a different solution. This is discussed at the first examination, before you decide on the procedure.

After an extraction or implant placement, swelling, slight bleeding and pain are to be expected for the first few days. A cold compress on the cheek, soft food and avoiding smoking and vigorous rinsing for a few days help; you will receive exact instructions after the procedure. If the bleeding does not stop, the swelling increases after a few days or you develop a fever, call the clinic.