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Frequently asked questions to our dental practice in Erbendorf

Regular checkups

How often should you visit the dentist?

It depends on the individual situation of the patient.

If the teeth and gums are perfectly healthy, a preventative check-up is recommended at least twice a year. If you have poor dental health, you should visit your dentist more often.

Is nocturnal grinding of the teeth harmful?

Yes, grinding your teeth is a bodily reaction to stress. While you sleep your body tries to help reduce stress from the day by grinding your teeth, which can wear down your teeth over time. Eventually the grinding becomes chronic and can cause permanent joint destruction. Chronic grinding could have a negative effect on the entire posture and can cause problems in the neck, cervical and even pelvic positions.

What do I need a bonus book for?

The insurance companies reward regular check-ups at the dentist. For example, if you need dentures, you usually get a little extra allowance from the health insurance companies.

Acute symptoms

I have a toothache, can I drop by?

Of course you can come to our office in Erbendorf immediately in case of emergency.

Altenstädter Str. 2, 92681 Erbendorf

Tip: A short call (09682/855) can help us prepare for your visit and keep the waiting time down.

My gums are bleeding, what can I do about it?

If your gums are very red and swollen or bleeding, you should make an appointment for an office visit. In most cases it is nothing dangerous and can be treated quickly. The main cause of bleeding gums is due to the plaque buildup at the gum line, the so-called reactions to foreign bodies as a result. In the worst case it can also be an alarm signal for an incipient infection and/or inflammatory disease of the gums, called periodontitis. Please read about periodontology.

I have bad breath, what can I do about it?

A distinction must be made here as to whether it is a temporary – for example: after the consumption of certain foods and beverages, or a permanent condition – for example: bad bacteria that cause the formations of toxins that can lead to gum disease. Our dental office is able to treat bad breath quite effectively. Because the bacteria are located in the gum pockets, you can’t get to these pockets yourself, the treatment is conducted by a dental hygienist.

Oral hygiene

Manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush?

Overall the electric toothbrush cleans better than a manual toothbrush. This has been statistically proven by a large number of studies carried out by universities all over the world.

What is the best electric toothbrush?

There are two types of electric toothbrushes. The rotary version is a small, round brush head developed by dentists that surrounds each individual tooth and effectively removes plaque even in hard-to-reach areas. This type of electric toothbrush is available from Oral-B, for instance. The other version is sonic toothbrushes available from Ultrasonic or Philipps, for example. The flexible brushes adapt to your teeth and gums, removing plaque up to 10 times more. Both types offer a much better cleaning performance than a manual toothbrush.

Is dental floss really that good?

Yes, it is the only way to prevent tooth decay between the teeth.

The contact point between the teeth is usually where the tooth decay starts.

What is the best way to clean my dentures?

The same way you clean your natural teeth: with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Cleaning tablets are just used for support. The plaque and buildup must nevertheless be removed mechanically.

Implantology

What are implants?

When a natural tooth is lost, the root of the tooth is replaced by an implant. An implant is a screw made of titanium or ceramic on which a dental crown is then attached for replacement. Prostheses can also be fixed to implants.

How does a dental implant treatment work?

Nowadays it is a very gentle and minor operation. First the gums are cut open to expose the jawbone in order to drill a small hole. Then the dental implant post is placed in the drilled hole of the jawbone. In the last step of the procedure the gums are closed and sutured. With a gentle surgical approach, there is very little discomfort, pain or swelling to be expected.

Digital volume tomogram (DVT)

What is digital volume tomography (DVT)?

A digital volume tomography is a three-dimensional X-ray image of the jaw bone – similar to a CT (computed tomography). Many cross-sectional slice images of the jaw are made, which are then combined to form a complete 3D image on the screen.

Can you plan implants better by using DVT?

This is the only way the bone can be assessed in all its dimensions – height, width and depth. There is a reliable security with the planning to avoid injuries of important structures in the mouth region, like maxillary sinus and nerves. It also helps to calculate the costs of the procedure more precisely.

Fixed teeth in a day

How does the treatment “Fixed teeth in one day” work?

In the morning the implants are placed. After the operation, impressions of the created situation are taken. After that, the patient is given a certain time to rest. In the meantime, the dental prosthesis is made by our in-house dental technician. Towards late afternoon / evening the fixed teeth are firmly placed in the mouth.

For whom is the treatment “Fixed teeth in one day” suitable?

The two classic situations are:

  • Total prosthesis wearers who are no longer satisfied with the prosthesis and/or the fit and wish to regain quality of life through fixed teeth.
  •  Patients – due to extensive damage – for whom only the removal of all teeth can help. In this case, the step from your own teeth to a total prosthesis would be the most evasive procedure.

The quality of life can be significantly improved with our “All-On-4” system.

Orthodontics

What are the different types of orthodontic functional appliances available?

Depending on the malalignment severity of the jaw and the age and growth phase of the child/adolescent, removable or fixed appliances are used. Removable appliances, for example loose braces, are usually used during the growth phase. The loose braces correct the jaw first – overbite, underbite or crossbite. The fixed braces straighten the teeth.

Aesthetic dentistry

Is bleaching/whitening harmful to the teeth?

No – Bleaching is not harmful to the teeth. The bleaching agent used in the office is used in controlled doses. It is used so precisely that it cannot damage the teeth.

How does a teeth bleaching / whitening work?

Bleaching/whitening is an in-office-based procedure done directly at the dental chair.

That means that the dental assistant applies the bleaching agent to the teeth. It processes until the desired results are achieved. It can be repeated up to 3 times per session if needed. It is also possible to make a tray for home use. You will also receive a whitening agent from us to continue the procedure at home.

What are veneers?

Veneers are wafer-thin ceramic shields that are permanently applied to the teeth to achieve an optimal aesthetic result. Beforehand a small amount of the patient’s own enamel must be removed, caused by irregular shapes, color or position.

What is “Direct Veneering”?

With direct veneering, the ceramic veneers are applied directly to the tooth without having to grind the tooth beforehand.

Invisible orthodontics

Can you really not see the Invisalign?

The Invisalign trays/aligners are almost invisible because they are flexible, transparent and wafer-thin. They do not obstruct speaking or laughing and are not noticed by the person opposite of you.

Does the Invisalign remain in the mouth while eating and drinking?

The aligners (trays) are worn 22 hours a day – just like “normal braces”. However, they are removed for eating and before some drinks are consumed. This means that the patient has no problems or restrictions when eating. With fixed braces, he or she is not able to eat hard or sticky foods to keep the braces from being damaged.

How can I clean the Invisalign?

You can clean the Invisalign easily with a toothbrush and water. There are also special braces cleaners, which we would gladly inform you about. Just contact us if necessary.

Endodontics

What is endodontics?

Endodontics means root canal treatment. The inflamed nerve and pulp are removed and a medication for healing, which is later removed, is applied. At the end – after about three sessions – the tooth is closed again. Before the treatment, a local anesthetic is administered so that the patient has no pain. We work with a special preparation device, which not only makes repeated x-rays unnecessary, but also increases the chances of success of a root canal treatment many times over, because the nerve canals are optimally cleaned.

Anxiety / sedation

I am an anxiety patient - what can I do?

For anxiety patients we offer a twilight sleep anesthesia directly in the office. If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact us or come directly in our office.

Altenstädter Str. 2, 92681 Erbendorf

How is dental treatment for anxiety patients performed?

After a preliminary consultation an appointment for the treatment will be made. On the day of the appointment, the patient will need a driver, as driving will no longer be possible after the treatment. Up to about 3 hours after the treatment the patient needs to be held under observation. The sedation is initiated intravenous. During the treatment the patient is closely monitored: blood pressure, pulse and oxygen saturation are constantly measured. The patient sleeps during the treatment and awakes afterwards.

Oral surgery

What is oral surgery?

Oral surgery includes all surgical procedures performed in or around the mouth or jaws, which includes apicoectomies, wisdom tooth extraction, gum surgery, periodontal surgery, bone augmentation and implantation.

When do I need a root tip resection?

A root tip resection is carried out in an attempt to treat inflammation that remains around the root apex despite root canal treatment in compliance with the clinical practice guidelines.

When should wisdom teeth be extracted?

The perfect age for young people is between 15 and 16 years. At this age the roots of the wisdom teeth are not yet fully developed. Therefore, they are further away from the lower jaw nerve. This minimizes the risk of permanent damage to the sensory nerve. If the wisdom tooth has to be removed later because of permanent inflammation or carious destruction, the risk is higher.

Additional information: Most wisdom teeth have to be removed due to lack of space, since the jaw has become smaller due to evolution. Therefore, most wisdom teeth have too little space in the jaw.

Periodontology

What is periodontosis / periodontitis / periodontology?

In the advertising called periodontosis, periodontitis (periodont = periodontal apparatus, Itis = inflammation) is an inflammation of the periodontal apparatus, caused by bacteria. This is an infectious disease, similar to flu or an infected wound. The bacteria organize themselves into colonies for their own protection. If they are not removed for a long time thick adhering plaque will form underneath the gums because the toothbrush does not reach there. Periodontitis can only be combated if the adhering plaque is removed mechanically – by special hand instruments, ultrasound or airflow / powder jet devices. In order to support this cleaning, antibiotics are often used additionally, as with any bacterial infection. Laser therapy can also help to further reduce the bacteria count.

Prophylaxis

What is prophylaxis?

Behind the term prophylaxis are regular professional dental cleaning and regular dental checks. In our office we are oriented to preventative treatment, because we believe that success can only be achieved if you “get to the root of the problem” before it becomes a problem. We do not focus on treating the effects, but rather the causes. The dental recommendation is to have a professional dental cleaning done twice a year. University studies show that after cleaning, the bacteria maximum is reached again after 4 months. In dentistry it is necessary to fight two major diseases – caries/tooth decay and periodontitis. Both diseases are caused by bacteria. The bacteria growth is kept low so they can’t multiply with regular visits to our office.

What does professional dental cleaning include?

A professional tooth cleaning includes the cleaning of the entire tooth surface down to just below the gums. Not only the cleaning with ultrasound, followed by powder jet cleaning (airflow) and cleaning with hand instruments as well as polishing is sufficient: Nowadays the educated patient is the decisive factor that is the key to long lasting dental success.

Does my health insurance pay for professional dental cleaning?

Generally, professional dental cleaning is a private service which is not covered by health insurance. The health insurance only pays for the removal of tartar once a year. This only includes the removal of the coarse plaque above the gums. Plaque removal, powder jet cleaning and polishing are not included. However, due to the long-term success, some health insurance companies are even willing to pay a certain amount of money for this service. For example, the AOK subsidizes professional dental cleaning with 40€ per year.

Sports dentistry

Who is sports dentistry important for?

From the top athlete to the normal hobby sportsman – everyone, young or old, has one or two ailments that negatively influence their balanced and coordination. Appropriate sports dentistry can be used to counteract these ailments. We would be happy to consult you on this in our office, feel free to contact us.

What can be achieved through sports dentistry?

Everything from a healthy attitude to life to an increase in performance in all areas of the body: maximum strength, endurance, mobility, speed, balance as well as concentration, stability and regeneration. Even if it is not always about the last percent of performance for the hobby sportsman, the prevention of an injury, the so-called injury prophylaxis, is a given in the long run by a balanced static of the body.

What treatment methods are there in sports dentistry

Performance and performance enhancement

Targeted measures can increase the performance as well as the performance of the athlete. Maximum strength, endurance, mobility, speed, balance as well as concentration, stability and regeneration are the important success factors.

Elimination of performance-reducing inflammations

Particularly on athletes, inflammations have a much more negative effect on their performance and represent a considerable strain on the organism.

Traumatology

This is a branch of dentistry that deals with the treatment of wounds and injuries to teeth. Usually a standard dentist is inadequately trained for dental injuries – we are specialists in this field!

Sports mouthguard

There are considerable differences in this area. With a sports mouthguard it is important that it protects teeth, bones and the jaw joint.

Craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD)

Can headaches and backaches really be related to my teeth?

Yes, the entire oral system is also called the stress organ. During the night, the body relieves the stress of the day, which usually manifests itself in teeth grinding or clenching. This can create forces up to 500 kg. This enormous force is dissipated via the descending muscle chain – jaw, neck and shoulder. This often leads to muscle tension and neck and shoulder pain. Headaches can also be a consequence, these are caused by the tension of the chewing muscles above the ears.

Why does my jaw joint crack when I yawn or chew?

A certain amount of joint damage is already present if the jaw is cracking. The temporomandibular joint is constructed like many other joints. Bones, intervertebral discs, tendons. In most cases, both the ligamentous apparatus and the intervertebral disc are already damaged when cracking. The body is a compensation artist, which can cushion this damage for a long time. However, at some point the “straw that broke the camels back” comes. After the individual compensation limit, the resulting damage becomes painful. However, the treatment options are then usually limited or extremely extensive.

Pediatric dentistry

How important is regular tooth brushing in childhood?

Milk teeth need the same care as permanent teeth. The enamel layer of milk teeth is much thinner, so they are much more susceptible to cavities. As the dental nerve is much more extensive in children, they could suffer a toothache much quicker than adults. The teeth should be brushed with a small amount of age-appropriate toothpaste from the first milk tooth onwards. This alone serves to accustom the children to brushing their teeth regularly.

When will my child have its first milk teeth?

Typically, between the 5th and 8th month of life. The first ones are the lower two front vaginal teeth.

At what age should my child go to the dentist for the first time?

It is best for children to go to the dentist as soon as he or she has the first milk tooth. That way cavities and a possible malalignment of the teeth can be detected early. Your child can also get used to regular check-ups at the dentist office.

How often should my child go to the dentist for a check-up?

We recommend that children should go to the dentist twice a year. Through regular check-ups, cavities and a possible misaligned tooth can be detected early.

How can I protect my child from caries / cavities?

It is best to brush the teeth twice a day with a small amount of age-appropriate fluoridated toothpaste. Keep the consumption of sweetened drinks and sweets to a minimum and do not spread them out throughout the day – better once a day than five times a day.

A small tip: You should not offer your child sweetened drinks in baby bottles.

Is toothpaste for children really better for them?

The exact age-appropriate fluoride content has been scientifically tested over many decades. Therefore, it is better for children to use the toothpaste appropriate to their age. The respective toothpaste for children is milder than that from adults and is better accepted by them. Fluoride is important to make the tooth enamel more resistant to decay.

Why should my child not swallow the toothpaste?

If your child regularly swallows toothpaste, the excessive fluoride could damage the tooth enamel. However, the fluoride content is adapted to age and only a small amount is put on the toothbrush at one time. Of course, the child should not swallow half the tube, but if they do, it is completely safe.

From what age should I keep a bonus booklet for my child?

Nowadays, everything is recorded digitally, all dental visits are stored digitally. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to keep a bonus booklet.

Pregnancy

What do I have to observe at the dentist during pregnancy?

How often should I go to the dentist during pregnancy?

We recommend visiting your dentist once or twice during pregnancy.

Amalgam

Is amalgam really dangerous?

To say that amalgam is dangerous for healthy people would be an exaggeration. For people with kidney or liver damage, it is advisable to remove the amalgam fillings. For these patients the exchange is even covered by the health insurance. Amalgam contains mercury (heavy metal), which is liquid at room temperature. Thus, over the years it slowly evaporates from the filling and is slowly absorbed by the body. An accumulation in the body can disturb the cell metabolism and can be hard for your body to eliminate.

What alternatives are there to amalgam fillings?

Alternatives to amalgam dental fillings are synthetic fillings (composite) or ceramic restorations.

What our patients say

W.
W. Furth

Endlich Zanarztangst Adieu ... Sehr schöne Praxis und super Zahnärzte sowie Personal. Behandlungen auf hohem fachlichen und vor allem menschlichen Niveu. Hier ist man nicht nur eine Nummer sondern wird auch bei Zahnarztangst verstanden und ohne vorwürfe behandelt. Kann die Praxis uneingeschränkt weiterempfehlen. Bitte weiter so !

F
Frö Hli

Bin seit Jahren Patient dort und bin sehr zu Frieden Dr. Knippenberg ist für mich einer der kompetentesten Ärzte die ich kenne. Er versteht seit Handwerk und weiß wie man mit Patienten umgeht. Nicht zu vergessen die Facharzthelferin tolles Team.

M
Michael Woehrl

Bester Zahnarzt habe keine Angst mehr. Super freundliches Team. Sogar spritze merkt man überhaupt nicht. Einfach ein super Arzt mit super team.

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RallyeMax Schm

Ich besuchte die Info-Veranstaltung der Praxis um mich über einen Zahnersatzes zu informieren. Noch am gleichen Tag erläuterte mir Dr. von Knippenberg die Möglichkeiten und vorgehensweise einer Behandlung. Ich fühlte mich hier richtig aufgehoben und verstanden und entschied mich für den Zahnersatz an einem Tag. Ich bekam sechs Implantate und bereits festsitzende Zähne an einem Operationstag. Alles verlief gut und ich bin sehr zufrieden.

A
Alexandra Lehretz

Arzt wie Team unschlagbar. Freundlich, kompetent, einfühlsam gerade ich als schlimmer Angstpatient kann nur sagen ich würde niemals in eine andere Praxis wechseln. Ich fühle mich hier zu 100% gut aufgehoben. Danke an Daniel v. Knippenberg und sein Team

B
Barbara Walter

Ich habe mich in der Praxis bisher immer sehr gut aufgehoben gefühlt, sowohl bei der klassischen "Arztbehandlung" als auch bei der professionellen Zahnreinigung. Die Beratung war kompetent und die Behandlung komplikationslos. Klare Empfehlung!

D
Doris Hebenstreit

schade daß man nur 5 Sterne vergeben kann.... sehr freundliches Personal - sehr kompetenter netter und freundlicher Zahnarzt - tolle Praxisräume meine Behandlung war super auf der ganzen Linie - komme auf jeden Fall wieder

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Fritz Hofmann

Nach längerer Zeit heute wieder in Behandlung und ich kann nur sagen dass alles wieder perfekt war. Top!

M
Marco Janka

Ich , als absoluter Angstpatient, bin wirklich top zufrieden. Komme gern wieder. Und das mag bei mir was heißen. Daumen hoch 👍 …

M
Jesse Litch

Super nette Mitarbeiter und eine sehr schöne und moderne Praxis gerne wieder!

Get in touch

Nicole KattritzNicole Kattritz
Maria KöchertMaria Köchert
Manuela KlamtManuela Klamt
Nina GilchNina Gilch
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