FAQ

The frequency of dental visits for preventive reasons is mainly determined by the attending dentist depending on the oral health status of each patient. When the mouth is generally healthy, one visit to the dentist every six months is sufficient for a preventive check-up. The dentist is able to detect incipient damage to teeth and gums and prevent more advanced and more painful damage to the patient’s mouth. The basic requirement is for the patient to practice proper oral hygiene daily, using a toothbrush twice a day and certainly at night before going to bed, combined with flossing or interdental brushing daily. Antiseptic mouthwash is an auxiliary and secondary treatment and is not a substitute for brushing. Visiting every six months does not necessarily mean cleaning the teeth. Stone and pigment cleaning should be done when the need arises. This varies from person to person and depends mainly on how effective their oral hygiene is, the quality of saliva, the patient’s diet, any local anatomical or orthodontic abnormalities, and some general systemic diseases.

Dental caries is the most common non-communicable disease in the world according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and its prevalence worldwide is 60-90% in school-age children and almost all adults. It affects the teeth of people of all ages, destroying their normal structure. It is caused by the erosion of enamel and dentin by the acids produced by the sugar metabolism of our diet, a process carried out by the microbes (saccharomyces) that normally live in the oral cavity (microbial oral flora). Its progression is usually slow and painless, which is why teeth do not always show severe symptoms, despite the fact that they have reached an advanced state of decay. Its appearance varies, depending on how advanced it is. It starts with brown, yellow or bright white spots, while in more advanced lesions the colour is darker and there may even be a breakage of part of the tooth. In many cases only a small black spot is seen, but internally a large part of the tooth is damaged or the damage has reached the nerve, without necessarily having any symptoms, and then endodontic treatment is often necessary (root canal treatment.The treatment of caries is fillings, when the damage has not affected the nerve of the tooth, and endodontic treatment (root canal therapy), when the nerve has been invaded by microbes. Pain should not be the benchmark in the treatment of caries, because even teeth in which the lesion has reached the nerve do not always show symptoms. A careful preventive examination every six months by the dentist and possibly some x-rays will lead to an early diagnosis of caries in its early stages, so that its progression can be halted by a filling. In order to prevent the development-appearance of caries, it is necessary to practice systematic oral hygiene with daily proper brushing for 3-4 minutes, daily use of dental floss and interdental brush and avoiding the consumption of sugary foods and soft drinks.

Gingivitis is essentially the inflammation of the gums and its causes are mainly the microbial plaque that accumulates on the edges of the gums around the teeth. It appears more often at young ages and up to 30-35 years. Its causes are mainly poor or incomplete oral hygiene and secondarily the taking of certain medications, pregnancy or anatomical abnormalities of the teeth.The gums appear swollen, intensely red, edematous and bleeding during brushing or even automatically. Tartar (tartar) in the form of hard yellow or brown deposits on the teeth is also often observed. Treatment of gingivitis requires removal of tartar by the dentist and systematic brushing and flossing by the patient. In addition, it is possible to use an antiseptic mouthwash. After 1-2 weeks, the gums return to their normal state.

Periodontitis is the disease of the gums, but also of the alveolar bone that supports and surrounds the teeth. In periodontitis, the microbes have entered deeper into the gingival crevice and have attacked the bone as well, resulting in its gradual loss and in the future the mobility and perhaps loss of the affected teeth. Periodontitis is distinguished in various forms and degrees of severity, it occurs more often in older ages (35+ years) than those of gingivitis and is usually a consequence of a chronic untreated gingivitis. Its characteristic symptoms are the swelling, redness and bleeding of the gums, as well as the mobility of the teeth. Also in advanced forms there is receding of the gums and exposure of the roots of the teeth, while its progression leads to tooth loss. The treatment of periodontitis involves a substantially deeper cleaning of the roots of the teeth with special tools and usually under local anesthesia, as well as systematic oral hygiene by the patient using a toothbrush, dental floss and an interdental brush. In addition, it is possible to use an antiseptic mouthwash, while regular re-examination at the dentist is necessary in order to control and stabilize the disease. Periodontitis is often associated with more general diseases, such as diabetes, heart problems and some autoimmune diseases.

Teeth whitening is a painless and generally safe method of chemically changing the color of teeth. The procedure and according to the Ministry of Health is purely a dental procedure and should only be performed under the supervision of a dentist with approved preparations and a documented protocol. Teeth whitening aims to change the color of natural teeth only and is carried out by various methods. The most widespread, safe, predictable and effective is the so-called combined method, in which the main procedure is performed in the clinic using a special plasma lamp (whitening lamp), which activates a gel that is placed on the teeth and which with the in turn, entering their internal structure, breaks down their chromogenic substances. The session at the doctor’s office takes about 45 minutes. In addition, personalized splints are provided to the patient with a suitable gel, which he wears during the night for about a week. The result is whiter teeth and a more beautiful smile. Limitations of teeth whitening are fillings (seals) and crowns (cases), which cannot change color with the whitening method. During treatment it is recommended to avoid foods and habits that contain pigments such as smoking, coffee, tea and red wine.

During pregnancy it is possible and usually in the 2nd or 3rd trimester that the so-called pregnancy gingivitis appears, which is mainly due to the hormonal changes of the mother, combined with a possible neglect of oral hygiene. It is treated with cleaning which can be done safely and without any risk, both for the fetus and for the mother, at any stage of pregnancy always in consultation with the gynecologist. More generally during pregnancy, with the exception of some restrictions during the 1st trimester, almost all dental treatments can be carried out after the consent of the gynecologist, as the dentist’s primary concern is the oral health of the pregnant woman and the avoidance of painful situations that will increase stress and may require painkillers or antibiotics. For this reason, it is recommended to all women planning to become pregnant to have a preventive check-up by a dentist and to carry out all the necessary treatments before pregnancy, always in combination with the application of systematic oral hygiene. The prevailing opinion that the pregnant woman’s teeth are damaged because the fetus absorbs the calcium it needs from them is wrong, as research has shown that the first source of calcium for the fetus is the mother’s bones. Besides, almost all pregnant women take calcium supplements on the recommendation of their gynecologist.

In case of inflammation or necrosis of a tooth with or without accompanying pain, from various causes (caries, trauma) and in order to keep the tooth in the dental barrier functional and symptomatic, endodontic treatment (denervation) is recommended. During the endodontic treatment process and after first administering sufficient local anesthesia, the tooth is ground to allow access to its nerve, which is then removed. The root canal of the tooth is then chemically-mechanically cleaned and disinfected and appropriate antiseptic drugs are placed. At the end of the treatment, the root canal of the tooth is blocked with suitable biocompatible materials and the tooth is restored with a filling (sealing) or crown (case) and is now kept in the mouth symptomatic and functional. It is recommended that after denervation the tooth is immediately covered with a crown (case), as it is more vulnerable to fracture (breakage) which may even lead to extraction of the tooth. The crown protects the tooth from such danger and contributes to the long-term survival of the tooth in the mouth.

Bad breath is the unpleasant smell of the breath coming from the oral cavity. The most frequent causes of bad breath are found in the oral cavity at a rate of 85-95% and are usually responsible for the microbes that normally exist in the mouth, as well as food residues that may remain in hard-to-reach places. Causes include more specifically decayed (decayed) teeth, diseases and inflammation of the gums such as gingivitis and periodontitis, problematic or poorly made prosthetic work that harbors germs and is not cleaned, smoking and the reduced saliva secretion it causes, as well as food residues or germs on the dorsum of the tongue. Diseases of the nasal cavity, pharynx, esophagus (reflux) and stomach also contribute to bad breath, while bad breath is also often observed in diabetic patients. Finally, some foods, such as garlic and onion, and some medicines also cause bad breath. The main substances responsible for bad breath are some sulfur compounds resulting from the breakdown of protein residues of food in the mouth. The effects of halitosis can be social, occupational and psychological, as the sufferer feels bad about their breath and tends to isolate and avoid social interactions. In every case of bad breath, there must first of all be a thorough dental examination, in order to determine its causes and give the appropriate instructions and treatments. The patient must apply meticulous and systematic oral hygiene with regular visits and re-checks to his dentist.

Platelet concentrates (PRP-PRF) are produced by centrifuging the patient’s own blood. The blood is taken and centrifuged in the clinic and the platelet concentrates produced with specific protocols are used in oral surgery (wisdom extractions, implants, reconstruction of bone defects) but also in the aesthetics of the face and the perioral area (mesotherapy, collagen regeneration). With these concentrates we achieve the stimulation of the body’s regenerative potential to the maximum extent. The activation of the autologous growth factors released by the platelets contribute to the creation of new vessels, stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid from the body itself while also stimulating osteoblasts to produce bone. Post-operative healing is faster and less painful as the faster creation of new vessels and soft tissues is promoted. The procedure is completely painless and consists of taking a minimal amount of blood (20-30 ml) while side effects and allergic reactions are excluded since it is an autologous treatment with the patient’s own blood, observing strict protocols of asepsis and sterilization of tools and consumables. It is a new revolutionary method which is very well scientifically, research and biologically documented and has been widely used in the last 10 years in many fields of medicine such as surgery, orthopedics, rheumatology, traumatology, plastic surgery, dermatology and cosmetology offering excellent biocompatible treatment options.

Why should I choose Autologous Growth Factors Facial Treatment?
The main advantages of the treatment are:
• The long duration of the results which can, in some cases, exceed 1 year.
• Reconstructs the skin in a natural way without altering the expressiveness of the face.
• Its application is easy and safe. As the growth factors injected for the treatment come from the patient himself, the possibility of side effects is eliminated.
• In addition to boosting collagen production, the treatment is particularly beneficial to the vital functions of the skin – better nutrition and oxygenation of the skin.
• It does not “fill” but rebuilds wrinkles from the inside out, causing them to disappear.

How is Facial Treatment with Autologous Growth Factors applied?
The process is simple. Blood growth factors are injected injectably or not – through the Micro-Needling DermaPen system – at the required depth under the skin of the face, regenerating the tissues and thus giving a youthful look and glow. Each session lasts 20-30 minutes and can optionally be preceded by the application of local anesthetic cream. The needles penetrate to a small depth (1-3mm), while the number of injections varies depending on the treatment.

What is PRP?
PRP or “autologous mesotherapy” is blood plasma containing a high concentration of platelets. It is considered the most biocompatible treatment, since instead of exogenous elements, it utilizes autologous plasma components & platelet growth factors from the patient’s blood, which stimulate natural regeneration mechanisms. In addition, it lasts longer than any other traditional mesotherapy, thanks to its autologous action, while the exogenous elements are absorbed by the body within 2-3 months, the autologous mesotherapy remains up to & 6 months. PRP therapy, therefore, is the method of skin regeneration that uses the extremely useful growth factors contained in blood platelets. Platelets have the property under certain conditions to release proteins (growth factors) related to the healing and regeneration of the skin. Ten (10) Autologous Growth Factors (PDGF, TGF-β, FGFs, IGF-1, IGF-2, VEGF, EGF, IL-8, CTGF, KGF) have been found and studied. These factors cause and accelerate the restoration-healing mechanism with a clear effect on the regeneration of the skin. Platelet-derived Autologous Growth Factors have been shown to induce neocollagenesis (formation of collagen) and angiogenesis (formation of new capillaries).

How to apply?
Essentially, a simple blood draw is taken and then this small amount of blood is centrifuged and separated into red blood cells, plasma, platelets and white blood cells. The plasma is rich in platelets, hence the name of the treatment (platelet rich plasma) which means plasma rich in platelets. The plasma platelets, which through an activation process release a multitude of growth factors that, after being injected into the surface layer of the skin, regenerate and firm it. What results will I see after autologous mesotherapy? PRP is the ideal anti-aging technique that helps maintain a healthy and glowing skin by preventing the damage caused by the effects of time and the environment. Specifically:
• Causes better vascularization and oxygenation of the area due to newly formed capillaries
• Promotes the production of collagen and elastin
• Increases cell metabolism
• Improves facial/neck/décolletage skin lines and fine wrinkles
• Causes very active hydration
• Corrects dark circles under the eyes.
• Improves overall skin texture and tone.
• Helps with certain types of alopecia or general thinning of the hair.
• Offers an increase in skin radiance • Reduces hyperpigmentation.
• Treats skin laxity throughout the body.
• Offers faster healing after cosmetic treatments, e.g. skin treatment with microneedling.

When will I need to repeat the session?
In 6 months

In which areas does it apply?
• Face
• Neck
• Cleavage
• Hands
• Body relaxation

Are there any contraindications?
• Blood coagulation disorders
• Pregnancy
• History of thrombosis
• AIDS
• Presence of malignancy
• Chronic liver disease

Are there any side effects?
Simple transient side effects concern the area where the injections were made: slight swelling, oozing, bruising and redness that subside in 2-3 days. It is an excellently tolerated treatment with autologous material that does not show allergic reactions. In summary the result of PRP treatment is a skin that is healthier, glowing, less wrinkled, plump