Dental treatments in Bucharest

A dental implant is a small titanium post that a dentist places into your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth, with a crown fitted on top so it looks and works like a natural tooth. It stands on its own root rather than leaning on the teeth either side, which is why it comes close to a real tooth. This page explains how dental implants work, the main types and how the treatment is usually staged, so you know what to expect before you speak to a clinic.

How an implant works

A titanium dental implant works in two parts. First the post is placed into the jaw, where the bone gradually grows around it and holds it firm over a few months, a natural process the dentist will explain for your case. Once it has settled a small connector and a crown go on top, giving you a fixed tooth you can bite and clean normally. Titanium is used because the body tolerates it well and bone bonds to it reliably.

Single or multiple teeth

One missing tooth is usually replaced with a single implant and a single crown. For several missing teeth you do not always need one implant per tooth, as a few well placed implants can carry a bridge and a full arch can often be supported on four to six implants. The dentist decides how many you need from a scan of your own jaw and confirms the plan with you in writing before any work starts.

Types of dental implants and brands

When people ask about the different types of dental implants they usually mean the brand and the way it fits your bone rather than a wholly different device, since almost all are titanium posts placed into the jaw. Premium systems such as Straumann or Nobel Biocare have long clinical track records and a wide range of parts, while good mid-range brands offer sound, well documented implants at a lower price. A good clinic will tell you which system it plans to use and why and a recognised brand your UK dentist would know makes any future care easier.

Why it often takes two visits

Implant treatment is commonly staged over two visits a few months apart. On the first the dentist places the post and, in many cases, fits a temporary tooth so you are not left with a gap. You then heal at home while the bone bonds to the implant and on the second visit the permanent crown is fitted and checked. Your own case may run quicker or slower, so treat the timeline as a working guide until the dentist has reviewed your scans.

An honest note

Implants are a well established treatment with high long-term success in suitable patients, but they are minor surgery and outcomes depend on your own bone, gum health and healing. Whether an implant is right for you and whether you might first need a bone graft or an extraction to settle, is something only the dentist can confirm after examining you. Because we take no markup and book nothing for you, our only job is to help you ask the right questions and read your written plan clearly. Starting prices for each treatment are on the Prices page. The clinic puts a firm figure in writing once it has examined you.

How do dental implants work?

A dental implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone to act as a tooth root. Over a few months the bone bonds to the post and holds it firmly, then a crown is fitted on top so you have a fixed tooth you can bite and clean like any other. It works in place of a natural root rather than resting on neighbouring teeth.

What are the different types of dental implants?

Most dental implants are titanium posts placed into the jaw, so the main difference is the brand and how it suits your bone. Premium systems such as Straumann and Nobel Biocare have long clinical records, while good mid-range brands cost less and are widely used with sound results. A single implant replaces one tooth and a few implants can carry a bridge or a full arch, so the dentist matches the type to your own case.

Full guide with prices: Dental implants in Bucharest.

All-on-4 is a way of fixing a full arch of replacement teeth onto four dental implants, so a whole upper or lower set is supported without an implant for every tooth. It is one option for full mouth dental implants, chosen when someone has lost or is losing most of their teeth and wants a fixed set rather than a removable denture.

What All-on-4 and All-on-6 mean

So what is All-on-4? It means one arch of teeth, made as a single fixed bridge, is carried on four implants placed into the jawbone. All-on-6 dental implants use the same idea with six implants instead of four, which can spread the load across more points. The dentist looks at your bone and your bite and confirms which count suits your case, so the number is a clinical decision rather than a fixed rule.

How the teeth are fixed on

The implants act as anchors in the jaw and the arch of teeth is screwed onto them, so nothing comes in and out at home. Because the bridge is fixed to several points, some people who are suitable can be given a temporary set of teeth on the same trip, sometimes the same day the implants go in. The final bridge is usually fitted later, after the implants have had time to settle and heal and the clinic confirms that timing for you.

Who a full-arch solution suits

This route is aimed at people who are missing most of their teeth in an arch or who have teeth that are failing and likely to be removed. It is also considered by long-term denture wearers who want something fixed instead of a plate that lifts or moves. Whether you have enough healthy bone for implants is something the dentist checks with an examination and a scan before anything is agreed.

An honest note

Full-arch implant treatment is a bigger procedure than a single filling or crown and it is not right for everyone. Healing takes time, aftercare matters and results depend on your own health, your bone and how the case is planned. A full-arch case is always quoted per patient, because the number of implants and the type of bridge vary from person to person. The clinic gives you that figure in writing after examining you.

What is All-on-4?

All-on-4 is a full-arch dental implant treatment where a complete set of upper or lower teeth is fixed as one bridge onto four implants in the jaw. It replaces a whole arch without needing an implant for each tooth and the teeth stay in place rather than coming out like a denture.

What is the difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants?

Both fix a full arch of teeth onto implants. All-on-4 uses four implants and All-on-6 uses six, which can share the load across more points in the jaw. The dentist decides which suits you based on your bone and bite after an examination and a scan, so it is confirmed for your own case rather than chosen in advance.

Veneers are thin facings bonded to the front of a tooth to change its colour, shape or alignment. They sit over the natural tooth rather than replacing it, so they are used for cosmetic changes and not to fill a cavity or crown a broken tooth. They only make sense on healthy underlying teeth, something the dentist confirms before any preparation starts.

How do veneers work

A wafer-thin shell is fixed to the visible surface of the tooth to mask the tooth beneath it. The dentist takes a scan or impression, a veneer is made to match your other teeth, then it is bonded on with a dental adhesive. Because the veneer only covers the front, the tooth keeps most of its own structure.

Porcelain vs composite veneers

The two main materials are porcelain and composite. Porcelain veneers are made in a lab, tend to resist staining well and usually last longer, while composite veneers are built up in resin at the chair in a single sitting and are easier to repair or adjust. Porcelain generally costs more and takes more than one visit, so the choice of porcelain vs composite veneers comes down to your budget, how many teeth you are treating and what the dentist advises for your case. The Prices page shows what each option starts at, so you can weigh the two before you decide.

E-max and minimal-prep veneers

E-max is a common type of porcelain veneer, a lithium disilicate ceramic valued for its strength and natural look and E-max veneers are a popular option for front teeth. Traditional veneers need a little enamel removed so the facing sits flush, but minimal-prep veneers remove very little natural tooth and some cases allow veneers without shaving teeth at all. Whether a no-prep approach works for you is something the dentist confirms after examining your teeth, as it is not right for every situation.

How many visits and how long they last

Composite veneers can often be done in one visit, while porcelain and E-max veneers usually take two, one to prepare and scan the teeth and one to bond the finished veneers. With good care and regular check-ups porcelain veneers commonly last many years and composite tends to have a shorter lifespan, though this varies from person to person. They are not permanent and may need replacing in time.

Can you get veneers without shaving your teeth?

Sometimes, yes. Minimal-prep and no-prep veneers remove very little or none of the natural tooth, which suits people whose teeth are not too crowded or forward-set. It is not possible in every case, so the dentist examines your teeth and confirms whether veneers without shaving teeth will work for you before starting.

Are porcelain or composite veneers better?

Neither suits everyone, they are just different. Porcelain, including E-max veneers, resists staining and usually lasts longer but costs more and needs more than one visit. Composite is quicker, done in a single sitting and easier to repair, so the right choice depends on your teeth, your budget and what the dentist recommends. Ask for that recommendation in writing alongside the price, so you can see exactly what you are paying for.

Full guide with prices: Veneers in Bucharest.

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or heavily filled tooth to restore its shape and strength. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth to the teeth on either side. Both are fixed restorations, meaning the dentist cements them in place so they do not come out on their own. This page explains how each is made, the common materials and when a bridge or an implant is the better fit.

How is a dental crown fitted

The dentist first prepares the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the outer surface so the crown has room to sit over it. They then take an impression or a digital scan, which the lab uses to make a crown that matches your bite and the shade of your other teeth. At the fitting visit the dentist checks it fits and bites correctly before cementing it and you may wear a temporary crown in between. Preparation is usually done under local anaesthetic, so the tooth is numb during the work.

Crown materials: zirconia, E-max and PFM

The main crown materials are zirconia, E-max (a lithium disilicate ceramic) and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). In the zirconia vs E-max crown question, zirconia is valued for its strength and often suits back teeth and heavier bites, while E-max is often chosen for front teeth because of how natural it can look. PFM has a metal core under a porcelain layer and has been used for many years, though a thin dark line can sometimes show at the gum over time. Your dentist recommends a material based on which tooth it is, your bite and the look you want.

What a bridge is and the types of bridges

A bridge fills a gap using a false tooth called a pontic, which is held in place by crowns fitted to the natural teeth or implants on either side. The common types of bridges are the conventional bridge, which is supported on both sides of the gap and the cantilever bridge, which is anchored on one side only where there is a tooth on just one end of the gap. A conventional bridge is the most widely used because support on both sides tends to spread the load more evenly. The right design depends on how many teeth are missing and the condition of the neighbouring teeth, which the dentist assesses first.

Bridge or implant: an honest note

A bridge can be a good option when the teeth next to the gap already need crowns or are strong enough to carry one and it usually takes fewer visits than an implant. An implant replaces the missing tooth on its own without involving the neighbouring teeth, which can be better if those teeth are healthy and you want to keep them untouched. Bone health, cost and how long you want the result to last all matter, so the dentist confirms which suits your case after an examination. You can see typical costs for each on the Prices page and the clinic gives you a written price after they have assessed you.

Is a zirconia or E-max crown better?

Neither is better in every case. Zirconia is very strong and is often chosen for back teeth and heavier bites, while E-max tends to look more natural and is popular for front teeth. The dentist recommends one based on which tooth needs the crown, your bite and the appearance you want.

What is a pontic on a dental bridge?

A pontic is the false tooth in a bridge that fills the gap where a natural tooth is missing. It does not have its own root. Instead it is held in place by crowns on the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap.

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth, made up of false teeth set into a gum-coloured base that sits over your gums. They can replace a few teeth or a full arch and they can also be anchored to dental implants so they sit more firmly in place. Which option suits you depends on how many teeth are missing and the state of your gums and jawbone, which the dentist checks before recommending anything.

The main types of dentures

There are four types of dentures you are likely to hear about. A full denture replaces every tooth in the upper or lower jaw, a partial denture fills the gaps around teeth you still have and both of these are the traditional removable kind you take out to clean. Implant retained dentures and snap in dentures are the same idea taken a step further, where the denture clips onto a small number of dental implants placed in the jaw so it can hold more securely.

How they are held in

A conventional full denture is held mainly by suction and the shape of your gums and many people use a little adhesive for extra grip. A partial denture usually has small clasps that hook around your natural teeth. Implant retained dentures and snap in dentures instead attach to fixings on the implants, so they press and click into place and do not rely on suction, which is why they tend to feel steadier when you eat and talk.

Comfort and fit

A new removable denture can feel bulky at first and often needs a short settling-in period while you get used to eating and speaking with it. Because your gums and jawbone slowly change shape over the years, removable dentures may need relining or remaking now and then to keep the fit right. Implant supported options usually feel more stable and can be made less bulky, though they involve implant surgery first, so the dentist will talk you through whether your jaw is suitable.

When implants are worth considering

If a removable denture keeps moving, feels loose or makes you self-conscious when eating out, it is worth asking about an implant retained set or a fixed option such as All-on-4, where a full arch of teeth is supported on four implants. These cost more and need enough healthy bone, so they are not right for everyone and the dentist confirms whether they are a sensible choice for you after an examination and scan. If cost is a factor, the clinic gives you a written price so you can compare a removable set against an implant-supported one.

What is the difference between snap in dentures and normal dentures?

Normal removable dentures rest on your gums and are held by suction, gum shape or small clasps, so they can move a little when you eat or speak. Snap in dentures clip onto a few dental implants placed in the jaw, so they clip into position and tend to feel steadier. They usually cost more and need enough healthy jawbone, which the dentist checks before recommending them.

Are implant retained dentures better than a removable set?

Implant retained dentures tend to feel more stable, can be made less bulky and do not need adhesive, which many people find more comfortable for eating and talking. They do involve implant surgery, cost more and require enough healthy bone, so they are not the right answer for everyone. A dentist assesses your gums, jawbone and general health before advising which option suits you and the clinic gives you a written price for each.

Teeth whitening is a treatment that uses a peroxide-based gel to lighten the natural colour of your teeth without removing any tooth surface. A dentist can carry it out in the chair or supply custom trays you use at home and the two approaches are sometimes combined. It works on natural teeth only, so any crowns or veneers you already have will not change shade.

How the whitening procedure works

The teeth whitening procedure works by applying a hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel that lifts stains from within the tooth. In-chair whitening uses a stronger gel applied by the dentist in one or more appointments, while take-home trays use a milder gel over one to two weeks at home. Your dentist checks your teeth and gums first and confirms which method suits you, because whitening is usually recommended only once any decay or gum problems have been treated.

Realistic results

Most people see their teeth lighten by a few shades and results tend to be most noticeable on yellowish staining. The final shade depends on your starting colour and the type of staining, so the dentist gives you a realistic idea of what to expect rather than a fixed promise. Whitening is not permanent and can fade over months to a few years, so an occasional top-up with your trays helps keep the colour.

Why you whiten before veneers or crowns

If you are planning new front teeth, it makes sense to whiten your teeth before veneers or crowns are made. Your dentist matches the colour of the new work to your teeth at the time of the fitting, so whitening first means the veneers or crowns are shade-matched to the brighter result you want to keep. Doing it the other way round can leave your natural teeth looking darker than the new work later on.

An honest note on crowns and veneers

A common question is whether you can whiten crowns and the honest answer is no, because whitening gel only affects natural tooth structure. The same applies to veneers, fillings and bonding, which all keep their original shade. If existing crowns or veneers no longer match your whitened teeth, replacing them is the only way to change their colour and your dentist can talk you through whether that is worth doing in your case.

Can you whiten crowns or veneers?

No. Teeth whitening gel only lightens natural tooth enamel, so crowns, veneers, fillings and bonding stay the shade they were made. If they no longer match your whitened natural teeth, the only way to change their colour is to have them remade, which the dentist can advise on for your situation.

Should I whiten my teeth before getting veneers?

Usually yes. Whitening your natural teeth first lets the dentist colour-match new veneers or crowns to the brighter shade you want to keep, because the new work cannot be whitened afterwards. Your dentist confirms the timing so the whitening has settled before the final shade is chosen.

For nearly all dental treatment, including fillings, crowns and even implants, you stay awake and the area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you feel pressure and movement but usually not pain. Any soreness tends to come afterwards as the anaesthetic wears off and is usually mild and manageable.

How local anaesthetic works

Local anaesthetic numbs one small part of your mouth while you stay fully awake and aware. The dentist first puts a little numbing gel on the gum, then gives the injection, which most people find is the only slightly uncomfortable moment. From that point the tooth and the gum around it go numb, so drilling, extractions and implant placement usually feel like pressure rather than pain. If any sensation does come through, tell the dentist and they can top up the anaesthetic.

What to expect afterwards

Once the local anaesthetic wears off over a few hours you may feel some soreness and for surgery such as an extraction or an implant you can expect a few days of tenderness and swelling. Ordinary painkillers usually keep this comfortable and the dentist tells you which ones to take. If pain is getting worse rather than settling after the first few days, contact the clinic, as that is not the normal pattern.

Will I be put to sleep for a dental implant?

No. A single dental implant is placed under local anaesthetic, so the area is completely numb while you stay awake and aware, just as you would at a UK dentist. You usually feel some pressure but not pain. If any sensation comes through, the dentist can simply top up the numbing. Most people find it far more straightforward than they expected.

Does dental treatment hurt?

During the appointment it should not, because the area is numbed with local anaesthetic before any work starts, so you feel pressure but not pain. Any discomfort tends to come afterwards as the numbing wears off. It is usually mild and settles with ordinary painkillers, so tell the dentist at any point if you feel something and they can top it up.