D2 Dental Clinic Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find most of the frequently asked questions about each of the services we offer. If you still have any questions, contact us and we will gladly answer them.

How long does an implant last and what does it depend on?

With excellent hygiene, check-ups, and healthy habits, their survival rate is very high in the long term. Factors that help: healthy gums, plaque control, bite splint if bruxism, and avoiding tobacco. Uncontrolled diseases can reduce longevity.

Does it hurt to get an implant?

During surgery, no (local anesthesia). Afterwards, discomfort tends to be mild-moderate and is managed with standard and/or topical painkillers. Guided surgery often gives more comfortable postoperative periods.

What if I've been without teeth for a long time and "have no bone"?

We evaluate in 3D. Today we have short/wide implants, grafts, injections, sinus lift, etc., in selected cases, bespoke solutions. What's important is to plan so that the implant remains stable and the gum integrates aesthetically.

Do I need a gum or bone graft?

Only if the volume is insufficient to achieve stability and aesthetics. If lacking, we explain with images of your case and material options, timeframes, and care.

Am I always a candidate for guided surgery?

The vast majority yes. We confirm it with the 3D study, where we evaluate density and bone volume, bite and aesthetic needs. If there are important bony deficits, we first plan regeneration (graft, sinus elevation) and then guided surgery. The goal is for the implant to have solid biological support and the prosthesis to emerge where needed, not vice versa.

What difference will I notice compared to "conventional" surgery?

Mainly, smaller or non-existent incisions, fewer stitches, less inflammation, and shorter chair times. Also, the precision of the guide reduces intra-operative surprises and allows for better final aesthetics.

Can I get a tooth on the same day (immediate loading)?

Only if we achieve sufficient primary stability and the bite allows it to discharge forces. In those cases we place an aesthetic provisional—not for hard chewing—and we monitor occlusion at each visit. The definitive crown is delivered after osteointegration.

What if I have little bone or thin gums?

We solve them with complementary techniques: guided bone regeneration, grafts, injections, expansions, or soft tissue grafts. Digital planning helps decide the safest technique and minimizes new surgeries.

Does it work the same as braces?

Clinically yes, although the technique is different. Aligners move teeth by controlled, programmed pressure, gradually. The goal is similar to brackets: healthy dental occlusion and aesthetics.

How does it affect my daily routine?

You can eat and drink normally, though you should remove the aligners. You brush your teeth as usual. You only wear them 22 hours a day, so there's flexibility for important moments.

Is it noticeable when speaking or does it cause sores?

It may be slightly noticeable the first few days (slight lisp), but you adapt quickly. They rarely cause sores because they're smooth; if friction occurs, we file or adjust. Compared to brackets, they're much less traumatic.

What happens when I finish?

We deliver retainers (fixed or removable) to maintain the position. Without them, teeth tend to move back. We teach you how to use and care for them; it's part of the success of the treatment.

How long and how is the adaptation?

The first few days may cause soreness and sores; then you adapt. We give you wax and tips. Each adjustment may bother for 1-2 days. Overall duration varies (12-24 months on average), depending on the case.

Do ceramic braces stain?

The ceramic bracket doesn't stain; the elastic ties can get tinted and are changed during visits. Sapphire ones are very discreet.

Can I play sports?

Yes; if there's contact, use a mouth guard. Before any dismount, we advise to avoid setbacks.

Will I need to wear retainers?

Yes, just like with aligners: it's the only way to keep the result long-term.

Why is it important to evaluate at 6-7 years?

Supervise appliance wear, diet (avoid hard/sticky foods), and oral hygiene. Monitor habits (thumb sucking, nail biting). Positive reinforcement and attending appointments on time are key to success.

What appliances are used and how comfortable are they?

We use functional appliances, expanders, and bite plates, among others. They're designed to be well tolerated; they require a short adaptation period and regular check-ups. By working with growth, treatments tend to be shorter and more efficient than in later ages.

Will my child need fixed orthodontics later?

Sometimes yes, but thanks to the interceptive phase it's usually shorter and simpler. The goal is to create space, improve function, and guide eruption so that later alignment is minimal or easier.

How can parents help at home?

By promoting good hygiene, following wear time if the appliance is removable, taking care of diet, and monitoring oral habits. It's also key to attend scheduled appointments to adjust the appliance and measure progress.

Does a filling hurt and how long does it take?

No, we use local anesthesia. Duration depends on the size and location (15-45 minutes per tooth, approximately). Modern techniques are fast and comfortable.

Will I notice it when I smile?

We seek chromatic and anatomical integration. High-shine polishing imitates enamel, and the margin is sealed to avoid infiltrations.

How long does a filling last?

Years, depending on size, habits (bruxism), diet, and plaque control. In large cavities, sometimes a crown is recommended for greater longevity.

Can old metal fillings be replaced?

Yes, for aesthetic reasons or if they show infiltration. We evaluate them radiographically and replace them with current resins when recommended.

Does a root canal hurt?

It's done with local anesthesia, so it shouldn't hurt. Afterwards, there may be mild discomfort for 24–72 hours, controlled with anti-inflammatories. At our Can Pastilla (Mallorca) clinic, we use rubber dams and rotary systems for greater comfort.

How do I know if I need it?

Signs: spontaneous pain or persistent cold/heat pain, deep cavities, fistula or profound caries. We confirm with vitality tests and X-rays/CBCT. If there's irreversible pulpitis or necrosis, the root canal preserves the tooth.

How long does it take and what steps does it include?

Between 45 and 90 minutes depending on the tooth. Isolation with rubber dam, cleaning and disinfection of canals, and filling with gutta-percha. Sometimes requires two sessions; afterwards we recommend definitive restoration (inlay or crown).

What care is needed and how long do the results last?

Avoid hard chewing until the final restoration, maintain good hygiene and attend checkups (radiographic control at 6–12 months). A well-treated endodontic tooth can last many years if it's well-sealed and protected; splint if there's bruxism.

Does a tooth extraction hurt?

No, the procedure is done with local anesthesia and post-operative discomfort is mild and well controllable.

What is an atraumatic extraction?

It's a technique that seeks to minimize bone and surrounding tissue damage, using controlled movements and avoiding lateral forces that could fracture the socket.

When can I eat or brush my teeth?

You can start with soft foods and room temperature the next day. Avoid brushing directly on the area during the first 24–48 hours; then, carefully.

Can an implant be placed right after the extraction?

Yes, if conditions allow. In those cases we perform an atraumatic extraction and immediate implant placement, with possible simultaneous bone regeneration.

Does it wear down the enamel?

No. The tips act on calculus, not on enamel. Subsequently, polishing leaves the surface smooth to make bacterial adhesion more difficult.

How often should I have it done?

It depends on risk: saliva, genetics, habits, orthodontics, implants or delicate gums. For most people, between 6 and 12 months; if there's periodontitis, shorter schedules.

Does it hurt or bleed?

It shouldn't hurt; if there's inflammation there may be mild discomfort or bleeding that improves with plaque control. We can use topical anesthesia in sensitive areas.

What care should I follow afterwards?

Usual hygiene; if there was air polishing, limit highly pigmented foods for 24 hours. And keep water as the main drink between meals.

Why go if "nothing hurts"?

Because initial cavities, gingivitis or cracks don't hurt at first. Detecting them in time prevents root canals, tooth loss or expensive treatments.

Do they always do X-rays?

Only if indicated by risk or clinical findings. We use minimal exposure protocols and digital techniques.

What happens if bruxism is detected?

We document it with photos and records, reinforce hygiene and guidelines, and usually recommend a night guard and stress control. The goal is to protect teeth, implants and joints.

How do I prepare for the first visit?

Bring current medication, medical reports, and expectations. We'll create a clear plan with priorities and alternatives.

When should the first visit be and why?

From the eruption of the first tooth (around 6-12 months) or, at the latest, around 2 years. Early check-ups allow us to advise on hygiene, diet, fluoride and habits, and detect problems before they hurt. This way we make the consultation a familiar environment without fear.

Can baby teeth have serious cavities?

Yes, and they progress faster than in adults due to the anatomy of the primary tooth. Without treatment, they affect gums and permanent teeth (color/shape/eruption). That's why we prioritize prevention, sealants and conservative treatments when lesions appear.

When and how to start brushing? What toothpaste to use?

Before teeth come in you can clean gums with gauze or a finger cot. With eruption, use a children's toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste amount appropriate for age (the professional adjusts fluoride dose and concentration). What matters is not electric vs. manual, but creating the habit after every meal and supervising brushing.

My child has fear/some anxiety, what options are there?

We apply behavioral management (tell-show-do), short appointments, adapted language and games. If odontophobia persists or there are special needs, we use conscious sedation to perform treatments safely and positively.

Does it weaken the enamel?

Not if indicated and supervised. Transient sensitivity may appear which we control with desensitizers and schedule adjustments.

How many shades can I lighten and how long does it last?

It varies by habits and starting color. With good maintenance they are very well preserved; you may need periodic "reminders" with trays.

Can I whiten with fillings or veneers?

The gel doesn't change their color. Sometimes it's advisable to whiten first and then renew visible restorations to match the tone.

What should I avoid during treatment?

Tobacco and highly pigmented foods/drinks (red wine, coffee, beets, berries) so as not to compromise the result.

Do I need to prepare (shave down) the tooth a lot?

We seek to preserve enamel: in many cases, micro-preparations or even no-prep (depending on anatomy/occlusion). Before we simulate with a mock-up to decide with precision.

How long do they last and how should I care for them?

10-15+ years with good hygiene and avoiding high stress (ice, bones, hard objects). Regular check-ups are key.

Can they be whitened?

No. If you want a lighter tone, we whiten first and then match with veneers of the new color.

Are they suitable for all misalignments?

They don't replace orthodontics when there are large movements. In those cases, we combine treatments for a natural and stable result.

How long do a crown or bridge last?

With proper maintenance and care, they can last several decades. Factors such as hygiene, occlusal load and habits (bruxism) influence their duration.

Does it look artificial?

No. We use ceramic or zirconia materials with excellent optical properties that mimic the enamel and the transition with the gum.

Can it be done in one day?

In some cases, yes, through in-office milling systems (provisional) and then replacement with the definitive one. It depends on the complexity and the material.

What happens if there's insufficient tooth structure?

We assess the need for reinforcements: cores, intracoronary posts or even metal or fiber reinforcements to provide stability before restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions