Text: Dr Grigoris Lavrentiadis, Dental Surgeon – Prosthodontist · 4 November 2026 · 4 min read

Dental implants are artificial roots made of titanium that are placed in the bone and support crowns, bridges or dentures in place of lost teeth. Placement is done under local anaesthesia, but it is not suitable for everyone: a clinical and X-ray assessment always comes first.

What dental implants are

An implant is a small screw-shaped post made of titanium that plays the role of the tooth root. It is placed in the jawbone and, over time, the bone fuses with it (osseointegration). The prosthetic restoration, i.e. the part that is visible in the mouth, is fixed onto the implant: a crown for one tooth, a bridge for several or a denture that is held firmly in place.

The aim is stable support, better chewing, comfort in speech and a more natural smile. Implants are one of the restoration options and not the only one; the right choice depends on each mouth.

When an implant may be needed

The discussion about an implant usually arises when:

• a tooth is missing and you want to avoid grinding down the neighbouring teeth for a bridge,
• several teeth are missing and the restoration needs better support,
• a denture moves or does not serve you well for chewing,
• a tooth cannot be saved and an extraction has been scheduled.

Losing a tooth is not only an aesthetic matter. Over the years the bone in the area can recede, the neighbouring teeth can drift and the tooth in the opposite jaw can «drop down». This is why replacement is worth considering early.

Who can have implants

Not all patients are suitable, at least not without preparation. The following are assessed:

• your general health and the medication you take (for example, poorly controlled diabetes or certain osteoporosis treatments need particular care),
• the quantity and quality of the bone,
• gum health and oral hygiene,
• smoking, which has a negative effect on healing,
• any habits such as bruxism, which overload the restoration.

If there is little bone, there are techniques to build it up, which are decided after the examination. The final decision is always made after a clinical examination and the appropriate X-ray assessment.

How the treatment is done, step by step

1. Examination and planning

The dentist examines the teeth and gums, takes your medical history and requests X-rays. In many cases 3D imaging is also needed, so that the bone can be seen accurately. This is where the treatment plan is set and the stages and alternatives are explained to you.

2. Preparation

Any infection, decay or gum disease is treated first. If the bone is not sufficient, a bone augmentation procedure may be needed beforehand.

3. Placement of the implant

Under local anaesthesia, a small opening is made in the gum and bone and the implant is placed in the planned position. The gum is stitched, and no pain is expected during the procedure.

4. Healing

The bone needs time to stabilise the implant. The time varies from case to case and is determined by the dentist, usually in months rather than days.

5. Prosthetic restoration

Once stability is sufficient, an impression is taken and the crown, bridge or denture that will be fixed onto the implant is made.

Duration and healing

The placement itself usually takes less time than most patients expect, depending on the number of implants. In the first few days mild discomfort, swelling or sensitivity are normal and gradually subside. The following help:

• cold applied externally for the first few hours,
• soft, not hot foods for a few days,
• careful cleaning of the area as you are shown,
• avoiding smoking and taking the medication your dentist recommends.

Risks and when to contact the dentist

Like any surgical procedure, implant placement carries possible complications: infection, delayed healing or insufficient integration with the bone. In the long term, implants can be affected by inflammation of the surrounding tissues (peri-implantitis) if oral hygiene is poor. Regular follow-up is part of the treatment.

Contact the practice immediately if you notice severe pain that increases instead of subsiding, significant swelling, fever, pus or bleeding that does not stop, or if the implant or the restoration moves.

Alternative solutions

• Fixed bridge: it is supported on the neighbouring teeth, which need to be ground down.
• Partial or complete denture: a removable solution, which can also be supported on implants for greater stability.
• Waiting without restoration: an option that has consequences for chewing and for the position of the neighbouring teeth.

The dentist will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option for your case.

Frequently asked questions

Does implant placement hurt?

Placement is done under local anaesthesia, so no pain is expected during the procedure. Afterwards there may be mild discomfort, swelling or sensitivity for a few days, depending on the case.

Can all patients have implants?

Not always. An assessment is needed of your general health, the quality and quantity of the bone, oral hygiene, smoking and other factors.

How long does an implant last?

There is no fixed duration for everyone. It depends on the health of the gums, oral hygiene, smoking and regular follow-up.

Do I need to have teeth to get an implant?

No. Implants can also be placed in mouths with no teeth, as long as there is sufficient bone or it can be built up.

Book an appointment

If you are thinking of replacing a tooth, you can book an appointment at our practice in Thessaloniki, at Tsimiski 111, for an examination and information on the options that suit you.

Text: Dr Grigoris Lavrentiadis, Dental Surgeon – Prosthodontist · 4 November 2026 · 4 min read

Fear of the dentist is very common and does not need to keep you away from the chair. With clear information, a calm pace and an agreement on how you will communicate during treatment, the appointment becomes much easier.

Why we fear the dentist

Fear is rarely irrational. It usually starts from an unpleasant experience, often in childhood, or from the feeling of losing control when we lie back with our mouth open. At other times it is a fear of pain, of noise or simply of the unknown. Some people are embarrassed about the state of their teeth and put off the appointment until they are in pain.

This vicious circle has a cost: the longer the visit is delayed, the more complex the problem becomes, and the more complex it becomes, the greater the fear grows.

How we manage it at the practice

At our practice we emphasise prevention, correct diagnosis and scientific treatment of every case. We know that a visit can be accompanied by anxiety, which is why we try to make every appointment one of clear information, careful communication and respect for the patient's needs.

In practice this means that the steps are explained before they are carried out, that you can ask anything you like and that the aim is for you to feel safe and in control throughout the treatment. The practice provides general dentistry, periodontology, root canal treatment (in cooperation with a specialist endodontist), dental implants, prosthodontics, aesthetic restorations and preventive care, so that treatment can be managed as a whole.

How to prepare for your appointment

• Say it: tell us from the start that you are afraid. There is no shame in it and it helps the dentist adjust the pace.
• Bring information: recent X-rays, a list of the medication you take and details of your medical history.
• Agree on a signal: a hand signal, so that you can ask for a break whenever you need one.
• Choose the time: an appointment at a time when you are not in a hurry reduces anxiety.
• Breathing: slow, deep breaths with a longer exhale than inhale calm the body.
• Eat lightly: a light meal before the appointment helps, unless you are given other instructions.

What the first visit is like

The first visit does not need to include treatment. It is usually an introduction: a discussion of what concerns you, a clinical examination of the teeth and gums, X-rays where needed and information about the findings. At the end you know what is there, what can wait and what is needed straight away. Treatment starts only when you are ready and have understood the plan.

The problem of pain is addressed with local anaesthesia, which usually makes treatment painless. If you are afraid of the injection itself, you can say so, so that particular care is taken.

Why it is not worth waiting for the pain

Many dental problems, such as decay and periodontitis, cause no pain at first. When severe pain appears, the damage may already have progressed. A small filling today can become a root canal treatment tomorrow and an extraction later. Prevention and regular check-ups help to treat problems early and more conservatively, with fewer and shorter visits.

When not to wait

Contact the practice without delay if you have severe pain, swelling of the face or gums, fever, difficulty opening your mouth, a broken tooth or an injury. These do not go away on their own, and fear should not let them get worse.

Alternative and supporting approaches

Besides the calm approach and familiarisation in small steps, relaxation techniques, short sessions and good scheduling can help. For severe phobias, some patients benefit from psychological support alongside dental care. If you have concerns about your history or about medication, discuss them with the dentist before any treatment begins. Sedation is not performed at the practice; however, a specific anxiolytic medication is an option, after a discussion with the dentist.

For parents and companions

Fear often passes from generation to generation. When a parent talks about the dentist with fear or uses the dentist as a threat, the child remembers it. It helps to talk neutrally and positively and to prefer regular check-ups over visits only in emergencies, so that the practice becomes a familiar place. If you are accompanying someone who is afraid, your calm presence and patience with their pace are worth more than urging them on.

Frequently asked questions

Can I come to the dentist if I am very afraid?

Of course. Fear of the dentist is common and is addressed with a calm approach, an explanation of every step and gradual familiarisation.

Why shouldn't I wait until it hurts?

Many problems cause no pain at first. When severe pain appears, the damage may already have progressed and treatment may be more demanding.

What should I do before my first appointment?

It is a good idea to bring any recent X-rays, a list of medication and information about your medical history.

Do you accept emergency cases?

In case of severe pain, swelling, a broken tooth or an injury, contact the dental practice so that you can be given instructions and an examination can be scheduled as soon as possible.

Book an appointment

If you have been putting off your visit, the first step is a small one: a phone call. Book an appointment at our practice in Thessaloniki and tell us what worries you; we will proceed at your own pace.

Text: Dr Grigoris Lavrentiadis, Dental Surgeon – Prosthodontist · 4 November 2026 · 4 min read

Gums that bleed when brushing usually indicate inflammation: gingivitis, in the early stages, or periodontitis, when the tissues supporting the tooth are also affected. Gingivitis is usually controlled with cleaning and proper hygiene, while periodontitis needs diagnosis, treatment and systematic follow-up.

What gingivitis and periodontitis are

Periodontal treatment deals with problems related to the gums and the tissues that support the teeth: the bone, the ligament and the gums.

The gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. It is caused mainly by bacterial plaque, a thin layer of bacteria that forms continuously on the teeth and, if not removed, hardens into tartar (calculus). It is reversible when treated in time.

The periodontitis it is a more advanced inflammation. Here the supporting tissues are affected and there may be bone loss around the teeth. Bone loss does not return on its own; the aim of treatment is to stop progression and preserve the teeth. The form most often treated at the practice is chronic periodontitis.

Symptoms that need checking

• bleeding when brushing or flossing,
• red, swollen or tender gums,
• persistent bad breath or a bad taste,
• gum recession, i.e. teeth that look «longer»,
• tooth mobility or a change in the way the jaws close,
• gaps that appear between the teeth.

Periodontal problems can progress gradually without severe pain. This is why the absence of pain does not mean everything is fine. Early diagnosis is important.

Factors that increase the risk

Inadequate oral hygiene is the main cause, but not the only one. Smoking, diabetes mellitus, stress, certain medications, hormonal changes (e.g. in pregnancy) and hereditary susceptibility play a role. This is why two people with similar hygiene may have different gum conditions.

How the diagnosis is made

The dentist examines the gums and uses a special instrument to measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth, checks for bleeding and mobility and requests X-rays to assess the bone. This establishes whether it is gingivitis or periodontitis and how advanced it is.

How it is treated, step by step

The treatment approach depends on the severity of the case.

1. Information and oral hygiene instructions

We show you how to brush and how to clean between your teeth, with dental floss or interdental brushes, depending on the width of the spaces between your teeth. Without this step, no treatment lasts.

2. Scaling

Tartar and plaque are removed from the tooth surfaces and from above the gums. In gingivitis, with proper hygiene, this is often enough to bring the inflammation quickly under control.

3. Deeper cleaning (root planing)

In periodontitis, bacterial deposits have reached beneath the gums, onto the roots. Root planing removes them and smooths the root surface, so that the gums can reattach. It is usually done in sections and under local anaesthesia.

4. Re-evaluation

After a few weeks we check the response. If deep pockets remain, additional treatment may be needed.

5. Periodontal maintenance

Periodontitis is a chronic disease that is controlled, not «cured once and for all». Regular maintenance appointments follow, at a frequency set by the dentist.

Duration and healing

Gingivitis often improves within a few days with proper hygiene. After a deeper cleaning, mild sensitivity, slight bleeding and a feeling that the teeth are «opening up» as the swelling goes down are normal. Gentle brushing, soft foods for a few hours and an antiseptic mouthwash, if the dentist recommends it, help.

Risks if left untreated and when to see the dentist

Without treatment, periodontitis can lead to tooth mobility, drifting and eventually tooth loss. There is also evidence that periodontal inflammation is linked with other general conditions, such as diabetes, which is worth discussing with your dentist. Ask for an examination without delay if bleeding lasts more than a few days, if there is swelling or pus in the gums, if a tooth is loose or if you have persistent bad breath.

Alternative and complementary options

In advanced cases, where non-surgical cleaning is not enough, surgical periodontal techniques are considered. Mouthwashes and other products complement, but do not replace, mechanical cleaning and professional check-ups.

How to protect your gums at home

• Brush twice a day with a soft or medium toothbrush, using gentle movements near the gum line.
• Clean between your teeth every day, because the toothbrush cannot reach there.
• Replace your toothbrush every few months or when its bristles are worn.
• Avoid smoking, which hides the signs of inflammation and makes its course worse.
• Have regular check-ups and cleanings at the practice, at a frequency set by the dentist.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my gums bleed when I brush?

Bleeding is often related to gingivitis or a build-up of plaque and tartar. You should not stop brushing, but it is a good idea to have a dental check-up to identify the cause.

What is gingivitis?

It is inflammation of the gums, with bleeding when brushing, redness, swelling or bad breath. With proper oral hygiene and professional cleaning it can be brought under control quickly.

What is periodontitis?

It is a more advanced inflammation that affects the tissues supporting the teeth. It can cause tooth mobility, gum recession, bad breath and bone loss, and needs diagnosis, treatment and systematic follow-up.

Does periodontitis go away on its own?

No. Without treatment, the inflammation usually continues and can progress without pain.

Book an appointment

If your gums bleed or you have noticed any of the above, book an appointment at our practice in Thessaloniki, at Tsimiski 111, for an examination and information on the next steps.

Text: Dr Grigoris Lavrentiadis, Dental Surgeon – Prosthodontist · 4 November 2026 · 4 min read

Root canal treatment, i.e. endodontic treatment, is needed when the pulp, the inside of the tooth, is inflamed or infected. With local anaesthesia it is usually painless and in many cases allows the natural tooth to be kept instead of extracted.

What root canal treatment is

Inside every tooth is the pulp, a soft tissue with nerves and blood vessels that runs through the root canals. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, usually because of deep decay, earlier trauma, extensive wear, a crack in the tooth or previous dental work, it cannot recover on its own.

The purpose of endodontic treatment is to remove the inflamed or infected tissue from inside the tooth, clean and disinfect the root canals and then seal them appropriately. In this way, in many cases, extraction can be avoided and the natural tooth kept in the mouth.

At our practice, root canal treatment is carried out by a specialist endodontist, aiming at correct diagnosis, careful management of the case and the best possible prognosis for keeping the tooth.

When root canal treatment is needed

Root canal treatment may be needed when the pulp is inflamed or infected. Symptoms may include:

• severe pain, especially spontaneous or at night,
• pain when chewing or on touch,
• prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, which lasts after the stimulus is removed,
• swelling of the gums or face, or a small «pimple» on the gum,
• discolouration of the tooth.

There are also cases, however, where the pulp has died without severe pain and the problem is discovered only on an X-ray. This is why a check-up is worthwhile even without symptoms.

How the treatment is done, step by step

1. Diagnosis

A clinical examination, sensitivity tests and an X-ray show which tooth is responsible and how advanced the problem is. Before starting, you are given detailed information about the procedure, the prognosis and the alternative options.

2. Anaesthesia and isolation

Local anaesthesia is given and the tooth is isolated with a thin rubber dam, so that it stays clean and saliva and bacteria cannot get inside.

3. Access and cleaning

A small opening is made in the tooth and the inflamed pulp is removed. The root canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected with special instruments and solutions.

4. Filling the canals

The canals are filled with a biocompatible material, so that bacteria cannot colonise them again.

5. Restoration of the tooth

The tooth is closed with a filling. A tooth without a nerve is usually more fragile, which is why a crown or inlay is often recommended, particularly in molars, to protect it from fracture.

Duration and recovery

The number of sessions and the duration depend on the tooth (the number of root canals varies), the infection and the difficulty of the anatomy; the endodontist determines this. After the session there may be temporary sensitivity, especially when chewing, which usually subsides gradually. Until the final restoration, it helps to avoid hard foods on the side of the tooth, and to take the simple painkillers your dentist recommends.

Risks and when to contact the dentist

Root canal treatment has high success rates, but it is not perfect: in some cases the inflammation persists or returns, usually when the root canals are very complex or the tooth does not seal properly. More rarely, an instrument may break inside the canal or the tooth may crack. There are options to repeat the treatment or, when needed, to perform a minor surgical procedure, an apicoectomy.

Contact the practice if, after treatment, the pain increases instead of decreasing, if swelling or fever appears, or if you have difficulty opening your mouth.

How to look after the tooth after treatment

A tooth without a nerve still needs daily hygiene and regular check-ups, because decay and gum disease can affect it just like any other tooth. Until the final restoration is complete, avoid biting hard foods on that side. Book the follow-up appointment your dentist recommends, so that healing around the root can be confirmed with an X-ray.

Alternatives

• Extraction of the tooth: when the tooth cannot be saved. After the extraction, its replacement is discussed, for example with an implant or a bridge.
• Repeating the treatment or apicoectomy: for teeth that have already had root canal treatment and are showing a problem.
• Waiting: it is not recommended on an inflamed tooth, as the infection can spread to the bone and cause an abscess.

The advantages and disadvantages of each option are discussed with you before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

Does root canal treatment hurt?

With modern local anaesthesia, treatment is usually painless. After the session there may be temporary sensitivity, especially when chewing.

What should I do if a tooth hurts badly?

Severe pain needs a dental assessment. It may be due to decay, inflammation of the nerve, an abscess, a fracture or a gum problem. Do not delay the examination, especially if there is swelling, fever or difficulty opening your mouth.

Can a tooth without a nerve be kept?

Yes, in many cases. With proper restoration and good hygiene, a tooth that has had root canal treatment can function normally for many years, although no specific duration can be guaranteed.

Is a crown needed after root canal treatment?

Often yes, especially when the tooth has lost a lot of tooth structure. The decision depends on the tooth and how much healthy structure remains.

Book an appointment

If a tooth is hurting or you have any of the symptoms described, book an appointment at our practice in Thessaloniki. The earlier it is examined, the greater the chances of saving your tooth.

Text: Dr Grigoris Lavrentiadis, Dental Surgeon – Prosthodontist · 4 November 2026 · 4 min read

Wisdom teeth do not always need to be removed. Extraction is recommended when they cause pain, infection, decay in the neighbouring tooth, pressure or difficulty with cleaning, or when they are impacted. The decision is made after a clinical and X-ray examination.

What wisdom teeth are

Wisdom teeth are the third molars, the last teeth at the back of each jaw. They usually come through in late adolescence or in the early twenties, although the timing varies greatly. Because there is often not enough room in the jaw, they may come through only partly, at an angle, or stay inside the bone. When a tooth fails to come through properly, it is called impacted (if it remains completely within the bone or gum) or partially impacted (if it has only partly erupted).

Symptoms that need examination

• pain or pressure at the back of the jaw,
• swelling and tenderness of the gums around the tooth (known as pericoronitis, i.e. inflammation of the gum around a partially impacted tooth),
• bad breath or a bad taste,
• difficulty opening the mouth or chewing,
• decay in the wisdom tooth or the neighbouring tooth, because the area is difficult to clean,
• pressure on the neighbouring teeth.

A wisdom tooth may also cause no symptoms and be discovered on an X-ray. In that case, the dentist decides whether monitoring is enough.

When they should be removed

Extraction may be needed when the wisdom tooth:

• it causes recurrent infections or pain,
• it causes decay in itself or in the neighbouring tooth,
• is impacted or partially impacted and causes a problem for the gum or bone,
• it presses on the neighbouring teeth,
• it is associated with a cyst or other lesion in the bone,
• cannot be cleaned adequately.

By contrast, a wisdom tooth that has fully erupted, is healthy, functional and easy to clean can be kept.

How the extraction is done, step by step

1. Examination and X-ray

The X-ray shows the position of the tooth, the shape of the roots and their relationship to neighbouring structures, such as the nerve of the lower jaw. Your medical history and the medication you take are also assessed.

2. Local anaesthesia

The area is numbed so that you feel no pain; you may feel pressure or movement.

3. Removal

If the wisdom tooth has erupted, the extraction may be simple. If it is impacted or partially impacted, a surgical extraction is carried out: the gum is opened, as much bone as necessary is removed and, if needed, the tooth is divided into sections so that it comes out more gently.

4. Stitching and instructions

The gum is stitched when needed and you are given written instructions for the following days.

Duration and recovery

Recovery depends on the case, the position and the difficulty of each tooth; in general, 2 to 3 days are needed for any swelling to subside. During this time, swelling, tenderness and slight bleeding are normal, while surgical extractions may take longer. The following help:

• pressure with gauze to stop the bleeding,
• cold applied externally for the first few hours,
• soft, not hot foods,
• avoiding rinsing, smoking and drinking through a straw in the first few days, so that the clot in the socket is not disturbed,
• taking the medication you are given correctly.

Risks and when to contact the dentist

Possible complications include prolonged bleeding, infection, painful dry socket (when the clot is lost) and, rarely, temporary or permanent altered sensation of the lip or tongue, mainly with lower wisdom teeth. For the lower jaw, assessing the position of the nerve on the X-ray is important. Contact the practice if the pain increases after the first 2 to 3 days, if bleeding does not stop, if there is fever or increasing swelling, or if you have difficulty opening your mouth.

How to prepare

Tell the dentist about every medication you take, especially anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, and about conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Do not stop medication on your own. Eat lightly before the appointment and make sure you have soft foods at home. If the extraction involves more than one wisdom tooth, the dentist may suggest doing them in separate sessions.

Alternatives

When the wisdom tooth causes no problem, monitoring with regular check-ups and X-rays may be chosen. In mild inflammation, cleaning the area and antisepsis may help temporarily, but without resolving the cause if the tooth has no room. Extraction remains the definitive solution when problems keep recurring.

Frequently asked questions

When should wisdom teeth be removed?

Not always. Extraction may be needed when they cause pain, infection, decay in the neighbouring tooth, pressure, impaction or difficulty with cleaning.

When should a tooth be extracted in general?

When it cannot be preserved, because of extensive destruction, advanced periodontitis, a fracture or infection. Before extraction, alternative ways of keeping the tooth are considered wherever possible.

What is a surgical extraction?

This is the removal of a tooth that cannot be extracted simply, such as impacted wisdom teeth, broken teeth or roots. It is carried out under local anaesthesia, with appropriate instructions for healing.

What is an apicoectomy?

This is a minor surgical procedure at the tip of a tooth's root, performed when there is persistent inflammation that cannot be adequately treated by root canal treatment alone. The aim is to preserve the natural tooth wherever possible.

Book an appointment

If a wisdom tooth is bothering you, or you want to check whether it needs to be removed, book an appointment at our practice in Thessaloniki for a clinical and X-ray examination.

Text: Dr Grigoris Lavrentiadis, Dental Surgeon – Prosthodontist · 4 November 2026 · 4 min read

Teeth whitening can be done for many patients, but a dental check-up is needed first. When it is properly indicated, carried out with suitable materials and monitored by a dentist, it is considered a conservative cosmetic procedure.

What teeth whitening is

Whitening is a cosmetic procedure that lightens the colour of the teeth, using a solution whose active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which breaks down the pigments deposited in the enamel and dentine. It does not remove tooth structure and does not change the shape of the teeth; it changes only their shade.

It is one of the tools of aesthetic dentistry, which focuses on improving the appearance of the teeth and the smile, always respecting naturalness and the harmony of the face. The aim is not an exaggerated or unnatural result, but a smile that suits each patient's features and expectations.

Why teeth darken

• coffee, tea, red wine and strongly pigmented foods,
• smoking,
• the natural darkening of teeth with age,
• certain medications, such as older tetracycline antibiotics in childhood,
• injury or root canal treatment, which can darken a single tooth,
• excessive exposure to fluoride during tooth development.

The cause affects the result: surface stains from coffee usually respond better than deep pigments.

When it is indicated and when it is not

Before any aesthetic procedure, decay, gum inflammation, cracks or marked sensitivity must be assessed. Whitening is suitable for adults with healthy teeth and gums. Caution or postponement is needed:

• when there is untreated decay or gum inflammation, which must be dealt with first,
• when the teeth have marked sensitivity or cracks,
• during pregnancy and breastfeeding, when postponement is usually preferred,
• in children and teenagers, unless the dentist considers it appropriate.

Important: fillings, crowns and veneers do not change colour with whitening. If they are on the front teeth, they may need to be replaced afterwards to match the new colour.

How whitening is done, step by step

1. Check-up and cleaning

A clinical examination is carried out and, if needed, X-rays. A professional cleaning follows, because tartar and surface stains affect the result. The starting shade is recorded.

2. At-home whitening with custom-made trays

At our practice, whitening is done only at home, with custom-made trays and dental gel, with instructions and follow-up by the dentist. In-office whitening is not performed, because home application with custom-made trays is safer for the teeth.

3. Protection and application

Custom-made trays are made for your teeth. The gel is applied inside the trays, at home, for the period set by the dentist.

4. Checking the result and instructions

The shade is compared with the starting one and you are given instructions for maintaining the result.

Duration, sensitivity and maintenance

The duration depends on the case and on how the teeth respond. Temporary sensitivity to cold or gum irritation is common and usually subsides within a few days; the dentist may recommend a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. The result is not permanent and may gradually return if you continue habits that stain. In the first few days, avoid strongly coloured foods and drinks, and smoking.

How to maintain the result

• Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth, so that new stains do not build up.
• Limit coffee, tea, red wine and strongly coloured drinks, or rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
• Avoid smoking, which is one of the main causes of staining.
• Have regular professional cleanings, at a frequency recommended by your dentist.
• If the shade darkens again, a refresher cycle can be discussed at the practice.

Risks and when to contact the dentist

Uncontrolled use of unsuitable products, for example high-concentration products or «homemade» recipes with acids and abrasives, can irritate the gums and wear away the enamel. Contact the practice if the sensitivity is severe or lasts, if the gums stay irritated or if pain appears.

Alternatives

When whitening is not enough or is not suitable, there are other aesthetic options: tooth-coloured composite resin fillings, porcelain or resin veneers and ceramic restorations. They are more invasive, and the choice depends on the condition of your teeth and on what you want.

Over-the-counter products and at-home whitening

«Whitening» toothpastes mainly remove surface stains and do not substantially change the base shade. Products that promise quick whitening without a check-up do not take into account the condition of your teeth and gums. Whitening under a dentist's supervision allows the procedure to be adapted to your own mouth and any sensitivity to be managed properly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have my teeth whitened?

For many patients yes, but a dental check-up is needed first. Decay, gum inflammation, cracks or marked sensitivity must be assessed before any cosmetic procedure.

Does whitening damage teeth?

When it is properly indicated, carried out with suitable materials and under dental supervision, it is considered a conservative cosmetic procedure. It should not, however, be done without control or with unsuitable products.

Are composite resins safe?

They are widely used in dentistry for aesthetic restorations. The material is chosen according to the case, the size of the damage, the position of the tooth and the functional demands.

Do fillings and crowns whiten?

No. Restorative materials do not change shade with whitening, which is why the check comes first.

Book an appointment

If you would like to brighten your smile safely, book an appointment at our practice in Thessaloniki, at Tsimiski 111, for an examination and personal advice.

Text: Dr Grigoris Lavrentiadis, Dental Surgeon – Prosthodontist · 4 November 2026 · 4 min read

Bruxism is the clenching or grinding of the teeth, often during sleep, and can cause wear, jaw pain, headaches or sensitivity. In many cases a custom-made night guard, which protects the teeth, helps.

What bruxism is

Bruxism is the involuntary contraction of the masseters, the muscles that close the jaw, with clenching or grinding of the teeth. It occurs during sleep (night-time bruxism) or also during the day, without your noticing, when you concentrate or feel anxious. The forces applied are much greater than those of normal chewing, so over time the teeth, muscles and temporomandibular joint are put under strain.

The cause is multifactorial: stress and anxiety, sleep disorders, caffeine and alcohol consumption, smoking, certain medications and the way the teeth fit together.

Symptoms and signs

• wear or «flattening» of the biting and chewing surfaces,
• small fragments or cracks in the teeth and restorations,
• pain or fatigue in the facial muscles, especially in the morning,
• pain in the temporomandibular joint, clicking or difficulty opening,
• headaches in the temples,
• sensitivity to cold, which may be due to enamel wear or gum recession,
• a grinding sound that your partner hears.

Many patients learn about their bruxism from the dentist, who notices the wear during the examination.

When a night guard is needed

A night guard may be recommended when there are signs of intense clenching or grinding, tooth wear, muscle fatigue, pain in the temporomandibular joint or headaches related to tightening of the jaws. The night guard does not «cure» bruxism but protects the teeth and reduces the load.

Night-time and daytime bruxism

Night-time bruxism cannot be controlled at will, which is why protecting the teeth with a night guard makes sense. Daytime bruxism, i.e. clenching during the day, is managed mainly through awareness: if you notice that your teeth are touching or your jaw is tense, relax. The rule is «teeth apart, lips closed, tongue on the palate». The two forms may coexist, and the examination helps you understand which applies in your case.

How the treatment is done, step by step

1. Examination

The dentist examines the teeth, muscles and joint, asks about sleep, stress and habits and, if needed, requests X-rays.

2. Impression

An impression of the teeth is taken, so that a night guard is made that fits your own mouth exactly. Ready-made guards from the shops do not fit properly and can cause bite problems.

3. Delivery and fitting

The night guard is tried in the mouth and adjusted so that the bite is comfortable and even.

4. Follow-up

After a period, we check how you are responding, whether the symptoms have subsided and whether the night guard shows wear.

Duration and familiarisation

The night guard is usually worn at night. In the first few days it may feel strange, you may produce more saliva or take it out in your sleep; this usually passes as you get used to it. It is cleaned daily with water and a toothbrush, kept in its case and should not be exposed to heat. The night guard wears down, and is checked at every visit.

Risks if left untreated and when to see the dentist

Uncontrolled bruxism can lead to advanced wear, cracks and fractures of the teeth, gum recession, destruction of restorations and chronic jaw pain. Ask for an examination if you have persistent jaw pain, locking or difficulty opening, if teeth or fillings keep breaking or if you notice your teeth getting shorter.

What you can do today

Notice whether you wake up with pain or a tight jaw, whether your teeth look shorter or flatter and whether fillings often break. Avoid chewing gum and biting objects, which keep the muscles working constantly, and try a warm compress on the jaw muscles in the evening. These do not replace an examination, but they bring relief until a diagnosis is made.

Alternatives and complementary measures

• stress reduction and relaxation techniques,
• good sleep hygiene and limiting caffeine and alcohol in the evening,
• exercises and physiotherapy for the jaw muscles, where appropriate,
• restoration of worn teeth, when damage has already occurred,
• assessment by another specialist, if the bruxism is related to sleep disorders.

Bruxism and children

Teeth grinding also occurs in children, often during periods of tooth development, and in most cases it passes with age. However, if you notice marked wear or the child complains of jaw pain or headaches, an examination is worthwhile to decide whether any intervention is needed.

Frequently asked questions

What is bruxism?

It is the clenching or grinding of the teeth, often during sleep. It can cause wear, jaw pain, headaches or sensitivity. In many cases a special night guard, worn during sleep, helps.

When is a bruxism night guard needed?

When there are signs of intense clenching or grinding, tooth wear, muscle fatigue, pain in the temporomandibular joint or headaches related to tightening of the jaws.

Is sensitivity to cold normal?

Sensitivity may be due to gum recession, enamel wear, decay, cracks, bruxism or recent dental work. If it persists or is severe, it needs to be checked.

Book an appointment

If you wake up with jaw pain or have noticed wear on your teeth, book an appointment at our practice in Thessaloniki for an examination and, if needed, a custom-made night guard.