Clear explanations about dental care, without jargon.

A single implant including a crown usually costs between €1,500 and €3,000. If bone grafting or a sinus lift is needed, that often adds several hundred euros.

Basic health insurance generally does not cover implants; some supplementary dental insurances cover part of it. Always ask for an itemised quote in advance.

The implant itself (the titanium “screw” in the bone) can last 20 years or longer with good care, often for life. The crown on top wears and is usually replaced after 10 to 20 years. Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups are crucial to prevent inflammation around the implant (peri-implantitis).

You feel nothing during the procedure: the area is locally anaesthetised. Afterwards there is some pain, swelling and sometimes bruising for a few days, which is usually well controlled with paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory in consultation with your dentist.

The price depends on the number of canals: a front tooth is cheaper than a molar with three or four canals. An extra crown after the treatment often comes on top.

On average 45 to 90 minutes, sometimes spread over two appointments, especially with an infection or a molar with several canals.

A tender tooth when chewing or touching is normal and usually fades within a few days to a week or two. If the pain increases, swelling develops or you get a fever, or if the pain lasts longer, contact your dentist.

The price depends on the material (porcelain, zirconia, metal-ceramic) and the practice. A build-up or temporary crown often comes on top.

For example with a large filling that no longer supports the tooth enough, after a root canal treatment, with a broken or heavily worn tooth, on an implant or for an aesthetic problem.

A filling repairs a hole in the tooth. A crown covers the whole visible tooth and gives extra strength. If enough healthy tooth remains, a filling is usually enough and cheaper; with large defects a crown is more durable.

Composite veneers cost on average €150 to €400 per tooth, porcelain veneers about €500 to €1,000 per tooth.

Composite: cheaper, often finished in one session and easy to repair, but more susceptible to staining and wear.

Porcelain: more expensive, hardly discolours and looks very natural; making them takes more appointments.

Composite veneers last on average 5 to 8 years, porcelain veneers 10 to 20 years. Grinding, biting hard objects and insufficient oral hygiene shorten their lifespan.

The cost depends on the complexity and duration of the treatment. Supplementary insurances sometimes reimburse part of it.

Invisalign is almost invisible, removable and easy to clean, but requires discipline (20 to 22 hours a day). Fixed braces are more effective for complicated corrections and do not depend on your own commitment.

On average 6 to 18 months. Minor corrections are sometimes done within half a year; complex cases take longer. Afterwards you usually wear a retainer.

In case of repeated infections, pain, a tilted or partially erupted tooth, cavities that cannot be repaired, damage to the neighbouring molar or a cyst. A healthy, properly erupted wisdom tooth may stay.

Swelling and pain are usually strongest on day 2 to 3 and then decrease; full recovery takes about a week. If the pain suddenly increases strongly around day 3 to 5, it may be a “dry socket”: contact your dentist.

A simple extraction at the dentist often costs a few tens to a few hundred euros per tooth. A surgical removal by an oral surgeon is more expensive, but after referral is often reimbursed from basic insurance (the deductible applies). Check your policy.

A dental hygienist removes tartar and plaque, treats and monitors gum problems (periodontitis), gives brushing instructions and advises on diet and prevention.

With healthy gums once or twice a year is often enough. With gum problems, implants or an increased risk, 3 to 4 times a year is often advised. Your dentist or hygienist determines the interval.

A teeth cleaning costs roughly €40 to €100 per session, depending on duration and practice. Supplementary insurances sometimes reimburse part; a gum treatment costs more.

Take paracetamol according to the leaflet, rinse gently with lukewarm water, cool the cheek from the outside and avoid hot, cold or sweet products. Do not put a painkiller on the gums. Always call your dentist for an appointment; the cause does not go away on its own.

Contact the dentist or the out-of-hours GP service (huisartsenpost) immediately in case of swelling of the face or neck, fever, difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth, an accident or bleeding that will not stop. In case of shortness of breath: call 112.

Look for BIG registration, a clear quote, time for explanation and your own input, a good emergency arrangement, hygiene, experiences of other patients and preferably membership of the KNMT. A good dentist does not push you into unnecessary treatments.

Professional whitening by the dentist or hygienist costs roughly €150 to €600, depending on the method (in the practice or at home with custom whitening trays). Drugstore kits are cheaper, but usually work less well.

When used by or under supervision of a dentist with approved products, whitening is safe. In the EU, whitening agent with a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide may only be used by a dentist and not for people under 18.

On average 1 to 3 years. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking make teeth discolour again faster. A touch-up treatment is possible.

A composite filling costs roughly €50 to €200 and depends on the size and number of surfaces. For adults a filling is usually not covered by basic insurance; a supplementary dental insurance often reimburses part of it.

Through sensitivity to sweet, cold or hot, pain when chewing or a visible hole or brown spot. Many cavities cause no symptoms at first; that is why regular check-ups are important.

Composite is tooth-coloured and is standard nowadays. Amalgam (silver-coloured) has in principle no longer been allowed in the EU since 2025.

Usually due to a beginning gum inflammation (gingivitis) caused by plaque along the gum line. Other causes are brushing too hard, pregnancy, certain medication or a tendency to bleed.

Gingivitis is a superficial inflammation of the gums that recovers well. With periodontitis the jawbone is also affected; that cannot be restored, but it can be stopped.

With a thorough cleaning under the gums by the dental hygienist, brushing instructions and regular check-ups. In some cases additional treatments follow, such as antibiotics or a surgical procedure.

Full dentures (upper and lower) cost roughly €1,000 to €3,000, depending on material and practice. Basic insurance partly reimburses full dentures, with an own contribution; check your policy.

A denture that clicks onto two or more implants with snaps, usually in the lower jaw. It sits more stably than a loose denture and eating and speaking are easier. It is more expensive than ordinary dentures.

On average 5 to 10 years. Because the jaw slowly changes, the denture becomes looser; relining or replacement is then needed.

A fear that ranges from slight tension to panic, causing people to postpone check-ups. As a result small problems can become bigger and more expensive. Many dentists are used to anxious patients, so do not be ashamed.

Tell them when you make the appointment, agree on a stop signal (for example raising your hand), choose a quiet moment, bring music or earplugs and practise calm breathing. A short introductory visit without treatment can also help.

Laughing gas is a light, quickly wearing-off relaxant. With sedation you get a calming agent via tablet or drip. Both make you calmer, not unconscious. The options and costs differ per practice; ask about them.

Bruxism: (often unconsciously) clenching or grinding teeth together, usually at night. Stress, sleeping problems, alcohol, caffeine and certain medication can play a role.

Pain or stiffness in the jaw and chewing muscles, headache, worn or broken teeth, sensitive teeth and sometimes earache. Many people only notice it through the dentist or a partner.

A custom night guard costs roughly €150 to €500. It protects teeth and reduces the load, but does not remove the cause.

Usually between 11 and 14, when most permanent teeth have come through. In some cases treatment starts earlier, for example with a clear jaw abnormality. The orthodontist or dentist advises.

The total treatment costs roughly €1,500 to €3,500, depending on severity and type of braces.

Basic insurance usually does not reimburse braces, except for very severe abnormalities. A supplementary dental insurance often reimburses part, sometimes with a waiting period and maximum.

Go to the dentist from when the first tooth comes through, usually around the first year. Then you can get advice and your child gets used to the practice.

Yes, in the Netherlands basic insurance reimburses most dental care for children up to 18 years, such as check-ups, fillings and cleaning. Braces are usually not covered.

They keep space free for the permanent teeth and help with chewing and speaking. Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain and infection and therefore must be treated too.

In most cases the cause is in the mouth: coating on the tongue, plaque, gum inflammation or cavities. Dry mouth, smoking, certain food and sometimes conditions of the nose, throat or stomach can also play a role.

Brush twice a day, clean between the teeth daily, scrape or brush the tongue and drink enough water. Stop smoking and eat regularly.

It masks the smell temporarily, but does not solve the cause. Use strongly antiseptic mouthwash only briefly and as advised.

For children up to 18 most regular dental care, except braces. For adults only specific care, such as specialised oral surgery and full dentures (with own contribution). A regular check-up or filling is not covered for adults.

That depends on your expected costs. If you need a lot of care, for example crowns, implants or braces, it can pay off. With only check-ups and cleaning often not.

The reimbursement percentage, the yearly maximum, the waiting period, which treatments fall under the cover (implants, crowns, braces) and whether you have free choice of dentist.