Registration and Becoming a Patient
How to Register with Minerva Dental Practice?
Simply register online via the registration form. We will contact you by phone within a few days to arrange an appointment.
What do I need to bring for registration?
It is a legal requirement to include your citizen service number (BSN) in your medical file, in addition to your insurance number. To verify this, we will ask for your identification. Valid identification includes a passport, identity card, or driving licence.
Can I simply leave my current dentist?
Yes, you can. Do not forget to request your records from your current dentist.
Can I reschedule or cancel an appointment?
Yes. You may cancel or reschedule free of charge up to two working days in advance by telephone, email, WhatsApp or via the contact form. If you cancel later or do not attend, we will charge for a portion of the reserved time, insofar as it could no longer be filled. This also applies in the event of illness or force majeure.
Emergency Treatment and Dental Complaints
Who can I call in the evening or at the weekend if I am in pain?
What should I do if I experience pain in my mouth after treatment?
Please wait a few days to see if the pain persists. Often, the pain subsides after a few days. In the meantime, you may take paracetamol. Should the pain persist or worsen, please contact us.
What should I do if it continues to bleed after a tooth extraction?
The wound may still bleed slightly for the first hour after treatment. Do not rinse your mouth with water and only spit out the blood. Rinsing and touching the wound can actually cause the bleeding to increase again. If the wound continues to bleed, take a clean gauze pad and fold it into a smaller square. Place the gauze on the wound and bite down firmly on the gauze. This applies pressure to the wound and will stop the bleeding. Maintain this for approximately 30 minutes. Does the wound continue to bleed after biting down for 30 minutes? If so, please contact the practice.
My tooth has broken off. What now?
If a piece of your tooth has broken off, it is advisable to make an appointment with us. However, if you are not experiencing any discomfort from the broken tooth, this is not considered an emergency.
My tooth has been knocked out. What now?
If a tooth is knocked out, it is important to find the tooth quickly. The periodontal ligament on the root will dry out if the tooth is out of your mouth for too long. A dried-out periodontal ligament will delay healing. Place the tooth under the tongue or in a glass of milk. Contact the dentist or emergency service as soon as possible.
My Tooth is Loose. What Now?
Please contact us for a check-up and any necessary treatment.
Can X-rays be taken if I am pregnant?
We prefer not to take X-rays during pregnancy. Please inform your dentist if you are pregnant, and they will be able to advise you further.
Children
When should my child first visit the dentist?
Help your child get used to the dentist by bringing them along when you attend your own check-up. Your child will see what a dentist does and what a dental practice looks like. This will make their first check-up less daunting for them. We recommend bringing your child for their first check-up from the age of three.
At what age should my child brush their teeth?
- 0 to 1 year: brush once a day with toddler toothpaste from the eruption of the first teeth
- 2 to 4 years: brush twice a day with toddler toothpaste
- 5 years and older: brush twice a day with adult toothpaste
When does my child start losing their baby teeth?
The first permanent molars typically erupt when your child is 5 to 6 years old. These molars emerge behind the last baby molars. This often happens unnoticed by you or your child, as no baby teeth are lost when these molars come through. The replacement of the remaining teeth, however, is more noticeable: a baby tooth or molar falls out when a new permanent tooth or molar erupts. A child is usually around 13 years old when all their teeth have been replaced.
I have poor dental health. Will my child have that too?
No, because poor dental health is not hereditary. It is related to brushing habits, diet, saliva, mouth breathing, and the position of the teeth and molars. We pay a great deal of attention to the prevention of caries in children, adolescents, and young adults.
General Questions
Can rates vary between dentists?
No, the rates are determined by the Dutch Healthcare Authority. More about rates
What does my insurance cover?
Treatments (with the exception of crowns, bridges, and orthodontics) for children under 18 years of age are covered by basic insurance. Most adult dental care is not covered by basic insurance. If you have taken out supplementary insurance, you may receive reimbursement per treatment. Your insurer determines which reimbursements you receive. Some insurers cover all costs up to a certain amount; others reimburse a maximum per treatment. For more information, please contact your health insurer.
What kind of filling will I receive?
We use composite and porcelain for creating fillings. Porcelain most closely resembles your own teeth and is the material of choice. Composite is a filled synthetic resin material that is available in various colours and levels of translucency.
What is a veneer?
A veneer is a layer of porcelain or composite that is custom-made to fit over a front tooth. More about whitening and veneers
Dental Hygienist
Why should I visit the dental hygienist?
The dental hygienist cleans your teeth and provides advice on how best to maintain your oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene prevents almost all dental problems, such as unpleasant bad breath, staining from coffee, tea, or smoking, and gum problems.
Why are healthy gums important?
Healthy gums ensure a good hold of the teeth in the jawbone. If the gums become inflamed, the risk of periodontitis is high. This results in teeth becoming loose.
I have bleeding gums when using toothpicks or flossing: is this serious?
Bleeding gums indicate inflammation of the gums. It is advisable to make an appointment with the dental hygienist.
Is your question not listed? Please contact Minerva Dental Practice.