Dental services provided to the beneficiaries of the Gesy
Information on the dental services provided to the beneficiaries of the General Health System (Gesy) to be provided from 1 December 2020
According to its available budget, the Health Insurance Organization has included in the GESY specific preventive dental services which will be provided by the contracted Dentists.
It is helpful to know exactly what dental services you will be entitled to. It is also helpful to know what additional treatments your dentist is likely to recommend that are not covered by the GESY.
Dental care services that will be provided within the framework of GESY depending on the age of the beneficiary.
In each category you will find the possible additional treatments that you may need.
1.Age 0-4 years
One visit per year to check the oral cavity and inform the beneficiary / parent / guardian about the proper oral hygiene, the correct eating habits of the child, as to avoid tooth caries, the bad oral habits (finger sucking and pacifier) and how to deal with them.
It is recommended that your childs first visit is done with the appearance of the first tooth or at his/her first birthday . This visit is very important, as it enables the diagnosis of pathological conditions in both the teeth and the gums, tongue, lips and in general the entire oral cavity. Taking into account many key factors, it allows the dentist to assess the risk of caries and recommend the frequency of visits.
Possible additional recommendations:
a. Most children at this age are advised to have this check up twice a year.
b. Many children of this age may be at high caries risk. The dentist may recommend fluoridation of the teeth 2-4 times a year.
c. Many children at this age already need more treatments (fillings, endodontic treatments, extractions, etc.).
2. Age 4-6 years
One visit per year for teeth cleaning (*), oral cavity check up and to inform the beneficiary / parent / guardian about proper oral hygiene, the child’s proper eating habits, as to avoid teeth caries, oral habits (finger sucking, etc.) and their treatment.
Possible additional recommendations:
a. Most children at this age are advised to have this check up twice a year.
b. Many children of this age may be at high caries risk. The dentist in these children may recommend fluoridation of the teeth 2-4 times a year.
c. Many children at this age already need more treatments (fillings endodontic treatments, extractions, etc.).
3. Age 6-12 years
One visit per year for teeth cleaning fluoridation (**) and oral cavity check up.
Possible additional recommendations:
a. In children of this age it is recommended that teeth cleaning is done twice a year, as well as fluoridation 2-4 times a year, depending on the risk of caries,
b. In several children of this age there is already a need for more treatments (occlusions, endodontic treatments, extractions, etc.),
c. Orthodontic evaluation and treatment is recommended.
4. Age 12 years and over (including adults)
One visit per year for teeth cleaning and check up of the oral cavity.
Possible additional recommendations:
a. Most people are advised to have this check up and teeth cleaning twice a year.
b. Fluoridation twice a year is recommended for people up to 18 years of age, as well as orthodontic evaluation and treatment if needed.
c. Often people of this age have established periodontal disease, ie gingivitis (***) or periodontitis (****), conditions that can not be treated in just one visit.
d. In most people of this age there is already a need for more treatments (fillings endodontic treatments, extractions, etc.).
Explanation of dental procedures and diseases
(*) Teeth cleaning is the dental procedure in which soft (eg dental plaque) and hard (eg tartar ) built ups are removed from the tooth surfaces. This is an important preventive dental procedure that aims to reduce the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease, which are the most common cause of tooth loss.
(**) Fluorination is the dental procedure in which fluoride preparations are applied topically, either in the form of gel or foam in special trays for 1-4 minutes, or in the form of varnish for brushing the teeth. Its action is proven to reduce the appearance of caries and it is strongly recommended to be done with the appearance of the first permanent teeth in the mouth and until adulthood. Based on the risk of caries, Fluoridation is very often recommended in children of much younger age but also in adults or the elderly.
(***) Gingivitis is a common condition of the gums due to the microbial plaque that accumulates on the teeth. The main symptoms of gingivitis are redness (redness), swelling (swelling) and bleeding gums. The treatment of gingivitis includes cleaning of the tartar , oral hygiene instructions, elimination of plaque retention factors (eg “correction” of old fillings or changing old prosthetic work on the teeth), local medication, use of mouthwash and toothpaste with chlorhexidine. Usually more than one visit is required for this treatment.
(****) Periodontitis. If gingivitis is not treated in time it can lead to periodontitis. In this case, the gum inflammation is more severe and the surrounding bone that supports the teeth is affected. Therefore, in addition to the symptoms observed in the gums, there is also mobility of the teeth . If periodontitis is not treated in time it can lead to tooth loss. For the treatment of periodontitis, in addition to what is mentioned for the treatment of gingivitis, the dentist must proceed to deep and thorough cleaning of the root surfaces of the teeth under local anesthisia. In more severe situations surgery may be needed. Treating periodontitis usually requires many visits to the Dentist.
After the treatment of Periodontal Diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) regular visits are required to maintain the treatment results. This visits are usually two times a year or as often your dentist will recommend for each case.
