So, I went to Turkey for Dental Work
Discussion
I know some on here are interested in exploring ‘overseas’ dental work so I thought I’d give you my experience so far. A previous PHer experience is also here https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Disclaimer: I’m not on a bung from the place in Turkey so I’m not advertising it unless individuals want to know but I would ask anyone thinking of it to do their own due diligence on what and where treatment is available, ideally with a recommendation(s) from someone who has been and cross-reference with any UK private treatment plan has been offered.
Background
I’m a 57yr average joe and have tried to look after my teeth under the NHS system. Sadly, I didn’t have a good start because NHS dentists in the 70s-80s were funded differently to the way they are now. They basically had free rein and got paid per ‘item’ rather than a single visit etc. Needless to say, I (and several others my age) all received fillings we didn’t need giving most dentists a very comfortable lifestyle. Indeed, I have a story one dentist worked on three patients at the same time where the air was thick with amalgam dust! If only British Leyland had the same productivity!
At 14 one of my main front teeth was slightly shorter than the other so the dentist recognising my Mum had a few quid offered up his ‘on the side’ private treatment to Crown all four front teeth to balance things up. Given that my Mum and Dad both born in the 20s and having false teeth for as long as I can remember their knowledge was not well informed so agreed to the work.
They looked great! I went through life with the Crowns, some gum recession took its toll and I think I’m now on the third set. They are now of an age where ideally, they would look better if replaced given one (or maybe two) have had root canals and one broke requiring a ‘post’ to refit it.
Moving on, 15yrs ago, I ended up having a large upper Molar removed and the gap closed by a bridge (NHS). This lasted for several years before coming loose and it was replaced with another but this time a 4-tooth bridge connecting also to my back-wisdom tooth. Whilst this was secure when I went for a private consultation (UK) in 2019 I was told it had failed so would likely cause some trouble in the future. Over time the odd tooth has broken in both upper and lower jaw and either refilled or where it couldn’t a Crown fixed on.
I have all my wisdom teeth and naturally in the lower set, cramming has pushed my front teeth together with the right canine being pushed out giving an ‘over-bite’.
Around that time Mrs Shanks suggested I get my teeth ‘sorted’. They were in general OK and being ‘fixed on failure’ by my trusted dentist. I’d floated the idea of new Crowns but he suggested not to start ‘lifting stones for danger of what you might find underneath’ and that they weren’t at the point NHS would fund it.
So far.
Disclaimer: I’m not on a bung from the place in Turkey so I’m not advertising it unless individuals want to know but I would ask anyone thinking of it to do their own due diligence on what and where treatment is available, ideally with a recommendation(s) from someone who has been and cross-reference with any UK private treatment plan has been offered.
Background
I’m a 57yr average joe and have tried to look after my teeth under the NHS system. Sadly, I didn’t have a good start because NHS dentists in the 70s-80s were funded differently to the way they are now. They basically had free rein and got paid per ‘item’ rather than a single visit etc. Needless to say, I (and several others my age) all received fillings we didn’t need giving most dentists a very comfortable lifestyle. Indeed, I have a story one dentist worked on three patients at the same time where the air was thick with amalgam dust! If only British Leyland had the same productivity!
At 14 one of my main front teeth was slightly shorter than the other so the dentist recognising my Mum had a few quid offered up his ‘on the side’ private treatment to Crown all four front teeth to balance things up. Given that my Mum and Dad both born in the 20s and having false teeth for as long as I can remember their knowledge was not well informed so agreed to the work.
They looked great! I went through life with the Crowns, some gum recession took its toll and I think I’m now on the third set. They are now of an age where ideally, they would look better if replaced given one (or maybe two) have had root canals and one broke requiring a ‘post’ to refit it.
Moving on, 15yrs ago, I ended up having a large upper Molar removed and the gap closed by a bridge (NHS). This lasted for several years before coming loose and it was replaced with another but this time a 4-tooth bridge connecting also to my back-wisdom tooth. Whilst this was secure when I went for a private consultation (UK) in 2019 I was told it had failed so would likely cause some trouble in the future. Over time the odd tooth has broken in both upper and lower jaw and either refilled or where it couldn’t a Crown fixed on.
I have all my wisdom teeth and naturally in the lower set, cramming has pushed my front teeth together with the right canine being pushed out giving an ‘over-bite’.
Around that time Mrs Shanks suggested I get my teeth ‘sorted’. They were in general OK and being ‘fixed on failure’ by my trusted dentist. I’d floated the idea of new Crowns but he suggested not to start ‘lifting stones for danger of what you might find underneath’ and that they weren’t at the point NHS would fund it.
So far.
Private Consultations
Off I go to this place near me for a ‘consultation’. I can’t now find their treatment plan but was of a mind to frame it to show that Dick Turpin does indeed wear a mask in the form of a dentist’s uniform! That said the price is lasered into my brain. From memory their suggestion was to replace all crowns, take off the bridge install 2 implants to form a support for another bridge having taken a tooth out. I think two other implants were also mentioned. The overbite would be resolved with a brace and some general tidying up around the back lower teeth etc. Leaving aside correcting the over-bite the first ballpark figure was £18k (£21k if I wanted the bottom sorting) or if I paid up front I’d be £14k.
Now I’m used to negotiating for a second-hand car but surgery and dental work I sort of expected a fixed price. The guy wore plenty of bling and the staff car park looked like a supercar forecourt so I was questioning where the money was going. I offered £10k there and then. It was declined.
A few weeks later I’m at another private dentist and I asked the chap for an idea of a full workover. This plan was a similar treatment to the other guy (sort of encouraging) along with sorting the bottom overbite out and more informed by a mouth x-ray (the first place didn’t even take one as I presume he had the skill to diagnose without one!). All in around £12k. No discounts offered as this place was more straight up and I had a lot more confidence in him. I mulled it over.
It’s worth noting that these treatments would not go over and above to create a ‘smile makeover’ just resolve issues and hopefully give some longevity to what was left.
I will say I could afford either of these but plans, I’m not getting any younger and hope to get another 15-20yrs out of my teeth, so it wasn’t an issue spending the money – well it was! However, I like to know what I’m paying for and will pay a fair price for good work and not against the outfit making a profit – it’s a business after all. But what separates a UK cosmetic dentist from a Turkish or European dentist? If I call out a plumber in Hungary to fix a house boiler it's not going to be the same cost as a plumber doing the same job in the UK is it
On previous threads UK dentists have posted to defend their costs (training equipment etc) and I kind of get that but clearly there are some who go over and above raking a profit. Workers abroad are paid less and what appears the standard of training, hygiene and equipment is the same (and as I subsequently found) appears better overseas. So the overall costs are lower, right? Equally most dentists will use the same Lab to make the prosthetics so why the varying costs? And again no prosthetic dental work is ‘forever’ so there’s going to be further outlays as age takes it toll. That said my NHS Crowns have endured 15yrs in some cases without replacement.
So far
Off I go to this place near me for a ‘consultation’. I can’t now find their treatment plan but was of a mind to frame it to show that Dick Turpin does indeed wear a mask in the form of a dentist’s uniform! That said the price is lasered into my brain. From memory their suggestion was to replace all crowns, take off the bridge install 2 implants to form a support for another bridge having taken a tooth out. I think two other implants were also mentioned. The overbite would be resolved with a brace and some general tidying up around the back lower teeth etc. Leaving aside correcting the over-bite the first ballpark figure was £18k (£21k if I wanted the bottom sorting) or if I paid up front I’d be £14k.
Now I’m used to negotiating for a second-hand car but surgery and dental work I sort of expected a fixed price. The guy wore plenty of bling and the staff car park looked like a supercar forecourt so I was questioning where the money was going. I offered £10k there and then. It was declined.
A few weeks later I’m at another private dentist and I asked the chap for an idea of a full workover. This plan was a similar treatment to the other guy (sort of encouraging) along with sorting the bottom overbite out and more informed by a mouth x-ray (the first place didn’t even take one as I presume he had the skill to diagnose without one!). All in around £12k. No discounts offered as this place was more straight up and I had a lot more confidence in him. I mulled it over.
It’s worth noting that these treatments would not go over and above to create a ‘smile makeover’ just resolve issues and hopefully give some longevity to what was left.
I will say I could afford either of these but plans, I’m not getting any younger and hope to get another 15-20yrs out of my teeth, so it wasn’t an issue spending the money – well it was! However, I like to know what I’m paying for and will pay a fair price for good work and not against the outfit making a profit – it’s a business after all. But what separates a UK cosmetic dentist from a Turkish or European dentist? If I call out a plumber in Hungary to fix a house boiler it's not going to be the same cost as a plumber doing the same job in the UK is it
On previous threads UK dentists have posted to defend their costs (training equipment etc) and I kind of get that but clearly there are some who go over and above raking a profit. Workers abroad are paid less and what appears the standard of training, hygiene and equipment is the same (and as I subsequently found) appears better overseas. So the overall costs are lower, right? Equally most dentists will use the same Lab to make the prosthetics so why the varying costs? And again no prosthetic dental work is ‘forever’ so there’s going to be further outlays as age takes it toll. That said my NHS Crowns have endured 15yrs in some cases without replacement.
So far
Cringle, thanks for your observations. I don't necessarily disagree with you but I expect foreign residents to expect a level of dental treatment that meets the requirement of its patients. If I lived in Turkey and was a Turkish resident I'd expect decent dental work - there will be good and bad dentists so due diligence is needed. There's an inference amongst the UK profession that all Turkish dentists are crap. I can't accept that as the profession wouldn't survive.
The place I found is 'Regulated' by the Turkish authority. Whether that stands up to anything I don't know because I haven't tested it out. There is a compensation protocol if something goes wrong that includes funding emergency treatment in your home country.
You make an interesting point about 'linked' Crowns as this is what was advised for my front teeth to give them strength given they have been Crowned teeth for over 40yrs. I suppose the other option is two implants and then a bridge which is something I don't want as I'm more interested in preserving what I've still got before losing it altogether. The temporary set I currently have are linked but my intent is to review this when I next go for treatment assessing the pros and cons of single Crowns. Take account at least one has already broke and needed to be posted and then reafixed. Yes I'd prefer single Crowns as that's what they're replacing but I don't want to then have to deal with one that breaks or comes loose (and not just because the place is overseas).
Before I continue my story I agree that there are a lot of patients you and your colleagues will see that have gone for smile makeovers at the cost of damage to perfectly healthy teeth. The example you give, why on earth would somebody commit to treatment that involved 18 root canals and Crowns/Veneers just to look good? They've put image before risk and inevitable damage to their teeth whether it is done in the UK or abroad. And indeed there were plenty in Turkey going down that route which is a sad indictment on society.
My 25yr old daughter has good teeth and good oral hygiene but even she wanted veneers which I have refused to condone and so far talked her out of it. How many cosmetic dentists do you know in the UK that will refuse to give a patient what they want? Certainly the Blingmeister I met gave the impression you can have what you want if you have the money so fitting veneers to a kid in the UK is just as bad as doing it overseas surely?
Remember sorting my teeth out, to some extent replacing like for like was primary, improving my 'smile' was secondary.
Now back to it............
The place I found is 'Regulated' by the Turkish authority. Whether that stands up to anything I don't know because I haven't tested it out. There is a compensation protocol if something goes wrong that includes funding emergency treatment in your home country.
You make an interesting point about 'linked' Crowns as this is what was advised for my front teeth to give them strength given they have been Crowned teeth for over 40yrs. I suppose the other option is two implants and then a bridge which is something I don't want as I'm more interested in preserving what I've still got before losing it altogether. The temporary set I currently have are linked but my intent is to review this when I next go for treatment assessing the pros and cons of single Crowns. Take account at least one has already broke and needed to be posted and then reafixed. Yes I'd prefer single Crowns as that's what they're replacing but I don't want to then have to deal with one that breaks or comes loose (and not just because the place is overseas).
Before I continue my story I agree that there are a lot of patients you and your colleagues will see that have gone for smile makeovers at the cost of damage to perfectly healthy teeth. The example you give, why on earth would somebody commit to treatment that involved 18 root canals and Crowns/Veneers just to look good? They've put image before risk and inevitable damage to their teeth whether it is done in the UK or abroad. And indeed there were plenty in Turkey going down that route which is a sad indictment on society.
My 25yr old daughter has good teeth and good oral hygiene but even she wanted veneers which I have refused to condone and so far talked her out of it. How many cosmetic dentists do you know in the UK that will refuse to give a patient what they want? Certainly the Blingmeister I met gave the impression you can have what you want if you have the money so fitting veneers to a kid in the UK is just as bad as doing it overseas surely?
Remember sorting my teeth out, to some extent replacing like for like was primary, improving my 'smile' was secondary.
Now back to it............
2021
We’re now in 2021 and I’d put the idea of a dental make-over on the back-burner, that is, until the lateral front incisor became loose and the post appeared to have fractured the root-bed making it insecure. My NHS dentist did his best and it sort of went back in OK (if it didn’t I’d end up with another bridge) but it got me thinking about private dental work and I floated with him the idea of going to Turkey. He said from what he had seen the quality of the work seems very good and some places had high standards. He would still continue to treat me when I came back but on a no liability basis. So, I started doing some research. As he is a staunch supporter of the NHS system, refusing to go down the private route he had nothing to lose.
I wasn’t drawn to Turkey as I had heard there were places in Eastern Europe offered similar so I emailed a few outfits. First Budapest. I’d sent them the x-ray of my mouth and their plan accorded to what the UK advised along with sorting the crooked teeth etc by crowns came to less than £8k. That said less work on the bottom set I think.
Next, I tried Turkey. As I wasn’t sure who I was emailing (‘info’@ etc) I gave them an outline of what I’d got and what I wanted sorting. A number of detailed options came back ranging from £3k-£6k (remember based on verbal description) depending on what was needed and the quality of Crowns I wanted. This seemed promising so I followed up with a copy of my 2019 x-ray. The quote came back, slightly revised (near the same as what Budapest advised – so that’s consistent) but less than £7k which included a lot of work (Crowns) and a smile make-over.
Disclaimer: I know who Rylan Clark is and his shade of teeth and smile is at the extreme end of mine. I wanted a decent job that didn’t look too obvious.
With the treatment plan I showed it to my NHS dentist for his expert opinion. Had he a free rein it was similar to what he would advise and undertake and bar the questioning a lot of additional crowns (lower set resolving the over-bite and wonky teeth) it was not unreasonable. Zirconium Crowns were advised (there are two grades higher at more expense) and he said these were top drawer what he cannot even offer. His only suggestion was review if I needed all the Crowns where the teeth were still good and don’t go for a shade lighter than A2. (BL1 is the brightest btw).
So far.
We’re now in 2021 and I’d put the idea of a dental make-over on the back-burner, that is, until the lateral front incisor became loose and the post appeared to have fractured the root-bed making it insecure. My NHS dentist did his best and it sort of went back in OK (if it didn’t I’d end up with another bridge) but it got me thinking about private dental work and I floated with him the idea of going to Turkey. He said from what he had seen the quality of the work seems very good and some places had high standards. He would still continue to treat me when I came back but on a no liability basis. So, I started doing some research. As he is a staunch supporter of the NHS system, refusing to go down the private route he had nothing to lose.
I wasn’t drawn to Turkey as I had heard there were places in Eastern Europe offered similar so I emailed a few outfits. First Budapest. I’d sent them the x-ray of my mouth and their plan accorded to what the UK advised along with sorting the crooked teeth etc by crowns came to less than £8k. That said less work on the bottom set I think.
Next, I tried Turkey. As I wasn’t sure who I was emailing (‘info’@ etc) I gave them an outline of what I’d got and what I wanted sorting. A number of detailed options came back ranging from £3k-£6k (remember based on verbal description) depending on what was needed and the quality of Crowns I wanted. This seemed promising so I followed up with a copy of my 2019 x-ray. The quote came back, slightly revised (near the same as what Budapest advised – so that’s consistent) but less than £7k which included a lot of work (Crowns) and a smile make-over.
Disclaimer: I know who Rylan Clark is and his shade of teeth and smile is at the extreme end of mine. I wanted a decent job that didn’t look too obvious.
With the treatment plan I showed it to my NHS dentist for his expert opinion. Had he a free rein it was similar to what he would advise and undertake and bar the questioning a lot of additional crowns (lower set resolving the over-bite and wonky teeth) it was not unreasonable. Zirconium Crowns were advised (there are two grades higher at more expense) and he said these were top drawer what he cannot even offer. His only suggestion was review if I needed all the Crowns where the teeth were still good and don’t go for a shade lighter than A2. (BL1 is the brightest btw).
So far.
Treatment Plan
I’m adding in my interpretation of the treatment plan that I discussed with my NHS dentist to give you an idea of what was involved. That said it is based on the 2019 x-ray above and I’d had some additional work done since then – broken tooth/Crown lower right and the lateral incisor issue. Worth noting teeth (17) and (18) have not been removed and remain original post my first visit. This is aslo without the onsite visit and further 3D/x-rays etc. Yes there are different tooth numbering systems!
[i] Recommendation is for the extraction of the second molar (17) and wisdom tooth (18) along the upper right jaw. The Oral Surgeon has advised the bone level is low, however, if the tooth is not mobile, it can remain in the gum line, however final confirmation will be made in the clinic itself.
The missing tooth was also identified as the first molar (26) along the upper left jaw. The Oral Surgeon has advised due to the bone level surrounding the second premolar (25) along the upper left jaw, the recommendation is for the extraction of this tooth remains the same as the tooth is no longer strong in the jaw bone.
Once the extractions have taken place, the recommendation is for 2 Dental Implants along the upper left jaw which will support 3 Zirconium Porcelain Implant Crowns/ Implant Bridge to replace the missing teeth.
Upon review of your X-Rays, it was noted that the bone level in the area where teeth are missing and are to be extracted is insufficient for the placement of Dental Implants, and the sinus pockets along the upper left jaw are low in position. The Oral Surgeon has advised that 5cc Bone Grafting and a Sinus Lift along the upper left jaw is required to ensure the safe and secure placement of your Dental Implants.
A further recommendation for the application of 10 Zirconium Porcelain Dental Crowns along your upper jaw and 14 Zirconium Porcelain Dental Crowns along your lower jaw to improve the appearance of your smile line.
On the second visit, after the recommended Implant healing period, there will be the application of 3 Zirconium Porcelain Implant Crowns/ Implant Bridge along your upper left jaw to complete your treatment.
Upon review of your dental photographs, it was noted that the canine (43) along the lower right jaw is out of alignment to the surrounding teeth. When a patient has teeth that are misaligned, to bring them into a better alignment it is often that the affected teeth shall require more preparation than is usual and this can bring with it the potential for future dental issues, such as sensitivity. To ensure discomfort is minimised the Cosmetic Dentist has advised that Root Canal Treatment is required for your canine (43) along your lower right jaw. However, treatment can only be determined during your consultation in the clinic itself, upon the application and review of a Panoramic X-ray in addition to the usual physical examination of your teeth.
As some of your teeth have already undergone preparation for Crowns by another dental provider, the Cosmetic Dentist is unsure of the type of preparation used, or the skill and experience of the dentist that has provided the treatment. With this being so, the clinic cannot provide any form of dental guarantee for the completion of your dental treatment to the teeth that have been treated before. [/i]
I was lucky to find a fellow PHer on here who had been to the place I was looking at so reached out to him for his experience (Thanks Richard). What he told me sowed the seed, gave me a recommendation I wanted to hear and I booked myself in. I needed to be there 7 days as 6 days would be in the chair. A return flight cost me £108 and decent hotel B&B £170 for the week.
Whilst I'm conscious UK dentists peruse these threads and whilst most (all) vehemently advise against going abroad for dental work, I've already made the conscious decision but feel free to offer a view based on the above and what to be advised of.
Interested in 'Periodontal Splinting' of Crowns that some see as a short cut but having read up where the tooth root/posts are weakened then it is advised especially for front teeth. If they are splinted at the tip and the teeth are separate at the gum line then flossing is possible?
I’m adding in my interpretation of the treatment plan that I discussed with my NHS dentist to give you an idea of what was involved. That said it is based on the 2019 x-ray above and I’d had some additional work done since then – broken tooth/Crown lower right and the lateral incisor issue. Worth noting teeth (17) and (18) have not been removed and remain original post my first visit. This is aslo without the onsite visit and further 3D/x-rays etc. Yes there are different tooth numbering systems!
[i] Recommendation is for the extraction of the second molar (17) and wisdom tooth (18) along the upper right jaw. The Oral Surgeon has advised the bone level is low, however, if the tooth is not mobile, it can remain in the gum line, however final confirmation will be made in the clinic itself.
The missing tooth was also identified as the first molar (26) along the upper left jaw. The Oral Surgeon has advised due to the bone level surrounding the second premolar (25) along the upper left jaw, the recommendation is for the extraction of this tooth remains the same as the tooth is no longer strong in the jaw bone.
Once the extractions have taken place, the recommendation is for 2 Dental Implants along the upper left jaw which will support 3 Zirconium Porcelain Implant Crowns/ Implant Bridge to replace the missing teeth.
Upon review of your X-Rays, it was noted that the bone level in the area where teeth are missing and are to be extracted is insufficient for the placement of Dental Implants, and the sinus pockets along the upper left jaw are low in position. The Oral Surgeon has advised that 5cc Bone Grafting and a Sinus Lift along the upper left jaw is required to ensure the safe and secure placement of your Dental Implants.
A further recommendation for the application of 10 Zirconium Porcelain Dental Crowns along your upper jaw and 14 Zirconium Porcelain Dental Crowns along your lower jaw to improve the appearance of your smile line.
On the second visit, after the recommended Implant healing period, there will be the application of 3 Zirconium Porcelain Implant Crowns/ Implant Bridge along your upper left jaw to complete your treatment.
Upon review of your dental photographs, it was noted that the canine (43) along the lower right jaw is out of alignment to the surrounding teeth. When a patient has teeth that are misaligned, to bring them into a better alignment it is often that the affected teeth shall require more preparation than is usual and this can bring with it the potential for future dental issues, such as sensitivity. To ensure discomfort is minimised the Cosmetic Dentist has advised that Root Canal Treatment is required for your canine (43) along your lower right jaw. However, treatment can only be determined during your consultation in the clinic itself, upon the application and review of a Panoramic X-ray in addition to the usual physical examination of your teeth.
As some of your teeth have already undergone preparation for Crowns by another dental provider, the Cosmetic Dentist is unsure of the type of preparation used, or the skill and experience of the dentist that has provided the treatment. With this being so, the clinic cannot provide any form of dental guarantee for the completion of your dental treatment to the teeth that have been treated before. [/i]
I was lucky to find a fellow PHer on here who had been to the place I was looking at so reached out to him for his experience (Thanks Richard). What he told me sowed the seed, gave me a recommendation I wanted to hear and I booked myself in. I needed to be there 7 days as 6 days would be in the chair. A return flight cost me £108 and decent hotel B&B £170 for the week.
Whilst I'm conscious UK dentists peruse these threads and whilst most (all) vehemently advise against going abroad for dental work, I've already made the conscious decision but feel free to offer a view based on the above and what to be advised of.
Interested in 'Periodontal Splinting' of Crowns that some see as a short cut but having read up where the tooth root/posts are weakened then it is advised especially for front teeth. If they are splinted at the tip and the teeth are separate at the gum line then flossing is possible?
Panamax said:
Upper jaw molar implants - what's the story on sinus lift etc?
Where I had a tooth removed many years ago that had been sorted with the bridge I think when a tooth is extracted the bone mass around the original root shrinks? I'm no expert but fitting inplants on the top set requires a good bone density to not pierce the sinus tracts. This can also happen if someone goes too far with a root canal I believe.The above x-ray does not show it very well but the bone was shown to have degraded around the tooth next to it hence why it was advised to take out.
I'll try and dig a photo out but in terms of last cavity - not for years as I don't think there are many teeth left to fill! I've filled teeth 'corners' break and then rebuilt and in 2021 a filled LR molar broke that couldn't sustain another filling so it was crowned.
My gums haven't bled for years.
My gums haven't bled for years.
Thanks for chipping in. I wonder if this link helps with the clarity of the x-ray?
https://ibb.co/1mf4mPg
Now for the scary pics and you only realise how bad your teeth are when you take close up pics! Without exposing the gum line and with the ordinary eye they don't look bad (from a distance). Take account that I also brush my teeth at least once a day, certainly every night and use a final rinse mouthwash. In the past I've been accused of brushing too hard that has no doubt contributed to the gum recession.
I'll add these as a 'spoiler alert' so as not to shock anyone of a nervous disposition. Overbite is obvious on one of them.
https://ibb.co/1mf4mPg
Now for the scary pics and you only realise how bad your teeth are when you take close up pics! Without exposing the gum line and with the ordinary eye they don't look bad (from a distance). Take account that I also brush my teeth at least once a day, certainly every night and use a final rinse mouthwash. In the past I've been accused of brushing too hard that has no doubt contributed to the gum recession.
I'll add these as a 'spoiler alert' so as not to shock anyone of a nervous disposition. Overbite is obvious on one of them.
I don't disagree and 'fixing' LR3 a root canal was mentioned as likely if moving it caused irritation.. The problem with NHS only treatment you ideally need to supplement it with hygenist visits and something I'll be doing going forward.
What's your view on splicing Crowns? Given the weak foundations on the front 4 connecting them together was advised. My concern is having access to the gum line for flossing? I've seen some where they are splinted lower down the tooth to allow flossing between the individual mounts.
What's your view on splicing Crowns? Given the weak foundations on the front 4 connecting them together was advised. My concern is having access to the gum line for flossing? I've seen some where they are splinted lower down the tooth to allow flossing between the individual mounts.
To the Dentists thanks for chiming in. I expected some strong observations and I'm not wholly disagreeing with your opinion - we've all got one.
Yes I have religiously brushed my teeth with good brushes and proprietary toothpaste. My teeth have been scaled and polished once a year by my NHS dentist but sadly I'm not aware there is a dental hygenist funded on the NHS that may have had more time to concentrate in that area. Something I will be resolving in earnest.
I note the inference that it's my fault and I'll hold my hand up to some of it but as my teeth were ruined by an opportunist money grabbing dentist when I was 14 (read my first comment) I have somewhat been left to 'polish a turd'. Whether the Dental Services available in Turkey are going to roll them in glitter we shall wait to see.
I will say that both visits I've had to private UK dentists neither of them have talked about gum management and preparatory treatment, they appeared both ready to start the work in earnest. Certainly the first guy was who offered me the £4k reduction if I paid up front
. When I discussed my intended treatment with my own Dentist, as someone with nothing to lose, he didn't say hang on sort your gums out etc first, but was in accord with the plan based on what he could see. That's his opinion (and holder of a Ph.D in dentistry), someone I trust and incidentally mentioned that significant trauma to a canine may necessitate root treatment.
I find the advice regarding splinting and connecting Crowns and the efficacy of floss most useful. I'm taking it that connecting the front Crowns to add strength with a good 'connection' to the gum the gap for flossing will not be needed.
Yes I have religiously brushed my teeth with good brushes and proprietary toothpaste. My teeth have been scaled and polished once a year by my NHS dentist but sadly I'm not aware there is a dental hygenist funded on the NHS that may have had more time to concentrate in that area. Something I will be resolving in earnest.
I note the inference that it's my fault and I'll hold my hand up to some of it but as my teeth were ruined by an opportunist money grabbing dentist when I was 14 (read my first comment) I have somewhat been left to 'polish a turd'. Whether the Dental Services available in Turkey are going to roll them in glitter we shall wait to see.
I will say that both visits I've had to private UK dentists neither of them have talked about gum management and preparatory treatment, they appeared both ready to start the work in earnest. Certainly the first guy was who offered me the £4k reduction if I paid up front
. When I discussed my intended treatment with my own Dentist, as someone with nothing to lose, he didn't say hang on sort your gums out etc first, but was in accord with the plan based on what he could see. That's his opinion (and holder of a Ph.D in dentistry), someone I trust and incidentally mentioned that significant trauma to a canine may necessitate root treatment.I find the advice regarding splinting and connecting Crowns and the efficacy of floss most useful. I'm taking it that connecting the front Crowns to add strength with a good 'connection' to the gum the gap for flossing will not be needed.
There is a continuing story as the treatment has started but this 'advice' may prove useful to others thinking of having expensive work done so I'll roll with it.
FourFoldRoot thanks for supporting with advice mid treatment before the final work in 6 months.
Cringle you seem the perfect Dentist to send a child to as I'm sure under your guardianship they'll have perfect teeth management. They'll probably be shaking like a s
tting dog prior to and during your examinations but have perfect teeth none the less.
FourFoldRoot thanks for supporting with advice mid treatment before the final work in 6 months.
Cringle you seem the perfect Dentist to send a child to as I'm sure under your guardianship they'll have perfect teeth management. They'll probably be shaking like a s
tting dog prior to and during your examinations but have perfect teeth none the less.Before I get back to the story here is a useful website that offers lots of advice on procedures and oral care.
https://www.electricteeth.com/uk/dental-guides/
Perhaps if I'd found it 30yrs ago all might have been different.
https://www.electricteeth.com/uk/dental-guides/
Perhaps if I'd found it 30yrs ago all might have been different.
OK as you know I've started the scheme of work so best continue................
Nov 21.
I’m flying out to Antalya and confirmed my attendance at the Dental Surgery. A private car would collect me from the hotel and drop me off for all appointments (included in the price).
Indeed, the transport showed up on time at the hotel and 30 mins later I was at the place. It looked brand new, state of the art and very professional. Wow the place was busy as I got the impression it works on a near 24hr basis, but certainly not a production line.
I will say I did not appear to be their ‘average’ patient. There seemed to be many 20-30yr olds having work done (veneers, whitening I presume) in a shade Rylan would be proud of. A lot seemed to be from Essex (sorry). I did think how sad it was that these people were ruining their teeth at such an early age for the sake of vanity, whereas I was there along with a few (older) others (Turkish/EU/UK/USA citizens) to fix a problem not start a career as an influencer.
I had to fill out several forms in the waiting area and wait for what seemed like 2hrs to be attended to (Note: this is the longest I had to wait every other visit I was straight in the chair). I was offered countless drinks whilst waiting and generally well looked after. Conversing in English was no problem although you are assigned a facilitator to expertly explain what’s going on and deal with any language barriers.
The first stage started with a full 3D scan of my mouth using what looked like brand-new state of the art equipment. Another wait then I was called to a treatment room (spotless again) and seen by a surgeon who would do the implants and a dentist who would do the main work. They talked me through the scan, carried out a mouth examination explaining where the issues were and what was to be done. The treatment plan was slightly revised telling them what I wanted and my expectations; there was no-upselling and I scaled back a few Crowns in the lower jaw keeping some of my own teeth for now. Work would start the next day and I was given a series of appointment over the next 8 days for both the tooth shaping to accept the Crowns, tooth removal (only two where the bridge was, the others mentioned prior to the visit passed muster), sinus lift, bone graft and 2 x implant fittings.
Top tip: Eat like a King before the work starts. Turkey is as ‘cheap as chips’ and you can eat out for a fiver. When the treatment started my diet switched to boiled eggs and bananas!
So far
Nov 21.
I’m flying out to Antalya and confirmed my attendance at the Dental Surgery. A private car would collect me from the hotel and drop me off for all appointments (included in the price).
Indeed, the transport showed up on time at the hotel and 30 mins later I was at the place. It looked brand new, state of the art and very professional. Wow the place was busy as I got the impression it works on a near 24hr basis, but certainly not a production line.
I will say I did not appear to be their ‘average’ patient. There seemed to be many 20-30yr olds having work done (veneers, whitening I presume) in a shade Rylan would be proud of. A lot seemed to be from Essex (sorry). I did think how sad it was that these people were ruining their teeth at such an early age for the sake of vanity, whereas I was there along with a few (older) others (Turkish/EU/UK/USA citizens) to fix a problem not start a career as an influencer.
I had to fill out several forms in the waiting area and wait for what seemed like 2hrs to be attended to (Note: this is the longest I had to wait every other visit I was straight in the chair). I was offered countless drinks whilst waiting and generally well looked after. Conversing in English was no problem although you are assigned a facilitator to expertly explain what’s going on and deal with any language barriers.
The first stage started with a full 3D scan of my mouth using what looked like brand-new state of the art equipment. Another wait then I was called to a treatment room (spotless again) and seen by a surgeon who would do the implants and a dentist who would do the main work. They talked me through the scan, carried out a mouth examination explaining where the issues were and what was to be done. The treatment plan was slightly revised telling them what I wanted and my expectations; there was no-upselling and I scaled back a few Crowns in the lower jaw keeping some of my own teeth for now. Work would start the next day and I was given a series of appointment over the next 8 days for both the tooth shaping to accept the Crowns, tooth removal (only two where the bridge was, the others mentioned prior to the visit passed muster), sinus lift, bone graft and 2 x implant fittings.
Top tip: Eat like a King before the work starts. Turkey is as ‘cheap as chips’ and you can eat out for a fiver. When the treatment started my diet switched to boiled eggs and bananas!
So far
The treatment didn't feel 'rushed'.......................
Treatment
I’m not going to describe every detail of the work suffice to say some of it wasn’t pleasant (no worse than what I’ve had in a UK dentist’s chair) and given the amount of local I had didn’t really feel anything. When the teeth were ultimately prepared for Crowns there were some issues with the removal of the old ones (expected and warned about). A couple of posts were needed along with the suggestion the front 5 crowned teeth are fixed together (splinting - discussed above) but all retaining their own fixing point. The view was I may not have the strength in them if Crowned individually. I’d prefer individual Crowns to be honest so will look to re-visit this when I’m back.
The wisdom tooth and the one next to it came out without too much of a problem and the implants were drilled and fitted after the sinus lift (a somewhat unusual process!). One issue was the amount of stitches the gum needed to stop the bleeding and they wouldn’t let me leave until it had. A temporary prosthetic covered the prepared teeth which would be replaced later in the week with individual temporary Crowns that should last 12 months.
After the main work was done I was taken to the pharmacy for mouthwash, antibiotics and painkillers with strict instructions to start them and complete the course. You pay for these but again less than a tenner for the lot.
On the penultimate visit my temporary Crowns were fitted and I was asked to make sure they looked OK (shaded A1 I think as I’d chosen this colour but will probably defer to A2 for the permanent ones) and the dentist was happy with them before leaving. When confirmed they were bonded in, a bite test undertaken and a follow up visit the next day to check all was well. It was considering what I’d gone through but the gap where the implants are will take some getting used to.
Overall the treatment appeared to be well planned and thought out with the implant work being treated separate to the other work. The temporary Crowns look really good and as has been mentioned I intend to make best use of the 6 months to undertake good oral hygiene with some UK hygenist visits planned - not least to work on my own teeth that are left!
I still have a few back teeth with amalgam fillings so need to look at changing these out for white when I'm next there.
So far
Treatment
I’m not going to describe every detail of the work suffice to say some of it wasn’t pleasant (no worse than what I’ve had in a UK dentist’s chair) and given the amount of local I had didn’t really feel anything. When the teeth were ultimately prepared for Crowns there were some issues with the removal of the old ones (expected and warned about). A couple of posts were needed along with the suggestion the front 5 crowned teeth are fixed together (splinting - discussed above) but all retaining their own fixing point. The view was I may not have the strength in them if Crowned individually. I’d prefer individual Crowns to be honest so will look to re-visit this when I’m back.
The wisdom tooth and the one next to it came out without too much of a problem and the implants were drilled and fitted after the sinus lift (a somewhat unusual process!). One issue was the amount of stitches the gum needed to stop the bleeding and they wouldn’t let me leave until it had. A temporary prosthetic covered the prepared teeth which would be replaced later in the week with individual temporary Crowns that should last 12 months.
After the main work was done I was taken to the pharmacy for mouthwash, antibiotics and painkillers with strict instructions to start them and complete the course. You pay for these but again less than a tenner for the lot.
On the penultimate visit my temporary Crowns were fitted and I was asked to make sure they looked OK (shaded A1 I think as I’d chosen this colour but will probably defer to A2 for the permanent ones) and the dentist was happy with them before leaving. When confirmed they were bonded in, a bite test undertaken and a follow up visit the next day to check all was well. It was considering what I’d gone through but the gap where the implants are will take some getting used to.
Overall the treatment appeared to be well planned and thought out with the implant work being treated separate to the other work. The temporary Crowns look really good and as has been mentioned I intend to make best use of the 6 months to undertake good oral hygiene with some UK hygenist visits planned - not least to work on my own teeth that are left!
I still have a few back teeth with amalgam fillings so need to look at changing these out for white when I'm next there.
So far
Interim Update
Just to close this thread off for now pending any issues before I'm back in June:
I am now 7 weeks post treatment and whilst the temporary Crowns feel a little unusual (plasticky?) pain and tenderness has calmed down to normal. The stitches took a about 3 weeks to dissolve. I was given another set of medication as an ‘in case’ measure an am following their advice for cleaning and oral health (daily flossing) etc.
I am not allowed back until a full 6 months has passed (presumably for the implants to fix) and ideally not more than 12 months should pass. Needless to say, I’ve booked in for this June. I will say the ‘temporary’ teeth are good to the point most people believe it is the finished job!
I’ve paid the bulk of the money (up front gives a 10% discount) with a final bill to settle (c£700) when I’m next there and need to be there for 11 treatment days and the Zirconium Crowns will be handmade in the style that I want. Factoring travel and accommodation my predicted overall outlay is a third of what I’d pay in the UK.
Just to close this thread off for now pending any issues before I'm back in June:
I am now 7 weeks post treatment and whilst the temporary Crowns feel a little unusual (plasticky?) pain and tenderness has calmed down to normal. The stitches took a about 3 weeks to dissolve. I was given another set of medication as an ‘in case’ measure an am following their advice for cleaning and oral health (daily flossing) etc.
I am not allowed back until a full 6 months has passed (presumably for the implants to fix) and ideally not more than 12 months should pass. Needless to say, I’ve booked in for this June. I will say the ‘temporary’ teeth are good to the point most people believe it is the finished job!
I’ve paid the bulk of the money (up front gives a 10% discount) with a final bill to settle (c£700) when I’m next there and need to be there for 11 treatment days and the Zirconium Crowns will be handmade in the style that I want. Factoring travel and accommodation my predicted overall outlay is a third of what I’d pay in the UK.
3 Month Update
I'm now mid-way through following the first treatment with the fitting of the temporary Crowns. On the whole things are going well, the Crowns and gums have settled down and the site of the two implants looks good with all stitches falling out within the time expected. That said I did have a small bone spur at the extraction site working its way out through the gum as the body expels it so I thought I'd visit my UK dentist to see if he could help it along given some tenderness around the area.
So today my dentist saw the efforts of Turkish dentistry. He's seen other work but his initial response following a thorough inspection was "Wow, this is top quality work, and they're only the temporaries!" A rub with a cotton pad removed the spur without issue and he commented the gums were all pink and healthy, and despite the Crowns being temporary they were sealed perfectly against the gum line, the bite was spot on and the top/bottom lined up centrally and perfectly. He was impressed how they managed to sort out the overbite of the lower canine.
I've discussed the option of having the amagam fillings in the remaining teeth swapped out for composite and having looked at two teeth he suggests fitting Crowns may be their prefered solution given the size of the fillings. Either way the teeth are at the back and so far are in good health. I'll consider this when I'm having my final treatment.
I'm now mid-way through following the first treatment with the fitting of the temporary Crowns. On the whole things are going well, the Crowns and gums have settled down and the site of the two implants looks good with all stitches falling out within the time expected. That said I did have a small bone spur at the extraction site working its way out through the gum as the body expels it so I thought I'd visit my UK dentist to see if he could help it along given some tenderness around the area.
So today my dentist saw the efforts of Turkish dentistry. He's seen other work but his initial response following a thorough inspection was "Wow, this is top quality work, and they're only the temporaries!" A rub with a cotton pad removed the spur without issue and he commented the gums were all pink and healthy, and despite the Crowns being temporary they were sealed perfectly against the gum line, the bite was spot on and the top/bottom lined up centrally and perfectly. He was impressed how they managed to sort out the overbite of the lower canine.
I've discussed the option of having the amagam fillings in the remaining teeth swapped out for composite and having looked at two teeth he suggests fitting Crowns may be their prefered solution given the size of the fillings. Either way the teeth are at the back and so far are in good health. I'll consider this when I'm having my final treatment.
The Shanks is back! Well I’ve been back from the second dental visit six months but as ever only just got time to sit down and write it up.
So, following my first visit in Nov 21 after everything seemed to go to plan, I was keen to set the next visit in the diary not least I didn’t just want to use one side of my mouth to eat for any longer than necessary. In Dec taking advantage of the ‘cheap’ flight offers and after liaising with the dental centre when and how long I needed to be there, I managed to bag return flights £128 out and £98 rtn for Jun 22. Needless to say, when you can get winter flights for less than £100 rtn (and looking the other day £40 rtn in Feb23) it’s a bit of an uplift but the weather is superb in Jun. The dental centre was most insistent they would not treat me until a full 6 months had passed from the fitting of the implants and ideally not more than 12 months later. How places offer ‘same day’ implants is somewhat questionable!
Initially I was told I would need to be back for at least 6 days but when I enquired it was pushed to 11 days as healing time is needed once the gums are opened up to fit the implant abutments. I had also visited my trusty NHS dentist who as I’ve previously mentioned was very impressed with the work to discuss whether my amalgam fillings could be changed to composite. In his view the two remaining lower and upper right molars were too deep. Along with booking the second visit I discussed these fillings and as predicted they came back with the same view suggesting that as the lower molar was root canal treated and the bulk of the ‘tooth’ was filling a crown would be preferable so this was included for treatment. The top right rear molar (next to the wisdom tooth) was not really visible but they would look at it during the visit. So flights booked I pushed the boat out and got a decent hotel with outdoor pool and sea view at £575 for b&b).
So, following my first visit in Nov 21 after everything seemed to go to plan, I was keen to set the next visit in the diary not least I didn’t just want to use one side of my mouth to eat for any longer than necessary. In Dec taking advantage of the ‘cheap’ flight offers and after liaising with the dental centre when and how long I needed to be there, I managed to bag return flights £128 out and £98 rtn for Jun 22. Needless to say, when you can get winter flights for less than £100 rtn (and looking the other day £40 rtn in Feb23) it’s a bit of an uplift but the weather is superb in Jun. The dental centre was most insistent they would not treat me until a full 6 months had passed from the fitting of the implants and ideally not more than 12 months later. How places offer ‘same day’ implants is somewhat questionable!
Initially I was told I would need to be back for at least 6 days but when I enquired it was pushed to 11 days as healing time is needed once the gums are opened up to fit the implant abutments. I had also visited my trusty NHS dentist who as I’ve previously mentioned was very impressed with the work to discuss whether my amalgam fillings could be changed to composite. In his view the two remaining lower and upper right molars were too deep. Along with booking the second visit I discussed these fillings and as predicted they came back with the same view suggesting that as the lower molar was root canal treated and the bulk of the ‘tooth’ was filling a crown would be preferable so this was included for treatment. The top right rear molar (next to the wisdom tooth) was not really visible but they would look at it during the visit. So flights booked I pushed the boat out and got a decent hotel with outdoor pool and sea view at £575 for b&b).
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