Seven Spectacular Attractions to Enjoy in Antalya After your Dental Treatment

If you are planning to visit the best dental treatment clinic in Antalya, it is worth boking a little extra time after your procedure to enjoy everything that this beautiful Turkish coastal resort has to offer. Antalya has a safe, family-friendly vibe with stunning coastal views, clean beaches and fascinating local history. Located next to the Mediterranean Sea in south-west turkey, Antalya is often known as the capital city of the Turkish riviera. It is surrounded by ancient historical sites and full of modern places to enjoy shopping, eating out and nightlife.

When planning and budgeting for your affordable dental treatment in Turkey, make sure to add a little extra cash to spend on visiting the best attractions, eating places, entertainment and tourist places in Antalya. That way, after you have taken advantage of quality care at the best dental clinic Antalya, you can enjoy a fun dental vacation in stunning surroundings. Here are seven ideas to get you started.

Antalya Old Town and Hadrian’s Gate

Antalya Old Town and Hadrian’s Gate

Antalya’s Old Town (Kaleici) is a maze of winding streets full of traditional wooden houses, cobbled streets, bars, restaurants and hotels. The triple-arched Hadrian’s Gate is located at the eastern entrance. It dates back to 130AD and is named after the Roman emperor Hadrian in honour of his visit to the city. The clock tower is another recognisable Old Town landmark. It was built by the Ottomans on the remains of the city’s Roman walls in the early 20th Century. Kaleici is located on the seafront, giving beautiful harbour views from the pier.

Duden Waterfalls

The Duden Waterfalls are a must-see for anyone coming to have dental treatment in Antalya. Not only are they stunning to look at, the sound of the rushing water gives a calming effect to soothe the nerves after going through cosmetic dentistry surgery. They are located at the end of the river Duden and fall in two separate cascades into a valley close to the Mediterranean Sea. Tours are available for this highly photogenic spot and they can be reached by public bus and boat.

Land of Legends (theme park)

This exciting theme park offer high adrenaline rides and fun, as well as a comfortable hotel, luxury shopping and delicious food and drink. You can visit for the day or spend the night to take your time enjoying all it has to offer. The amusement park is the largest of its kind to be found in Turkey. Great for kids – and adults with a sense of adventure. Again, take care to follow all aftercare instructions from your dental clinic and do not overdo things!

Perge (Roman ruins)

History lovers will appreciate taking the short trip out to Perge, site of some of Turkey’s most significant Roman ruins and a former sanctuary dedicated to the Roman goddess Artemis. It is known as being one of the most beautiful cities in the world, visited by scholars from many different countries. Attractions include the Roman bathhouse, amphitheatre, city wall, mosaics and many high points from which to look down on the whole city.

Antalya Marina

Antalya Marina
Antalya’s coastal position means that there is plenty of water-based fun to be had. Antalya Marina is a vibrant area full of interesting walks, delicious food and numerous boats coming and going. From fishing vessels and yachts to ferries and cruise ships, there is always something passing by. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals and there is a welcoming vibe. Watch local fishermen sell their latest catch and rub shoulders with the well-to-do yacht owners in this vibrant part of the city.

Antalya Aquarium

The city’s aquarium is a fun attraction for all ages. You can wander past 40 themed tanks containing multiple species of fish, sea creatures and tropical reptiles going about their daily business right in front of you. The aquarium is famous for housing the largest underwater tunnel exhibit in the world, which stretches for 131 metres. It also has a 3D cinema showing fascinating films about sea life, marine conservation and more.

Konyaalti Beach and Lara Beach

Sticking with the marine theme, beach fans will adore Konyaalti beach (Konyaalti Plaji), situated to the west of the city centre. It has a mix of pebbles and sand to offer family fun and pretty landscapes set against the Beydağlari mountains. Sea swimming and water sports are available, although you are urged to take care not to over exert yourself if you have just had dental treatment. To the east is Lara Beach, equally beautiful and full of luxurious hotels, fine dining and water sports. Ask your dental surgeon if you are unsure what you can and cannot do following your procedure.

Why Choose Turkey For Your Dental Surgery Vacation ?

There are many things to take into account when looking at dental clinics in Turkey for your cosmetic dentistry. While prices can be more affordable, quality can vary wildly from clinic to clinic. It is vital that you carry out plenty of research, including seeking reviews from previous patients when thinking about Turkey dental care options. Opting for sub-standard care can lead to more significant problems further down the line.

The good news, however, is there are good quality, reputable dental clinics in Turkey offering excellent results and aftercare. It is important to look for somewhere that has proven international credentials when it comes to dental expertise, as well as the latest in dental equipment and technology. You should be able to check credentials online on third-party websites to ensure the authenticity of any certificates or diplomas shown to you by the clinic’s staff.

Never rely solely on what a clinic is telling you. Check details with external sources too and look up previous patient reviews. Authentic dental clinics in Turkey will not mind you carrying out additional research such as this, in order to make sure you are totally happy with their service offering. Do not allow yourself to be pressured into making a quick decision.

All that said, there are many reasons to opt for reputable dental care in Turkey.

Quality Care

There are many dental clinics offering expert services and quality care in Turkey. Whether you are looking for somewhere to book in for a smile makeover, dental implants or another form of cosmetic dentistry, check that your chosen destination specialises in exactly what you want. A reputable clinic will have full details available about their services, both online and at the clinic.

You must discuss in advance what you want to have done, and what each procedure will involve with your dentist or surgeon. To help with this, details should be provided in your preferred language, or a translator should be made available to help you understand exactly what you are agreeing to. This helps to avoid misunderstandings and mistakes further down the line. Understanding each other’s language is vital during the run-up to your surgery too. This is because you will need to share medical notes and discuss any complications, allergies or previous problems with your teeth and oral health.

Affordability

Once you have established that your chosen clinic for dental tourism is reliable and effective, you should ensure that you understand exactly how much the procedure is going to cost. One of the main reasons why people choose Turkey dental care is the fact that prices can often be cheaper than in the UK or elsewhere. Many clinics offer flexible payment plans to make the process even easier to plan for and save up. This can be very helpful if you are finding it hard to save up for a much-needed dental procedure.

Plan your expenditure carefully. Pre-visit budgeting must include additional things like flights, accommodation, meals and transport to and from appointments – if this is not provided by the dental clinic. Always remember to put quality of care, cleanliness and medical expertise above all other considerations, including cheap dentistry that seems to be too good to be true. Do your research and make sure you are not hit by any hidden extras when you are presented with the final bill.

Beautiful Destination

Of course, a huge advantage to choosing Turkey as the destination for your dental vacation is the beauty, culture and fun experiences that come with your trip. Turkey dental care can combine an effective, affordable procedure with the holiday of a lifetime. Turkey is famous for its sparkling coastal resorts, long and fascinating history, delicious cuisine and friendly locals. There will always be something new to discover, whether you are coming to the place where your dental clinic is based for the first time or have visited the area before.

You are also generally advised to take someone with you so that you can be accompanied to the surgery and cared for afterwards. Many people like to stay on for a few days after the dental procedure with their companion, not only to make sure that they are recovering OK but to enjoy a spot of ‘dental tourism’ in a beautiful setting. If you plan to do this make sure that you have sufficient funds to enjoy a few meals out, excursions and treats to make the most of your time in Turkey.

Will Dental X-Rays hurt? Why Dental Imaging is both Important and Safe

Dental x-rays are one of the most useful tools in a dentist’s diagnostic toolkit. They can identify problems such as tooth decay, cavities, impacted teeth, unerupted wisdom teeth, jawbone loss and abscesses. They can also reveal further decay beneath existing fillings before this becomes a much bigger problem to solve. Often, issues such as these are not easily identifiable with the naked eye.

Dental x-rays can play a large part in helping your dentist to spot problems inside your mouth and alleviate toothache and other discomfort. They are a key part of dental check-ups, do not hurt and take less than a second to perform. Dental x-rays help you stay on top of your oral health, as well as detect other worrying medical signs that you should follow up with your doctor.

How do Dental x-rays work?

Dental x-rays work via beams of electromagnetic radiation directed at a specific area of the body. As the beam passes through human tissue, photons (electromagnetic particles) inside it hit a receptor positioned on the other side. This is then processed to create the x-ray image. For images of specific, smaller areas, the patient will be asked to bite down on a sheet of film, or receptor, while the x-ray machine is angled close to the face. A wider, or panoramic view of the oral cavity can also be taken outside of the mouth, with the machine moving around the circumference of your head to capture a fuller picture.

Today, dental imaging results are normally displayed digitally on a screen, rather than printed out. They help the dentist check for problems, make diagnoses and plan their next move. Darker areas on a dental x-ray reveal where cavities, decay or bone loss are occurring – healthy enamel and dentine show up lighter on the resultant image. Artificial crowns, fillings etc. will appear whitest of all.

How often should I get a dental x-ray?

Your dentist will require regular dental x-rays to be taken to keep on file. Images are compared with previous versions to monitor the progress of any worrying issues. They can also confirm that the teeth and mouth are clear of any problems lurking beneath the surface – important details to be added to your patient notes. Dental x-rays are usually taken once a year during your routine dental check-ups. They can be taken more frequently if you are undergoing treatment for a long-term or ongoing issue.

You may also be asked to have them more frequently if you are a smoker or have a history of bone loss or gum disease. When patients first register at a dental practice, or are about to undergo surgery on their teeth, there may also be a need for more frequent x-rays to begin with. Children can sometimes have more regular dental x-rays in order to monitor the growth of their adult teeth, or the dentist wants to create a series of images to act as a baseline for the condition of their dental health. This can be helpful if they experience any problems, such as baby teeth not falling out on their own, impacting the adult teeth sitting underneath.

Are Dental X-Rays safe?

While the thought of being exposed to radiation via dental imaging can feel daunting, the amounts used are incredibly low – far lower than recommended safety limits. The x-ray process itself is also extremely quick (lasting a fraction of a second) and entirely painless. Modern advances in dental imaging technology have also enabled dentists to target specific areas of the mouth much more accurately, making the process even safer and simpler to perform. If you have any anxieties over safety, your dentist will happily talk you through what to expect so that you are prepared. You can also ask for a lead ‘bib’ or apron to go over your chest and abdomen to further reduce the risks of absorbing radiation into the body.

All of that said, it is strongly advised that patients who are pregnant do not expose themselves to x-rays of any kind, dental or otherwise. This is because radiation, in any dosage whatsoever, is considered dangerous for developing foetuses. Always tell your dentist in advance of any appointments if you think you might be pregnant, or are trying for a baby.

Am I too late for Braces ? A Guide to Orthodontic Treatments in Adulthood

We tend to think of braces as an adolescent rite of passage. However, there are an increasing number of options for adults who are worried about misaligned teeth and want to do something about them. It is possible to move and straighten teeth at any age, although the process can take longer in older patients. Adult orthodontics brings with it many benefits, not just cosmetic. People who have an uneven bite (e.g. overbite, underbite or open bite) can suffer from discomfort or pain, as well as speech impediments and loss of confidence. Gaps between the teeth leave exposed gums vulnerable to gum disease and infection caused by bacteria and trapped food particles.

How do Adult Braces work?

Braces are designed to align teeth into a more favourable position. As we age, our teeth can move around in the mouth. This is due to pressure from chewing and the tongue pushing against the teeth. Other issues can include teeth grinding, loss of one or more adjoining teeth and facial injuries from accidents or sporting mishaps. If a person has significant tooth decay, gum disease, bone loss or multiple cavities, the dentist may not recommend adult braces for safety reasons.

Adult braces not only help the teeth move into the right position, they can also protect them as they do so, offering increased structural support while they are in a more vulnerable place. Adult braces can also straighten out crooked teeth, making it easier to brush teeth, floss and keep the while mouth clean. They can be worn all the time, or just during the day, depending on the type of braces or teeth straightening device you select.

Exact timings for adult orthodontics can vary too, but as a rule, tend to sit somewhere between one and two years to complete. More severe conditions, such as fixing a significant overbite, can take a little longer. The treatment will require the patient to return to the dentist regularly to have the braces checked and to be fitted with new and updated versions as the teeth begin to move and results become apparent.

What are some different Types of Adult Braces?

Braces are a hugely versatile form of orthodontic treatment. There are several different types to choose from. Traditional metal braces are still a good option for many people. They are made from metal brackets (normally stainless steel) attached to alloy wires and held flat to the surface of the teeth by elastic bands. They work by using gentle force to push the teeth into position. Ceramic braces operate in the same way, but are made from clear or tooth-coloured ceramic materials for a more aesthetically pleasing look.

Lingual braces attach to the inner side of the teeth rather than the outside, making them an even less visually intrusive choice. They come in one single piece, rather than individual sections and are designed to move teeth by very small increments. Although they are more discreet than some other adult braces, teeth straightening treatment using lingual braces can also take longer to complete. Self-ligating braces have wire brackets that clip directly onto the teeth without the need for rubber bands. This helps people to keen their teeth cleaner while wearing them and avoid getting food particles trapped.

Finally, Invisalign is a highly effective orthodontic treatment available for people of all ages. These are specially designed retainers that are completely clear, making them an extremely discreet option. They are not fixed with wires, so you can remove them to eat and when brushing and flossing. Invisalign tends to be a more expensive teeth straightening solution than other types of adult braces. However, results are quicker, effective and long-lasting.

How can I help the treatment work better?

As with any healthcare or cosmetic procedures, the odds of it producing the desired results are increased by the person following the right care routines at home. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions on when to wear your adult braces and for how long. Keep your adult braces and teeth as clean as possible, brushing at least twice a day and following a good oral hygiene routine.

Avoid foods that could break the wires or stick to the brackets and eat slowly and gently to minimise the risk of damage. Attend all dental appointments to ensure that all is proceeding to plan. Inform your dentist as soon as possible if you experience discomfort or pain, or your braces become dislodged or broken.

Is Local Anaesthesia right for my Dental Procedure?

It is common for people needing less complex dental treatment such as missing teeth replacement, dental implants or root canal work to undergo the procedure under local anaesthesia. This numbs the area being worked on to remove pain or discomfort without putting the patient under sedation or controlled unconsciousness.

Local anaesthesia is simple to administer and, nowadays, practically painless to receive. It helps the patient remain calm and allows the dentist to carry out dental procedures safely and without interruption. Local anaesthesia can be administered by a dentist or dental hygienist, or a dental surgeon as part of a larger dental procedure or exploration. If you have not had local anaesthesia before, or you would like to find out more about it, here are four key questions to ask.

What is Local Anaesthesia?

Local anaesthesia is a highly effective form of pain management. The medicine is injected into the inner cheek or gum and allowed to take effect before any work begins. Not only does it remove pain and discomfort, it also helps patients experiencing dental anxiety to feel calmer about the procedure ahead.

Commonly, dentists use local anaesthesia containing Lidocaine to numb the area. This ingredient is replacing Novocain in many practices. Lidocaine has been found to work better and for the numbing effects to last longer. It is also less likely to cause allergic reactions. Patients with medical conditions that could be affected by receiving local anaesthesia by injection, such as a bleeding disorder or allergy, should inform their dentist in advance.

Does Local Anaesthesia Hurt?

Administering local anaesthesia comfortably and efficiently is a very important part of dental care. The patient is highly unlikely to even feel the needle going into the cheek or gum. There may be brief discomfort as the medicine moves through the soft tissues inside the mouth and starts to take effect. A numbing gel can be applied prior to receiving the injection to help reduce any discomfort. This especially helps those who have dental anxiety to cope with the proximity of a sharp needle.

It could also be a good idea to agree a ‘stop’ signal with your dentist at the outset so that you can call a halt to the treatment if you feel any pain or feel overwhelmed by dental anxiety. Many people feel a tingling sensation as the effects wear off once the dental procedure is over.

How does the dentist administer a local anaesthetic injection?

The dentist will dry the affected area inside the mouth with cotton wool and air first. They will check the area to be numbed and calculate how much they need to insert. Then, the dentist will work out where to place the injection in order to cover the whole area needing to be numbed and achieve full pain management. Once the medicine has all been injected, the patient rests and waits for the effects to kick in.

This stage of the dental care will not take very long. The mouth will feel numb and strange – it is very important to take care while this is happening. Keep your tongue and teeth very still inside your mouth. If you inadvertently bite the area, you won’t feel the effects and you could cause serious damage to the tongue or inside cheek without even realising.

Are there any side-effects to this form of dental treatment?

The vast majority of dentists are very experienced in administering local anaesthesia and know exactly where and how to inject the medicine. Side-effects are therefore rare. However, some people could have an allergic reaction to the numbing medicine used. Consult your doctor if you are worried about this happening before your dental treatment. Other side-effects could also include an increased heart rate due to the vasoconstrictor ingredient in the medicine, numbness outside the area being targeted or nerve injury, should the needle strike a nerve.

All of these are rare, and you should speak to a doctor if you are worried about any of them happening to you. It is generally recommended for pregnant patients not to have elective dental treatment during the first or third trimesters. In the overwhelmingly majority of dental procedures, having local anaesthesia will be far less painful and uncomfortable than attempting the dental treatment without it.

Signs you might not be getting enough Calcium for your Teeth

When you think of how calcium helps the body thrive, you most likely think first of bone health. However, consuming high enough levels of this important mineral is just as vital for healthy, strong teeth. The teeth are made up of the same material as your bones, so require the same care and nurturing. While some risk factors for weaker teeth cannot be helped, such as age, gender or genetics, others can be mitigated against through assiduous oral health, regular dental checkups and a calcium-rich diet.

Calcium deficiencies are not always forefront of the mind when we think about ways to look after our body. However, long-term effects can be painful, severe and life limiting. Adding calcium to the diet is simple to do and highly effective. Read on for more information about calcium deficiencies, their symptoms and how to counteract them.

What causes calcium deficiency in the teeth?

Teeth are made up of a material known as crystalline calcium phosphate. It creates a protective layer over the nerves inside the tooth. The calcium in the teeth is constantly breaking down and being rebuilt by the body. The body can also store excess calcium to further protect this layer and help maintain healthy teeth.

Calcium deficiency, also known as hypocalcaemia, occur when the body cannot rebuild mineral levels faster than they break down. Calcium levels in the blood drop to a dangerous level over time, unless treated. Post-menopausal women are at most risk of this happening, as the body finds it harder to replenish calcium as we grow older. As calcium deficiencies are not immediately obvious to start with, it can take time to discover their presence in the body. Your doctor can carry out a bone density test to detect what’s happening if you have concerns. This can help identify any problems quicker, so that you can start to replenish calcium in your body sooner, rather than later.

What are some of the symptoms of calcium deficiency?

It is important to keep an eye on symptoms like lower bone mass, more frequent bone fractures or teeth that get cavities in them more often, or chip more easily. At first, calcium deficiencies tend not to bring any noticeable symptoms with them. Prolonged calcium deficiency, however, can lead to conditions such as osteopenia (mild loss of bone density) and osteoporosis (when the loss becomes more serious).

These conditions causes the teeth and bones to grow thin, become brittle and more prone to breaking. It can also affect posture. Other long-term symptoms of calcium deficiency can include alterations to the brain (depression etc.), fatigue, and changes to the nails, hair, teeth, gums and jawbone. Some people can feel tingling or numbness around the mouth and finders, or unexplained muscle spasms and aches in the hands, arms, thighs, and feet.

Can Calcium Deficiency be Treated?

The good news is that a calcium deficiency can be reversed fairly simply through diet and targeted teeth health measures. If you are concerns about developing calcium deficiency, choose foods and drinks that have higher levels of calcium in them. Some examples include dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, yoghurt…), beans and pulses, broccoli, spinach, figs, tofu, soy milk, nuts and seeds. It is also present in fish where you also eat the bones, such as sardines.

In addition, calcium supplements are available over the counter in tablet form, as well as liquids, chews and powder. They can be obtained on prescription in the same way, or as injections. Always talk to your doctor before embarking upon any type of calcium supplementation regime. Improvements can usually be observed after just a few weeks on a calcium rich diet.

Calcium and Oral Health

Your dentist will be able to help you look for signs of calcium deficiency in the mouth. Keep up with your regular dental checkups to assist with this. Don’t forget to book in with the dental hygienist too. They can help remove any plaque build-up that can lead to cavities and spot any early signs of calcium deficiencies starting to take hold. Dental hygienists can also give general advice on oral health and maintaining strong teeth that will help them combat the effects of any bone thinning or loss due to calcium deficiency.

Switching to a calcium-fortified toothpaste in between dentist and dental hygienist visits can also help provide added protection. Brush with toothpaste at least twice a day. An electric toothbrush can often produce better results than standard brushes as it can reach deeper into the teeth and gums. Don’t forget to use mouthwash and floss for optimal oral health. These are all simple habits that can really help you maintain healthy teeth that are strengthened by calcium and protected against cavities well into older age.

How to get the best out of your Dental Tourism Experience

As with any operation, medical treatment or cosmetic procedure, planning a dental tourism trip well in advance is the best way to ensure a successful outcome. Knowing what you need to have done and where to go to ensure a safe, professional experience. Dental tourism can often offer high-quality care for ongoing issues with teeth and oral health at a competitive rate. Dates and timings can be more flexible. This can allow people to travel at their convenience and even combine the surgery with some holiday time in the chosen destination.

What to look for in your Dental Tourism destination

It can be all too easy to be distracted by an exotic location for your dental tourism trip. However, the quality of the dental treatment being offered must always be the top priority. Do plenty of research into clinics and facilities in several different places. Make a shortlist based on medical and healthcare reasons, rather than the criteria you would choose for a standard holiday. Make sure you can understand the local language enough to get by, or that your clinic is able to communicate with you in your own language. This is important to ensure there are no misunderstandings that could lead to problems down the line.

There is no reason why you shouldn’t get to enjoy time exploring a new country while you are visiting it for dental tourism reasons. However, you must always put your health and wellbeing ahead of any other considerations when it comes to planning dental tourism. There will be plenty of time to visit other countries after your dental issues have been fixed. Look for destinations that can support your recovery post-procedure as well as offering the initial surgery. You will need to book comfortable accommodation, decent food and suitable transport. You will also need easy access to pharmacies and effective emergency medical care in the case of something not going to plan.

Choosing the right clinic or dental hospital

This is another key aspect of dental tourism. Right from the initial enquiries, your dental clinic should be communicating readily and respectfully. You should be able to ask questions and receive answers quickly and clearly. Costs should be transparent, and all risks explained. The clinic should also be able to tell you what you need to bring with you to ensure a comfortable experience. Equally, they should discuss your aftercare, both while you are still in the country and once you have arrived back home.

There are several ways that you can check on the credentials of the clinic ahead of your dental tourism experience. Their website should carry details of available procedures, dental staff and facilities. Check out reviews and see if you can speak to any previous patients directly to gauge their experiences. Make sure the clinic has the required safety and hygiene accreditations and that your surgeon is fully qualified, with their certificates up to date. All of this must be a top priority when it comes to planning dental tourism.

Some more tips to help your dental tourism run smoothly

Finally, treating dental tourism like any other trip abroad can help ensure that the admin is taken care of properly. So, check that your passports are up to date and that you have applied for any visas or other necessary documentation. This also goes for anyone who is accompanying you. Many dental clinics and hospitals require patients to have someone with them to take them home and support them after the procedure. Ensure that all insurance policies are relevant and up-to-date.

Ask your clinic for a list of recommended things to bring. You may not be able to buy everything you need at your dental tourism destination. So, it is wise to get everything you need well in advance. This can include medications or medical supplies – check that you will be able to bring everything through customs without any problems. Book flights/transport well in advance, as well as hotel or other accommodation. It may not be easy to change a surgery date once you are booked in. It is a good idea to book a few extra days either side of your scheduled date to allow for unexpected delays.

Everything you need to know about having a Dental Crown fitted

Dental crown treatments are among the most common types of dentistry. They help improve the health of your teeth, as well as improving the cosmetic appearance of your smile. Putting a dental crown over a damaged tooth can also help preserve it for longer. This avoids the tooth having to be pulled out and fully replaced, at least for a while.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is an artificial hollow shell designed to look and feel like a natural tooth. It can also be called a cap. The dental crown or cap is custom-made and matched exactly to the patient’s natural tooth colour, shape and size. It fits snugly over a damaged tooth, or in a gap to protect the gum and damaged tooth underneath it. Dental crown treatments can also be designed to improve the overall look of your mouth and smile.

The type and number of dental crowns installed over one or more appointments with your dentist will depend on their location in the mouth. It will also depend on how severe the damage being treated turns out to be. Every patient is different and will have their own, unique medical history. So, you will need to discuss your individual needs with your dentist before proceeding with a dental crown. Different types of dental crown are available, as are other preventative, repair and cosmetic treatments.

How a Dental Crown can be used

Once made, the dental crown sits on top of the tooth, protecting it and helping it to stay in place. It is used to strengthen teeth after root canal work, or to cover a particularly large or deep cavity. A dental crown can help build up a tooth after erosion caused by grinding or other damage. It can reduce discomfort and pain at the same time, as it keeps the tooth still and protects the nerves.

Where there have been large or repeated cavities filled in a single tooth, a dental crown can cover what’s left of the surrounding enamel to help stop any further cavities forming. It can also hide bad staining to improve the look of your teeth as a cosmetic treatment. A dental crown can also be used to fix a dental bridge in place or to sit on top of one or more dental implants.

Types of Dental Crown

There are several different types of dental crown. Three of the most commonly used are metal, porcelain or porcelain bonded over a metal base. A metal dental crown is made from an alloy, usually gold or silver in colour. It’s considered one of the strongest types of dental crown and can withstand wear and tear for a long time. However, it is not as natural-looking next to your other teeth as porcelain alternatives. The choice of aesthetics is purely personal.

The fully porcelain dental crown option looks more natural than metal and allows light to pass through it in the same way as natural teeth do. Porcelain is a strong and cosmetically pleasing material. This makes it a good choice for any front or highly visible teeth needing a dental crown. A porcelain bonded over metal dental crown offers the best of both worlds – strength from the metal and a natural appearance. There are also white zirconium options available for a dental crown. These particularly suit people with allergies or sensitivities. This is because the metal is both hypoallergenic and non-reactive.

What happens during a dental crown appointment?

After initial discussions and examinations, your dentist will let you know what your options are and their recommended course of treatment. If you decide to go for a dental crown, measurements will be taken to create the most precise fit. The dentist will prepare your tooth to receive the dental crown, most likely under local anaesthesia. A temporary crown may be fitted while the permanent one is made.

Then, you will return to have the permanent dental crown installed. This will be thoroughly checked to make sure it is a perfect fit. Once it is cemented in place, it will not be easy to remove it again. So, you must ensure you are satisfied with the results before giving the go-ahead. Your dentist will keep in touch afterwards to make sure that there are no post-procedure complications. You can normally take over-the-counter medication to manage any pain or discomfort. However, if the pain  becomes acute, or takes a long time to go away, you should return to your dentist for further assistance.

The Lowdown on Zygomatic Implants

When a patient goes to a dentist or maxillofacial surgeon seeking help with missing teeth, one treatment option that crops up regularly is dental implants. These consist of titanium screws that are implanted into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone to create a solid foundation. An artificial tooth is then installed on top. This has been designed to look, feel and behave like a natural tooth. Dental implants offer a reliable, long-term solution to a distressing and painful problem. What happens, howeve, if there is not enough jawbone to receive the implant, Or there is another problem with the area preventing the jawbone to be used in this way? This is where zygomatic implants come in to play.

What are Zygomatic Implants?

When there is not enough jawbone mass to take dental implants, there could be the option to have them inserted into the cheekbone instead. These are called zygomatic implants. This option only works for teeth missing from the upper dental arch. To install artificial teeth that are missing from the lower arch, a bone graft may be required. Zygomatic implants are fixed to the cheekbone in a similar wat to a jawbone implant.

However, the permanent artificial teeth can normally be fixed at the same time with biocompatible, zygomatic implants. Rather than the patient having to wait for weeks or months for a jawbone implant to fuse. You should listen to all your options before deciding to proceed with zygomatic implants, as they are a permanent treatment for missing or damaged teeth.

Who can have Zygomatic Implants?

In the same way as dental implants fixed to the jawbone, zygomatic implants are only suitable for people whose adult teeth have grown in. This makes them unsuitable for children. There must be sufficient bone mass in the cheekbones to take the implants and ensure a solid, stable fit. Zygomatic implants work well for people without enough jawbone mass for the implant screw to fuse correctly. This could be due to medical disorders, an accident or injury or a genetic condition.

Everyone’s facial bone structure is different, however. It is up to the dentist or surgeon to assess your suitability for the treatment and guide you as to the best way forward. Zygomatic implants only work for missing upper teeth, due to the position of the cheekbones in relation to the dental arch.

How are Zygomatic Implants installed?

The process starts with a thorough examination of the patient’s teeth, jawbone, cheekbones and oral cavity. Scans are taken to locate the nerves and sinus cavities to ensure that these are not damaged during the surgery. Precise measurements are taken within the area that is missing teeth. This is to make sure that the artificial teeth can be created to look natural and fit comfortably in the gap. Together with an overall health assessment, the results will determine whether or not zygomatic implants can be installed.

If the decision to go ahead is made, the patient will undergo local anaesthesia and possibly sedation as well to keep them calm and still. Titanium implants are fitted into the upper, or zygomatic arch and cheekbones in a procedure that takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of the case. Then, the artificial teeth, or crowns are installed on top and permanently fixed in place. The whole process can normally be done in one day, subject to there being no complications or additional bone grafts required.

How do you look after Zygomatic Implants?

After your zygomatic implants surgery, you can take painkillers to cope with any immediate pain. However, if the pain continues, or becomes unbearable, you must return to your surgeon straight away. Once fitted, zygomatic implants can be treated like your natural teeth in terms of brushing and eating. Look after your zygomatic implants well, keeping them clean and free from debris. This will help them look and feel good and last longer.

You will need to return to your surgeon or dentist for regular check-ups in the weeks following the procedure to ensure that healing is taking place and that the zygomatic implants are performing as expected. Your surgeon or dentist will let you know when you are ready to be signed off from the check-ups.

What happens when you need to replace a damaged tooth?

If you lose your tooth, either by it being knocked out or through a medical condition, it can make you feel less confident to eat, speak and smile. Damage to a tooth can also impact on the other teeth surrounding it. They can move and become misaligned in the mouth. There can also be other issues such as trauma and the increased risk of infection or dry socket if the missing tooth is not replaced. Happily, there are several options available to replace a damaged tooth. Results are natural looking, comfortable and can last for many years.

Three solutions to replace a damaged tooth

Whether you are seeking treatment to replace a damaged tooth in the UK or Turkey, there are many choices available to you. The best solution will depend entirely on how badly the tooth has been damaged and how many have been knocked out or broken. Other factors will include age, overall health, other oral health conditions that you might be living with and cost. The following three options all have their pros and cons. They should be carefully considered to see if they are the right solution for you. They are all also available as options to replace a damaged tooth in Turkey. Here, you can get professional, quality care at reasonable prices.

Dental implants

Dental implants are a permanent, robust way to replace a damaged tooth. Results feel and look natural and can last a lifetime. Dental implants are also easy to look after as part of your ongoing oral hygiene routine.  The process begins with a full assessment. Then, a titanium screw is inserted into the jawbone. The bone is left for several weeks and allowed to fuse. A cap is added to temporarily replace the damaged tooth and protect the exposed screw.

After the jawbone has healed, the permanent implant is fixed. The dentist will then check on your progress and you can return to normal life. The implant will not harm the neighbouring teeth. It can help them, in fact, as it will prevent them from moving to fill the gap and becoming misaligned. Dental implants are regularly performed in clinics in Turkey and other countries. They are an effective way to replace a damaged tooth with a strong, aesthetically pleasing alternative.

Bridges

Bridges cover the gap left by one or more missing tooth, as the name might suggest. It is a competitively priced solution to replace a damaged tooth or teeth. Artificial teeth are made to match the surrounding natural ones in colour, shape and size. These are then attached to the teeth sitting either side of the gap. Porcelain crowns are often used for this purpose. Bridges are fixed using a variety of methods. These can include wire or adhesive ‘wings’ that stick to the inner sides of the teeth.

Bridges can also be fixed using implants. This can be a useful hybrid option if there is a particularly large gap. It helps the bridge stay put more reliably and offers a longer-term solution when needing to replace a damaged tooth. When you have a bridge, it needs to be kept very clean. Food debris and bacteria can easily build up otherwise. Left untreated, this can lead to further damage, decay and gum disease.

Dentures

Dentures have long been a preferred way to replace a damaged tooth. They can be used for just one tooth, or to cover wider gaps resulting from losing several teeth at once. Dentures also provide a natural, comfortable result. However, they come with the added bonus of not needing invasive surgery. Although you can get dentures from your dentist in the UK, many dental clinics in Turkey also offer denture assessment, manufacture, fitting and repair services at competitive prices.

Dentures are made individually to replace a damaged tooth and fill the gap precisely. They attach to adjacent teeth without damaging them or needing expensive implants or crowns. Additional artificial teeth can be added to a denture if needed later on. The dentures are held firmly in place to avoid damaging the jaw or the rest of the mouth or natural teeth. They can be removed for cleaning, eating and to sleep more comfortably at night.