My dental treatment in Istanbul – report from Saturday, August 6, 2011

Background/Medical History: I’ve always had problems with my teeth and gums. Because of this, annual checkups and professional dental cleanings were essential for me. After my 45th birthday, I first noticed signs of progressive periodontal disease. In periodontal disease, the loss of the supporting structures of the teeth primarily starts with the bone, followed by the connective tissue and gums. Stopping this process was also my dentist’s goal. This led to regular dental cleanings every six months and eventually to deep periodontal treatment (curettage) with an open treatment phase. During this procedure, the affected areas were surgically opened, and the partially cleaned bone pockets were filled with bone substitute materials. However, besides the high costs, this had no effect, and at the end of 2009/beginning of 2010, one incisor in each of my upper and lower jaws began to become loose. After receiving a cost estimate for the cheapest option (removable bridges for the upper and lower jaw, each with at least four teeth = approximately CHF 12,000.00), I specifically sought a better solution, as the bridges wouldn’t address the underlying problem. According to various examinations, the optimal solution would be implants and fixed dentures, which would meet my needs, as I felt too young for dentures. The cost estimate in Switzerland was around CHF 70,000.00. I knew people who had already achieved good results at a reasonable price abroad (Hungary and Germany). Therefore, based on the Swiss quote, I obtained quotes from various providers in Hungary, Germany, and Istanbul. I found their contact information online, along with a lot of additional details. Ultimately, I had two contacts in Hungary and one in Istanbul where I gathered more information. I chose Swisslasik in Istanbul because I had the opportunity to meet the company at their booth at the holiday fair in St. Gallen, and they made a very good and competent impression on me. I also received references, and I spoke with one of them. Furthermore, I appreciated that Swisslasik took care of all the details, such as flights, hotels, shuttle transfers, etc. I also had personal contacts who could tell me about the process at Swisslasik (for laser eye surgery). My first visit to Istanbul (5 days) with three sessions: On March 29, 2011, my husband and I flew to Istanbul, where a driver was already waiting for us and took us directly to the dental clinic. – Tuesday evening: Preliminary examination, X-ray, discussion about the best procedure – Thursday evening: Extraction of 28 teeth, temporary prosthesis – Saturday afternoon: Follow-up examination and adjustments to the prosthesis shortly before my flight home. Dr. Bilhan greeted us warmly in perfect German and put me at ease about the entire procedure. The anesthetic was effective, so I felt absolutely no pain, and I was given painkillers afterward, which allowed me to easily complete my first visit to Istanbul. The only slight issue was communication in English during the prosthesis adjustment before my flight home, as Dr. Bilhan was unavailable. Nevertheless, Mrs Selda Arat also did a very sensitive and excellent job (by the way, she is now taking a German course). Follow-up in Switzerland at zmp61 in Zurich: I took this opportunity as we were traveling to the USA for vacation just a week after the Istanbul stay. Everything was checked again and the remaining stitches were removed. As the swelling gradually went down, the prostheses shifted slightly, so they also made me a soft lining there, which I found really comfortable. I was able to eat almost everything – even a steak. Back home, I went for another follow-up in Zurich, and they confirmed that everything had healed well. An X-ray was also taken to ensure that no deep infections had developed. Thankfully, everything was fine. So, also in Zurich, very competent treatment and advice.
Second visit to Istanbul (July, 7 days) with three sessions: This time I traveled with my sister. Again, we were met at the airport and taken directly to the clinic.
Saturday evening: Implant placement, bone grafting, antibiotics
Wednesday evening: Check-up and adjustment of the temporary prosthesis
Saturday morning: Removal of stitches and placement of the temporary prosthesis
Dr Bilhan now placed the implants. Six were planned for the upper jaw and six for the lower jaw. In the upper jaw, he had to perform an ad hoc bone graft, so the procedure took a little longer. I was well anaesthetized against the pain, and for the lower jaw treatment, he injected more anaesthetic. Physically, it was quite a lot at once – I was on the treatment chair for almost three hours. Dr Bilhan did offer to do only the upper jaw this time and come back for the lower jaw, but I preferred to have it all done in one go. I was also given antibiotics and painkillers, so I was able to enjoy the rest of my time in Istanbul in the summer heat. On the Saturday before the flight home, the stitches were removed, the prosthesis fitted, and adjusted where necessary. Nevertheless, today I am just happy to finally have teeth I do not have to remove constantly. I hope this will also be my last dentist visit for a long time.
Third visit to Istanbul: This will take place in January 2012, when I will get the crowns and hopefully have peace for the next decades. Although there is still considerable skepticism in Switzerland towards dentists abroad, I dared to go and do not regret it. Istanbul has a very good reputation in dentistry, and the costs are about a third of those in Switzerland. And honestly, dentist visits in Switzerland are not painless either, but here the bill hurts even more. The organisation by Swisslasik was very professional, and the hotels (1 x Levent, 1 x Taksim) were good. The staff were nice and friendly. From the airport, we were picked up directly for the ride to the dental clinic, and also from the dental clinic to the hotel. For every dentist appointment, the pick-up and return worked perfectly each time. Between the sessions, we always had time to explore Istanbul and the surrounding area. There is much to see: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, spice and other bazaars, and a visit to the Princes’ Islands is also worthwhile. In conclusion, I would like to thank everyone again and assure you that I will recommend your company at any time (and I already have). Marlis Koch, Engelburg, 6 August 2011