For patients in South Africa

Dental Crowns in Turkey from South Africa: what to ask before you go

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged, weakened or worn tooth to restore its shape, strength and appearance. It is often confused with a veneer, and the difference matters because a crown removes much more of your own tooth. Here is what South African patients should ask before travelling.

Crown or veneer: know which you are getting

A crown covers the whole tooth, so much more of it is filed away than for a veneer, and that cannot be undone. Crowns are right for heavily filled, broken or root-treated teeth, but rarely for a healthy tooth that only needs a new colour or shape. A crown should never be a surprise. Ask any provider, in writing:

• How many teeth will be treated, and is each one a crown or a veneer?
• Why is a crown proposed for each of those teeth, rather than a veneer, filling or other option?
• How much of each tooth will be prepared?
• Which material will be used, and what are the alternatives?
• Who is the treating dentist, by name?

If you are mainly after a cosmetic change, read our veneers guide for South African patients first. Our dentists are listed on clinic facts, and the treatment itself is explained on the dental crowns page.

Who crowns suit

A crown may be right if you have a damaged, cracked, worn or weakened tooth, a large filling that no longer gives enough support, or a tooth that needs protecting after root canal treatment. Suitability is confirmed after an examination, which may include scans or X-rays. If a crown is not appropriate, the dentist should recommend an alternative such as veneers, inlays or onlays.

Crown materials

Options include zirconium (zirconia) crowns, natural-looking and durable; E.max crowns, balancing appearance and strength; and metal-supported porcelain for some larger restorations. Ask why a particular material is proposed for each tooth.

Missing teeth: where bridges come in

If a tooth is missing rather than damaged, a dental bridge may be suggested. A conventional bridge crowns the teeth on both sides of the gap and joins a replacement tooth between them, so teeth that may be healthy are prepared. An implant or denture may be alternatives; your dentist should explain why one is proposed.

How long the trip takes

Most crown treatment is completed in five to seven days: an X-ray scan and meeting with the dentist on arrival, preparation and scans, temporary crowns where needed, then fitting and adjustment. Your written plan should state how many visits you need. From Johannesburg or Cape Town you fly to Istanbul, a direct flight of around ten hours, then take a short domestic flight to İzmir, where treatment takes place. Turkey is one hour ahead of South Africa, and you will need an e-Visa. Book a return ticket you can change in case an adjustment is needed.

Looking after crowns in South Africa

Mild sensitivity for a few days is normal. Brush twice daily, floss around the crowns and avoid biting very hard objects. For routine care at home:

• Ask for a written record of the treatment, the materials used and your X-rays or scans to take home
• Tell your dentist in South Africa before you travel, and book a check-up for after you return
• Check with your medical scheme beforehand; restorative and cosmetic crowns may be treated differently
• Check your travel insurance, which usually excludes planned treatment abroad

Risks include sensitivity, bite adjustments, gum irritation and, rarely, a loose crown or later root canal treatment. What our treatment guarantee covers for dental work is set out on that page, and how complaints are handled is published on our complaints page.

What we will not do

We will not crown healthy teeth when a veneer or a smaller restoration would do, we will not treat more teeth than you need, and we will not start before you have seen and agreed the plan for each tooth.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I need to stay in Turkey for dental crowns?

Usually about a week; most crown treatment is completed in five to seven days, depending on how many teeth are treated. Leave room in your dates for an adjustment after fitting.

What is the difference between a crown and a veneer?

A crown covers the whole tooth and needs much more of it removed, which cannot be undone. A veneer covers mainly the front surface. Ask which you are being offered for each tooth, and why, in writing.

What decides the cost of dental crowns?

The number of teeth, the material, whether any teeth need other treatment first, such as a root canal, and what the package includes, such as accommodation and transfers. A firm figure is only possible after a dental assessment.

Can my dentist in South Africa look after crowns made in Turkey?

Yes, for routine care. Bring home a written record of the treatment and materials, and your scans or X-rays, so your dentist knows exactly what was done.

Will my medical aid cover crowns done in Turkey?

We cannot promise that it will. Medical schemes may treat a crown that restores a damaged tooth differently from one done for appearance, and rules on treatment abroad vary. Ask your scheme before you book.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.