For patients in South Africa

Full Mouth Makeover in Turkey from South Africa: rebuilding function first, then appearance

A full mouth dental makeover, often called full mouth reconstruction, is a coordinated plan to restore the health, function and appearance of the whole mouth. It is aimed at people with many damaged, worn, missing or heavily restored teeth, or trouble chewing and with their bite. Unlike a cosmetic makeover, the first goal is a mouth that works properly; the appearance follows from that. This page explains what South African patients should expect from the plan and the trips.

What full mouth reconstruction can involve

Each plan is built around your mouth. Depending on what the examination and imaging show, it may include:

• Crowns, including zirconium, E-max and metal-supported porcelain crowns, for damaged or worn teeth
• Dental implants and bridges to replace missing teeth
• Bone grafting or a sinus lift where there is not enough bone for implants
• Root canal treatment and other restorative work to save teeth that can be kept

Where most or all teeth in a jaw are missing or failing, a full-arch option may be discussed; our All-on-4 guide covers that. If your teeth are largely healthy and the aim is mainly cosmetic, a smile makeover is usually the better fit. The treatment is described on the full mouth dental makeover page.

Planning before anything is done

Every full mouth makeover with us starts with a full dental examination, digital imaging and a personalised plan. Because so much work is involved, ask for the plan in writing and check:

• Which teeth will be kept, which treated, and which replaced, and why
• Which stages happen on the first trip and which on the second
• How long you need between trips for healing
• Which materials will be used, and the name of the treating dentist

Our dentists are listed on clinic facts.

The trips from South Africa

Treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic. Some soreness or sensitivity afterwards is normal, and you will be given medication and aftercare instructions. For planning:

• Direct flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, then a short domestic flight to İzmir.
• If implants are placed, expect a second trip at least three months later for the final crowns.
• South African passport holders apply for a Turkish e-Visa before travelling.
• Turkey is one hour ahead of South Africa, so jet lag is not a factor.
• Travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment abroad, so check your policy wording.

Aftercare in South Africa

With good hygiene and regular check-ups, the results can last many years, but each restoration needs maintenance. Take home a written record of every tooth treated, the materials used, implant brand and size details, and your scans or X-rays, and book a check-up with your dentist in South Africa between trips and after treatment.

What our treatment guarantee covers, and what it does not, is set out on that page. Implants are guaranteed for one year from placement and crowns for one year from fitting. How complaints are handled is published on our complaints page.

What we will not do

We will not remove teeth that can reasonably be saved, we will not fit final teeth on implants before they have healed, and we will not start before you have seen and agreed the full plan and the number of trips.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I need to stay in Turkey for a full mouth makeover?

Many patients complete the first stages in 5 to 7 days. If you need implants, bone grafting or a sinus lift, a second visit is usually needed after healing to fit the final restorations.

Is full mouth reconstruction the same as a full mouth makeover?

Yes, the terms are used for the same thing: a coordinated plan that restores the function, health and appearance of the whole mouth using crowns, implants, bridges and other restorative treatment.

Why do implant cases need two trips from South Africa?

Implants need time to heal before the final teeth are fitted. Crowns on implants are fitted at least three months after the implants are placed.

What decides the cost of a full mouth makeover?

How many teeth are treated or replaced, whether you need implants, bone grafting or a sinus lift, the materials, the number of trips, and what the package includes. A firm figure is only possible after an examination.

Will my medical aid cover full mouth reconstruction in Turkey?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover planned treatment abroad. Ask your scheme before you travel; we cannot promise any cover.

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