MacHealers - Dental Crowns in Türkiye

Crown Your Smile: The Ultimate Guide to Dental Crowns

Dental crowns serve as a restorative solution for teeth affected by decay, injury, or significant wear. They play a crucial role in altering the tooth's shape, size, and appearance while simultaneously restoring its strength and normal function.

Essentially, dental crowns act as protective caps that encapsulate the entire tooth's surface. However, it's important to note that the dental crown procedure is irreversible due to the necessary tooth shaving.

Understanding Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are versatile restorations designed to safeguard compromised teeth. In Türkiye, you can receive one or multiple dental crowns based on your specific dental needs.

When a tooth requires protection but is damaged, a single crown can be placed atop the prepared tooth, providing a layer of defense. Additionally, various types of dental crowns are available:

Dental Implant Crown: This crown is recommended when a tooth is entirely missing or has been extracted.
It is secured on top of a dental implant, which is a metal post anchored within the jawbone.
Dental implant crowns can be placed on both upper and lower jaws, aiding in preventing further jawbone deterioration, especially in cases of multiple missing teeth.
Dental Bridges: Dental bridges, consisting of 2-3 crowns, are employed to bridge the gap created by a missing tooth positioned between two existing teeth.
These bridges can be supported by either existing teeth or dental implants, offering a permanent and fixed solution.
Dental bridges not only close gaps but also help realign the bite and restore a natural smile.
In some instances, dental implants might be recommended instead of bridges, depending on individual dental conditions and needs.

Different Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns come in various types, primarily categorized based on the materials used in their construction. Understanding these crown materials is essential when considering dental treatments.

Zirconium Crowns: Zirconium crowns are crafted from zirconium dioxide, featuring a metal oxide base with an outer porcelain coating.
Known for their exceptional strength and durability, they are especially well-suited for posterior (back) teeth.
Their white base ensures they won't create a dark gum line, making them suitable for front teeth as well.
The process of receiving zirconium crowns in Istanbul typically takes approximately 6-7 days.
E-Max Crowns: E-max crowns are fabricated from lithium disilicate glass-ceramic, offering greater strength and translucency compared to zirconia crowns.
These crowns allow more light to pass through, making them an ideal choice when teeth are not heavily discolored.
However, in cases of significant teeth yellowing, it might be possible for the yellow hue to show through the crown.
Porcelain-Fused Metal Crowns: These crowns feature a porcelain layer fused to the external surface of a metal crown.
The porcelain coating mimics the appearance of natural enamel, enhancing the crown's aesthetic appeal.
Metal crowns are often preferred when undergoing dental implant procedures due to their flexibility and coverage capabilities.
It's important to note that porcelain-fused metal crowns may result in a dark gum line above or below the crowned tooth due to the presence of metal.
Porcelain Crowns: Pure porcelain crowns closely resemble natural teeth, making them a popular choice for enhancing aesthetics.
Their all-porcelain composition offers superior aesthetics compared to metal-fused crowns.
However, due to the absence of a metal base, porcelain crowns may not be as durable.
As a result, they are typically recommended for use on front teeth, where aesthetics take precedence over durability considerations.

The Dental Crown Procedure in Türkiye

Upon your arrival at the dental clinic in Türkiye, the dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health. This assessment may involve X-rays to evaluate your bone structure, gum tissue, and the condition of your teeth.

If any signs of infection, pulp damage, or decay are detected, you might require a root canal treatment. However, if your dental health allows, the crown placement procedure will proceed as planned.

Typically, the dental crown process in Türkiye consists of three appointments, and you should plan to stay in Türkiye for about 7-8 days. Here's a breakdown of these appointments:

First Dental Appointment: During the initial appointment, the dentist will prepare the teeth that will receive the crowns. Using a dental burr, the dentist will carefully shape the teeth by filing them from the sides and the top.

This reshaping creates tapered teeth to make room for the crowns. The extent of tooth reduction depends on various factors, including the crown material and the condition of your teeth.

For instance, pure metal crowns require less tooth reduction compared to metal porcelain crowns or zirconium crowns. In cases where the tooth structure is insufficient to support a dental crown, the dentist can use filling material to build it up.

Following the tooth preparation, an impression of your teeth is taken using dental putty, which is then sent to a dental laboratory for the fabrication of the permanent crowns.

To ensure your comfort while your permanent crowns are being created, the dentist may place temporary crowns over your teeth. This allows you to speak and eat normally. The entire dental crown procedure is performed under local anesthesia and typically lasts for 2-3 hours.
Second Dental Appointment: The second appointment, scheduled for 2 days after the first, involves a try-on session. During this visit, the dentist places the crown bases onto your teeth. If these crowns fit well, they are sent to the lab for the porcelain layer to be fused on top.
Third Dental Appointment: Taking place 2-3 days after the second appointment, the third visit involves the final placement of the crowns. The dentist removes the temporary crowns and uses acid to etch the prepared teeth, creating a rough surface for secure bonding.

The permanent crowns are then cemented onto the teeth using dental crown glue. Afterward, the cosmetic dentist checks your bite to ensure the crowns are properly aligned. This appointment typically takes about 1 hour and can also be performed under local anesthesia.

Recovery and Post-Procedure Care for Dental Crowns

The placement of dental crowns is typically an outpatient procedure. However, if you received local anesthesia during the treatment, it's advisable to have someone accompany you back to your hotel, as you may experience dizziness.

Follow your dentist's instructions carefully, which may include taking prescribed painkillers, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory medications.

While the effects of anesthesia are still present, refrain from eating to prevent unintentional biting of your cheek or tongue.

After your dental crown procedure, it's essential to care for your new crowns much like you would for your natural teeth. Here are some post-procedure care tips:

Gentle Oral Hygiene: Begin brushing and rinsing your mouth gently a few days after the crown placement procedure. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and be cautious around the crown area.
Dietary Choices: Opt for soft foods in the initial days following the procedure. Avoid foods that are extremely hot or cold, as tooth sensitivity may be present.
Avoid Excessive Chewing: Refrain from using your crowns for heavy or extensive chewing during the first few days.
Follow-Up: Attend any follow-up appointments as scheduled with your dentist to ensure that your dental crowns are properly healing and functioning.

Aftercare for Dental Crowns

To ensure the longevity of your dental crowns, there are some important aftercare steps to follow:

Use a Mouthguard: If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your dental crowns and prevent damage.
Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Refrain from biting into hard items such as ice, nuts, or pens. It's also essential not to use your teeth for opening cans or packages, as this can damage the crowns.
Schedule Regular Checkups: Regardless of whether you have dental bridges or single crowns, routine dental checkups with your local clinic are crucial. These checkups help monitor the condition of your crowns and ensure your overall oral health.