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

Initial situation / medical history:
I have always had problems with my teeth and gums. For this reason, an annual check-up and dental hygiene were essential for me. After my 45th birthday, progressive periodontitis became noticeable for the first time. In periodontitis, the loss of the tooth-supporting structures originates primarily in the bone, with the connective tissue and gums following. Stopping this process as far as possible was also the goal of my dentist. This was followed by dental hygiene every six months and finally periodontal deep 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. Despite the high costs, this did not help, and by the end of 2009 / beginning of 2010, one incisor in both the upper and lower jaw began to loosen.
After receiving a cost estimate for the cheapest option (removable bridges for the upper and lower jaw, each involving at least four teeth = approx. CHF 12,000), I specifically started looking for a more optimal solution, as the bridges did not address the underlying problem. According to various examinations, the optimal solution would be implants and a fixed dental restoration, which matched my wishes, as I felt far too young for dentures. The cost estimate in Switzerland was around CHF 70,000.
I knew people who had already achieved good results abroad (Hungary and Germany) at a reasonable price. Based on the Swiss quote, I therefore requested offers from various providers in Hungary, Germany and Istanbul. I found the addresses, along with a lot of additional information, on the internet. In the end, I had two providers in Hungary and one in Istanbul, with whom I gathered more detailed information. I decided on Swisslasik in Istanbul because I was able to get to know the company personally at their stand at the Holiday Fair in St. Gallen, and they made a very good and competent impression on me. In addition, I received reference contacts and spoke to one of them. I also liked the fact that Swisslasik took care of all the details such as flights, hotel, shuttle transfers, etc. Furthermore, I had personal contacts who were able to tell me about the process with Swisslasik (for laser eye surgery).
First visit to Istanbul (5 days) with three appointments:
On 29 March 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 of the best procedure
– Thursday evening: Extraction of 28 teeth, temporary prosthesis
– Saturday afternoon: Follow-up examination and adjustments to the prosthesis shortly before the return flight
Dr Bilhan welcomed us warmly in perfect German and also took away my fear of the entire procedure. The anaesthesia was effective, so I really felt no pain at all, and for afterwards I was given painkillers, which meant I got through the first visit to Istanbul without any problems. The only difficulty was during the adjustment of the prosthesis before the return flight, as communication in English was somewhat problematic because Dr Bilhan was unavailable. Nevertheless, Ms Selda Arat also did an excellent job with great sensitivity (incidentally, she is now attending a German course).
Follow-up examination in Switzerland at zmp61 in Zurich:
I took advantage of this opportunity as we were travelling to the USA for a holiday just one week after our stay in Istanbul. Everything was checked again and the remaining stitches were removed. As the swelling gradually subsided, the prostheses became slightly loose, so they also applied a soft lining there, which I managed very well with. I was able to eat almost everything again – even a steak.
Back home, I went to Zurich once more for another follow-up check, where they confirmed that everything had healed well. An X-ray was also taken to make sure that no inflammation had developed deep down. Thankfully, everything was fine. So once again, very competent treatment and information/advice in Zurich as well.
Second visit to Istanbul (July, 7 days) with three appointments:
This time I travelled with my sister. Once again, we were met at the airport and taken directly to the clinic.
– Saturday evening: Placement of the implants, bone augmentation, antibiotics
– Wednesday evening: Check-up and adjustment of the temporary prosthesis
– Saturday morning: Removal of stitches and insertion of the temporary prosthesis
Dr Bilhan then placed the implants. The plan was for six in the upper jaw and six in the lower jaw. In the upper jaw, he had to carry out an additional bone augmentation at short notice, which meant the procedure took a little longer. I was again well anaesthetised against the pain, and for the treatment of the lower jaw he administered additional anaesthetic. Physically, however, it was quite a lot at once – I was on the dental chair for almost three hours. Dr Bilhan did offer to do only the upper jaw this time and have me return again for the lower jaw, but I did not want that – I preferred to have it done in one go. I was also provided with antibiotics and painkillers, which meant I was able to enjoy the rest of the time in Istanbul despite the summer heat. On the Saturday before the return flight, the stitches were removed and the prosthesis inserted and adjusted where necessary.
Even so, today I am simply looking forward to finally having teeth again that I do not constantly have to remove. I also hope that this will be my last visit to the dentist for a long time.
Third visit to Istanbul:
This will now take place in January 2012, when I will receive the crowns and, hopefully, have peace of mind for the next few decades. Although there is still a great deal of scepticism in Switzerland towards dentists abroad, I took the plunge and do not regret it. Istanbul has a very good reputation in dentistry in general, and the costs are around a third of those in Switzerland. And if we are honest: dental visits are not pain-free in Switzerland either, but here the bill hurts as well. The organisation by Swisslasik was very professional, and the hotels (one in Levent, one in Taksim) were good. The people were kind and friendly. We were picked up at the airport and taken directly to the dental clinic, and also transferred from the clinic to the hotel. For every dental appointment, the pick-up and return journey worked perfectly each time. Between the individual sessions, we always had time to explore Istanbul and the surrounding area. There is a lot to see: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Spice Bazaar and other bazaars, and a visit to the Princes’ Islands is also well worth it.
In conclusion, I would like to thank everyone once again and assure you that I will recommend your company at any time (and I already have).
Marlis Koch, Engelburg, 6 August 2011