Root Canal Treatment

Kanal Tedavisi

What is root canal treatment?

The word “canal” in the concept of root canal treatment refers to the natural cavity inside the tooth where the dental pulp is located. Teeth can continue to function even without nerves. However, the pain caused before root canal treatment by decay that has reached the nerves comes precisely from the nerves in this pulp and the damage to them. In this context, root canal treatment is a treatment method that aims to remove the damaged pulp tissue together with the decayed tissue and to eliminate the factor that has caused, or may cause, pain and inflammation.

Root canal treatment is a treatment method based on the logic of reaching the natural cavity of the tooth and cleaning it. First, any decay in the tooth is cleaned; then this cavity in the tooth is reached and the nerves in the tooth are removed. After the inside of the tooth has been cleaned of microorganisms as much as possible, it is sealed and protected. At this point, the main reason why the pulp is also removed together with the decayed tissue is to take precautions against other harmful bacteria that may form and to eliminate the environment that could host these bacteria. In this way, the tooth is prevented from becoming infected and inflamed. Pulp tissue left inside the tooth may cause inflammation again inside the cavity in the future, leading to swelling of the tooth, which may even cause bone loss.

What is tooth decay?

It is a disease in which the hard tissues of the tooth are damaged by the acid produced by bacteria. Tooth decay is a common problem that children, adolescents and adults can all face when there are oral and dental health problems. Decay, which has a wide scope that can also affect the tooth root, forms as a result of the deterioration and wear of the enamel on the outer layer of the teeth. As the enamel wears away, the teeth start to become damaged and decay. As we all know, one of the most common causes of tooth decay is the consumption of sugary foods and drinks. When we consume sugary foods, plaque made up of harmful bacteria starts to form on the teeth. The bacteria produce acids that eat away at the tooth enamel little by little. These acids cause the dentine beneath the enamel to be exposed and make the tooth very vulnerable. The result is the dental problem we call tooth decay.

Tooth decay in its early stages can in some cases be repaired by certain minerals in saliva or by the fluoride in toothpaste. However, if the consumption of sugary foods and drinks continues constantly, tooth decay quickly moves beyond this easily treatable stage and reaches a level that requires more extensive medical treatment.

  • If there is decay in your tooth that has reached the pulp chamber,
  • If the tissues in the pulp chamber have started to be damaged,
  • If the pulp chamber is covered with harmful bacteria,
  • If there is excessive sensitivity in your tooth when you chew, bite, come into contact with hot and cold foods, or even for no reason at all, and this does not go away when the cause is removed,

it means that your tooth has started to decay and you need root canal treatment.

How is root canal treatment performed?

Root canal treatment consists of a systematic and constructive treatment process. In the first stage of treatment, the problem area is identified and, where necessary, a dental X-ray is taken to assess the situation. After it is determined that the tooth needs root canal treatment, local anaesthesia is applied to numb the area where the tooth is located. The anaesthetic takes effect within 10 to 25 minutes.

When the anaesthetic has taken effect, the decay in the tooth is cleaned and a cavity is opened to reach the canal so that the inside of the tooth can be accessed. Through this, the pulp tissue, that is, the damaged nerve tissue, and the bacteria along with it are removed. After the removal is complete, the canal of the tooth is rinsed with various irrigation solutions. Once cleaning is finished, root canal treatment continues with the filling process. After the root canal has been filled, the opened cavity is filled using special dental filling material, and the treatment is thus completed. In some special cases, the dentist may consider it more appropriate to do the filling in the next session, but in most cases the permanent filling is applied in the first session, and root canal treatment is thus completed in a single visit to the dentist.

How long does root canal treatment take?

The duration of root canal treatment varies from patient to patient; in some cases, the spread of infection prevents the treatment from being completed in one session. However, in most cases, if the tooth is vital, it is possible to complete the treatment in a single session. It is worth noting that when choosing a dentist for root canal treatment, researching thoroughly, getting recommendations and references and choosing an experienced dentist will make your treatment process much easier and trouble-free.

Root canal treatment price

Root canal treatment prices offered by each clinic and each doctor may differ from one another. The experience, area of expertise and level of experience in root canal treatment of the dentist you choose are among the most important factors affecting root canal treatment prices. In addition, the type of materials and technological facilities used in treatment, the special conditions of your tooth and the treatment methods that can change according to these conditions can also cause prices to vary. Before having your treatment, when choosing a root canal treatment examination, you should research the dentists’ backgrounds and make your choice. By law, we cannot give price information on our website, but we are just a phone call away.

Smile Design

What is smile design?

The first area that attracts attention in people is the face. And the most noticeable area of the face is the mouth and the teeth. Colour differences in the teeth, the size of the teeth, that is, the tooth structure, the gaps between the teeth and the correct alignment of the teeth affect every aspect of aesthetics, from a person’s appearance to their smile. The dental treatment method that corrects the tooth and mouth structure so that they are in harmony with each other is called smile design, smile aesthetics or, as it is known worldwide, Hollywood smile design.

Is smile design permanent?

Smile design is a multidisciplinary form of treatment created by combining many treatment methods. Each patient’s smile design treatment is different, and the patient’s wishes are also taken into account; in other words, it is made specifically for the patient. The materials used in dental treatments have a certain lifespan. The permanence of smile design is equivalent to that of the materials used in the treatment. For example, while the lifespan of brand X implant is 2 years, the lifespan of brand Y implant is 10 years. For instance, a zirconia crown lasts longer, while a composite covering has a shorter lifespan. The permanence of smile design depends on the dentist’s experience and the materials used in the treatment. That is why the most important factor for a patient who wants smile design is to choose the right dental hospital.

How is smile design done?

There are some details that allow a person to look good while smiling. For a correct smile design, certain structures need to be appropriate. For example, the virtual line formed by the inner corners of the person’s eyes and the exact middle of the lower and upper teeth must be parallel. While smiling, the point where the teeth meet the gums must be on the same line as the upper lip line. According to the concept of the golden ratio, the teeth, especially the front teeth, must be symmetrical with the cheekbones, forehead and eye structure. Smile design treatment is carried out to bring the tooth and mouth structure into line with the criteria listed above. Sometimes teeth whitening alone may be enough for smile design. At other times, it is completed with a combination of treatments such as implants, laminate veneers, dental prostheses and root canal treatment. For patients who have no condition in their teeth and mouth structure that would affect smile design, smile design is performed in the following stages:

  1. With our iTero 3D intraoral scanner, the patient’s entire intraoral structure, gums and teeth are imaged.
  2. Photographs of the patient’s mouth are taken from different angles in our in-house photo studio.
  3. Sample tooth structures suitable for the patient’s golden ratio are shown, and the tooth structure that suits the patient is selected.
  4. With the 3D scanner, the tooth design the patient will have after treatment is shown to the patient on screen.
  5. In the next session, the necessary treatments on the teeth and gums are performed.
  6. Impressions of the teeth to be crowned are taken digitally with the scanning device.
  7. Temporary teeth are fitted, and the patient is allowed to experience them for a certain period so that their decisions can be finalised.
  8. At the last appointment, the crowns produced specifically for the person are tried in.
  9. In agreement with the patient, the crowns are permanently bonded as the final step.
  10. The smile design is completed, and the patient leaves the clinic happy.

Smile design prices

The shape of a person’s smile can leave a positive or negative impression in their life and can make them self-confident or insecure. That is why having a beautiful smile can bring many advantages. There is no fixed price for smile design. Smile design prices depend on which treatments the person needs and form a price range that can vary from dentist to dentist. Please contact us to reach the right dentist and the right prices.

Orthodontic Braces

Diş Teli

Orthodontic brace treatment

When orthodontics is mentioned among the public, the first concept that comes to mind is braces. Braces are among the most frequently used orthodontic treatments today and have the widest range of effect. What is roughly called braces are actually the brackets applied to the teeth and the arch wires attached to these brackets. Braces are also divided into different types and can be used for different needs.

What are the types of braces?

The type of braces to be used in treatment is chosen according to the patient’s problem, the type of treatment to be performed and the patient’s budget.

  • Metal braces: Metal braces are known as the most traditional type of braces. Preferred because of their relatively low cost and the low friction force during treatment, metal braces are usually made of stainless steel. Tooth movement is achieved by attaching an arch wire of suitable form and thickness to metal brackets placed in the proper position on the front surfaces of the teeth. While the biggest advantage of metal braces is that they are a budget-friendly method, their biggest drawback is unfortunately that they are the most visible orthodontic treatment.
  • Porcelain braces: These braces, commonly called porcelain braces, are known among dentists as aesthetic braces. The difference between porcelain braces and metal braces is that the brackets are made of porcelain or composite materials instead of metal. In this context, aesthetic brackets, which are less visible than metal braces, have an appearance close to the natural colour of the teeth. Although they are more expensive than metal brackets, their aesthetic properties are the most important reason why patients prefer aesthetic braces. Aesthetic brackets, which have developed considerably today, provide working mechanics close to those of metal brackets.
  • Clear aligners: Known as the most aesthetic orthodontic solution. In the clear aligner treatment method, instead of metal braces or brackets, the patient is given a transparent-looking, BPA-free removable appliance. This appliance matches the dimensions of the teeth exactly and is designed to fit the teeth perfectly. Thanks to these properties, the completely transparent aligners are almost invisible to the eye; that is why patients go through a treatment process so comfortable that no one can even tell they are having orthodontic treatment.

How are braces fitted?

First, you should make an appointment with an orthodontic specialist and have a detailed examination. In this examination, your dentist will review the necessary X-rays and carry out your intraoral and extraoral clinical examination. In addition, they will create a three-dimensional simulation of your teeth with an intraoral scanner, explain the treatment options suitable for you and show you what your teeth will look like at the end of the treatment.

First examination

Before starting brace treatment, any cavities and gum diseases in the teeth should be treated and the necessary oral hygiene should be ensured. After that, the orthodontic specialist can start the treatment to correct the problems in your teeth. Regardless of the treatment technique applied, the patient’s initial records are taken at the first examination. These are the patient’s intraoral and extraoral photographs, X-rays and intraoral scan records. Having braces fitted is generally thought of as a painful procedure by the public, but this procedure is generally not painful. Braces are placed on the cleaned teeth in the following stages.

  1. To separate the lips and provide the dentist with an easy working environment, a lip-retracting appliance is placed in the mouth. This appliance is called a cheek retractor.
  2. While the braces are being fitted, saliva isolation materials are used from time to time to keep the patient’s mouth dry. The patient’s mouth must be dry while the braces are being fitted.
  3. Your dentist will roughen the surface of your teeth to clean it and to ensure that the brackets adhere.
  4. Then the brackets are bonded to each tooth one by one with special adhesives.
  5. Any adhesive that seeps around the tooth is cleaned off.
  6. The adhesives are hardened (polymerisation), and the braces are thus fitted to all the teeth.
  7. The arch wire is attached to the brackets with the help of metal or elastic ligatures. If self-ligating brackets with covers are chosen, the arch wire can be placed inside the covers without the need for ligatures.

How long does it take to fit braces?

Depending on your treatment plan, your dentist may start by applying brackets and arch wire to the lower or upper jaw, or may perform this procedure on both jaws together. Including the taking of initial records, performing this procedure on both jaws takes about 1 hour on average.

Brace prices

It is very difficult to give orthodontic or brace prices before an examination. The degree of the problem in the patient’s teeth or jaws, the treatment plan to be applied, the treatment method to be chosen and the patient’s choices all affect the price of braces. For this reason, we look forward to examining you at our clinic so that you can learn the price of braces and orthodontic treatment. Please contact us.

Teeth Whitening

Diş Beyazlatma

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is also known as bleaching in some sources. In its most basic definition, teeth whitening is known as a dental aesthetic procedure that aims to make the teeth one or several shades lighter and to remove stains and discolouration on them. Among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures, teeth whitening creates a visible aesthetic difference with its effect.

Why do teeth turn yellow?

Most people who have their teeth whitened turn to this method as soon as they notice an obvious yellowing or colour change in their teeth. At this point, before discussing teeth whitening methods, it is necessary to look in detail at why teeth turn yellow. So why do our teeth turn yellow? There can be many different reasons for this, but among the most basic factors that cause teeth to yellow are, of course, excessive consumption of tea, coffee and cigarettes. Another basic reason behind our teeth starting to yellow is actually ageing. Just as hair turns white with age, teeth also give in to time and begin to lose their colour and turn yellow. The part of the teeth that turns yellow with age is actually not the enamel but the dentine, located further inside the tooth. Sugary and acidic foods can pave the way for teeth to yellow at an earlier age, so the foods consumed have an undeniable effect on tooth discolouration. Excessive exposure to fluoride, trauma to the tooth, the use of silver-coloured fillings and genetic factors are other elements that affect the yellowing of teeth.

Teeth whitening methods

Teeth whitening methods can vary according to the patient’s needs and can be carried out in different ways. The best teeth whitening method is the one that best suits the person’s tooth structure and the needs of their discoloured teeth. The most commonly used teeth whitening methods can be listed as follows:

At-home teeth whitening

At-home teeth whitening, as the name suggests, is a teeth whitening method carried out entirely by the patient. During this method, the patient comes to the dentist’s office only once and, after obtaining the necessary materials, continues the whitening application at home. Before starting at-home whitening, impressions of the mouth are taken at the dental clinic. The reason for taking impressions is that a whitening tray suited to these measurements will be produced. A certain amount of whitening gel is placed inside the whitening trays produced in clinical laboratory settings. After the tray is prepared, it is given to the patient, and it is recommended to use it for at least 4–6 hours a day. When this use is carried out regularly, it will whiten the teeth and allow the person to have whiter teeth at the end of the treatment. At-home whitening takes about 2 weeks on average. The patient stops using the tray after the 2-week period. It is recommended to wear this tray while sleeping so that the patient is not deprived of eating and speaking; that is why in some sources the at-home whitening tray is also known as a night tray. The advantages of at-home whitening include not having to come to the dental clinic constantly and being able to use the tray at night.

Laser teeth whitening

Another teeth whitening method is in-office teeth whitening, that is, laser teeth whitening. Unlike at-home whitening, in-office whitening, as its name suggests, takes place entirely at the dental clinic. The main agent used in whitening the teeth is the laser. While at-home whitening is a method that people who have plenty of time and are in no hurry to whiten their teeth may prefer, in-office whitening, on the contrary, is a procedure preferred by those who want to whiten their teeth as soon as possible. For example, brides-to-be who want to have whiter teeth before their wedding and shine on their big day can have laser teeth whitening a few days before the wedding.

How is laser teeth whitening done?

During in-office whitening, a whitening gel similar to the one used at home but more effective is applied to the tooth surface. A laser is used to increase the activation of this gel. The gel, applied in the amount determined by your dentist, becomes more active with the laser and creates a certain reaction on the teeth, whitening them. At this point, it is very important that the dentist performing the whitening is an expert and experienced in the field; because using the wrong amount of gel or insufficient laser application can cause the teeth not to reach the desired level of whiteness and can damage the gums and periodontal tissues.

The whitening gel applied to the surface of the enamel is activated by the coloured, single-phase monochromatic rays emitted by the laser. The gel particles interacting with the laser have a rapid whitening effect on the enamel, whitening the teeth in as little as about 1 hour. One of the biggest advantages of laser-assisted, in-office whitening is that it gives the patient lighter-toned teeth in as little as 1 hour. Of course, it is very important that the treatment is carried out in safe hands and in a professional setting.

Combined teeth whitening

Another method used when it comes to teeth whitening is combined teeth whitening. In combined whitening, at-home and in-office whitening procedures are combined. Part of the treatment takes place at the dental clinic, while part of it is completed at home using a tray.

Single tooth whitening

This method, applied to teeth that have discoloured after extensive decay or long-term root canal treatment, is used for teeth that differ noticeably in colour from the other teeth. The aim here is to give that single tooth, which the patient is conscious of and which bothers them aesthetically, a more natural colour that is more in harmony with the other teeth.

After teeth whitening

It is quite normal to feel slight sensitivity in your teeth after whitening. During the procedure, the teeth lose water for a short time. This affects the sensitivity of the nerves in the teeth to temperature changes. The slight twinges and discomfort you feel after whitening will disappear within a few hours after the procedure. If you are continuing whitening at home, it is very important that you follow your dentist’s instructions exactly and use your night tray neither less nor more than recommended. The only way to achieve teeth as white as you want is to follow your dentist’s instructions to the letter.

Teeth whitening price

By law, we cannot publish prices on our website. Please contact us to learn about our teeth whitening prices.

Dental Implants

implant

What is an implant?

An implant is a material placed in the jawbone. The purpose of the implant is to fuse with the patient’s jaw a certain time after it is placed and to act as an artificial tooth root. An implant consists of three parts: first, the screw that is placed in the jawbone and acts as an artificial root; the connecting piece (abutment) placed on the end of the screw; and, at the top, the prosthesis that acts as the tooth.

How is an implant done?

Since most people who have implants do not research the answer to the question of how an implant is done before implant treatment, they are afraid of the treatment and hesitate to have it. However, people who receive detailed information about the treatment process and learn the steps of the implant treatment process by consulting an expert begin to approach the treatment much more calmly and positively.

Implant treatment consists of several stages: placing the implant in the jawbone, the osseointegration process and fitting the crown.

Stage 1: The first stage is placing the implant screw in place of the missing tooth. First, anaesthesia is applied to the mouth, and then the gum over the bone is opened to reach the jawbone. With the help of a special drill, the space where the implant screw will be placed is prepared. An implant whose diameter and length have been determined in advance is placed in this space, and the opened gum is closed. After the implant is placed, the second stage can begin. The duration of this procedure varies depending on the number of implants to be placed.

Stage 2: The second stage is called osseointegration. This concept means that the implant and the jawbone recognise each other and fuse, and, so to speak, that the jawbone “accepts” the implant. During this process, a temporary cap called a cover screw is placed on the implant. Throughout the process, it is very important to care for the teeth correctly, to be especially gentle with the implant area and to avoid blows or trauma. Once osseointegration is complete, the implant is ready for the crown to be placed on it.

Stage 3: The third and final stage is making the prosthesis on the implant screw or screws. Of course, this prosthesis, produced in a laboratory environment, will be designed entirely according to the patient’s mouth structure and the size of the missing tooth gap. The prosthesis to be made on the implant can be planned as removable or fixed. If it is planned as fixed, one crown is produced for single-tooth implants, and more than one for multiple implant treatments. Before the crown is fitted, a healing cap is placed to shape the gum, and then the part that will act as the abutment on which the prosthesis will sit is placed, and the prosthesis is made on it. With this, the implant treatment is completed.

What are the advantages of implants?

The benefits of implant treatment are considerable and numerous, especially when compared with alternative treatments for missing teeth. The most widely known and emphasised benefits of implant treatment are as follows:

  • Implants do not bring extra hassles such as putting in, taking out, replacing or cleaning, as with dentures.
  • From the moment it is placed, an implant tooth takes on a comprehensive role as part of the mouth.
  • Implants, which do not move in the mouth, create a comfortable feeling in the mouth.
  • Caring for implants is effortless and easy. All you need to do to keep them clean is to include them in the oral and dental care routines you apply to your other teeth.
  • Since it is designed to match the natural tooth structure exactly, an implant does not create any physical weight or discomfort for the patient.
  • Because it fills the gaps in the mouth, it increases the patient’s self-confidence and allows them to smile more confidently and happily.
  • An implant contributes significantly and positively not only to smiling, but also to the functions of speaking and eating.
  • When an implant will support the fixed prosthesis to be placed, there is no need for preparation, that is, reduction, of the teeth; so compared with the tooth-supported bridge option, we preserve the neighbouring tooth tissues.

What should be considered after implant treatment?

  • During treatment, while the implant is without a crown, that is, in stage 2 (the fusion period), no pressure should be applied to the area and it should not receive any blows.
  • After implant treatment is completed, oral and dental care should be done regularly, the teeth should be brushed at least twice a day and dental floss should be used.
  • The dentist’s instructions must be followed to the letter before, after and throughout the treatment.
  • It should not be forgotten that a properly cared-for implant will serve longer than a neglected one.
  • For a few days after the implant is placed, mostly liquid and soft foods should be consumed, and sticky or hard foods should be avoided.

What are the types of implants?

If we look at the materials used in implant treatment, it is possible to say that most implant screws are made of titanium. Titanium is one of the preferred metals used in most oral and dental treatments, especially because of its durability and quality. The crown to be placed on the implant screw, although it is mostly preferred as porcelain, can be made from different materials in special cases.

What are the implant brands?

With developing technologies, we can come across many implant brands today. Many countries can produce their own implants. However, if the implant is of poor quality, it can cause problems for the patient after it is placed. For this reason, implant brands should be researched well and the application should be carried out accordingly. Applying an implant of brand X just because it is cheap makes it highly likely to experience possible problems within 1–2 years. It is important to follow the advice of your dentist, who follows the studies carried out on this subject and will choose the materials accordingly. Our clinic is meticulous in this regard and selects implant brands based on scientific data.

Implant prices

According to the law, we cannot give prices on our website. However, dear patients, when researching prices, please pay attention to the following points.

  • Is the price given to you the price of the implant screw only, or does it include the crown?
  • Are the dentist’s fee, X-ray fee, etc. included in the price?
  • We recommend that you learn the exact name of the brand, not just the name of the country.
  • Be sure to research the dentist’s experience in implant treatment.