It is not uncommon to find most people considering dental tourism these days. So, if you are planning a trip to undergo a dental procedure, then it is only natural to wonder just how long it will take. After all, you need to have some idea of how long your ‘vacation’ is going to be.
Now, as you can imagine, each procedure can be quite different. Some are simple and can be handled within no time at all. Others, are more complex and require your dentist to be more careful when performing them. This is why they differ in both times taken to perform as well as the healing time.
However, to give you a better idea of just what to expect for each treatment, here is a look at some of the more common procedures:
Dental Crowns (3-5 DAYS)
In most cases, a dental crown is used to save or protect your existing teeth. The good thing about this procedure is that, depending on your dentist, it shouldn’t take too long at all. Here is an in-depth explanation about what to expect.
During your visit to the dentist, he or she will examine your tooth and then prep it for the crown. In some cases, the dentist will file down the tooth so that it can accommodate the crown. However, if the tooth has been badly damaged, he or she may need to do the opposite and build up the tooth to support the crown.
Generally, dental crowns take 2-3 work days, especially in Turkey we could finish them in a day.
Dental Implants (3 - days)
Getting dental implants is a rather complex process and it is often carried out in stages. Due to this, implants can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months to heal properly. Although this may seem like a long period of time, just take a look at what the procedure entails… At your first visit 3 days is enough but you need to wait for 2-3 months for recovery after that at your second visit another 3 days for treatment.
The first few visits to your dentist will involve getting x-rays, 3D images, and models of your teeth and jaw. All of this is important as the dentist needs to have a clear view of your teeth, gums, and jaw for the best results.
Now, if your tooth is still attached, it will first need to be extracted before the dentist can begin the dental implant. Fortunately, the extraction and the implant can take place during the same operation. If there is no tooth, then the dentist will simply proceed with the implant.
In case your jawbone is soft or not thick enough, the implant can be done straight away. First, you will need a jawbone graft. The bone may be taken from another part of your body or the dentist may use a synthetic alternative. If this step is required, the dentist will have you wait for a few months before starting on the implant. During this time, your graft will need to grow new bone.
When it is time for the implant, the dentist will either drill a hole into your jaw. In certain cases, he or she will first need to cut open the gum to expose the bone. If this is done, then you will need stitches to close the cut up once the procedure is completed.
After this, it is a matter of waiting until the jawbone has healed and fused with the dental implant. Again, this can take either a few weeks or a few months to happen. After the implant is deemed stable, an abutment is placed on top of it. This will act as a connector to the crown. The next step is to attach the permanent crown to the abutment.
Dental Veneers (3-5 days)
If you are looking to significantly improve the appearance of your teeth, then you may want to get dental veneers. This is a thin shell that looks just like regular teeth. It is placed over your actual teeth and glued into position. You need 3-5 days for your dental veneers.
Such a procedure can take several weeks to complete. In case this sounds like a long time, let’s break down what happens. You will then see why this time period is essential to ensure that you end up with natural-looking and high-quality dental veneers.
Your first visit will involve you and the dentist talking about how you want your veneers to look. During this visit, he or she may take x-rays and impressions of your teeth. This will give the dentist a better idea of how they should proceed.
The second appointment will be where the dentist files down the enamel on your teeth. This is so that the veneers will fit well over your original teeth. Once this has been done, the dentist will take another impression of your teeth and will send it to the lab. The lab is then responsible for creating the veneers which can take a few weeks to complete.
The final step involves bonding the veneers to your teeth. After this is done, the dentist will make some final adjustments so that the veneers are both comfortable as well as functional. Depending on how it goes, the dentist may want to see you again in a few weeks, just to check on the progress.
Teeth Whitening (1 day)
If you want to walk away with teeth that are a few shades lighter than what they are now, there is good news for you. This kind of procedure should take no more than two hours, as long as it is done professionally. Here is a breakdown of what will happen:
First, the dentist will clean your teeth with pumice – this is done to remove any existing plaque from the surface of your teeth. The next step is to make sure that your lips, cheeks, and gums are protected from the substances used during the teeth whitening. This shouldn’t take too long at all.
Afterwards, the dentist will place a whitening solution on your teeth and then use a curing light or laser to activate it. This will often be left on for around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your desired shade. Your teeth will then be rinsed and a fluoride treatment will be applied. You can then go home!
Root Canal Treatment (1 DAY)
Root canals are also fairly common. Here, the dentist needs to clean out and disinfect all infected teeth in your mouth. Now, for the most part, the time required depends on the level of infection as well as the type of tooth that needs tending to. For instance, an anterior tooth may take just one hour but a premolar may need to be worked on for around two hours.
See, for a root canal to be successful, the dentist has to complete three steps. First, he or she needs to enlarge or reshape the root canal space. This ensures that the treatment reaches all infected areas. Then, the disinfection begins. For the best results, this needs to work for around forty minutes. After the tooth has been properly disinfected, then a rubbery material will be used to fill the cavity.
FILLINGS (1 DAY)
Fillings are one of the most common – and basic dental procedures. Most people will get at least one during their lifetime. So, if this is something that you need to get fixed, just how long will it take? Well, the good news for you is that such a process shouldn’t take too long at all.
Here, your dentist will examine your tooth (or teeth) to determine just where the problem is. Then, he or she will take an x-ray so that they have a clear view of the cavity. After this, it simply a matter of deciding which material to use and getting along with the procedure.
In total, such a process should only take an hour or two to complete. This, of course, will determine just how many cavities need to be filled. Once it has been taken care of, you should be able to go home. Your dentist may provide you with some medication to reduce discomfort but it is unlikely that you will need any other kind of assistance.
Dentures (1 DAY)
With dentures, you may either require full dentures or partial dentures, depending on your condition. In most cases, such a procedure can take anywhere from three to six weeks. This is because there are several stages involved in the process.
In some instances, you may first need to remove certain existing teeth before you can be fitted for dentures. The dentist will take a mould to ensure that you get a customised fit. After this, you will be provided with a temporary set.
See, after several teeth have been removed, it is quite likely that the shape of your bone and gums may alter. Due to this, your dentist will need to wait a while before taking another mould for a permanent fit. Once the changes have been completed, you can be fitted with your permanent pair.
Gum Grafts (1 DAY)
If your gums have been receding, your dentist may recommend a gum graft. Now, this procedure can be rather complex as it requires the dentist to take gum tissue from elsewhere and incorporate it into existing gums. There are also several different types of grafts as well.
Despite this, the process doesn’t actually take too long. In fact, depending on how much of your gum needs to be treated, you may find that the procedure is over in a few hours. At the same time, you do need to be aware that there is a significant healing time involved.
So, you may need to alter your eating and oral hygiene habits for a few weeks at least. However, you should be able to get back to your normal life immediately. Within a few weeks, your gums should be all healed up.
Braces (1 DAY)
Braces are something that people of all ages may need to get. The process works to straighten or correct your teeth. Therefore, not only will you be left with a more attractive smile, but you will also be able to see a reduction in a number of teeth-related problems.
While braces may sound like a painful and drawn out process, most people don’t have to sit in their dentist’s chair for more than thirty minutes. Of course, it is important to keep in mind that each person’s mouth is different. So, the process may take longer for you.
The first step to getting braces is having your teeth polished. This process helps to make the brackets stick to your teeth a little better. The dentist will also apply a conditioner to your teeth but this is usually taken off in less than a minute.
After this, the dentist will place a primer on your teeth. This step will be followed by a cement being placed on the brackets and then the brackets being fixed onto your teeth. The cement begins to harden when the dentist shines a special light onto the braces.
While this is the end to getting your braces, you should keep in mind that there may be future appointments for you. See, the rubber bands included in your braces have a tendency to get loose. When this happens, the dentist needs to tighten them up for you again. Therefore, you may have to visit your dentist every three to ten weeks, depending on what needs to be done.
As you can see, each dental procedure is vastly different from one another. This is why the time taken for each process can also vary rather drastically. However, this guide should give you a better idea of what to expect, depending on the type of procedure that you want to undergo.
With this information in hand, you will be able to plan any dental holidays that you want to take a little better. Of course, for the most reliable timeline, you should always contact your dentist directly. He or she will be able to give you a more accurate outline since they will be familiar with your case, in particular.