In dentistry, there are cases where every stage of the treatment process serves as a lesson. Nataliia’s story is exactly such a case. Coming from Ukraine to Istanbul, Nataliia knocked on our door not just to have her teeth done but to regain the self-confidence she had lost for years, the courage to smile freely, and most importantly, the ability to bite and chew in a healthy manner.
Reading the apprehension in a patient’s eyes when they sit across from you is a reflex gained through years of experience. That apprehension was present in Nataliia’s eyes too. Years of ongoing dental problems, multiple failed treatment attempts, and increasingly severe functional losses had worn her down both physically and psychologically. She had become someone who avoided smiling, made food choices based on her teeth, and withdrew in social settings. This is precisely where we stepped in.
In this article, I will describe Nataliia’s treatment process from beginning to end. From diagnosis to surgery, from the materials we used to aesthetic results, I will share every detail. My aim is to provide a real clinical perspective to both my colleagues and patients seeking treatment. I will transparently present the scientific rationale behind each decision and the reason for each choice.
Why Istanbul, Why International Plus?
The biggest concern for patients coming from abroad for treatment is safety. And rightfully so. Entrusting your mouth to a team you don’t know in a country you’re unfamiliar with is not an easy decision. Nataliia had this concern too. The disappointments she experienced with treatments she started in her own country had made her a more cautious but also more determined patient.
As International Plus, we have served over 200,000 patients from more than 140 countries to date. This number is not just a statistic; it is a reflection of each patient’s trust in us and their satisfaction with the results they received. We have patients coming from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and even South America. Each comes with different expectations, different clinical presentations, and different cultural backgrounds. This diversity has provided us with tremendous clinical experience. Each new patient added something to our knowledge base. After doing her research and examining the experiences of previously treated patients, Nataliia reached out to us.
I want to state this clearly: The treatment process at International Plus is never rushed. Offering quick and easy solutions is not our approach. Unfortunately, in today’s dental tourism sector, marketing promises like “new teeth in three days” have become widespread. However, biology does not allow haste. Bone healing, soft tissue adaptation, and achieving occlusal balance have their own natural process. Respecting these processes means protecting the patient’s long-term health. We draw a separate roadmap for each patient and meticulously plan every stage. Nataliia’s case became a concrete example of this philosophy.
Clinical Evaluation: The Power of Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Council
When Nataliia first came to our clinic, from the outside, one might think the situation wasn’t too bad. However, in dentistry, what appears on the surface doesn’t always reflect reality. Planning treatment with a superficial examination is something I and my team would never do.
At International Plus, every complex case goes through a diagnostic council. We evaluated Nataliia’s situation from three different specialty areas: Our chief physician presented the general clinical picture, our specialist doctor determined the surgical risks and possibilities, and our prosthodontic specialist shaped the final restoration goals. The convergence of these three perspectives allowed us to catch details that might escape a single doctor’s view.
And indeed it did. We detected silent infections beneath some of Nataliia’s teeth that appeared healthy from the outside. If left untreated, these infections would have both jeopardized implant success and led to serious bone loss in the future. Early diagnosis made a critical difference here.
The consensus our council reached was this: Nataliia needed comprehensive implant rehabilitation in her upper jaw. However, during this rehabilitation, salvageable teeth absolutely had to be preserved. Because unnecessarily extracting teeth is a great loss both biologically and aesthetically.
Personalized Treatment Plan: Preserving Aesthetics and Function Together
Following the diagnostic phase, we created a treatment plan specific to Nataliia. The most critical point of this plan was preserving the anterior teeth numbered 12, 11, and 22.
Why are these three teeth so important? Let me explain.
Anterior teeth form the framework of a smile. When you look at a person’s face, the first thing that catches your attention is their eyes and smile. The upper anterior teeth are the cornerstones of this smile. Beyond this, anterior teeth have another functional role: biting. Daily life’s most basic actions like biting into an apple or tearing bread are possible thanks to anterior teeth. Losing these teeth directly affects both the patient’s aesthetics and daily quality of life.
In our detailed examination, we found that Nataliia’s teeth numbered 12, 11, and 22 were salvageable. Many clinics might have preferred to extract these teeth and place implants instead. It might have been a faster, easier path. But we don’t work that way. International Plus’s “Conservative Dentistry” philosophy is based on preserving natural tissue at the highest possible level. No artificial material can fully replicate the sensation, light transmission, and biological compatibility that a natural tooth provides.
Therefore, our treatment plan took shape as follows: Infected and unsalvageable teeth would be extracted, implants would be placed in the upper jaw, but the three critical anterior teeth would be preserved and integrated into the treatment plan. This approach required more planning, more precision, and more patience. But the result would mean a much more natural and longer-lasting smile for Nataliia.
Surgical Process: Megagen AnyRidge Technology and Safe Operation in Expert Hands
The surgical stage is the most critical point of the entire treatment. What matters is not how good the plan is but how correctly that plan is implemented on the operating table.
Our primary goal in Nataliia’s operation was clear: to achieve maximum stability without traumatizing the bone. These two goals may seem contradictory. For stability, you need to grip the bone firmly, but while doing this, you must not damage the bone. This is exactly where our implant selection comes into play.
In the upper jaw, we preferred the Megagen AnyRidge implant system. This choice has a very clear rationale. The patented “Knife Thread” design of AnyRidge implants advances by controlledly expanding the bone rather than cutting it. This mechanism provides a great advantage especially in areas where bone density is low.
Upper jaw bone generally has a softer and more porous structure compared to the lower jaw. In dentistry, we call this D3 or D4 bone type. In such bone types, achieving sufficient primary stability with traditional implant systems can sometimes be challenging. AnyRidge’s Knife Thread design offers consistent and reliable primary stability regardless of bone density. This means a safer surgery for Nataliia, less trauma, and a much more comfortable healing process.
Another situation we encountered during the operation was that the sinus cavity in the right upper region did not leave sufficient bone volume for implant placement. This is a common presentation in upper jaw posterior region surgery. As a solution, we performed a sinus lifting procedure. We gently lifted the sinus membrane upward and placed bone graft in the created space. This procedure guaranteed that the implants would sit on a solid foundation.
Sinus lifting is a procedure that requires experience and precision. The membrane must not be perforated, and the graft material must be placed in the right amount and in the right way. The sinus membrane called Schneider membrane is an extremely thin and delicate tissue. Tearing this membrane jeopardizes the procedure’s success and can lead to additional complications. Therefore, the surgeon’s manual skill and experience are directly determining factors here. Our team performs such advanced surgical procedures as part of their daily routine. We’re talking about a team that performs hundreds of sinus lifting operations annually. Nataliia’s operation was also completed without complications.
The entire operation was performed under local anesthesia. Nataliia did not feel any pain or discomfort. We maintained constant communication with the patient throughout the procedure. We monitored her comfort level and explained each stage to her. Because patient comfort is important not only psychologically but also clinically. A stressed patient’s muscle tension increases, blood pressure rises, and this situation can negatively affect the surgical area. Therefore, we always keep patient comfort among our primary priorities.
Digital Dentistry: From Temporary Teeth to Final Restoration
Leaving the patient toothless after surgery is out of the question. We immediately prepared temporary restorations on the implants so Nataliia could continue her social life and daily activities.
We used Asiga 3D Printer technology in the production of these temporary teeth. 3D printing technology allows temporary restorations to be precisely designed in a digital environment and produced in a short time. Nataliia continued her daily life comfortably both aesthetically and functionally during the healing process.
However, the real story begins with the final restorations.
In the final stage, material selection directly determines the long-term success of the treatment. Using a cheap or average material here can nullify all the surgical effort. That’s why we chose the Ivoclar brand, considered the gold standard worldwide, for Nataliia’s final restorations.
Specifically, we used Ivoclar IPS e.max ZirCAD zirconia. I want to present the technical superiority of this material with a few numbers. IPS e.max ZirCAD has approximately 1200 MPa flexural strength. What does this mean? The flexural strength of standard zirconia materials commonly used in the market generally ranges between 600 and 900 MPa. The 1200 MPa value offered by Ivoclar means the restoration will continue its function for years without risk of breaking or cracking. Nataliia will be able to bite and chew comfortably and do this for many years without any worry.
But durability alone is not enough. No matter how strong a restoration is, if it doesn’t look natural, patient satisfaction won’t be complete. Another important feature of Ivoclar IPS e.max ZirCAD is superior light transmission. Natural teeth do not completely block light; they transmit it at a certain rate. This light transmission gives teeth a lively and natural appearance. Cheap zirconia materials generally appear opaque and give an artificial feel. The translucency offered by Ivoclar produces a result almost indistinguishable from natural teeth.
We chose the 0M2 shade for Nataliia. This shade is a natural white that doesn’t exaggerate and stays away from artificiality. We achieved an appearance compatible with our patient’s skin tone and lip structure that maintains its naturalness when she smiles.
We used the Redon milling device in shaping the restorations. This device allows the digital design to be transferred onto the zirconia block with micron-level precision. The combined use of digital design, 3D printing, and precision milling means quality control is ensured at every stage.
The Transformation: Standardized Excellence
When Nataliia’s treatment was completed, the result was extremely satisfying for both us and our patient.
Biting function was completely restored. Nataliia can now comfortably do things she couldn’t do for years. Daily activities that most of us do without even being aware, like biting into an apple or easily consuming foods that are difficult to chew, became possible for her again. The preserved anterior teeth create a natural framework for her smile. Not an artificial perfection, but a convincing and warm smile was achieved. Ivoclar zirconia restorations offer a near-flawless result in terms of both durability and aesthetics.
When you compare Nataliia’s before and after treatment photos, you can see how dramatic the difference is. But for me, the real difference emerged not in the photos but in Nataliia’s demeanor. Before treatment, there was a woman across from us who covered her mouth with her hand while talking and closed her lips when smiling. After treatment, we saw a Nataliia who doesn’t hide her smile, is self-confident and comfortable. This transformation is more valuable than any clinical data or megapascal value can describe.
But for me, the most valuable aspect of this case is that it once again proved the correctness of our treatment philosophy. When we focus on quality rather than speed, on what’s right rather than what’s easy, the results are always superior. Nataliia’s case showed us once again that when correct diagnosis, correct planning, and correct material selection come together, the result is always above expectations.
Treatment Summary and Clinical Notes
To summarize Nataliia’s treatment process:
A comprehensive evaluation was performed with a multidisciplinary council approach in the diagnostic phase. Infections not visible from the outside were detected and included in the treatment plan. The anterior teeth numbered 12, 11, and 22 were preserved with a conservative approach. The Megagen AnyRidge implant system was applied to the upper jaw. High primary stability was achieved even in low-density bone thanks to Knife Thread technology. Sinus lifting and bone graft were applied to the right upper region. Temporary restorations were produced with Asiga 3D Printer. Final restorations were prepared from Ivoclar IPS e.max ZirCAD zirconia with 1200 MPa flexural strength. A natural and aesthetic smile was achieved with 0M2 shade.
Final Word
Nataliia’s story is a reflection of International Plus’s daily practice. Each patient is unique to us and each treatment is planned individually. We use the world’s best materials because our patients deserve the best. The reason we prefer proven implant systems like Megagen AnyRidge and world-leading restorative materials like Ivoclar is not brand but scientific superiority.
The most important lesson we’ve learned over the years is this: there are no shortcuts in dentistry. Doing every stage correctly, paying attention to every detail, basing every decision on scientific foundations takes time. But this time returns with restorations that will remain healthy and beautiful in the patient’s mouth for decades. Nataliia’s treatment is also a product of this understanding.
Behind our patients from more than 140 countries continuing to trust us lies this meticulousness and this quality understanding. We show the same care to each patient who comes to us. Whether it’s a routine treatment or a comprehensive rehabilitation like Nataliia’s case; our standards do not change.
Nataliia now smiles with confidence. She can eat her meals without restrictions. She doesn’t withdraw in her social life. And as a physician, there can be no greater professional satisfaction than this. Because we’re not just doing dental treatment; we’re improving people’s quality of life, giving back the self-confidence they’ve lost.
If you have questions about your treatment process or want to get an evaluation for your own situation, you can contact our expert team. Remember, correct diagnosis and correct planning are the foundation of successful treatment. And having the right team by your side on this journey changes everything.
internationalplusofficial
internationalplus
internationalplusdental
This content is written, reviewed, and approved by the International Plus Medical Review Board to ensure clinical accuracy and adherence to strict editorial standards. All medical information is regularly monitored, audited and updated in light of the latest scientific advancements.
However the information provided here is for general informational purposes only and cannot be used for self diagnosis or making individual health interpretations. Results of medical treatments depend on individual anatomy and the unique healing process of each patient. This information should not replace a personal consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. To understand the best options for your specific needs and to receive a personalized treatment plan, we invite you to book a free consultation with the expert medical team at International Plus.
International Plus was established from scratch in 2014 with the sole purpose of providing a world class center for plastic and cosmetic surgery by SAMİLSAN SAĞLIK HİZMETLERİ TURİZM DANIŞMANLIK TİCARET LİMİTED ŞİRKETİ International Plus has developed a worldwide reputation for its unique treatments and techniques. With over 10 years of experience, our talented medical experts are among the best in their respective fields. You are our priority. We are convinced that good communication between you and your surgeon is essential when planning your treatments. We offer realistic advice and the most suitable treatments for you.
