Turkey Teeth – The Reality Behind the “Perfect” Smile

The Hidden Dangers of Dental Tourism: What You Need to Know

Why am I writing this? To stop you from enjoying a sunny holiday while getting a dazzling white smile? Not at all. But after a recent troubling encounter with a clinic in Antalya, I felt compelled to share some hard truths about the risks of dental tourism.

Just yesterday, a clinic contacted us, requesting we carry out a scan for one of their patients. Several red flags immediately stood out: a false General Dental Council (GDC) number, a lack of basic understanding of the scan they requested, no clinical justification, and persistent emails and telephone calls even after we declined their referral. My curiosity got the better of me, so I dug deeper. What I found was alarming - fabricated reviews, doctored images, practice logos superimposed onto clinics they don’t own, paid-for social media engagement, botched treatments, and even reports of patients being arrested and forced to pay thousands to be released after the clinic called the police on them for refusing to hand over more money (a hidden cost you won’t find on their website!).

We have seen the devastating consequences firsthand - failed implants, long-term nerve damage, deception about the treatment received, and even permanent disfigurement. If you’re considering getting dental work abroad, let’s have an honest conversation about why UK treatment costs more - and why that cost may be the best investment you’ll ever make.

Why Is Treatment Cheaper Abroad?

Turkey has become a hotspot for dental tourism, with implants advertised for as little as £1,000 to £2,000 per tooth. At first glance, it sounds like an incredible deal. But as the saying goes: if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Many patients return from overseas clinics with poorly placed implants, substandard materials, and no access to aftercare. The cost of fixing these issues? Often far more than what it would have cost to get the procedure done correctly in the first place. In some cases, the damage is irreversible.

The Hidden Dangers

Here are just some of the most common complications:

🔹 Severe Infections – Many overseas clinics lack strict hygiene protocols, leading to serious infections that require urgent medical intervention.
🔹 Implant Failures – Cheap, unregulated implant systems are frequently used, increasing the risk of failure and expensive corrective procedures.
🔹 Nerve Damage – Rushed procedures and a lack of precision can result in lasting nerve damage, causing chronic pain and numbness.
🔹 Over-Prepped Teeth – Many clinics aggressively file down healthy teeth to pegs for crowns, often unnecessarily.
🔹 Lack of Follow-Up Care – Once you’re back home, finding a UK dentist to fix overseas work is difficult. Many lack the components to repair foreign implant systems, and some won’t take the risk at all.
🔹 Deceptive Marketing – Many overseas clinics falsely claim to have UK branches, post fake reviews, and use influencers to promote their “perfect” smiles.

The Reality of ‘Open Days’

Many dental tourism providers offer consultations in hotel conference rooms here in the UK - an entirely unregulated practice. Without essential X-rays and proper assessments, they cannot accurately diagnose patients or determine their suitability for treatment.

We’ve seen cases where patients had multiple crowns placed without a single X-ray. One patient later discovered an underlying issue that meant their heavily restored teeth had to be removed - an expensive and heartbreaking outcome.

And as for refunds? You can probably guess how that goes.

Why UK Treatment Is Worth It

While UK dental treatment may seem more expensive upfront, the long-term benefits far outweigh the risks. Here’s why:

✔ Regulation & Expertise – The UK has strict dental regulations to protect patients from unethical practices.
✔ High-Quality Materials – Premium implant brands undergo rigorous testing, unlike many budget implants used abroad, which often aren't even approved for use in the UK.
✔ Comprehensive Aftercare – Follow-up visits and hygiene appointments are crucial for implant success, something reputable UK clinics prioritise. Many overseas providers offer little to no aftercare.
✔ Immediate Access to Help – If complications arise, you don’t need to book a flight back—you can get treatment immediately.
✔ Natural Results – The infamous “Turkey Teeth” look - overly white, oversized, and unnatural - might grab attention, but it’s rarely the best long-term solution. A skilled UK clinician will create a smile that enhances your features while preserving the health of your teeth.

The Hard Statistics

A 2022 BDA survey uncovered some shocking truths:

• 86% of UK dentists have treated complications from overseas dental work

• Crowns (87%) and implants (85%) are the most problematic treatment

Top issues:
    • Failed treatment (86%)
    • Pain (76%)
    • Poor execution (72%)

The cost of fixing these mistakes?
💰 65% of cases cost patients at least £500
💰 Over 50% exceed £1,000
💰 Some patients have paid over £5,000 just to correct the treatment

But it’s not just about cost - 93% of dentists flagged concerns about continuity of care, 79% were unhappy with treatment quality, and 77% warned about the difficulty of seeking redress.

Click here for more details on the survey.

The Harsh Reality

The promise of a Hollywood smile at a bargain price is tempting, but the real cost of dental tourism isn’t just financial - it’s your health.

We’ve seen too many patients who thought they were making a smart financial decision, only to come home with infections, failing implants, nerve damage, and regret. Worse still, finding a UK dentist willing or able to fix the damage is a challenge. Many materials and techniques used abroad aren’t compatible with UK systems, and while you can order parts online, no reputable dentist will take the risk of using them.

This isn’t about discouraging you - it’s about making sure you fully understand the risks.

✅ Do your research.
✅ Ask the right questions.
✅ Trust your gut.

You don’t have to come to us - but please, make an informed decision. Your smile - and your health - deserve nothing less.

And if, after all this, you still choose to go abroad, please make sure you get all the relevant documentation on your implants and treatment plan. Without it, getting help later may be impossible.