Dental implants in Turkey, step by step

Before you book: send your X-ray

The first step happens at home. Send the clinic a recent panoramic X-ray (also called an OPG) or, if you don't have one, clear photos of your teeth. Your UK dentist can usually take an X-ray for you.

You should then receive:

• a written treatment plan that explains each stage
• a written, itemised price, including the implant brand
• the number of trips and the number of days for each
• the name of the dentist who will treat you

The Oral Health Foundation says you should always receive a clear treatment plan that explains each stage and the costs involved. If a clinic won't give you these before you book, that is a warning sign.

Trip one: scan, check-up and implants

On your first visit the clinic should:

1. Take a full medical history. Your health conditions, medicines, smoking and past treatment. If nobody asks about these, the Oral Health Foundation calls that a warning sign.
2. Take a 3D scan to check the amount and quality of your jawbone.
3. Confirm the final plan and price before any treatment starts. If the scan changes the plan, you should be told in writing.
4. Place the implants under local anaesthetic.
5. Fit temporary teeth so you don't fly home with gaps, where possible.
6. Check you're healing well before you fly home.

At home: healing

After placement, the implant needs time to bond with the bone. The Oral Health Foundation says this usually takes around four months. Some people need longer, for example after a bone graft.

During this time:

• follow the cleaning and diet advice you're given
• avoid smoking, which can slow healing
• keep in touch with the clinic by message or video if anything worries you
• keep your regular UK dental check-ups

Trip two: your final teeth

Once the implants have healed, your final crowns, bridge or full-arch teeth are made and fitted. This usually means a few appointments over several days, so the teeth can be tried in and adjusted until your bite feels right.

Before you leave, make sure you have your implant passport, copies of your X-rays and scans, and your guarantee in writing. Our aftercare guide explains why these matter.

Same-day teeth: is it possible?

Sometimes. The Oral Health Foundation says that in some cases a replacement tooth can be placed on the same day as the implant. For a full arch, this is often called "immediate loading". Whether it is right for you depends on your bone and your bite, so it can only be decided after a scan. Even with same-day teeth, you will usually still need a second trip for your final, long-term teeth.

Practical tips for your trip

• Passport: the UK government says it must be valid for at least 150 days after you arrive in Turkey.
• Visa: not needed with a British citizen passport for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Check the latest advice before you travel.
• Insurance: tell your insurer you're having planned treatment. Ordinary holiday cover often excludes it.
• Flights: book flexible tickets if you can, in case you need an extra day.
• Pack: your medicines and a list of them, soft foods for the first days, and a soft toothbrush.
• Companion: many people find it easier to travel with someone, especially for the first trip.

Common questions

How long will I need to stay in Turkey?

It depends on your plan, so ask for the number of days for each trip in writing before you book flights. The NHS advises staying long enough to recover before travelling home.

Can I fly straight after implant surgery?

Ask your dentist. Many clinics ask you to stay a few days after surgery so they can check healing before you fly. Book flexible flights if you can.

Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?

The UK government says people with a British citizen passport can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least 150 days after you arrive. Always check the latest advice before you travel.

Can I get teeth fitted on the same day?

Sometimes. The Oral Health Foundation says that in some cases a replacement tooth can be placed on the same day. Whether this is right for you depends on your bone, so your dentist will decide after a scan.

Will it hurt?

Implants are placed under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. It is normal to have some swelling and soreness for a few days afterwards. Your dentist will tell you what to take and what to eat.

Sources

1. Oral Health Foundation — Understanding dental implants (stages and healing time)
2. NHS — Treatment abroad checklist (recovery before travelling home)
3. GOV.UK — Turkey travel advice: entry requirements
4. GOV.UK — Turkey travel advice: health

Checked October 2026. Where we give our own view as a clinic, we say so.