Turkey Teeth Gone Wrong: The Real Risks of Dental Treatment Abroad

Every year, thousands of people from the UK travel abroad—most commonly to Turkey—for dental treatments such as veneers, crowns, and dental implants. Drawn in by dramatically lower prices and glossy social media transformations, many believe they are getting the same quality of care for a fraction of the cost. Sadly, for a significant number of patients, the reality is very different.

The term “Turkey teeth” has become widely used to describe the often uniform, bright-white veneers and crowns fitted at overseas clinics. While the initial results may look dramatic in photos, the long-term consequences can be severe—irreversible damage to healthy teeth, chronic infections, nerve damage, and thousands of pounds in corrective treatment back in the UK.

"The perfect smile doesn’t exist. What exists is healthy, well-cared-for teeth treated by qualified professionals with proper follow-up care."

What Are “Turkey Teeth”?

“Turkey teeth” is a colloquial term referring to dental veneers, crowns, or implants obtained through dental tourism, most frequently in Turkey. Clinics in cities such as Antalya and Istanbul market all-inclusive packages combining dental work with hotel stays and airport transfers, often at prices significantly below UK equivalents.

The treatments most commonly sought include:

• Full sets of porcelain veneers or crowns (often 20 or more teeth prepared at once)
• Dental implants, including All-on-4 and All-on-6 procedures
• Dental bridges and full-mouth rehabilitations
• Sinus lifts and bone grafts to support implants

While there are, of course, competent dental professionals in every country, the concerns raised by UK dental regulators centre on the lack of regulatory oversight, aggressive tooth preparation, inadequate aftercare, and the difficulty of seeking redress when things go wrong.

The Scale of the Problem

According to reports, Turkish dental clinics performed procedures on more than 400,000 international patients in 2023 alone. Even with a conservatively estimated complication rate of 3–5%, that means thousands of patients each year may face serious problems.

UK dental practices are reporting a growing number of patients presenting with complications from overseas dental work. The British Dental Association has raised concerns, and dental professionals across the country have spoken publicly about the rising tide of patients needing corrective treatment.

Real Stories: When Dental Tourism Goes Wrong

The human cost of botched overseas dental treatment is significant. Several patients have bravely shared their experiences to warn others.

Watch: The Reality of Turkey Teeth

This video provides a sobering look at the real consequences patients can face after dental tourism. We encourage you to watch before considering treatment abroad.

Why Does Overseas Dental Work Go Wrong?

Understanding why these procedures fail so frequently abroad can help patients make more informed decisions. The issues are systemic rather than isolated:

1. Excessive Tooth Preparation

To fit crowns or veneers, teeth must be prepared—typically by removing a thin layer of enamel. However, reports from UK dentists indicate that many overseas clinics shave teeth down to small pegs or stumps, far more aggressively than is clinically necessary. This irreversible damage means that if the crowns or veneers fail, the patient may have insufficient tooth structure remaining for conventional treatment, potentially requiring implants or dentures.

2. Inadequate Regulatory Oversight

In the UK, all dentists must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), which sets and enforces professional standards. Dental practices are also subject to inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England, ensuring compliance with safety, hygiene, and clinical standards. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) regulates dental advertising, preventing misleading claims about results.

These protections do not exist in the same form overseas. There is often no equivalent regulatory body holding practitioners accountable, and patients have limited recourse if treatment fails.

3. “Factory” Approach to Treatment

Many overseas clinics operate on high patient volume with rapid turnaround. Full sets of veneers or crowns may be prepared and fitted within days—a process that would typically take several weeks in the UK to allow for proper planning, temporary restorations, and laboratory fabrication. This rushed approach increases the risk of poorly fitting restorations, inadequate bite alignment, and complications.

4. No Aftercare or Follow-Up

Perhaps the most significant risk is the lack of aftercare. Once a patient returns to the UK, the overseas clinic has no obligation—and often no mechanism—to provide follow-up care. If complications arise, the patient must seek help from a UK dentist, often at considerable expense. Many UK dentists report that patients returning from overseas are told by their NHS dentist that they cannot help, as they were warned against the treatment in the first place.

5. Language Barriers and Informed Consent

Genuine informed consent requires that a patient fully understands the procedure, the risks, the alternatives, and the expected outcomes. Language barriers can compromise this process, leaving patients unable to ask essential questions or express concerns before, during, or after treatment.

Red Flags to Watch For

If you are considering dental treatment—whether in the UK or abroad—the following warning signs should prompt serious caution:

• High-pressure sales tactics promising a "celebrity smile" in just one visit
• Prices that seem too good to be true compared to established UK practices
• Before-and-after photos that appear unverified or heavily filtered
• No information provided about the treating dentist's qualifications or registration
• No discussion of risks, complications, or alternative treatment options
• No clear aftercare plan or follow-up appointments after treatment
• Treatment plans that involve preparing a large number of healthy teeth at once
• Social media influencer endorsements without genuine clinical evidence

The Hidden Costs of “Cheap” Dental Work

What initially appears to be significant savings can quickly become far more expensive than having the work done properly in the UK from the outset. Patients who return with complications may face:

• Emergency dental treatment to manage pain and infection
• Removal of failed restorations and infected implants
• Bone grafting to repair damage caused by failed implants
• New veneers, crowns, or implants to replace failed overseas work
• Ongoing medication and specialist referrals
• Psychological impact: anxiety, depression, and loss of confidence

What the NHS Says

The NHS guidance on treatment abroad is clear: while treatment overseas may be cheaper, the risks must be carefully weighed against the savings. Patients are advised to:

• Consult your NHS or private dentist first for a second opinion
• Ensure your decision is based on quality of care, not the appeal of the destination
• Research the qualifications of the treating dentist and the clinic's standards
• Understand who will provide aftercare when you return to the UK
• Check that you have appropriate insurance, as standard travel insurance rarely covers elective procedures
• Factor in the full costs, including possible return trips, extended stays, and corrective treatment at home

The UK government has also taken steps to address the issue, partnering with social media influencers to warn people about the risks of travelling abroad for cosmetic procedures.

A Safer Alternative: Quality Dental Care in the UK

We understand that cost is a significant factor when considering dental treatment. Private dentistry in the UK can be expensive, and it is natural to look for ways to reduce costs. However, the answer is not to compromise on the quality and safety of your care.

At South Kensington Medical & Dental, we are committed to making high-quality dental care accessible. All our dentists are GDC-registered, our practice is CQC-registered, and we adhere fully to ASA advertising guidelines—meaning we will never make unrealistic promises about outcomes.

What to Do If You’ve Had Dental Work Abroad That’s Gone Wrong

If you are currently experiencing problems following dental treatment overseas, here is what we would advise:

Our Advice: Think Carefully Before Travelling for Dental Treatment

We are not here to criticise all overseas dental clinics—there are skilled professionals in every country. However, we believe patients should be fully informed about the risks before making a decision that could affect their oral health for life.

If you are considering dental treatment and cost is a concern, we would always encourage you to:

• Get a full assessment from a GDC-registered dentist in the UK first
• Ask about payment plans, membership discounts, and phased treatment options
• Consider the full long-term cost, not just the upfront price
• Prioritise your safety, aftercare, and the qualifications of your treating dentist
• Remember that irreversible procedures like crown preparation cannot be undone

Conclusion

The appeal of affordable dental treatment abroad is understandable, but the potential consequences of “turkey teeth” gone wrong are serious and life-altering. From chronic pain and infection to the irreversible loss of healthy natural teeth, the risks are well documented and supported by a growing body of patient testimonies and professional concern.

Quality dental care does not have to be out of reach. With our membership plan offering 50% off all treatments, you can access the same standard of care provided by GDC-registered, CQC-regulated professionals at a price that competes with overseas options—without any of the risks.

Ready to discuss your dental needs with a team you can trust? Whether you are considering cosmetic treatment, need corrective work following overseas dentistry, or simply want a check-up, we are here to help. Contact us today or call 020 7183 2362 to book your appointment.