The UK is one of the most expensive countries in the world for dental implants. A single implant can cost £2,000–£3,000, and full-mouth treatments run into tens of thousands of pounds. That is why an increasing number of British patients are travelling to Turkey for dental implant treatment — saving 50–70% while receiving the same materials, brands, and techniques.
But is it really the same quality? What are the hidden costs? And is it worth the trip? This guide provides a detailed, honest comparison of dental implants in Turkey vs the UK in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- A single dental implant costs £400–£700 in Turkey vs £2,000–£3,000 in the UK
- Turkish clinics use the same premium implant brands (Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Osstem)
- Even with flights and hotel, Turkey is 40–60% cheaper than UK treatment
- Turkish dentists complete most treatments in 5–7 days vs weeks/months of waiting in the UK
- Quality depends on choosing the right clinic — accreditations and warranties matter
Dental Implant Cost: Turkey vs UK (2026 Prices)
Here is a breakdown of typical dental implant prices in Turkey compared to the UK:
| Treatment | Turkey | UK | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
Turkish prices typically include the implant, abutment, crown, panoramic X-ray, CT scan, and all dental appointments. UK prices usually cover the implant and crown only, with consultations and scans charged separately.
Why Are Dental Implants So Much Cheaper in Turkey?
The price difference is not about lower quality. Turkish clinics use the same implant brands and materials as UK dentists. The cost savings come from:
- Lower operating costs: Rent, staff salaries, and insurance are significantly cheaper in Turkey than the UK
- Currency exchange: The Turkish Lira makes treatments affordable for patients paying in GBP, EUR, or USD
- High patient volume: Turkish dental clinics treat thousands of international patients per year, creating economies of scale
- Government support: Turkey’s government actively promotes medical tourism, offering tax incentives to accredited clinics
- No NHS overhead: Private clinics operate efficiently without the bureaucracy of public healthcare systems
Quality Comparison: Turkey vs UK Dental Clinics
| Factor | Turkey | UK |
|---|---|---|
Implant Brands Used in Turkey
Reputable Turkish dental clinics use internationally certified implant brands. The most common brands you will find in Istanbul clinics include:
- Straumann (Switzerland) — Considered the gold standard worldwide. Highest success rates (98%+). Most expensive option.
- Nobel Biocare (Sweden) — Pioneers of the All-on-4 concept. Premium quality with extensive clinical research.
- Osstem (South Korea) — The most-used implant brand globally by volume. Excellent quality at a mid-range price.
- Megagen (South Korea) — Known for innovative surface technology. Good balance of quality and cost.
- Medentika / Neodent — Straumann group brands offering quality at a lower price point.
Important: Always ask your clinic which implant brand they use and request a certificate or implant passport. This document records the brand, model, and batch number of your implants for future reference.
Total Cost Including Travel: Is Turkey Still Cheaper?
A common concern is whether travel costs eat into the savings. Here is a realistic breakdown for a UK patient travelling to Istanbul for dental implants:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
Even adding £400–£900 in travel costs, the total for dental implants in Turkey is still 40–60% less than UK-only treatment. For full-mouth treatments costing £20,000+ in the UK, the savings can be £10,000–£20,000 — more than enough to cover multiple trips to Istanbul.
Aftercare and Warranties
One of the biggest concerns about dental treatment abroad is aftercare. Here is how it typically works:
Aftercare in Turkey
- WhatsApp follow-up: Most clinics provide direct WhatsApp contact with your dentist for questions and photo check-ups after you return home
- Warranties: Reputable clinics offer 5–10 year warranties on implants and prosthetics
- Free revisions: If any adjustments are needed, clinics typically cover the dental work free of charge (you cover travel)
- Implant passport: Documentation of your implant brand and specifications, which any dentist worldwide can reference
Local Follow-Up in the UK
For routine check-ups and hygiene appointments, you can visit any UK dentist. Your implant passport ensures they have all the information needed about your implants. Many UK dentists are familiar with treating patients who had implants placed abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Turkish dentists qualified to place implants?
Yes. Turkish dental graduates complete a 5-year university programme, and implantologists typically complete additional years of specialisation. Many Turkish implant dentists also hold international certifications and train regularly with brands like Straumann and Nobel Biocare.
What if something goes wrong after I return to the UK?
Reputable clinics offer warranties covering implant failure. Your clinic should provide WhatsApp support for photo check-ups and consultations. If physical treatment is needed, most warranty clinics will cover the dental work on your return visit, with you covering only travel.
How long do I need to stay in Turkey?
Most implant treatments require 5–7 days for the initial visit. If you need bone grafting, this adds a preliminary visit of 2–3 days, with the implant placement visit scheduled 3–6 months later. Full-arch treatments (All-on-4, All-on-6) typically need a second visit for the permanent bridge, 4–6 months after surgery.
Can I get dental implants on the NHS?
NHS dental implants are extremely limited. They are only available in specific cases (e.g., after cancer treatment or facial injury). For cosmetic and standard tooth replacement, implants are considered private treatment in the UK, making Turkey a particularly attractive alternative for cost-conscious patients.
How do I choose a safe clinic in Turkey?
Look for clinics with JCI or ISO accreditation, Ministry of Health licensing, named dentists with verifiable credentials, and transparent pricing. Check Google and Trustpilot reviews from real patients. Avoid clinics that refuse to share implant brand details or offer prices that seem unrealistically low.
Get a Free Quote for Dental Implants in Turkey
At Sante Clinic, we connect UK patients with accredited dental clinics in Istanbul offering premium implant brands at transparent prices. Every treatment includes a warranty and dedicated aftercare support.
Get your free, personalised quote:
- Send us your dental X-ray via WhatsApp for a free treatment plan
- Visit our Contact page to book a consultation
- Learn more about Dental Implants in Turkey
- View our Prices page for current 2026 rates
- Read more About Sante Clinic and our partner clinics