When John, a 54-year-old engineer from Manchester, first contacted Antalya Implant, he had been living with missing teeth for nearly eight years. What started as a single extraction had snowballed into multiple gaps that affected his confidence, his ability to eat, and his overall quality of life. This is John’s story—in his own words—of how he finally found a solution and transformed his smile in Turkey.
Living with Missing Teeth
I lost my first tooth in my mid-forties due to an infection. My dentist at the time extracted it and suggested an implant, but the quote was over three thousand pounds for a single tooth. I could not afford it, so I left the gap thinking it was not visible anyway. Over the next few years, more teeth failed. The teeth next to the gap started to shift. I developed problems with teeth on the other side from chewing unevenly. By the time I was fifty-two, I had four missing teeth and several more that were failing.
Living with missing teeth affected me more than I expected. I stopped smiling in photos—my daughter got married, and I look miserable in every picture because I was hiding my mouth. Eating became difficult; I avoided restaurants because I could only chew on one side and had to be careful what I ordered. I felt old before my time. I knew I needed to do something but faced quotes of twenty thousand pounds or more from UK dentists. It felt hopeless.
Discovering Dental Tourism
A colleague at work mentioned he had dental work done in Turkey. I was skeptical at first—how could it be safe to have medical treatment abroad? But he showed me his teeth, and they looked perfect. He had saved over fifteen thousand pounds compared to UK quotes. That got my attention. I started researching online, reading reviews, and comparing clinics. Antalya Implant kept coming up with excellent feedback, so I decided to make an inquiry.
The response from Antalya Implant was impressive. Within a day, I had a detailed email asking about my situation and requesting my X-rays. I sent the panoramic X-ray from my UK dentist, and within forty-eight hours, I received a comprehensive treatment plan. They explained I would need six implants and several crowns, with a total cost under seven thousand pounds—less than half what I was quoted for just four implants in the UK. I was still nervous, but the professionalism convinced me to proceed.
Arriving in Antalya
My wife came with me for moral support. The flight from Manchester was easy, about four hours. When we landed, a driver was waiting with my name on a sign—exactly as promised. He was friendly and professional, and the transfer to our hotel was smooth. We stayed at a lovely hotel in Lara Beach that the clinic had recommended, at a discounted rate. The room was comfortable, the staff spoke English, and I started to relax.
The next morning, a driver collected us for my first appointment. The clinic was modern and spotless—honestly nicer than any dental practice I have visited in the UK. The staff greeted us warmly, offered tea and coffee, and my patient coordinator Elif explained everything that would happen. Meeting the dentist, Dr. Mehmet, immediately put me at ease. He spoke excellent English, reviewed my X-rays in detail, and answered all my questions patiently. I felt I was in good hands.
The Treatment Experience
I will not pretend the treatment was nothing—having six implants placed is significant surgery. But the experience was far better than I feared. The procedure was done under local anesthesia with sedation, so I was relaxed and comfortable. I felt pressure but no pain. Dr. Mehmet talked me through everything, checking I was okay throughout. The whole implant surgery took about three hours, and before I knew it, I was in recovery with temporary teeth already in place.
The following days involved some swelling and discomfort, but nothing unmanageable. The clinic provided excellent pain medication, and I followed their aftercare instructions carefully. My wife and I actually managed to enjoy Antalya between appointments—we visited the old town, had lovely meals at restaurants, and sat by the pool at our hotel. It was almost like a holiday, albeit one involving dental work. The clinic checked on me daily by WhatsApp, which was reassuring.
Returning for Final Teeth
After four months of healing back home in Manchester, I returned to Antalya for my permanent crowns. This second visit was much easier—no surgery, just fitting appointments. Over four days, my final zirconia crowns were crafted and fitted. The attention to detail was incredible; Dr. Mehmet made tiny adjustments until the bite was perfect and the appearance was exactly right. When I saw the final result in the mirror, I could not believe it was my mouth.
For the first time in nearly a decade, I had a complete smile. The crowns looked completely natural—my wife said they looked better than my original teeth. I could bite properly, chew on both sides, and smile without covering my mouth. The emotion caught me off guard; I actually teared up in the dental chair. All those years of embarrassment and difficulty, finally resolved.
Life After Treatment
It has been two years since my treatment at Antalya Implant, and I could not be happier. My implants feel completely natural—I forget they are not my original teeth. I eat whatever I want without thinking about it. I smile in every photo now. My confidence has returned, and friends have commented that I seem like a different person. The investment in my dental health was the best money I have ever spent.
I stay in touch with Antalya Implant for follow-up questions, and they have always responded promptly. My UK dentist has examined the work and was impressed with the quality. I have recommended Antalya Implant to several friends and family members, two of whom have now had treatment there as well. If you are considering dental treatment in Turkey and wondering whether it is worth it, I can tell you from personal experience: absolutely, one hundred percent yes.
John’s Advice for Others
For anyone considering dental treatment abroad, here is my advice: Do your research, read reviews, and choose a reputable clinic. Do not base your decision solely on price—quality and safety matter most. Communicate openly with the clinic before you travel; their responsiveness tells you a lot. Bring a companion if possible for support. Follow aftercare instructions carefully. And most importantly, do not let fear hold you back from getting the treatment you need. I wish I had done this years earlier.
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