Dental implants — the complete guide for UK patients.
A practical guide to dental implant treatment in Antalya — types, materials, the process, recovery, aftercare and what every UK patient should know before flying. Written by the clinical team at Dentarma.
In this guide: What It Is / Tilted Implants / vs Other Options / Same-Day Teeth / The Process / Healing / Are You a Candidate? / Why All-on-4 / Risks / Pricing / FAQ
01 · The Basics
What is a dental implant, exactly?
A dental implant is a permanent replacement for a missing tooth, made up of three components that together replicate a natural tooth — root, structure, and visible crown.
A dental implant replaces both the visible tooth and the underlying root. That’s the key difference from a denture or a bridge — both of which sit on top of the gum or rely on neighbouring teeth for support. An implant integrates directly into the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, becoming a permanent part of your skeleton over a healing period of three to six months.
Once integrated, an implant supports a final crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Implants can be placed for a single missing tooth, multiple adjacent missing teeth, or to support a full arch of teeth (All-on-4, All-on-6, or full mouth). With proper care, modern dental implants are designed to last a lifetime.
Component 01
A medical-grade titanium screw, typically 8–14mm long, surgically placed into the jawbone. Acts as the artificial tooth root and provides the structural foundation.
Material Titanium (Grade 4)
Component 01
A small connector piece that screws into the implant fixture and protrudes through the gum line. Provides the platform onto which the final crown attaches.
Material Titanium or Zirconia
Component 03
The visible “tooth” — custom-made in our in-house dental laboratory using premium ceramic materials. Designed to match your natural teeth in shape, size, and shade.
Material Zirconia or E.max®
Implants vs dentures vs bridges — side-by-side.
Most patients arrive at Dentarma already wearing a partial denture or considering a bridge. Here’s an honest comparison of the three options across the criteria that matter most.
| CRITERION | DENTAL IMPLANTS | DENTURES | FIXED BRIDGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanence | ✓ Permanent | ✗ Removable | ✓ Permanent |
| Bone preservation | ✓ Stimulates jawbone | ✗ Bone loss accelerates | ✗ Bone loss in gap |
| Eating ability | ✓ Like natural teeth | ~ Limited slipping | ✓ Near natural |
| Speech clarity | ✓ Unaffected | ~ Lisping common | ✓ Unaffected |
| Adjacent teeth | ✓ Untouched | ✓ Untouched | ✗ Must be ground down |
| Daily maintenance | ✓ Brush like teeth | ✗ Remove, soak, clean | ~ Special flossing |
| Lifespan | ✓ 25+ years / lifetime | ✗ 5–8 years | ~ 10–15 years |
| Initial cost Turkey | Higher | Lowest | Mid |
| Lifetime cost | ✓ Lowest no replacement | ✗ Highest multiple sets | ~ Mid one replacement |
Six implant treatments, one clinic.
From a single missing tooth to severe bone loss requiring zygomatic implants, Prof. Dr. Şeker performs the full range of implant procedures personally — twenty years of clinical experience, every case.
Single Tooth Implant
Replaces one missing tooth with a single implant fixture and individual crown. The cleanest, most permanent solution for replacing a single lost tooth.
IMPLANT
5 DAYS EACH
HEALING TIME
One missing or failing tooth. No impact on neighbouring teeth. Ideal for
front teeth where aesthetics matter most.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Two or three implants supporting a multi-tooth bridge. Replaces a group of adjacent missing teeth without grinding down healthy neighbours.
2–4 missing teeth in a row. Stronger than a traditional bridge with no impact on adjacent healthy teeth.
All-on-4 Full Arch
A complete arch of teeth supported by four strategically angled implants. Fixed, non-removable, and often achievable without bone grafting.
Denture wearers, severe tooth loss, or full arch failure. Same-day temporary teeth — you never leave without teeth.
All-on-6 Full Arch
A complete arch of teeth supported by six implants — distributing chewing pressure more evenly than All-on-4 for stronger long-term anchorage.
Patients with sufficient bone, harder bite forces, or who want maximum long-term durability. Recommended for the lower jaw.
Full Mouth Implants
Implant-supported reconstruction of both upper and lower arches. The most comprehensive treatment, suitable for complete tooth loss in both jaws.
Complete tooth loss or failure across both arches. Combines All-on-4 or All-on-6 in both jaws.
Zygomatic Implants
Long implants anchored into the zygomatic (cheekbone) instead of the jaw — for patients with severe upper jaw bone loss who cannot have conventional implants.
Patients told they “don’t have enough bone” by other clinics. Avoids extensive bone grafting. Specialist surgical technique.
Straumann
Neodent®
Why we use Straumann Neodent® exclusively.
Straumann Neodent is a Brazilian-engineered implant system, owned and clinically supervised by the Straumann Group — the Swiss company that has set the global gold standard in implantology for over fifty years.
Neodent gives our patients the surgical protocol, biomaterial science, and clinical research backing of the Straumann Group, at a price point that makes Dentarma’s all-inclusive packages possible. The implant in your jaw is the same family of implants used by top-tier private dental clinics in London, Berlin, and New York.
Every Straumann Neodent implant we place is FDA-approved, CE-marked, and supplied with manufacturer documentation that you and your UK dentist can verify independently.
Surface Technology
Neoporos® hydrophilic surface accelerates osseointegration vs conventional smooth titanium.
Clinical Research
Backed by the Straumann Group’s 50+ years of peer-reviewed implantology research.
UK Recognition
Recognised and serviceable by any UK dentist familiar with Straumann Group systems.
Documentation
Manufacturer certificate provided to every patient — your implant is independently verifiable.
From first WhatsApp to final tooth.
The complete dental implant journey takes between four and six months from initial consultation to final crown fitting — but only ten to fourteen days are spent in Antalya.
Free
Consultation
Send X-ray + photos via WhatsApp. We respond within 24 hours with treatment plan and quote.
Treatment
Plan
Written, itemised, fixed-price treatment plan reviewed personally by Prof. Dr. Şeker.
Surgery
Extractions if needed, implant placement, same-day temporary teeth. Recovery in your hotel.Healing
Osseointegration at home in the UK. Wearing comfortable temporary teeth throughout.
Final Crowns
Return to Antalya. Final crowns or zirconia bridge fitted. You leave with permanent teeth.
UK Aftercare
First UK aftercare check-up at our partner clinic in Glasgow, Surrey, or North Croydon.
Lifetime Care
Annual UK aftercare check-ups, direct WhatsApp access to your surgeon for life, lifetime guarantee.Healing & osseointegration.
Osseointegration is the biological process by which the titanium implant fuses with your jawbone. It’s the most important phase of dental implant treatment, and the reason successful implants last a lifetime.
During osseointegration, the cells of your jawbone grow directly onto the surface of the titanium implant, locking it permanently into place. This biological fusion is what gives implants their strength and longevity — it’s not glue or screws holding the implant in your mouth, it’s your own bone.
Healing is largely silent and uneventful. Most patients return to normal eating, working and exercise within 3–7 days of surgery. The implants themselves continue healing internally for the next 3–6 months while you wear comfortable temporary teeth.
Days 1–3
Immediate post-surgery
Mild swelling, light bleeding, and discomfort manageable with prescribed painkillers. Soft food only. Most patients describe pain as significantly less than they expected.
Days 4–7
Initial soft tissue healing
Swelling subsides, gums begin closing around the implant. Return to normal eating excluding hard or chewy foods. Most patients fly home around day 7.
Weeks 2–6
Surface healing complete
Stitches dissolve naturally. Gums fully heal over the implant site. You can resume all normal eating, exercise, and work activity.
Months 1–3
Active osseointegration
Bone cells migrate to the titanium surface and begin forming new bone matrix. The implant becomes increasingly stable. You wear temporary teeth throughout.
Months 3–6
Full integration achieved
Bone-to-implant contact reaches maximum stability. Implants are now fully osseointegrated and ready to support permanent crowns. Time to fly back for visit 2.
When you might need extra steps.
Patients who have been missing teeth for several years often experience bone loss in the jaw. Two common procedures restore enough bone to support implants — both are routinely handled at Dentarma.
A biocompatible bone substitute is placed into areas where natural bone has been lost, providing a scaffold for your own bone to regenerate. Over 3–6 months, your body grows new bone tissue onto the graft, creating sufficient structure to support implants.
When the maxillary sinuses (above the upper jaw) have expanded downward, leaving insufficient bone height for implants, the sinus membrane is gently elevated and bone graft material packed into the created space. Common for patients missing upper back teeth for several years.
If your case requires bone grafting or sinus lift, it will be identified in your free consultation X-ray review and itemised transparently in your written quote — never as an arrival surprise.
Are you a good candidate ?
Most healthy adults missing one or more teeth are suitable for dental implants. There are a few criteria worth checking before booking a consultation — but if you’re unsure, send us your X-ray and we’ll tell you honestly.
Generally good health
Most chronic conditions (diabetes, heart conditions) are manageable. We screen all medical history during consultation.
Sufficient jawbone
Or willing to undergo bone grafting if needed. We assess this from your panoramic X-ray during free consultation.
Healthy gums
Free of active gum disease (periodontitis). We can treat this first if needed before implant placement.
Mature jaw structure
Generally over 18 years of age, with fully developed jaw bones. No upper age limit — we treat patients into their 80s.
Commitment to oral hygiene
Twice-daily brushing, regular flossing, and routine check-ups. Implants need maintenance like natural teeth.
Non-smoker or willing to quit
Smoking significantly reduces implant success rates. We strongly recommend stopping at least 2 weeks before surgery.
Realistic expectations
Implants are a 4–6 month process from start to finish. Anyone promising you “new teeth in a week” is misleading you.
Able to travel
Two visits to Antalya, 5–7 days each, separated by 3–6 months for healing. Direct flights from most UK airports.
Your aftercare network is in the UK.
Every Dentarma implant patient gets free post-treatment check-ups, bite adjustments, and emergency triage at one of three GDC-registered partner clinics across the UK — chosen so over 90% of UK patients are within 90 minutes of an aftercare appointment.
- Scotland
- South of England[Surrey Partner Clinic]Bletchingley, Surrey · GDC-registeredServes South East, South West & East Anglia
- South London[N. Croydon Partner Clinic]North Croydon, London · GDC-registeredServes Greater London, Kent, Sussex & Essex
All UK aftercare check-ups, bite adjustments and emergency triage are covered by your Dentarma package — no additional cost.
Lifetime guarantee on Straumann Neodent® implants and direct WhatsApp access to Prof. Dr. Şeker — for life.
10-year warranty on all crowns, bridges and zirconia restorations placed by Dentarma. Replacement covered.
10 · Risks & Realities
Implant risks, and how we manage them.
Dental implants are one of the most successful procedures in dentistry, with documented success rates above 95% across decades of clinical research. But they’re surgery — and surgery has risks. Here’s an honest look at the real ones.
The implant doesn’t integrate with the bone.
Occurs in 1–2% of cases industry-wide. Causes: smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, poor surgical technique, or low-quality implants.
Bacterial infection at the surgical site.
Preventable with proper sterilisation, antibiotic prophylaxis, and post-operative oral hygiene. Most infections respond to antibiotics if caught early.
We use only premium Straumann Neodent® implants placed personally by Prof. Dr. Şeker. Failed implants are replaced free of charge under our lifetime guarantee.
Hospital-grade sterilisation, prescribed antibiotics included in package, detailed home-care instructions, and direct WhatsApp access to Prof. Dr. Şeker for any concerns.
Risk 03 · Nerve Damage
Damage to the inferior alveolar nerve.
Rare but possible if implants are placed without accurate 3D planning, particularly in the lower jaw where the inferior alveolar nerve runs close to molar roots.
Risk 04 · Sinus Issues
Sinus perforation in upper jaw cases.
Possible when placing upper back implants if the maxillary sinuses are too low. Identified pre-operatively via CBCT scan.
How Dentarma manages it
Mandatory 3D CBCT imaging before any implant surgery. Every implant placement is digitally planned in 3D space before the first incision.
How Dentarma manages it
All upper back implant cases are screened via 3D CBCT for sinus position. Sinus lift performed where needed — never as a surprise post-surgery.
Long-term gum disease around implants.
A long-term risk caused by poor oral hygiene around the implants. Causes bone loss and eventual implant failure if untreated.
“Premium” upgrades or extras added on arrival.
A common Turkey clinic risk — not clinical, but financial. The most common patient complaint in dental tourism.
Annual UK aftercare check-ups in Glasgow, Surrey or North Croydon catch peri-implantitis early. Patient education on home care included with every treatment.
Your written quote is fixed before you commit. The only changes happen if a clinical issue not visible on your X-ray is discovered — and only with your written agreement.
Real implant cases from real patients.
Every case below is a Dentarma implant patient who has consented to share their transformation. No stock photography. No AI. No retouching
340+ verified reviews. 4.8 stars. Twenty years.
Transparent pricing, fixed in writing.
Every Dentarma implant package is all-inclusive — covering the implant, abutment, final crown, hotel accommodation, VIP transfers, all medications, and UK aftercare. The price you’re quoted is the price you pay.
Everything else you might want to know.
Are dental implants painful?
Implant placement is performed under local anaesthesia, so the surgery itself is painless. Most patients describe post-operative discomfort as significantly less than expected — comparable to a routine tooth extraction. Prescribed painkillers handle the first 2–3 days, and most patients return to normal activity within a week.
How long do dental implants last?
A correctly placed and well-maintained Straumann Neodent® implant is designed to last a lifetime. Long-term studies show survival rates above 95% at 10 years and above 90% at 20 years. The crown attached to the implant typically lasts 15–25 years before potentially needing replacement, which is why we offer a 10-year crown warranty.
Am I too old for dental implants?
There is no upper age limit for dental implants. We routinely treat patients in their 70s and 80s. The deciding factors are general health and bone quality — not age. Many older patients are excellent candidates because they have stable medical conditions and clear motivations for treatment.
Can I have implants if I smoke?
You can — but smoking significantly reduces success rates. We strongly recommend stopping at least 2 weeks before surgery and ideally throughout the 3–6 month healing period. Patients who continue smoking heavily during osseointegration have substantially higher failure rates. We will treat smokers, but we’ll have an honest conversation about the risk reduction first.
What if my body rejects the implant?
True “rejection” is extremely rare — titanium is biocompatible and does not trigger immune reactions. What can happen (in 1–2% of cases) is failed osseointegration, where the bone doesn’t grow properly onto the implant. If this occurs with a Dentarma implant, we replace it free of charge under our lifetime guarantee.
Can I eat normally with All-on-4?
From start to finish, dental implant treatment typically takes 4–6 months. However, only 10–14 days of that time are spent in Antalya — split across two visits of 5–7 days each. The 3–6 month gap between visits is the bone healing period (osseointegration), during which you wear comfortable temporary teeth at home in the UK.
How long does the whole implant process take?
We recommend staying in Antalya for at least 5–7 days after surgery to attend your post-op check-up appointments, ensure healing is going well, and address any minor adjustments needed for your temporary teeth. Flying within 48 hours of surgery is not advised — but flying after day 5–7 is completely safe.
Can I fly home immediately after surgery?
For the first 3–7 days after surgery: soft foods only — soups, smoothies, mashed potato, scrambled eggs, yogurt, soft fish. After 1 week: gradually introduce normal foods, avoiding hard or chewy items near the implant site. After 4–6 weeks: completely normal eating. After your final crowns are fitted (visit 2): you can eat anything.
What can I eat after implant surgery?
For the first 3–7 days after surgery: soft foods only — soups, smoothies, mashed potato, scrambled eggs, yogurt, soft fish. After 1 week: gradually introduce normal foods, avoiding hard or chewy items near the implant site. After 4–6 weeks: completely normal eating. After your final crowns are fitted (visit 2): you can eat anything.
Will my insurance cover dental implants?
UK NHS does not cover dental implants except in very specific medical circumstances (e.g. cancer reconstruction). UK private dental insurance occasionally covers part of the cost — check your specific policy. Treatment in Turkey at Dentarma will not be reimbursed by NHS or most UK private insurance, so plan to self-fund — the substantial price difference vs UK private clinics typically makes this straightforward.
What if I need bone grafting or sinus lift?
If your case requires bone grafting or sinus lift, it will be identified from your X-ray during free consultation and itemised transparently in your written quote before you commit. Both procedures are routinely performed at Dentarma. They add approximately 3–6 months to total treatment time and additional cost (always quoted upfront, never as a surprise on arrival).
Are Turkey implants the same quality as UK implants?
When the implant is from a premium brand (Straumann, Straumann Neodent, Nobel Biocare), placed by a qualified surgeon, in a properly equipped clinic — yes, identically. The implant in your jaw is the same physical product available to a top London Harley Street clinic. The price difference reflects operating costs in Antalya — clinic rent, staff salaries, taxation — not material or clinical quality.
What happens at the UK aftercare appointment?
UK aftercare appointments at our partner clinics in Glasgow, Surrey, or North Croydon include: routine check-up of healing and integration, oral hygiene assessment, bite adjustments if needed, treatment of any peri-implant inflammation, and triage of any concerns. Major restorative work or implant repairs are performed at our Antalya clinic under your warranty (we cover flights and hotel for warranty-related return visits).
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. For larger treatments, we can split full-mouth payments across your two visits. We accept GBP, EUR and USD payments via bank transfer, all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx), or cash. We do not currently offer formal financing or interest-bearing payment plans, but we do work with patients on payment timing flexibility for full-mouth cases.
What's your implant success rate?
Dentarma’s implant success rate is consistently above 98% at the 5-year mark, in line with the highest published peer-reviewed standards in implantology. This reflects: premium implant brands (Straumann Neodent), 3D CBCT planning for every case, surgical placement by a single specialist surgeon (Prof. Dr. Şeker, 30,000+ implants), and structured aftercare via our UK partner network.
What happens if my implant fails years later?
If a Straumann Neodent® implant placed at Dentarma fails at any point in the future due to biomaterial or surgical issues, we replace the implant free of charge under our lifetime guarantee. We cover the cost of replacement implant, surgery, new crown, and the flights and hotel for the return visit to Antalya. Failures due to poor patient maintenance or external trauma are not covered.
Send us your X-ray. Get a written quote in 24 hours.
The fastest way to know what implant treatment will cost — and whether you’re a candidate — is to send us a panoramic X-ray. We respond personally within 24 hours, and most messages get a reply within an hour.
