A dentist’s warning about these trendy dental procedures: the consequences may take years to appear

Dentist Ömer Acar is sounding the alarm about the dangers of dental tourism. Countries like Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania have become key destinations for this growing trend, which Acar has criticized based on his own mother’s experience.

According to Ömer, “Tooth crowning in countries with a lower standard of living is a typical cosmetic procedure sought by people from wealthier nations.” The appeal lies in the significantly lower cost—procedures can be as little as a quarter of the price compared to countries like Finland.

Ömer told the story of Sultan, who, while on vacation in Turkey, decided to get veneers for cosmetic reasons, achieving a row of white, uniform teeth. Two years after the procedure, she began experiencing discomfort. Finnish dentists couldn’t identify the cause, but her son diagnosed her with irreversible pulpitis.

“This is one of the most unpleasant complications that can occur when teeth are excessively ground down for prosthetic treatment,” Ömer explained. The condition is linked to porcelain veneers that don’t fit properly, allowing bacteria to enter.

Bacterial Infiltration and Long-Term Risks

Ömer criticized the mass production and low-cost nature of these procedures. Veneers are often applied even when the patient’s teeth are healthy. Some complications may take years to appear or to be corrected.

He added, “If complications arise, the patient either seeks treatment in their home country or returns to the clinic where the procedure was done. In that case, the cost of dental care is no longer affordable.” In some countries, compensation for injuries abroad must be claimed through the patient’s insurance in the country where the treatment was offered.

Prefabricated Prosthetics and Short Recovery Times

Sultan eventually lost several front teeth and underwent another procedure in Turkey. Some of her healthy, asymptomatic teeth were also extracted and replaced with prefabricated titanium prosthetics. These dental tourism trips typically last about a week, compared to the 4 to 6 months typically needed for proper bone integration. As a result, dental crowns are often placed simultaneously with the implants.

Sultan experienced further complications after the second procedure because some implants were not properly secured. “When the root hasn’t had time to integrate with the bone properly, this is exactly what can happen,” Ömer said. “At this stage, the situation is often worse than before, with part of the jawbone missing, making it difficult to place new implants.”

Ömer ultimately took charge of his mother’s recovery. In total, she spent the equivalent of $21,000 on failed treatments in Turkey. As the dentist warns, the risks are high—timelines and materials often don’t suit the patient’s needs.

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