Dr Nik Vourakis, a top implant surgeon at the One-To-One Dental Clinic on Harley Street, is being inundated with patients suffering painful complications from overseas dental procedures.
They are being left in agony:
- Unable to eat anything but soup
- Left with only a handful of teeth
- Facing years of corrective treatment
“Just last week alone, the clinic saw four new cases of botched implants performed abroad,” says Dr Nik.
“Patients are coming in unable to eat solid foods. The damage is often extensive, and the road to recovery can take years.”
He is seeing the trend in patients aged 35-70, who are primarily driven by the appeal of low-cost cosmetic dentistry in countries like Turkey.
Implants there can cost as little as £400–£850 per tooth, in comparison to £1,500–£2,500 or more in the UK.
However, these short-term savings can come at a long-term cost. In some cases, patients may end up paying £40,000 or more to correct severe complications.
One 38-year-old woman returned from Turkey with only four teeth after her implants were incorrectly placed.
“The ceramic borders were visibly misaligned, and screws were causing her a stabbing pain every time she tries to eat,” explained Dr Nik.
“She’ll now face two years of corrective treatment, with bone grafts and multiple surgeries. She’s currently only able to eat soup.”
Most cases occur after patients abroad are misdiagnosed and their treatment not executed properly.
The root of the problem, Nik points out, is the lack of planning and diagnostics overseas:
“Modern dentistry requires precision and time. I can spend more time planning a procedure than actually performing it. With digital mouth scans and facial mapping, we create a full avatar of the patient to predict and perfect outcomes.
“It’s like buying a Rolls Royce for £1,000. It’s a gamble, and sadly, too many patients are losing.”
Consequences are also impacting the NHS, which is struggling, or won’t accommodate patients who can’t afford private corrective treatment.
“We’re seeing 10–15 new failed Turkey teeth cases every year, many of whom thought they were saving money but end up paying with their dental health.
He is calling on anyone considering dental tourism to think beyond the initial price tag.
He said:“In the UK, you have follow-ups, checks, and accountability. Overseas, it’s often one trip, one shot—and no safety net.”
“Make sure you pick the right professionals to do the job for you – otherwise you may risk your health as well as an empty wallet.”