The risks, with the numbers

Peri-implantitis: the main long-term risk

The British Society of Periodontology has summarised a review by the AO and AAP specialist societies covering more than 13,000 patients:

These figures count patients, not individual implants. The strongest risk factors for peri-implantitis were past gum disease, diabetes and smoking; age and sex showed no consistent effect. The studies defined the disease in different ways, so treat the numbers as approximate.

Other things that can go wrong

• Early implant failure: an implant does not fuse with the bone. It is taken out and replaced later.
• After surgery: swelling, bruising and bleeding; less often infection or temporary numbness.
• Mechanical problems: a loose screw, a chipped tooth or, rarely, a fractured bridge.
• Gradual bone loss around the implants over the years. In studies it was smaller with six implants than with four (see chapter 2).

Travelling for treatment

The UK government's travel advice for Turkey says the standard of medical facilities varies widely, that some British nationals have had complications needing further treatment, and that private companies have a financial interest in booking you, so their material should not be your only source. It also points to the Ministry of Health's HealthTürkiye site, which lists approved providers. Precious Dental is on that list. Ask any clinic, including us:

• Is the clinic licensed by the Ministry of Health, and where can I check that?
• Who will operate on me, and what is their training?
• Which implant brand will be used, and will I get an implant passport?
• What is guaranteed in writing, and what happens if a problem appears once I am home?

Five ways to lower your risk

1. Stop smoking, or cut down hard, especially around the time of surgery.
2. Get diabetes well controlled before treatment.
3. Clean under the bridge every day with interdental brushes.
4. Keep regular check-ups and professional cleans.
5. Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.

Questions readers ask

What if an implant does not take?

It is removed and, once the area has healed, placed again. At Precious Dental the implant and abutment carry a lifetime guarantee: we replace a failed implant once, free of charge.

How would I spot peri-implantitis?

The Oral Health Foundation lists red, sore or swollen gums, bleeding around the implant, inflammation and, at worst, a loose or lost implant. See a dentist early.

Can the bridge break?

It can, particularly in people who grind their teeth hard. Zirconia is very strong, and a night guard may be advised. Our crowns and bridges carry a 5-year guarantee.

Is it riskier to have this done in Türkiye?

The risk depends on the clinic more than the country. The UK government notes that standards vary widely and that some British nationals have needed further treatment after procedures in Turkey, so do your own research and check any clinic, including us.

Sources

1. British Society of Periodontology: summary of the AO/AAP review of peri-implant disease
2. Oral Health Foundation: Understanding dental implants (peri-implantitis)
3. GOV.UK: Turkey travel advice, health (medical tourism)
4. HealthTürkiye: Precious Dental listing (Ministry of Health portal)
5. Precious Dental: guarantee terms

Checked in October 2026. Where we give our own view as a clinic, we say so.