One way to get high-quality dental work at much lower prices is to visit a dentist in Istanbul. With savings of up to 70% at dental clinics in Istanbul, it's no wonder so many dental tourists flock to the city each year.
In this guide, we cover some common questions like:
- What does dental work in Istanbul cost?
- How do I choose a dental clinic in Istanbul?
- How do I know my dentist is operating legitimately?
- Where should I stay?
- What's the best way to research and plan my trip?
Keep reading to find out more about getting dental work in Istanbul.
Table of contents
Dentist in Istanbul prices
Chances are the reason you're researching going abroad to see a dentist in Istanbul, Turkey is to save money. Private dentistry costs in the US have risen to levels that are out of many people's budgets, but in countries like Turkey, dentistry is comparatively affordable.
The table below gives an idea of typical prices for a dentist in Istanbul:
Procedure | Approx Istanbul dentist price |
Single tooth implant | $600 - $1100 |
All-on-4 implants | From $5,000 per jaw |
Sinus lift | $300 - $700 |
Porcelain veneer | $200 - $500 |
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crown | $100 - $400 |
Laser teeth whitening | $100 - $500 |
Root canal | $50 - $300 |
If you need extensive dental work or an expensive procedure, these costs for dental work in Istanbul make it possible to pay for flights, accommodation, travel expenses, and your treatment, and still save money compared to visiting a dentist back home. Getting dental implants in Istanbul could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars!
If those dentists in Istanbul prices have inspired you, one of the next steps is to find a dental clinic in Istanbul.
With all of the options available, that can be a daunting task, but the Medical Tourism Corporation can help. They have years of experience facilitating communication between patients and quality clinics abroad. To get started with a free quote, just fill in your details below.
Why are Istanbul dentist prices so low?
The low cost of dental work in Istanbul is mainly due to the reduced cost of living and the weaker economy – not because of lax standards or old equipment. Dentists who advertise their services to foreigners know how important it is to maintain state-of-the-art facilities and excellent hygiene standards. One bad review and their business can suffer terribly.
Strong competition between dental clinics also helps keep prices low and standards high. However, you can't take it for granted that a particular clinic meets international standards. It's important to do as much research as possible before making a decision.
Finding the best dentist in Istanbul
If you go to a dentist in Istanbul, Turkey, you'll be a part of an industry with a growth rate of 22.6 percent per year. In 2017, more than one million people traveled to Turkey for medical treatment including dental work.
And thanks to the growth of this industry, there are a lot of dental clinics in Istanbul for you to choose between. Fortunately, your decision should be made easier by the fact that not all of them advertise their services to an English-speaking market.
Still, as you begin researching the best dentist in Istanbul for your needs, you may feel quite overwhelmed by the choice. You can begin by searching for a dentist who specializes in the work you need. For example, an implantologist for dental implants, an endodontist for root canal work, and a prosthodontist for crowns and veneers.
If you need several different procedures, you may benefit from visiting a larger clinic with several specialists on-site. This can make the experience faster and more streamlined for you, with fewer appointments needed.
Here are some questions you can ask your clinic as you do your research and narrow down your options:
- How much experience does the dentist have with the procedure(s) I need?
- Can I see some photos of past patients who have had the same work done? (Especially important for cosmetic dentistry.)
- What is included in the treatment fee and are there any extra costs?
- Does the dentist speak good English? (It's a good idea to ask to speak to them directly to judge this for yourself.)
- What guarantees does the work come with?
- What would happen if I experienced complications after returning home?
You can view our main article on dental tourism for more useful information and advice when it comes to choosing a dentist.
Standards of Istanbul dentists
Dentists in Istanbul go through five years of training at one of the country's official schools of dentistry. Once they get their Bachelor's in Dental Science, then they can specialize with five years of further study in prosthodontics or orthodontics.
For American Dentistry Association standards, this training is not seen as equal to the training that US dentists receive, and so to be able to practice dentistry in the US, Istanbul dentists would also need to complete an advanced standing program in the US — and this would give them a limited license.
This advanced training is not required to perform prosthodontic or orthodontic treatment in Istanbul, but some dentists may have it, and it would be best to go to them for this kind of treatment.
The Turkish Ministry of Health (Sağlık Bakanlığı) regulates dental education and legislation and practicing dentists must have approved qualifications.
They also have to be registered with the Turkish Dental Association (TDB), and if they are performing cosmetic dentistry, they can show they are committed to staying up-to-date by becoming members of the Turkish Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (EDAD).
Also ask about your dentist's continuing education. Again not mandatory, but the best dentists in Istanbul should care about maintaining current industry knowledge and expertise.
The Medical Tourism Corporation can help you find a dentist with the top qualifications in their field.
Preparing to visit a dentist in Istanbul
Once you have decided on a dentist to carry out your treatment there are some other things to consider.
Practicalities
Istanbul is a large city, home to some 14 million people, and one of the few in the world that spans two continents. The European side on the east and the Asian side on the west are separated by the Bosphorus strait.
You can get around the city either by taxi or public transport. The latter is often more efficient because of the amount of traffic on the roads. There is an integrated system of metro, tram and funicular lines, as well as buses and ferries.
If you plan to travel a lot on the public transport system, pick up an Istanbulkart top-up card which gives you discounted rates.
Istanbul is well geared up to receive tourists; in fact it's Europe's third most visited city behind London and Paris. You won't have to venture far from the main tourist areas to find plenty of dental clinics catering to foreign patients.
Have you thought about taking a friend or family member with you on your Istanbul dental trip? Even if you're used to traveling, it can be reassuring to have a familiar face around. Plus, if you're having major work like dental implants, you might appreciate the extra help during your recovery.
Accommodation
Because of the size of the city, it's sensible to choose accommodation close to your clinic. This will minimize your travel time – something you'll appreciate when you're done with your treatment for the day.
Some of the larger clinics have accommodation on-site or provide rooms at a nearby hotel for their patients (those who spend enough, at least). Even if your dentist doesn't offer accommodation, they should be able to recommend a place to stay near the clinic. Ask whether they provide transport to and from the clinic each day, as this removes the hassle of making your own way there.
There is a wide range of accommodation available in Istanbul. A budget hostel might set you back $20-$25 per night while you can get a 4-star hotel room for under $70 per night. But of course, your choice may be limited by your location.
Currency and payments
The local currency is Turkish lira. Clinics usually accept payment by cash or card, and some might take alternative payment methods such as PayPal. They may also allow you to pay in a different currency such as pounds, euros or dollars – but you should ask about this rather than assume.
Paying in your local currency may mean you avoid foreign transaction fees on your credit card, but be aware that the clinic often sets the exchange rate in their favor. They may also apply a separate credit card fee. You'll need to ask about your options and then calculate which works out cheaper for you taking all fees into account.
Be sure to carry some lira with you to pay for taxi rides, food, and smaller shopping purchases.
A dental holiday in Istanbul
If you take a dental trip to Istanbul and only visit the dentist, you're missing out on ancient architecture, picturesque river cruises, and getting a massage in a traditional Turkish hamam. This is some of what makes Istanbul the most popular city in Turkey for Americans to visit.
As well as its many cultural attractions, Istanbul is famed for its shopping. The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world and has over 4,000 shops selling everything from spices and dried fruits to lanterns and jewellery.
Simply put, Istanbul is a great place to get your teeth done if you want the chance to explore a new city while you're away.
If you'd prefer to spend some time on the coast, there are plenty of other locations for dental work in Turkey that cater to dental tourists. You might also consider getting dental work in Spain.
If you want help planning your trip to visit a dentist in Istanbul, you can count on the Medical Tourism Corporation. They help countless patients from the US find reputable dental clinics abroad every year. Just fill in your details below to get started.
Istanbul dentist reviews
As you research the best dentist in Istanbul for the treatment you need, it's a good idea to check some reviews from former patients. Not only will they show you what certain dental clinics are like; you'll also get some valuable information to help you plan for your trip.
Blogger Claus, for instance, needed four root canals and crowns. His review describes how he chose a clinic, what the treatment was like, and his experience staying in a less touristy area of the city.
This video documents another patient's experience getting veneers in Istanbul. He decided to get the treatment while he was there for a hair transplant. He was impressed with the dentist's willingness to listen to him and make the veneers exactly how he wanted, and his dentist back home in Canada said the work was done to a high standard.
We have compiled more reviews of dentists in Turkey here.
Conclusion
Istanbul is one of the world's most visited cities with the added benefit of affordable dentistry. If you want to save money on your dental treatment and enjoy a city break at the same time, Istanbul could be the place for you.
As with any dental holiday, it's important to thoroughly research your choice of dentist so you can be sure you're making the right choice.
As well as researching your choice of dentist and clinic, you should also be familiar with the procedure you're having. Getting dental implants, for example, usually requires multiple visits and you may need additional surgery like a sinus lift.
Ready to get started planning your trip? Fill in your info below:
FAQs
How much does it cost to get your teeth done in Istanbul?
Getting your teeth done in Istanbul costs from $600 to $1,100 for an implant, $5,000 for a jaw of All-on-4 implants, $200 to $500 for a porcelain veneer, and $50 to $300 for a root canal.
Does Istanbul have good dentists?
Yes, Istanbul is home to many good dentists who have completed the required training in Turkey and are registered with the Turkish Dental Association, and some of whom have studied in the US as well.
Voices in Bioethics: The Expansion of Turkey's Medical Tourism Industry. Consulted 22nd March 2023.
Mastercard: Mastercard Destination Cities Index. Consulted 22nd March 2023.
Forbes: Turkey's Tourism Numbers Surge; New Michelin Guide Announced. Consulted 22nd March 2023.