For patients in South Africa

All-on-4 in Turkey from South Africa: two trips, one fixed smile

All-on-4 replaces a full arch of teeth with a fixed bridge on four implants. For South African patients it is a commitment of two trips months apart, so the planning matters as much as the procedure. This page explains who it suits, what happens at each visit and how to look after the result at home.

What All-on-4 is

All-on-4 replaces a whole upper or lower arch of teeth with a fixed bridge held on four implants. The implants are placed at angles to make the most of the bone you have, which means many patients with some bone loss can avoid grafting, although some still need extra treatment. Unlike a denture, the bridge does not rest on the gums or move when you eat or speak.

Our main page on All-on-4 implants has more detail, and single-tooth options are covered in dental implants in Turkey.

Who it suits

It suits people who have lost most or all of their teeth in an arch, have failing teeth that need extracting, or struggle with loose dentures. A consultation and a digital scan are needed to confirm you are suitable. All-on-6 uses two more implants and is often chosen where there is enough bone; the dentist recommends one or the other based on your bone and goals.

Two trips, not one

Full-arch treatment is planned with digital imaging. At the first visit, any failing teeth are removed and the implants are placed under local anaesthetic or sedation, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Most patients can fly home after five to seven days.

Whether you leave with fixed teeth depends on your bone. Where possible a temporary fixed bridge is fitted soon after the implants go in; where the bone needs time, you may have to wait for it to heal, which generally takes at least three months. The permanent bridge is usually fitted about three to six months later, once the implants have joined the bone. That means a second trip to İzmir, so plan for two sets of flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town.

• Expect mild swelling and discomfort for a few days after surgery
• Follow a soft diet while the implants heal
• Plan soft meals for the journey home, including the ten-hour flight
• Book a return ticket you can change in case the dentist wants an extra check

Planning from South Africa

• Visa: South Africans need an e-Visa before travelling; see the e-Visa guide
• Time difference: İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa, which makes video check-ups between trips easy
• Records: take home your scans, X-rays and the implant system and sizes used, so a dentist at home knows exactly what is in your mouth
• Cover: South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective treatment abroad, so check with your scheme; standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment abroad

Living with the result

With good cleaning, regular check-ups and good general health the implants can last many years, though the bridge may need maintenance or replacement over time through normal wear. Find a dentist in South Africa for routine check-ups and cleaning, and tell them before you go. Under our treatment guarantee, implants are covered for one year from placement and the bridge for one year from fitting; damage caused by smoking or poor oral hygiene is excluded. The dentists are listed on clinic facts, and our complaints page explains how problems are handled.

What we will not do

We will not promise teeth on the day of surgery before the dentist has seen your scan, we will not recommend All-on-4 when keeping some of your own teeth is a sensible option, and we will not fit the permanent bridge before the implants have healed to suit a travel date.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I need to stay in Turkey for All-on-4?

Most patients fly home five to seven days after the implants are placed. The permanent bridge is fitted on a second trip, usually three to six months later.

Will I leave with fixed teeth?

That depends on your bone. Often a temporary fixed bridge is fitted soon after surgery, but if the bone needs to heal first you may have to wait, which generally takes at least three months.

Is All-on-4 painful?

The implants are placed under local anaesthetic or sedation, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Mild swelling and discomfort afterwards are normal and usually ease within a few days.

What is the difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6?

Both give you a full fixed arch of teeth. All-on-4 uses four implants, placed at angles to make the most of the bone you have, while All-on-6 uses six. The dentist recommends one based on your bone and goals.

Will my medical aid cover All-on-4 in Turkey?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective treatment abroad. Ask your scheme before you book, and check your travel insurance, which usually excludes planned treatment abroad.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.