The full-arch journey, step by step
Most full-arch treatment happens over two trips, a few months apart. Knowing what happens on each makes the whole thing far less daunting.
Medically reviewed by Dt. Hüseyin Yavuz Özbek, implant surgeon · Updated October 2026First, you send an X-ray and receive a written plan and price. On the first trip you have a 3D scan, any remaining teeth that can't be saved are removed, the implants are placed and temporary teeth are usually fitted. You then heal at home for around four months. On the second trip your final bridge is made, fitted and adjusted.
Before you book
Everything starts with a recent panoramic X-ray. With it, a clinic can tell you whether full-arch treatment looks possible and give you a written plan. Before you book anything, you should have in writing:
- the number of implants per jaw, and the implant brand
- which teeth will be removed, and why
- what temporary teeth you'll have between trips
- the final teeth material
- the total price, the number of trips and days, and the guarantee
The UK government's travel advice for Turkey recommends discussing plans with your UK dentist first, and not relying only on information from companies with a financial interest. That includes us.
The first trip
- Consultation and 3D scan. Your medical history, medicines and smoking are discussed. The scan shows your bone in detail.
- Final plan confirmed. If the scan changes anything, you should be told, in writing, before treatment.
- Extractions and implants, usually on the same day, under local anaesthetic.
- Temporary teeth. Often a fixed temporary bridge within a day or two, if the implants are firm enough.
- Check-up before you fly. The clinic checks healing and the fit of your temporary teeth.
The months in between
The Oral Health Foundation says implants usually take around four months to heal and bond with the bone. Sometimes longer, for example after a graft. During this time:
- stick to softer foods with your temporary teeth
- keep the area very clean, as shown by your clinic
- avoid smoking, which slows healing
- stay in touch with your clinic if anything feels wrong
The second trip
Your final bridge is made from new scans and impressions. Expect several appointments over a few days: a try-in, adjustments to the look and bite, then the final fit. Before you leave, collect:
- your implant passport: brand, system, size and position of each implant
- copies of your X-rays and scans
- your guarantee in writing, and cleaning instructions
Back home
Register with a UK dentist and hygienist for regular check-ups, and give them your implant details. Read living with fixed teeth.
At Precious Dental you receive a written plan and price before you book, and leave with your implant passport and copies of your X-rays and scans. Ask us anything →
Common questions
Will I have teeth when I fly home after the first trip?
Usually yes. Where the implants are held firmly enough, a fixed temporary bridge is fitted. If not, you may wear a temporary denture while the implants heal. Ask before you book which you're likely to have.
How long will each trip be?
It depends on your plan, so get the number of days for each trip in writing before booking flights. The NHS advises staying long enough to recover before travelling home.
What can I eat with temporary teeth?
Soft foods at first. Temporary bridges are usually acrylic and not as strong as the final teeth, so avoid very hard or sticky foods until your dentist says otherwise.
Do I need a visa?
The UK government says British citizen passport holders can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, with a passport valid for at least 150 days after arrival. Check the latest advice before travelling.
Sources
- Oral Health Foundation — Understanding dental implants (healing time)
- NHS — Treatment abroad checklist
- GOV.UK — Turkey travel advice: entry requirements
- GOV.UK — Turkey travel advice: health (medical tourism)
Checked October 2026. Where we give our own view as a clinic, we say so.
Questions about your own mouth?
Tell us what you're considering. A real person replies, in plain English, and will tell you honestly if full-arch treatment isn't the right step.