Aftercare and what happens if something goes wrong
Typical recovery by treatment, how follow-up works once you are home, and the steps to take if something does not feel right.
Quick answer
After dental treatment in Antalya, you get written aftercare instructions, check-ups before flying home and remote reviews by WhatsApp once you are back. If something feels wrong, send photos and describe your symptoms; the treating dentist advises on next steps. Any warranty is set in writing by the treating partner clinic, so ask for its terms before treatment.
Last reviewed: · Health Talia Editorial Team
What does aftercare typically involve for each treatment?
Dental implants
Swelling and tenderness usually peak in the first two to three days. Soft food, no smoking and careful cleaning help healing. The bone then needs a few months to bond with the implant before the final crown is fitted, usually on a second trip.
All-on-4 / All-on-6
A fixed temporary bridge is often fitted within days if the implants are stable enough. A soft diet is usually needed for several weeks. The final bridge follows after healing, typically a few months later.
Crowns, veneers and Hollywood Smile
Some sensitivity and a period of getting used to the new bite are common. Floss or use interdental brushes daily; if you grind your teeth, a night guard protects the work.
Root canal treatment
The tooth may feel tender for a few days. A crown is often recommended afterwards to protect it, and a check x-ray may be advised later.
Teeth whitening
Temporary sensitivity for a day or two is common. Avoiding strongly coloured food and drink for the first couple of days helps the result settle.
Extractions and bone grafts
Protect the blood clot: avoid rinsing hard, smoking and drinking through a straw for the first days. After a sinus lift, avoid blowing your nose and follow the flying advice you are given.
This is general information. Always follow the written instructions from your treating dentist, which are specific to you.
What is a typical follow-up schedule?
- 1
Before you fly home
Final check of fit, bite and healing, written aftercare instructions, and copies of your records and x-rays.
- 2
First one to two weeks
Watch how healing progresses. Send photos on WhatsApp if anything worries you. Stitches either dissolve or are removed as planned.
- 3
Around one month
A remote review by WhatsApp to check how you are getting on, with photos if requested.
- 4
A few months later (implants)
Healing is checked and the second trip for the final crowns or bridge is planned.
- 5
Long term
Routine check-ups and hygiene visits with your local dentist at the intervals they recommend, plus any check-ups your warranty terms require.
Your actual schedule is set by the treating clinic and given to you in writing.
What should you do after returning home?
- Follow the written aftercare instructions and take medicines exactly as prescribed.
- Keep up careful daily cleaning, including between teeth and around implants.
- Wear a night guard if one was provided.
- Register with a local dentist and share your treatment records with them.
- Keep any check-ups that your warranty terms require, and keep proof that you attended.
- Contact us promptly if you notice swelling that increases after the third day, fever, pus or a bad taste, bleeding that will not stop, numbness that does not fade, a loose implant, crown or veneer, or a bite that feels wrong.
Urgent problems in the UK: the NHS advises contacting a dentist or NHS 111 for urgent dental care, and going to A&E or calling 999 for severe swelling that affects breathing, heavy bleeding that will not stop or serious injury. Elsewhere, use your local emergency services.
How do remote reviews by WhatsApp work?
- 1
Send photos and a short description
Take clear photos in good light, with a short video if useful. Say what you feel, since when, and whether it is getting better or worse.
- 2
Your message reaches the treating dentist
A coordinator logs your message and passes it, with your records, to the dentist who treated you.
- 3
The dentist replies with advice
Replies come during clinic working hours, Turkey time (GMT+3). The dentist may ask for more photos or a local x-ray.
- 4
A clear next step
This may be reassurance and home care, a visit to a local dentist with your records, or a return appointment in the clinic.
Photos cannot replace an examination, and a dentist abroad usually cannot issue a prescription that is valid in your country. WhatsApp is not an emergency service.
What happens if something goes wrong?
- 1
Get urgent care first if you need it
For severe pain, swelling or bleeding, use local urgent services. Keep reports, x-rays and receipts.
- 2
Tell us as soon as possible
Send photos, a short timeline and any local reports on WhatsApp. Early contact makes problems easier to solve.
- 3
Clinical assessment
The treating dentist reviews the information and may ask for a local examination or x-ray.
- 4
An agreed plan
Options may include an adjustment, repair or replacement at the clinic, or treatment by a local dentist. Who pays for what depends on the cause and the clinic’s written warranty terms.
- 5
If you are still not satisfied
Use the clinic’s written complaints process; you can also raise concerns with the Turkish Ministry of Health. The UK GDC can only act on dentists on its UK register.
How do warranty terms work?
Health Talia does not set, offer or promise a warranty. Any warranty is set by the treating partner clinic and should be given to you in writing before treatment. Terms differ by clinic and treatment, so read them before you commit.
- What exactly is covered: materials, workmanship, or both?
- For how long, and does cover differ between implants, crowns and veneers?
- What conditions apply, such as check-ups, hygiene visits, a night guard or not smoking?
- What is excluded, such as accidents or work later done by another dentist?
- If remedial work is needed, who pays for flights, hotel and treatment?
- How do you make a claim, and what evidence is needed?
The GDC suggests asking whether work is guaranteed and who pays for extra flights, hotel and remedial work before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
How long does swelling last after dental implants?
Swelling usually peaks around the second or third day and settles over about a week. Swelling that increases after the third day, fever or pus should be reported promptly.
Can I fly after dental surgery?
Most people fly home after the final check. After certain procedures, such as a sinus lift, the dentist may advise waiting longer. Ask before you book your return flight.
What should I do if a crown or veneer comes loose at home?
Keep it safe, do not glue it back with household adhesive, and send us photos on WhatsApp. A local dentist can often recement it temporarily; the treating dentist advises on the permanent solution.
Is there a warranty on my treatment?
Any warranty is set in writing by the treating partner clinic, not by Health Talia, and terms differ by clinic and treatment. Ask for the written terms before treatment; we do not promise a specific warranty.
Who pays for flights if I need remedial work?
It depends on the cause and on the clinic’s written warranty terms. The GDC recommends asking this before you commit, so you know exactly what to expect.
Can my local dentist do my follow-up check-ups?
Yes, for routine check-ups and hygiene. Share your records, including x-rays and implant details. Keep any check-ups your warranty requires.
How quickly will I get a reply on WhatsApp?
Coordinators aim to reply promptly during working hours, Turkey time (GMT+3), and clinical questions go to the treating dentist. WhatsApp is not an emergency service; for urgent problems, use local services first.
What if I am unhappy with how my teeth look?
Raise it as early as possible, ideally at the try-in stage before the final fit, when shape and shade can still be changed. After you are home, send photos; options depend on the clinical assessment and the written terms.
Official sources
We link to official guidance so you can check it yourself.
- NHS: How to find an emergency or urgent NHS dentist appointment (opens in a new tab)
- NHS: Going abroad for medical treatment (opens in a new tab)
- NHS: Treatment abroad checklist (opens in a new tab)
- General Dental Council (GDC): Going abroad for dental treatment (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK (FCDO): Medical emergencies, treatment and hospitalisation abroad (opens in a new tab)
General information only, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A dentist confirms what is suitable for you after an examination.
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