When a third trip is needed
Two trips is the usual pattern for All-on-6 abroad, but not a law of nature. A minority of patients need a third visit. Knowing the common reasons, and agreeing in advance who pays for what, makes it far less stressful if it happens to you.
Medically reviewed by Dt. Hüseyin Yavuz Özbek, implant surgeon · Updated October 2026A third trip is usually needed for one of four reasons: a bone graft or sinus lift that has to heal before the next stage, fixed temporary teeth that had to be delayed, an implant that did not integrate and needs replacing, or a problem with the bridge that needs the lab. Ask before you book what the clinic's guarantee covers if an extra visit is clinically necessary, including whether it pays for treatment, hotel or flights.
Most information about All-on-6 in Turkey talks about two trips, and for most patients that is what happens. But medicine does not always fit a brochure. A careful clinic will tell you in advance what could make a third trip necessary, and what it would cost you. This article sets out the usual reasons, so you can ask the right questions before booking.
The four common reasons
| Reason | What happens | Planned or unplanned? |
|---|---|---|
| Staged bone grafting | A graft or sinus lift heals first; implants or final teeth follow later | Usually known after the scan on trip one |
| Delayed temporary teeth | Implants were not stable enough to load; a fixed temporary bridge is fitted on an extra visit | Decided on surgery day |
| An implant that does not integrate | The implant is removed and replaced after healing | Unplanned |
| Problems with the bridge | Fit, bite or a fracture needs lab work that cannot be done in a few days | Unplanned |
Staged grafting
When the 3D scan shows very little bone in an area, especially under the sinus in the upper jaw, the surgeon may prefer to build up the bone first and place implants later. That adds a stage: the graft matures at home for several months before implants can go in. In those cases a third trip is part of the plan from the start, and should be priced and explained as such. See when a graft changes the plan.
Delayed temporary teeth
If the implants were not stable enough for a fixed temporary bridge, you may go home with a removable denture. Some clinics fit fixed temporary teeth on an extra short visit; others wait and fit the final bridge on the second trip. Ask which approach your clinic uses. See when same-day teeth are not possible.
An implant that does not integrate
Occasionally an implant does not bond with the bone. It may feel loose, sore or simply show no integration on an X-ray before the second trip. The usual approach is to remove it, let the site heal and place a new one. In All-on-6, the presence of six implants means the bridge can often still be supported by the others while this is sorted out, which is one of the practical advantages of six over four. Depending on timing, the replacement implant may be placed on the second trip, with the final bridge made later, or on an extra visit.
Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, infection and heavy biting forces during healing all raise the risk. That is why the soft-food and cleaning instructions matter so much.
Problems with the bridge
The final bridge is made by a dental laboratory to fit the implants precisely. Usually it fits on the planned visit with only small adjustments. Sometimes a try-in reveals a fit, bite or appearance problem that needs the lab to remake part of it, and the clinic may suggest you go home and return when it is ready rather than extend your stay. Years later, a fracture or worn teeth may also need lab work. Our guide to approving your final teeth covers what to check during the try-in so that problems are caught early.
Who pays for the extra trip?
This is the question to settle before you book, in writing:
- Planned stages, such as staged grafting, should be included in your written plan and price from the start.
- Treatment of complications, such as replacing a failed implant, is often covered by the clinic's guarantee. Read the conditions: many require you to follow aftercare advice and attend check-ups.
- Flights are usually your responsibility, even when treatment is covered. Some clinics contribute in specific circumstances; ask.
- Hotel and transfers may or may not be included for unplanned visits. Ask.
The NHS treatment abroad checklist encourages patients to find out what happens if something goes wrong and what follow-up care is included before agreeing to treatment. A clinic that answers these questions clearly before you pay is a good sign.
How the clinic decides an extra visit is needed
An unplanned third trip should never be suggested casually over WhatsApp. Before the clinic asks you to travel, it should have evidence: photos of the area, a description of the symptoms, and ideally an X-ray taken in the UK showing what is happening around the implant. It should explain the problem, what it proposes to do, how long you would need to stay and what you would pay, in writing. If a local dentist has examined you, a short letter from them helps both sides agree on the next step.
Equally, if you think something is wrong and the clinic is reluctant to see you, keep a written record of your messages and photos, and get an independent opinion from a UK dentist. Most problems are resolved quickly when both sides have the same information.
Making a third trip easier
If an extra visit does become necessary, it is usually shorter than the first two. Ask how many days the clinic needs, whether you can combine it with a scheduled check-up, and whether the hotel and transfers are arranged as before. Bring the implant passport, your aftercare notes and any X-rays from home. Travelling at a quieter time of year can make flights cheaper and the trip calmer.
Could a UK dentist do it instead?
Some issues can be handled in the UK: a loose screw, a minor adjustment, treatment of inflamed gums. A UK dentist may be willing to help, but they will want your records, the implant brand and component details, and confidence about who is responsible for the work. For implant replacement or major bridge work, most people return to the clinic that did the treatment. Our page on aftercare back in the UK explains how to arrange local support.
Reducing the odds
- Stop smoking well before surgery and stay stopped. See stopping smoking.
- Get diabetes and blood pressure well controlled first. See health checks before surgery.
- Stick to soft food during healing, even when you feel fine.
- Clean under the bridge every day.
- Report anything loose, painful or broken straight away; early problems are easier to fix.
- Check the fit, bite and look of the final teeth carefully before they are fixed.
Planning your life around the possibility
You do not need to plan for a third trip, but you can leave room for one. Keep some annual leave in reserve, avoid booking non-refundable holidays during the treatment year, and keep a small contingency in your budget for flights. If a third trip never happens, that leave and money are simply yours to enjoy.
At Precious Dental implants with their abutments carry a lifetime guarantee, and crowns and bridges five years, on the conditions set out on our guarantee page. Ask us to explain how an extra visit would work in your case before you book.
In summary
A third trip is uncommon but possible. It is usually either a planned stage after grafting or a response to a healing problem. The best protection is a written plan that covers it, a guarantee you have actually read, and travel arrangements with a little give in them. Read our page on if something goes wrong for the steps to take if you think there is a problem.
Common questions
How common is a third trip for All-on-6?
Most patients complete All-on-6 in two trips. Extra visits are usually linked to grafting, delayed loading or, less often, a complication such as an implant that does not integrate.
Who pays for a third trip?
It depends on the reason and the clinic's terms. A planned extra stage (for example after a large graft) is usually part of the treatment plan. An extra visit to fix a problem may be covered by the guarantee, but flights are often not. Get the terms in writing.
Can a UK dentist do the work instead?
Some problems can be handled locally, with the clinic's agreement and records. Implant replacement or major bridge work is usually done by the clinic that placed the implants.
What if an implant fails before the second trip?
The surgeon usually removes it, lets the area heal and places a new implant, sometimes on the second trip. With six implants per jaw, the bridge can often still be supported while that happens.
How can I reduce the chance of a third trip?
Stop smoking, keep diabetes well controlled, follow the soft-food and cleaning advice, and tell the clinic early if anything feels loose or painful.
Sources
- Oral Health Foundation: dental implants
- NHS: treatment abroad checklist (guarantees and follow-up)
- General Dental Council: going abroad for dental treatment
- British Society of Periodontology: patient FAQs about dental implants
Checked October 2026. Where we give our own view as a clinic, we say so.
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