From Toronto to Istanbul: How I Saved 80% on Dental Implants and Discovered a Magical City
A Canadian’s honest account of dental tourism in Turkey
The Problem: Canadian Dental Prices That Made My Wallet Cry
Hi there, I’m Malcolm Ironmonger from Canada, and like many of my fellow Canadians, I found myself facing a dental nightmare – not just the treatment itself, but the astronomical costs that come with it in our great nation.
After getting quotes from several dental clinics across Canada for the extensive implant work I needed, I was looking at bills that would have required me to take out a second mortgage. We’re talking about tens of thousands of dollars for what should be a basic healthcare need. As much as I love Canada, our dental care system leaves much to be desired when it comes to affordability.
That’s when I started exploring what many Canadians are quietly discovering: dental tourism.
The Research Marathon: Narrowing Down My Options
I spent months researching alternatives, diving deep into forums, reading testimonials, and comparing options. Initially, I cast a wide net, looking at various countries known for medical tourism. But after extensive research, two destinations kept rising to the top: Mexico and Turkey.
Both offered significant savings – we’re talking about 70-80% less than Canadian prices – but I needed to be absolutely certain about the quality and safety standards. This wasn’t just about saving money; this was about my health and well-being.
My Non-Negotiable Criteria
Before I even started getting quotes, I established my criteria – and I was ruthless about sticking to them:
- Canadian Patient References: This was my #1 requirement. I needed to speak with fellow Canadians who had actually undergone treatment at the clinic. As that is nearly impossible, I wanted to speak to the owner of the clinic.
- Modern Facilities: The clinic needed to meet or exceed Canadian standards.
- English-Speaking Staff: Clear communication was essential for such an important procedure.
- Comprehensive Care Package: Including airport transfers, accommodation assistance, and post-treatment support.
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or surprise costs. And I was very weary of clinic’s wanting a deposit up front to “secure the price or secure a discount.
The Clinic Hunt: Separating the Wheat from the Chaff
Using Google, ChatGPT, and various medical tourism platforms, I identified 5 promising clinics in each country. Then came the real test – reaching out to each one with my crucial question:
“Do you have Canadian patients who have been treated at your clinic? Can you provide references I can speak with directly?”
This is where things got interesting. Out of the 10 clinics I contacted, 9 gave me vague, evasive answers. They’d say things like “We have many international patients” or “We can provide general testimonials.” But that wasn’t good enough for me.
Then I contacted CLINIQUEPLUS in Istanbul.
The Game-Changer: Meeting Dicle and Getting Real References
Dicle from CLINIQUEPLUS didn’t hesitate for a second. Her response was refreshingly direct: “Absolutely! We’re so confident in our work that we actually ask our satisfied patients if they’d be willing to serve as references for future patients. Let me connect you with Dean Profaizer from Canada who had his treatment here last year.”
Within hours, I had ‘s contact information Dean Profaizer (with his prior consent, of course). This level of transparency immediately set CLINIQUEPLUS apart from every other clinic I’d contacted.
The Reference Call That Changed Everything
I reached out to Dean Profaizer with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I introduced myself, explained that I was considering CLINIQUEPLUS for dental treatment, and asked if he’d be willing to share his experience.
Not only was he happy to help, but he spent over an hour on the phone with me, answering every single question I threw at him:
- How was the pain management?
- Were there any complications?
- How did the quality compare to Canadian standards?
- What about the language barrier?
- How was the aftercare?
- Would he do it again?
- Any regrets or things he wished he’d known?
His honest, detailed answers gave me the confidence I needed. Here was a fellow Canadian who had walked this path before me and was genuinely satisfied with his results.
Planning the Journey: April 2025
After several planning calls with Camil, we scheduled my treatment for April 8th, 2025. The comprehensive package included:
- VIP airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation
- All dental procedures
- Post-treatment medications
- 24/7 support during my stay
- Follow-up care instructions
The total cost? Exactly 38% of what I would have paid in Canada, even including flights and accommodation.
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
Landing at Istanbul Airport on April 7th, I was immediately impressed by the level of service. A welcomer person was waiting with my name at the meeting point that was shared with me before arrival just as shown in the pick-up instruction video. The VIP transfer to my hotel was smooth and comfortable. The hotel they’d arranged was modern, clean, and 5-10 mins drive to the clinic.
That evening, I took a walk around the neighborhood, trying to calm my pre-procedure nerves. The bustling streets, the aroma of Turkish cuisine, and the friendly locals helped distract me from tomorrow’s appointment.
Day 2: The Big Day – April 8th, 2025
After a hearty Turkish buffet breakfast at the hotel, my driver arrived promptly for the transfer to CLINIQUEPLUS. The clinic was just minutes from my hotel, and when I walked through those doors, I was genuinely amazed.
This wasn’t just comparable to Canadian clinics – it was better than most I’d visited back home. The facility was ultramodern, spotlessly clean, and equipped with the latest technology. Every staff member I met spoke excellent English, and the atmosphere was professional yet welcoming.
Dt. Berre (my Dental Surgeon) walked me through the entire procedure step by step, showing me Panoramic Dental scans and explaining exactly what would happen. The level of care and attention to detail was remarkable.
The extraction and implant placement took about 3 hours. Thanks to modern anesthesia and the surgeon’s skill, I felt minimal discomfort during the procedure. Before I knew it, I was back in the VIP car heading to my hotel with a bag of prescribed and supplied medications and detailed aftercare instructions.
Recovery: Better Than Expected
That evening, I experienced some mild discomfort – exactly as had described. I took the prescribed pain medication and slept soundly through the night. When I woke up the next morning, I was amazed as the discomfort was quite minimal/tolerable.
After breakfast, I decided to explore Istanbul, and what a decision that was!
An Unexpected Love Affair with Istanbul
On this trip, I kept things simple – mostly relaxing, taking gentle walks, and even strolling to the local mall rather than packing my days with activities. Still, the energy of Turkey was impossible to ignore. It’s such an amazing country, rich in history and culture, and I’ve already planned and set aside time on my next visit to explore the historic sites and fully immerse myself in the incredible food scene – all with the confidence of my new smile!
Day 3: Final Check-Up
My final morning in Istanbul started with another delicious hotel breakfast before the VIP transfer back to CLINIQUEPLUS for my follow-up appointment.
The dental team thoroughly examined my healing progress, took X-rays, and confirmed that everything was proceeding perfectly. They provided me with detailed instructions for care over the next 6 months leading up to my return visit for the zirconium crowns.
As I prepared to leave, I realized this experience had exceeded my expectations in every possible way.
The Numbers: A Reality Check
Let me break down the financial aspect because I know that’s what many of you are wondering about:
Canadian Quote: $42,000 CAD Total
Turkey Total Cost (including treatment, flights, hotel, meals): $15,800 CAD
Savings: $26,200 CAD
The above is factoring in the second trip I’ll need to make in 6 months for the crown placement!!!
Looking Forward: Round Two
As I write this, I’m counting down the days until my second visit to Istanbul in October 2025 for the zirconium crown placement. I’m genuinely excited – not just for the completion of my treatment, but for another chance to explore this incredible city.
Paying It Forward: My Promise to Fellow Canadians
Just as helped me make this life-changing decision, I want to pay it forward. If you’re a Canadian considering dental treatment abroad and have questions about my experience, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
You can contact me upon request, and I’ll be happy to share more details about my experience, answer your questions, or even meet for coffee if you’re in the Toronto area.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Dental Tourism
What started as a practical solution to Canada’s expensive dental care became an incredible journey of discovery. I received world-class dental treatment at a fraction of Canadian prices, discovered a city that’s now on my “must return to” list, and experienced hospitality that reminded me why travel broadens the mind.
To Bari Dean Profaizer – thank you for being my guide and giving me the confidence to take this step. To the team at CLINIQUEPLUS – thank you for exceeding every expectation. And to my fellow Canadians reading this – don’t let fear or uncertainty prevent you from exploring options that could save you thousands while providing exceptional care.
Sometimes the best solutions are found outside our comfort zones, and sometimes saving money doesn’t mean compromising on quality.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of my journey, coming after my crown placement visit in October,2025.
About the Author: Malcolm Ironmonger is a Canadian citizen who discovered the world of dental tourism and wants to help fellow Canadians make informed decisions about their dental care options.