New details have emerged regarding the Turkish dental clinic where a 53-year-old Greek national underwent extensive dental implant surgery—and later lapsed into a coma, requiring emergency treatment at Athens’ KAT Hospital. The patient, identified as Alexandros, remains in intensive care, with his wife by his side around the clock, awaiting news from his medical team.
Clinic Acknowledges Case, Declines Immediate Comment
In response to mounting public concern and media coverage in Greece, a representative of the Istanbul-based clinic spoke to Live News. While confirming that the man was a client and acknowledging prior coordination with his family on logistical matters, the spokesperson declined to address specifics of what may have gone wrong during the procedure. ‘I am not authorized to explain what happened in this particular case,’ they said. ‘We only learned moments ago that the matter has gained attention in Greek media. We are currently reviewing the situation with our legal counsel, gathering all available information, and will respond accordingly.’
Online Reviews Raise Red Flags
Following the incident, additional complaints about the same clinic have surfaced online—particularly on international patient review platforms. One Italian patient, writing in November 2025, described a deeply unsettling experience: after being promised seamless care over the phone, they arrived to find an anesthesiologist unable to administer sedation successfully—twice—before abruptly leaving the operating room. ‘You sit there stunned, questioning the professionalism of the entire center,’ the patient wrote, adding they ultimately walked out and would not recommend the facility.
Other reviews cite inconsistent staffing, unprofessional conduct—including a dentist reportedly examining a patient while still wearing his coat after a cigarette break—and concerns about clinical expertise. Several patients reported needing to return to Turkey at their own expense to repair failed dental prosthetics, citing issues such as broken dentures, incorrect bite alignment, and abnormally long teeth. ‘They have a beautiful clinic, but the treatment is appalling,’ one wrote.
Dental Tourism Under Scrutiny
The case highlights growing concerns about dental tourism—not only in Turkey, long known for low-cost procedures—but across the Balkans. A competing clinic in Albania now offers free flights, accommodation, and transport for patients seeking implants, intensifying competition and raising questions about quality control, oversight, and transparency in cross-border medical services.