A man who took his own life was suffering from depression after a failed dental procedure in Turkey left him without any teeth, an inquest has heard. Pawel Bukowski, a 48-year-old forklift driver, travelled to a private clinic in January 2025 to have his teeth replaced after suffering from periodontal disease.
Norfolk Coroner's Court heard that Bukowski, a married father of three originally from Poland, expected temporary dentures after his teeth were removed. Instead, he was told he would have to wait six months before returning for implants. His wife, Daria Bukowska, said the news was 'emotionally devastating' and that he lost all hope.
After returning to the UK, Bukowski's mental health deteriorated. He struggled to eat, drank heavily, and worried about the cost of the procedure. On 24 April 2025, he was admitted to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital with 'strong suicidal ideation' but was not deemed to require psychiatric admission. Four days later, he was found dead at home.
Area Coroner Johanna Thompson recorded a suicide verdict and noted 'several lessons' to be learned. Bukowska criticised the care her husband received, saying his problems were 'overlooked at every chance' and that a lack of support and refusal to medicate his alcohol withdrawal contributed to his death. She said: 'Pawel was failed at crucial points. I hope this is never repeated.'
