Key facts
- Implant fixture, abutment and zirconia crown at Lucid Dental: from ₩1,190,000–1,490,000 per tooth.
- Bone graft, if needed, is listed from ₩300,000–450,000; sinus lifts from ₩500,000.
- Most implant cases need two trips with healing time in between.
- Korea's VAT refund for foreign medical tourists ended on 31 December 2025.
- NHIS-enrolled residents aged 65+ may have up to two implants partly covered with a 30% co-pay.
An implant budget is more than the price of the implant. It has a dental part, which depends on what the exam finds, and a travel part, which depends on how many times you fly to Seoul. This post walks you through building both, so the number you plan around is realistic before you book a flight.
What should a dental implant budget include?
A complete budget covers four things: the implant parts, any extra surgery your bone needs, the trips and stays, and a buffer for the unexpected. Most surprises come from the second and third items, not the first.
A single implant tooth has three parts: the fixture (the titanium screw in the bone), the abutment (the connector) and the crown (the visible tooth). At Lucid Dental Clinic in Gangnam, those three together start from ₩1,190,000 to ₩1,490,000 per tooth, depending on which implant system is chosen. That range assumes your bone does not need building up.
Step by step: how to build your budget
- Count the teeth. Write down each missing or failing tooth. Two neighboring gaps sometimes suit a bridge on implants rather than one implant each; your dentist will tell you after the exam.
- Price the base implant. Use the reference fees below for fixture, abutment and crown.
- Add a bone line. If a tooth has been missing for years, or was lost to infection, add a possible bone graft or sinus lift line until X-rays show whether you need it.
- Add extractions or other work. A failing tooth may need removing first, and neighboring teeth may need fillings. These are quoted after the exam.
- Price two trips. Most implants need healing time between placement and the final crown. Budget flights, rooms and meals for both visits.
- Add a buffer. Set aside something extra for a longer stay, a changed flight or a follow-up visit at home.
Lucid Dental reference fees for your budget sheet
These are non-covered "from" prices per tooth. Your exact fee is confirmed after an exam and set out in a written plan before treatment starts.
| Budget line | Reference fee (from) | Approx. US$ | Is it always needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implant fixture — MegaGen AnyOne | ₩590,000 | ≈US$421 | One fixture system is chosen per implant |
| Implant fixture — Osstem BA | ₩690,000 | ≈US$493 | Alternative fixture |
| Implant fixture — Osstem SOI | ₩890,000 | ≈US$636 | Alternative fixture |
| Custom abutment | ₩100,000 | ≈US$71 | Yes, one per implant |
| Zirconia crown for implant | ₩500,000 | ≈US$357 | Yes, one per implant |
| Bone graft | ₩300,000–450,000 | ≈US$214–321 | Only if bone is thin |
| Sinus lift (crestal) | ₩500,000 | ≈US$357 | Only for some upper back teeth |
| Sinus lift (window) | ₩1,000,000 | ≈US$714 | Only when more height is needed |
USD figures use roughly ₩1,400 per US$ — check today's rate. Every other reference fee is in our 2026 Seoul dental price list. For what each part does, see the full implant cost breakdown, and for how the brands differ, our Osstem vs MegaGen guide.
How do you budget for the unknowns before an exam?
Plan with a low case and a high case. The low case is the base implant with no grafting. The high case adds the bone graft line, and for upper back teeth a sinus lift line too. Your real number will usually land somewhere between, once a scan shows your bone.
Sending recent X-rays or a CT scan ahead of time can narrow the range, but it cannot replace an in-person exam. Individual results vary; a consultation and exam are required.
How much should you set aside for travel?
Travel can be a large share of the total, so treat it as its own budget. Typical lines are:
- Flights for each trip, which change a lot by season
- A room near Eonju Station or elsewhere in Gangnam; see where to stay for a dental trip
- Airport transfers, local transport and soft-food meals
- Travel insurance that covers your dates
The number of nights depends on your plan. Our guide to the implant timeline across two trips explains typical spacing, but we cannot promise a set number of days for any one person.
What about taxes, insurance and payment?
Korea's VAT refund for foreign medical tourists ended on 31 December 2025, so do not count on a refund. If you are enrolled in Korea's national health insurance and are 65 or older, a limited number of implants may be partly covered; a 2024 study in Healthcare describes coverage for up to two implants per person with a 30% co-pay. Visitors without NHIS pay the non-covered fees above.
For card fees and exchange tips, read paying with a foreign card. For a general overview of implant care at the clinic, see our dental implants page.
Book a consultation
Send us your X-rays, tell us how many teeth you are planning for, and share your travel window. We will help you shape a low and high budget and confirm it after your exam. Message us on WhatsApp at +82-10-8354-2975.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pay for everything on the first trip?
Many patients pay for each stage as it is done, but payment timing is agreed with the clinic. Ask for your written plan to show which items belong to which visit, so you can budget each trip separately.
What happens to my budget if I need a bone graft I did not expect?
The graft fee is added to your plan before treatment, and you can decide then. Building a high-case estimate in advance means the change should not surprise you.
Is a cheaper fixture a false economy?
Not necessarily. Each listed system is used for different situations, and the right one depends on your bone and bite. Ask your dentist why a particular fixture suits your case.
Can I spread implants across more than two trips to pay over time?
Sometimes, depending on the case. Spreading treatment can add travel costs, so compare the extra flights against the benefit of paying in stages.
Do I need a budget for follow-up at home?
It is wise to plan for routine check-ups with your home dentist. Ask us for your treatment records and implant details so they can see what was placed.
