Dental Implant Cost Breakdown in Korea: What You Actually Pay For

At Lucid Dental Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, one implant tooth combines a fixture (₩590,000–890,000 depending on brand), a custom abutment (₩100,000) and a zirconia crown (₩500,000). That gives a reference total of about ₩1,190,000–1,490,000 per tooth before any bone grafting, confirmed after an exam.

Key facts

  • Implant fixtures at Lucid Dental: MegaGen AnyOne ₩590,000, Osstem BA ₩690,000, Osstem SOI ₩890,000.
  • Custom abutment ₩100,000; zirconia crown for implant ₩500,000.
  • Reference total per tooth: ₩1,190,000–1,490,000 (≈US$850–1,065 at ₩1,400/US$) before grafting.
  • Bone graft (₩300,000–450,000) or sinus lift (₩500,000–1,000,000) is added only if needed.
  • Most overseas patients need two trips; bone fusion takes roughly 3–9 months (Cleveland Clinic).
  • Korea's VAT refund for foreign medical tourists ended on 31 December 2025.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Park Hyun-min, Prosthodontist and Chief Dentist at Lucid Dental Clinic. Last reviewed September 27, 2026.

What makes up the cost of a dental implant in Korea?

A single implant tooth has three parts, and each is priced separately at Lucid Dental Clinic: the fixture(the titanium post in the bone), the abutment(the connector), and the crown(the visible tooth). Grafting, if needed, is added on top.

Seeing the parts one by one helps you compare quotes fairly. Some clinics abroad quote only the post, while others quote the complete tooth. Always ask which parts are included.

How much is each part at Lucid Dental?

These are reference "from" prices taken from the clinic's non-covered fee table. They are per tooth, in Korean won, and are confirmed at your consultation.

Component Option Reference fee (KRW) Approx. US$ (at ₩1,400)
Implant fixture MegaGen AnyOne ₩590,000 ≈ $421
Implant fixture Osstem BA ₩690,000 ≈ $493
Implant fixture Osstem SOI ₩890,000 ≈ $636
Abutment Custom abutment ₩100,000 ≈ $71
Crown Zirconia crown for implant ₩500,000 ≈ $357
Add-on (if needed) Bone graft ₩300,000–450,000 ≈ $215–320
Add-on (if needed) Sinus lift, crestal / window ₩500,000 / ₩1,000,000 ≈ $357 / $714

Exchange rates move daily, so check today's rate before you budget. The US$ figures above are rounded approximations only.

What is the total for one implant tooth?

Adding a fixture, a custom abutment and a zirconia crown gives a reference total of about ₩1,190,000 to ₩1,490,000 per tooth before any grafting, which is roughly US$850–1,065 at ₩1,400 per US$.

  1. MegaGen AnyOne: ₩590,000 + ₩100,000 + ₩500,000 = ₩1,190,000
  2. Osstem BA: ₩690,000 + ₩100,000 + ₩500,000 = ₩1,290,000
  3. Osstem SOI: ₩890,000 + ₩100,000 + ₩500,000 = ₩1,490,000

If your scan shows a bone shortage, add the relevant graft or sinus lift fee. Our bone graft and sinus lift guide explains when these are needed.

What does a worked example look like?

Here is how the numbers add up in two common situations. These are illustrations using the reference fee table, not quotes for your case.

  • Lower front or premolar tooth with good bone: Osstem BA fixture, custom abutment and zirconia crown = ₩1,290,000 in total.
  • Upper molar with a short bone height under the sinus: Osstem BA fixture ₩690,000 + crestal sinus lift ₩500,000 + custom abutment ₩100,000 + zirconia crown ₩500,000 = ₩1,790,000 in total.

The second example shows why upper back teeth sometimes cost more: the sinus sits close above the roots, and extra bone may be needed. Only a 3D scan can show this, which is why we avoid giving a final price before an exam.

Why do implant brands have different prices?

Osstem and MegaGen are both Korean implant manufacturers. Different fixture lines vary in surface treatment, design, and the situations they are typically chosen for. A higher fee does not automatically mean a better result for you; the right choice depends on your bone quality and the position of the tooth. For a closer look, read Osstem vs MegaGen implants.

What costs are not in the table?

A fair budget includes more than the tooth itself. Ask about these at your consultation:

  • Your initial exam and 3D imaging
  • Extraction of a failing tooth, if one is still present
  • A temporary tooth during healing, if you want one for appearance
  • Conscious sedation, if you choose it
  • Your travel, accommodation and time off for two trips

Lucid Dental provides an itemized written plan in English, so every item is visible before you agree. Learn how we do this on how we plan your treatment.

How many trips does an implant need?

Most patients need two stays in Seoul. The implant post is placed on the first trip. The jawbone then needs time to fuse with it; Cleveland Clinic describes this as taking roughly three to nine months. The crown is fitted on the second trip. In selected cases, One-Day Implants may allow a temporary tooth on the day of surgery, but the final crown still comes later.

Does insurance lower the price?

For most overseas visitors, implants in Korea are paid privately. Korean national health insurance (NHIS) typically offers partial implant coverage only to enrolled members aged 65 and over, for a limited number of implants, with a copay. If you live in Korea and are enrolled, check your eligibility with NHIS and ask us at your visit. If you have private insurance at home, ask your insurer what documents they need; ask us whether English receipts and records are available for your claim.

Note that Korea's VAT refund scheme for foreign medical tourists ended on December 31, 2025, so do not plan your budget around a tax refund.

How do I pay?

Fees are usually paid in stages: part at surgery and the rest when the crown is fitted. Ask about accepted payment methods, including foreign cards, when you book. See paying for dental treatment in Korea for practical tips.

How long does an implant last?

Cleveland Clinic notes that implants can often last a lifetime with good care, while the crown on top usually lasts around 15 years before it may need replacing. Longevity depends on brushing, flossing, not smoking, and regular check-ups. Individual results vary; a consultation and exam are required.

Who plans the treatment?

Dr. Park Hyun-min is a certified prosthodontist, a specialist in replacing teeth. He completed a clinical implant program at Seoul National University Graduate School of Dentistry and an advanced implant program at Harvard School of Dental Medicine as continuing education. Read more about our dental implant service in Seoul, or start with the international patients page if you are traveling.

Book a consultation

Send a photo of your X-ray and tell us which tooth is missing. We can give a preliminary estimate in English. Message us on WhatsApp at +82-10-8354-2975 or book a consultation here.

Frequently asked questions

Is the implant price per tooth or per post?

At Lucid Dental, the fixture, abutment and crown are each listed per tooth. Adding the three together gives the complete price for one implant tooth. Grafting and extraction are separate if needed.

Why is a Korean implant quote often lower than at home?

Prices reflect local costs, and Korea manufactures its own widely used implant systems such as Osstem and MegaGen. Compare like with like: check that each quote includes the post, abutment and crown, and the brand of implant.

Can I pay in US dollars?

Fees are set in Korean won. Ask at booking which payment methods are accepted; if you pay by foreign card, your bank converts at its own rate and may add a fee.

Will my quote change after the exam?

It can. An online estimate is based on the images you send. The 3D scan at your visit may show a need for grafting or a different implant, and your written plan will list the confirmed fees before treatment.

Do I pay everything on the first visit?

Usually not. Payment is commonly split between the surgery visit and the crown visit. Confirm the payment schedule in your written plan.

Are follow-up checks after the crown included?

Ask about this at your consultation, as follow-up arrangements depend on your plan. Wherever you live, regular check-ups and cleanings help implants last.

Sources