Implants & Restorative

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

At Lucid Dental Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, one implant tooth combines a fixture, a custom abutment and a zirconia crown. Each part is quoted after an exam, and bone grafting or a sinus lift is added only if your scan shows it is needed.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Park Hyun-min, chief dentist · Lucid Dental Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul · Updated October 2026

Key facts

  • Implant fixtures at Lucid Dental: MegaGen AnyOne, Osstem BA, Osstem SOI.
  • Custom abutment; zirconia crown for implant.
  • Bone graft or sinus lift 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, 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.

Which options does Lucid Dental offer for each part?

Each part is quoted per tooth in Korean won and confirmed at your consultation.

Component Option
Implant fixture MegaGen AnyOne
Implant fixture Osstem BA
Implant fixture Osstem SOI
Abutment Custom abutment
Crown Zirconia crown for implant
Add-on (if needed) Bone graft
Add-on (if needed) Sinus lift, crestal / window

What is the total for one implant tooth?

Your total depends on which fixture you choose (MegaGen AnyOne, Osstem BA or Osstem SOI) together with the custom abutment and zirconia crown. It is quoted after an exam and confirmed in writing at your consultation.

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.

Which teeth tend to need more work?

Two common situations show how plans differ.

  • Lower front or premolar tooth with good bone: usually a fixture, custom abutment and zirconia crown only.
  • Upper molar with a short bone height under the sinus: the same three parts, plus a crestal sinus lift.

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 certified in esthetic dentistry (심미치과 인정의) and focuses on replacing and restoring 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

Questions about your treatment?

WhatsApp or text +82-10-8354-2975 · we reply in English

Message us on WhatsApp