Key facts
- Osseointegration takes about 3–9 months (Cleveland Clinic), so most patients plan two trips.
What should Australians check on a local implant quote?
Implant-supported crowns are billed under different item numbers, so ask your dentist for the exact codes on your quote. Specialist fees, CT scans and grafting add further cost.
What is included in a dental implant at Lucid Dental in Seoul?
A complete implant at Lucid has three parts: a fixture (MegaGen or Osstem), a custom abutment and a zirconia crown. Bone grafting or a sinus lift is added only if your scan shows it is needed. Fees are confirmed after an exam, and individual results vary.
The Australian figures are published ranges and averages across many practices; the Seoul figures are one clinic's non-covered reference fees before an exam. Neither replaces a written quote for your mouth. Our implant cost breakdown for Korea explains each Seoul line item.
Why does the fixture brand matter?
Lucid Dental offers three fixture options: MegaGen AnyOne, Osstem BA and Osstem SOI. The choice depends on bone quality, location in the mouth and the dentist's plan, not only budget. Whichever is used, ask for the brand and model in writing so an Australian dentist can service the implant later.
The crown matters too. Lucid Dental's listed implant crown is zirconia, a strong tooth-colored ceramic. If you are comparing with an Australian quote for a different crown material, note it, because material affects both price and appearance. Our page on zirconia crowns in Seoul explains the material in more detail.
How many trips to Seoul does an implant take?
Usually two. Cleveland Clinic explains that bone bonding to an implant (osseointegration) can take three to nine months, so the implant is placed on the first trip and the final crown is fitted on the second. Selected patients may be suited to One-Day Implants with a temporary tooth, but the permanent crown still follows healing.
- Before booking flights: send an OPG or CT scan for a preliminary review, and see your Australian dentist for a check-up.
- Trip one: in-person exam and 3D scan, final plan and fee confirmation, then implant placement (plus grafting if needed).
- Healing at home: typically three to nine months; follow the aftercare instructions and keep your local dentist informed.
- Trip two: check the implant, take impressions or scans, and fit the abutment and zirconia crown.
- Long-term care: regular check-ups and cleaning in Australia, with your English records on file.
Read the full sequence in the two-trip implant process. If bone volume is low, see bone grafts and sinus lifts in Seoul, as grafting may extend healing time.
What if I need more than one implant?
Real plans differ, because neighboring missing teeth are sometimes restored with an implant-supported bridge instead of one implant per tooth, and grafting may be needed at one site but not another. Compare real written quotes.
Is it worth two return flights?
It depends on how many implants you need. With Sydney–Incheon nonstops taking about 10.5 hours, travel is manageable, but two sets of flights, hotel nights and leave add up. For one implant, the saving after travel may be modest; for several, the fixed travel cost is spread across more teeth.
The Australian Dental Association recommends that Australians seek dental care at home and advises speaking with an Australian dentist before considering overseas treatment. It notes that complications may be difficult to resolve on return. Build a reserve for local follow-up care into your budget, and weigh this advice honestly against the savings.
Is an implant the right way to replace my tooth?
Not always. A bridge, a partial denture or leaving a gap may be options depending on neighboring teeth, bone and budget. Compare them in options to replace a missing tooth. Implant planning at Lucid Dental is led by Dr. Park Hyun-min, a dentist certified in esthetic dentistry (심미치과 인정의) who completed implant training at Seoul National University Graduate School of Dentistry and continuing education at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
For flights and visa details, see dental trips to Korea from Australia. Learn more about dental implants in Seoul or start at our international patients page.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Park Hyun-min, Chief Dentist.
Book a consultation
Send your OPG or CT scan and a note on which teeth are missing via WhatsApp, or text +82-10-8354-2975 in English. We will explain likely steps and what your exam in Seoul will confirm.
Frequently asked questions
Will Medicare cover a dental implant?
Medicare generally does not cover adult dental treatment such as implants, and extras cover typically pays only part of major dental work in Australia. Check with your health fund about limits and whether overseas treatment is excluded.
Can I have the implant placed in Seoul and the crown made in Australia?
It is sometimes possible, but it needs close coordination and the exact implant system details. Many patients prefer the same team to complete both stages. Discuss this before treatment starts.
What is an OPG and why do you ask for one?
An OPG is a panoramic X-ray of the jaws and teeth. It helps the dentist form a preliminary view of bone and neighboring teeth before you travel, although a 3D scan in Seoul is usually needed for final planning.
Is it safe to fly home right after implant surgery?
Many people can fly within a few days after routine placement, but it depends on the surgery and especially on sinus procedures. Follow the dentist's specific advice before booking your return.
What happens if my implant has a problem after I return to Australia?
Contact your Australian dentist for assessment and the clinic in Seoul with photos or X-rays. Having your implant brand, model and English records ready helps both teams respond quickly.
Do fees include the CT scan and consultation?
Ask for an itemized quote. Lucid Dental's listed figures cover the implant components; scans, consultations, extractions and grafting may be listed separately and are confirmed at your exam.
Sources
- CHOICE – How much does the dentist cost? (ADA fee survey data)
- Compare Dentists – Dental procedure costs in Australia (ADA fee survey ranges)
- Australian Dental Association – Dental Fees Survey 2022
- Australian Dental Association – Policy Statement 2.2.6: Elective Overseas Dental Treatment
- Cleveland Clinic – Dental Implants
- FlightConnections – Sydney to Incheon nonstop flights