Dental Implant Cost in Korea vs Australia: Component-by-Component
A single dental implant in Australia typically costs about A$3,500–6,000 all-up, based on ADA fee survey ranges. Lucid Dental Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul lists a complete implant (fixture, abutment and zirconia crown) from ₩1,190,000–1,490,000, about A$1,250–1,570, before grafting. Most patients need two trips, and fees are confirmed after an exam.
Key facts
- Australia, ADA survey data via CHOICE: implant insertion A$1,334–3,000 and abutment A$400–1,404 (average by state), crown extra.
- All-up single implant in Australia: roughly A$3,500–6,000 (Compare Dentists, from ADA fee survey ranges).
- Lucid Dental, Seoul: fixture ₩590,000–890,000, abutment ₩100,000, zirconia crown ₩500,000.
- Full single implant at Lucid Dental: ₩1,190,000–1,490,000 before grafting (≈A$1,250–1,570).
- Osseointegration takes about 3–9 months (Cleveland Clinic), so most patients plan two trips.
How much does a single dental implant cost in Australia?
Fee directories drawing on the Australian Dental Association's national fee survey put an all-up single implant, including the abutment and crown, at roughly A$3,500–6,000. CHOICE, using ADA survey data, reports average fees by state of A$1,334–3,000 for implant insertion and A$400–1,404 for the abutment, with the crown charged on top.
For reference, CHOICE lists a standard full crown at an average of A$1,678 (range A$1,250–2,100) among general dentists in the ADA 2022 survey. 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 does a dental implant cost at Lucid Dental in Seoul?
Lucid Dental Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul lists a complete single implant, meaning fixture, custom abutment and zirconia crown, from ₩1,190,000 to ₩1,490,000 before grafting. At roughly ₩950 per A$1, that is about A$1,250–1,570. Check today's rate; fees are confirmed after an exam, and individual results vary.
| Part of treatment | Australia (ADA survey data via CHOICE / Compare Dentists) | Lucid Dental, Seoul (reference "from" fee) |
|---|---|---|
| Implant insertion (fixture) | A$1,334–3,000 (average by state) | ₩590,000–890,000 by brand (≈A$620–940) |
| Abutment | A$400–1,404 (average by state) | ₩100,000 custom abutment (≈A$105) |
| Crown | Charged separately; standard full crown avg A$1,678 | ₩500,000 zirconia implant crown (≈A$530) |
| Bone graft, if needed | Case-dependent | ₩300,000–450,000 (≈A$320–470) |
| Sinus lift, if needed | Case-dependent | ₩500,000 crestal / ₩1,000,000 window (≈A$530 / A$1,050) |
| All-up single implant (no grafting) | about A$3,500–6,000 | ₩1,190,000–1,490,000 (≈A$1,250–1,570) |
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 change the Seoul price?
Lucid Dental offers three fixture options: MegaGen AnyOne (₩590,000), Osstem BA (₩690,000) and Osstem SOI (₩890,000). 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 does a three-implant example look like?
As an illustration only: three single implants at the published Australian all-up range of A$3,500–6,000 each would total about A$10,500–18,000. At Lucid Dental's reference fees, three single implants without grafting would total ₩3,570,000–4,470,000, roughly A$3,760–4,710. 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. Use this example to understand scale, then compare real written quotes.
Does it still save money after 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 certified prosthodontist 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, Prosthodontist.
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