Dental Crowns in Seoul

Quick Facts

  • Visit length: Often 2 visits over 3–7 days (prep → temp → final). Same-day CAD/CAM possible at some clinics.
  • Best for: Cracked/heavily filled teeth, post–root canal teeth, worn or misshapen teeth.
  • Common materials: Zirconia, e.max (lithium-disilicate), PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal), full metal (gold alloy).
  • Aesthetics & strength: e.max ≈ most lifelike; zirconia ≈ strongest; PFM ≈ balanced traditional option.

Why Choose Seoul for Crowns?

  • Digital workflow: CBCT (when needed), intraoral scanning, CAD/CAM milling, guided occlusion checks.
  • Speed: In-house labs enable 3–5 day turnarounds; some do same-day crowns.
  • Quality/value: Competitive pricing vs. North America/Europe with strong lab craftsmanship.
  • Language support: Many clinics provide English (and CN/JP) coordinators and written aftercare.

Crown Types (When to Choose What)

  • Zirconia (monolithic or layered)
    Pros: Very strong; good for molars & grinders; chip-resistant.
    Cons: Monolithic versions can be less translucent than e.max on front teeth.
  • e.max (lithium-disilicate)
    Pros: Excellent translucency; great for front teeth and cosmetic zones.
    Cons: Not as strong as full-strength zirconia for heavy bruxers without a night guard.
  • PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal)
    Pros: Proven longevity; good strength.
    Cons: Possible metal “gray line” near the gum if recession occurs.
  • Full Metal (e.g., gold alloy)
    Pros: Superb longevity; gentle on opposing teeth; minimal reduction.
    Cons: Non-tooth color; usually for out-of-sight molars.

Typical Costs (Guide Only)


Approx. conversion used: ₩1,300 ≈ US$1. Actual quotes vary by tooth position, brand, lab, and complexity.
  • Zirconia crown: ₩350,000–₩900,000 (≈ US$270–$695)
  • e.max crown: ₩400,000–₩1,000,000 (≈ US$310–$770)
  • PFM crown: ₩300,000–₩700,000 (≈ US$230–$540)
  • Gold crown: varies by gold content; ₩600,000–₩1,300,000+ (≈ US$460–$1,000+)
  • Possible add-ons: Core build-up, post (after root canal), CBCT/x-rays, same-day milling fee, sedation, night guard.

Ask whether quotes include VAT and temporary crown plus adjustment within 2 weeks.

One-Trip vs Two-Trip Timelines

  • Standard (3–7 days)
         Day 1: Exam, imaging, shade selection, prep, temporary crown
         Days 2–5: Lab fabrication (you can sightsee; clinic may call for a try-in)
         Day 3–7: Final cementation + bite check
  • Same-Day / CAD-CAM (select clinics & cases)
         Half- to full-day: Scan → design → mill → stain/glaze → cement; great for single crowns with good tissue health.
  • If root canal is needed first: Add 1–3 visits or plan an extra 2–5 days before crown fabrication.

Are You a Good Candidate?

  • Tooth is restorable (enough structure remains or can be built up).
  • Stable gums and bite; bruxers should consider a night guard.
  • Realistic about color matching if adjacent teeth are heavily stained (consider whitening before shade selection).

How to Choose a Clinic in Seoul (Checklist)

  • Digital tools: Intraoral scanner, CAD/CAM, high-quality lab (in-house or partner).
  • Material transparency: Brand/strength (e.g., multilayer zirconia), cement type, shade system used.
  • Before/after photos: Especially for front teeth.
  • Turnaround & warranty: Clear timeline, remakes policy (e.g., 1–3 years for defects).
  • Language support: English consent forms & aftercare.
  • Occlusion protocol: Proper bite check and adjustments; night guard option for grinders.

Comfort & Anesthesia

  • Local anesthesia for prep and cementation; IV/conscious sedation available on request.
  • Temporary sensitivity is common; OTC pain relief typically suffices.

Aftercare & Longevity

  • Avoid very hard/sticky foods for 24 hours after cementation.
  • Brush/floss daily; use floss threaders or water flosser if contacts are tight.
  • Schedule a bite check if anything feels high.
  • Typical lifespan: 10–15+ years with good hygiene and regular cleanings; night guard extends life for bruxers.

Risks & How to Reduce Them

  • Post-op sensitivity: Usually settles; desensitizers and precise bite adjustment help.
  • Chipping (porcelain): Choose appropriate material for your bite; wear a night guard if you grind.
  • Gum recession: Keep impeccable hygiene; see your hygienist every 6 months.
  • Need for root canal later: Rare but possible if the nerve was borderline; report lingering pain.

Alternatives to Consider

  • Onlay/inlay for moderate defects (more conservative than full crown).
  • Veneer for front teeth with good remaining structure.
  • Full-coverage crown on implant if the natural tooth is non-restorable.

Travel Tips

  • Plan 3–7 days in Seoul, earlier in your trip for the prep so there’s time for the final fit.
  • Location: Clinics in Gangnam / Apgujeong / Sinsa / Myeongdong are convenient.
  • Payment: Major cards accepted; ask about bank-transfer discounts.
  • Records: Request an itemized English receipt listing crown material/brand and cement used.

FAQ

Will the crown look natural?
Yes—modern e.max and layered zirconia can be matched to adjacent teeth with lifelike translucency.

Is a temporary crown included?
Usually yes; confirm it’s included and how long you’ll wear it.

Can I get a crown in one day?
Sometimes—CAD/CAM same-day is possible for suitable cases at clinics with in-house milling.

Do I need a root canal first?
Only if the nerve is infected/irreversibly inflamed; your dentist will advise after testing and imaging.