Dental Implants in Seoul

Quick Facts

  • Who it suits: Missing tooth/teeth, non-restorable teeth, loose dentures.
  • Implant types: Single tooth, multi-unit bridges on implants, All-on-4/6 full arch, immediate implants (select cases), mini implants (limited indications).
  • Trip style: Usually 2 trips (placement → healing → crown), or immediate temp tooth on Trip 1 with final crown later.
  • Healing time: ~8–16 weeks (varies by bone quality, grafting).
  • Materials: Titanium (most common) or zirconia (ceramic).
  • Tech: 3D CBCT, digital scans, surgical guides, PRF/bone grafting available in many Seoul clinics.

Typical Costs (Guide Only)


Conversions use ~₩1,300 ≈ US$1 (rough estimate). Final quotes vary by case, clinic, brand, and grafting needs.
  • Single implant (fixture) placement: ₩900,000–₩1,800,000 (≈ US$690–$1,385)
  • Abutment (custom or stock): ₩200,000–₩500,000 (≈ US$155–$385)
  • Crown (porcelain/zirconia): ₩400,000–₩900,000 (≈ US$310–$695)
  • Common all-in (per tooth) range: ₩1.5M–₩3.0M (≈ US$1,150–$2,300)
  • Bone graft / sinus lift (if needed): ₩300,000–₩2.0M+ (≈ US$230–$1,540+)
  • Full-arch (All-on-4/6) provisional + final: ₩9M–₩18M per arch (≈ US$6,900–$13,850)

Ask whether quotes include consultations, CBCT scans, temporaries, sedation, grafting, and follow-ups. Cosmetic/dental services are typically self-pay; confirm if VAT is included.

Procedure & Timeline Options

Standard 2-Trip Plan (most common)

  • Trip 1 (2–4 days): Consult + CBCT → extraction (if needed) → implant placement (with/without graft) → healing cap or temporary.
  • Healing (home): 8–16 weeks.
  • Trip 2 (4–7 days): Impression/scan → custom abutment → final crown delivery → bite check.

Immediate/Express (case-dependent)

  • Trip 1 (4–7 days): Same-day or early-load temporary tooth after placement (front teeth often eligible with good bone).
  • Trip 2 (3–5 days): After 8–12+ weeks for the final crown.

Full-Arch (All-on-4/6)

  • Trip 1 (5–7 days): Extractions (if any) + 4–6 implants per arch → fixed provisional bridge within 24–72 hrs.
  • Trip 2 (5–7 days): After 3–6 months for final zirconia/PMMA hybrid.

Are You a Good Candidate?

  • Stable general health; non-smoker or willing to reduce/stop (smoking elevates failure risk).
  • Adequate bone volume or readiness for graft/sinus lift.
  • Good oral hygiene; controlled gum disease (if present).
  • Realistic expectations about timeline and maintenance.

Implant Options (What to Ask About)

  • Brands & systems: e.g., Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Dentium, Osstem, Dentsply.
  • Restoration type: Screw-retained (easier maintenance) vs cement-retained.
  • Abutments: Custom CAD/CAM vs stock; zirconia vs titanium.
  • Guided surgery: For precision in challenging anatomy.
  • Grafting: Ridge preservation, sinus lift (lateral/crestal), PRF membranes.
  • Aesthetics: Anterior zone protocols, soft-tissue management, pink ceramics if needed.

How to Choose a Clinic in Seoul (Checklist)

  • CBCT on site + digital impressions; shows a modern workflow.
  • Transparent plan: Written step-by-step with healing times and two-trip schedule.
  • Brand disclosure: Which implant line, abutment, and crown material you’ll receive.
  • Before/after cases: Similar to yours (single front tooth, molar, or full-arch).
  • Provisional policy: Will you get a temporary tooth/bridge and when?
  • Warranty: Fixture survival policy (e.g., 3–5+ yrs) and crown/abutment coverage.
  • Language support: English (and/or CN/JP) coordinators, written post-op instructions.
  • Hygiene program: Dedicated implant maintenance visits and how to access them if you live abroad.

Comfort & Anesthesia

  • Local anesthesia is standard; IV/conscious sedation available (arrange in advance).
  • Expect 2–3 days of swelling/tenderness after placement; many patients use OTC pain control by day 2–3.

Aftercare & Longevity

  • Soft diet for 1–2 weeks; avoid hard biting on new implants until cleared.
  • Brush with a soft brush; use interdental brushes/water flosser around implants and under full-arch bridges.
  • Maintenance: Professional cleaning every 6 months; annual x-ray check.
  • Lifespan: High survival rates; with good care, fixtures can last 15+ years (crowns/bridges may need replacement sooner due to wear).

Risks & How to Reduce Them

  • Early failure / lack of integration → follow placement protocols; avoid smoking.
  • Peri-implantitis (gum/bone loss) → meticulous hygiene + regular maintenance.
  • Nerve or sinus issues → choose clinics using CBCT and guided surgery when indicated.
  • Chipping/loosening of crowns/bridges → night guard if you brux; prompt adjustments for high spots.

Alternatives to Consider

  • Fixed bridge (no surgery; prepares adjacent teeth).
  • Removable partial denture (budget option; shorter timeline).
  • Mini implants (limited use, e.g., to stabilize a denture where bone is thin).

Travel Planning Tips

  • Where to stay: Gangnam / Apgujeong / Sinsa / Myeongdong for easy clinic access.
  • Time between trips: Plan 8–16+ weeks; your clinic can coordinate with your local dentist for interim care.
  • Payment: Most clinics accept major cards; some offer bank-transfer discounts.
  • Receipts: Request an itemized English receipt listing implant system and materials used.
  • Flights: After surgery, avoid heavy lifting for a few days; consider flexible return dates in case of extra checks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it painful?
Placement is done under local anesthesia; most patients report mild–moderate soreness for 2–3 days.

Can I get a tooth the same day?
Sometimes—immediate temporaries are possible in strong bone and low-load areas (your surgeon will advise).

What if I need a bone graft or sinus lift?
It’s common and can add weeks to healing and ₩300k–₩2.0M+ to costs; it improves long-term stability.

How many visits are needed?
Typically 2 trips (placement, then final crown). Some cases add a short mid-trip try-in.

Will implants set off airport security?
No—dental implants are not detected by airport metal scanners.