Key facts
- Bone typically takes three to nine months to fuse with an implant, according to Cleveland Clinic.
- A 2019 systematic review estimated 10-year implant survival at about 96.4%.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Once the bone has bonded to it, a connector (the abutment) and a tooth-colored crown are then attached to the post, so the new tooth stands on its own without relying on the teeth next to it.
Cleveland Clinic describes the same three parts: the threaded post, the abutment and the visible restoration. It notes that the bone typically takes three to nine months to fuse with the implant, depending on how quickly each person heals ( Cleveland Clinic).
How is a dental implant priced at Lucid Dental?
A single implant at Lucid Dental Clinic is made up of a fixture, custom abutment and zirconia crown. The total depends mainly on which implant system is used and whether extra bone is needed.
Implants are non-covered treatment. Every fee is confirmed after an exam and a 3D scan, and you receive a written plan before treatment starts.
For a line-by-line explanation of each item, see our implant cost breakdown. The guide to dental fees in Seoul puts implants next to our other treatments.
Who is a good candidate for implants?
Most healthy adults with a missing tooth and enough jawbone can be considered. The exam checks your bone, gums and general health before anything is decided.
Things that may delay or change the plan include active gum disease, untreated decay, heavy smoking, poorly controlled diabetes and some bone-related medications. None of these automatically rules you out, but they need to be managed first. Please bring a list of your medicines to the consultation.
Which implant options does Lucid offer?
Lucid offers conventional implants, One-Day Implants for suitable cases, and plasma-activated implants, alongside grafting and sinus lifts when bone is thin.
- Conventional implant: the post heals under or through the gum for several months before the final crown is made.
- One-Day Implants: where bone quality allows, the post can be placed on the same day as an extraction, sometimes with a temporary tooth. Read more about same-day implants in Seoul.
- Plasma-activated implants: the implant surface is treated with plasma before placement, a step intended to help the surface interact with bone. Ask the dentist whether it suits your case.
- Implant systems: the fee table lists MegaGen and Osstem fixtures, two Korean manufacturers. The related guides below include an Osstem vs MegaGen comparison.
Dr. Park Hyun-min, the chief dentist, is certified in esthetic dentistry (심미치과 인정의) and completed a clinical implant program at Seoul National University Graduate School of Dentistry and advanced implant continuing education at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
What are the steps of implant treatment?
Implant treatment usually follows six steps spread over two stages: placing the post, then fitting the tooth after healing.
- Online pre-check: send recent X-rays or photos on WhatsApp so the dentist can give an early view of what may be involved.
- Exam and 3D CT scan: bone height, width and nearby nerves and sinuses are measured.
- Written plan and fee estimate: you see the implant system, any grafting and the expected number of visits before you agree.
- Implant placement: under local anesthesia, the post is placed. Conscious sedation is available for anxious patients.
- Healing: the bone bonds to the implant over a period of months. Stitches are checked and removed if needed.
- Abutment and crown: a scan is taken, then the zirconia crown is fitted and the bite adjusted.
How many trips to Seoul do implants need?
For most overseas patients, implants mean two trips: one to place the post and one, several months later, to fit the crown. A same-day option can shorten the first stage for some people, but healing time is set by your bone, not by the calendar.
The first trip often needs about a week so stitches and early healing can be checked before you fly. The second trip is usually shorter. Our implant timeline guide shows typical schedules, but your own plan is confirmed only after the exam.
How long do implants last?
Implants have a strong long-term record. A 2019 systematic review by Howe, Keys and Richards in the Journal of Dentistry estimated 10-year implant survival at about 96.4%, with a more cautious adjusted estimate of 93.2% after accounting for missing data ( University of Dundee research portal).
The crown itself can wear or chip over the years and may need replacing even when the post is healthy. Daily brushing, flossing around the implant and regular check-ups at home are what protect it.
What are the risks of dental implants?
Implant surgery is routine, but it is still surgery. Possible problems include swelling and bruising, infection, nerve irritation that causes numbness, sinus involvement in the upper jaw, and an implant that fails to bond and must be removed and replaced later.
Over the long term, gum inflammation around the implant (peri-implantitis) is the main concern, and smoking raises that risk. Individual results vary; a consultation and exam are required.
Implants vs bridges vs dentures: which is right for me?
An implant replaces a tooth without touching its neighbors, while a bridge uses the teeth beside the gap and a denture rests on the gums. The right choice depends on your bone, your other teeth and your budget.
A dental bridge can be quicker if the neighboring teeth already need crowns. Dentures can replace many teeth at once at lower cost. Our guide to implant vs bridge vs denture compares all three.
Travel tips for implant patients
- Book your flight home with at least a few spare days after surgery, and avoid scheduling long hikes or diving right after.
- Pack soft foods and a soft toothbrush, and take your antibiotics or painkillers exactly as prescribed.
- Ask for copies of your X-rays and treatment notes so your home dentist can follow up.
- Read our tips on implant aftercare and long flights before you pack.
Lucid is directly in front of Exit 3, Eonju Station on Line 9. Note that express trains skip Eonju, so take a local train.
Book a consultation
Missing a tooth, or told you need an implant at home? Send your X-rays or a few photos on WhatsApp at +82-10-8354-2975, or message us to book an implant consultation. Consultations are available in English, Japanese and Chinese.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an implant if I was told I don't have enough bone?
Often, yes. Bone grafting or a sinus lift can add volume where the bone is thin, though it may lengthen the healing time. A 3D scan at the exam shows how much bone is there and which approach is realistic.
Will I have a gap while the implant heals?
For front teeth, a temporary tooth or a removable flipper is usually arranged so you are not left with a visible gap. For back teeth, a gap during healing is common. Ask about temporary options during planning.
Can my home dentist fit the crown after the implant is placed in Seoul?
Sometimes, but it depends on whether your home dentist works with the same implant system and parts. Many patients find it simpler to return to the clinic that placed the implant. Discuss this before surgery so the plan matches your travel.
Do I need antibiotics after implant surgery?
Some patients are prescribed antibiotics and pain relief after surgery, depending on the case and their health history. Tell the dentist about allergies and any medicines you already take.
Is implant treatment covered by Korean national health insurance?
Korea's NHIS typically covers up to two implants with a copay only for enrolled patients aged 65 and over. For other patients, implants are usually non-covered, so they are quoted after an exam. Confirm your own eligibility with NHIS.
Can I go sightseeing the day after an implant?
Light walking is usually fine once any sedation has worn off. Avoid alcohol, saunas, heavy exercise and very hot or spicy food for the first few days, as these can increase swelling or bleeding.