Implant Restoration

Don't wait! Missing teeth cause bone loss and shifting of remaining teeth within months. Schedule a consultation immediately to discuss implant restoration options. We'll take 3D CBCT scans, check your bone density, and explain all options including timing. Most patients can start the implant process within days of consultation. If you've recently lost a tooth, immediate implant placement (same day as extraction) is often possible and gives the best results.

Complete implant restoration in Seoul costs $1,200-$2,500 per tooth including surgery, premium implant, abutment, and crown. The same treatment costs $5,000-$7,000 in the US/Europe. All-on-4 full mouth restoration costs $12,000-$15,000 here vs $25,000-$40,000 in the US. Even with Seoul hotel and flight costs, most patients save 60-70%. We provide detailed written estimates with no hidden fees. Payment plans available for international patients.

Modern implant surgery is surprisingly comfortable. We use local anesthesia, and sedation is available for anxious patients. Most patients say it's less painful than a tooth extraction. You can expect mild soreness for 2-3 days, manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. Initial soft tissue healing takes 1-2 weeks. The implant fuses with your bone (osseointegration) over 3-6 months. You'll have temporary teeth during healing so you're never without teeth.

Quality implants like Straumann and Osstem last 25+ years with proper care, and many last a lifetime. Our success rate is 98.5% for single implants and 96% for full mouth restoration. Factors affecting longevity include oral hygiene, smoking (which we don't recommend), grinding habits, and overall health. We provide a 10-year warranty on implants and 5 years on crowns. With good care, your implants should never need replacement.

Most medical conditions don't prevent implant placement, but they require special management. We work closely with your physician to ensure safe treatment. Diabetes patients need good blood sugar control (HbA1c under 7%). Heart patients may need antibiotic prophylaxis. Blood thinners like warfarin usually don't need to be stopped. We handle complex medical cases regularly and coordinate with Seoul's top medical hospitals when needed.

Bone grafting can rebuild missing bone volume in most cases. We use advanced techniques including sinus lifts, ridge augmentation, and block grafts. Treatment time increases by 4-6 months for healing, but success rates remain high. Alternative options include shorter implants, zygomatic implants (for upper jaw), or All-on-4 which works with less bone. Our 3D planning shows exactly what's possible in your specific case.

Most patients need 2 trips:

Trip 1 (3-5 days): Consultation, 3D planning, implant surgery, temporary teeth

Trip 2 (3-5 days, after 3-6 months): Final restoration attachment and adjustment

Some patients combine into one 2-week trip if their schedule allows. Same-day implants (immediate loading) are possible in ideal cases, reducing to one trip. We coordinate with your schedule and provide detailed treatment timelines during consultation.

Both are premium implant systems we use:

Straumann (Swiss): Gold standard implant with 50+ years of research. SLA surface promotes faster healing. Higher initial cost but proven longevity. Preferred for front teeth where aesthetics are critical.

Osstem (Korean): Newer technology with excellent success rates. Made in Korea with advanced surface treatments. More affordable option without compromising quality. Popular choice for back teeth.

Both have lifetime success rates over 95%. Choice depends on your budget, location of missing teeth, and personal preference.

Yes! Implant restoration restores about 90% of your natural bite force. You can eat Korean BBQ, nuts, apples, corn on the cob - everything you've been avoiding. Unlike dentures, implants don't slip or require adhesives. Most patients report eating better than before tooth loss because implants feel so natural. We recommend avoiding extremely hard foods (ice, hard candy) that could damage natural teeth too.

Implant failure is rare (less than 2% of cases) but we stand behind our work. Early failure (first 6 months) is usually due to poor healing or infection. Late failure (after years) is typically from poor oral hygiene or excessive force. We provide comprehensive aftercare instructions and require regular checkups. If failure occurs, we remove the implant, allow healing, and replace it at no charge under our warranty.

No upper age limit! We've successfully placed implants in patients over 80. Good general health is more important than age. Younger patients (under 18) must wait until jaw growth is complete. Seoul's elderly population commonly receives implants covered by Korean national insurance after age 65. Your overall health, bone quality, and ability to heal are the determining factors, not your age.

Implant care is similar to natural teeth: brush twice daily, floss, and use antimicrobial mouthwash. Special floss or water flossers help clean around implants. Avoid smoking which increases failure risk. Regular dental cleanings every 6 months are essential. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and recommend specific products. Most Seoul pharmacies carry implant-specific cleaning supplies.

Absolutely! Many of our patients upgrade from uncomfortable dentures to implants. Existing dentures can often be converted to implant-supported dentures as an intermediate step. This provides better stability while being more affordable than individual implants for every tooth. We evaluate your current dentures and bone levels to recommend the best approach.

Choice depends on how many teeth you're missing and your budget:

Single implants: Best for 1-3 missing teeth. Preserves maximum bone and adjacent teeth. Higher cost per tooth but gold standard treatment.

All-on-4: Good for full arch replacement when most teeth are missing. Uses only 4 implants per arch. More affordable but requires healthy gums and adequate bone.

All-on-6: Enhanced stability with 6 implants. Better for patients with bone loss or higher bite forces. Slight cost increase but improved long-term success.

We evaluate your specific situation and explain all options with costs during consultation.