Implants Explained! From the Placement Process to Health Insurance and Materials at a Glance - Seokplant Dental Hospital

| 🦷 What Is an Implant? |

An implant is a treatment method in which an artificial root (titanium) is placed where a natural tooth has been lost, and a prosthetic tooth is placed on top of it. It bonds firmly with the jawbone and can perform functions similar to those of a natural tooth.

📌 What Is an Implant?

An implant is a treatment in which an artificial metal post (fixture) that serves as the root of a missing tooth is placed into the jawbone, and then an artificial tooth (crown) is connected on top of it.

• Functions similarly to a natural tooth

• Improved esthetics ↑

• Can be used for a long time

🔧 Implant Placement Process – Step-by-Step Explanation

• Initial examination and diagnosis

• Evaluate the condition of the jawbone, nerve position, and gum health through CT imaging

• Implant placement surgery

• The process of placing an artificial root (titanium) into the jawbone

• Performed under local anesthesia or sedation anesthesia

• Healing period (2–4 months)

• Bone integration process (osteointegration) required

• Time for titanium to firmly bond with the bone

• Abutment connection

• Attachment of the component that supports the artificial tooth

• Prosthetic tooth (crown) connection

• Attachment of the artificial tooth made of materials such as zirconia

• Aftercare

• Regular checkups every 3–6 months

• Thorough hygiene management is needed, including brushing, interdental brushes, and a water flosser

💸 Conditions for Health Insurance Coverage for Implants

Under National Health Insurance, implant costs are supported when certain conditions are met.

Item	Details
Eligibility	Citizens aged 65 or older
Number covered	Lifetime limit of 2 implants
Covered area	Limited to areas where permanent teeth are missing
Out-of-pocket rate	About 30%–50% (varies by hospital)

⚠️ However, unlike dentures, full coverage is not provided, and each hospital has its own criteria, so prior confirmation is essential.

🦾 Implant Materials: Titanium vs. Zirconia

Implants consist of three main components.

Part	Role	Main Material
Fixture	Root placed into the jawbone	Titanium
Abutment	Acts as a pillar	Titanium or zirconia
Crown	Visible artificial tooth	Zirconia, ceramic, etc.

✔️ Titanium

• Excellent biocompatibility

• High osseointegration effect ↑

• Almost no side effects

• Used in more than 95% of implants

✔️ Zirconia

• White material → excellent esthetics

• No risk of metal allergy

• High strength, but some risk of fracture exists

📌 Summary:

The most common combination is a titanium root with a zirconia exterior.

💬 Questions You Should Be Sure to Ask When Getting an Implant

• How many implants and where will they be placed?

• What materials will be used (including brand names)?

• Is bone grafting necessary?

• What is the total treatment period?

• What is the total cost and the scope of insurance coverage?

✅ If you need an implant, be sure to remember this!

• Even if only one tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth begin to shift.

• The longer you leave it untreated, the more the alveolar bone is resorbed, and the higher the future cost becomes.

• When choosing a dental clinic, you should check for detailed examinations, honest explanations, and aftercare so you won’t regret it.

🧑‍⚕️ Medical Team

Medical staff from Seoul National University College of Dentistry

Oral and maxillofacial surgery and integrated dentistry specialists on site

Based on years of experience along with the latest digital equipment and technology, individualized diagnosis and surgical plans are established

We aim for patient-centered care and focus on reducing anxiety through sufficient consultation and explanation

🦷 Main Services

Implants

General implants, complex implants requiring bone grafting

Immediate placement implants

Aesthetic prosthetic treatment

Zirconia and ceramic prosthetics

Customized color/shape design

Conservative care and cavity treatment

Resin/inlay/crown, etc.

✅ Seokplant Clinic Hours

Mon–Thu: 10:00 AM ~ 9:00 PM Late-night hours

Fri: 10:00 AM ~ 6:30 PM

Sat: 10:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM

Lunch break: 1:00 PM ~ 2:30 PM

Closed on Sundays/public holidays

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