Complete Guide to Implant Health Insurance – Eligibility, Precautions, Placement Process, and Material Selection (Zirconia vs. Titanium)_Seokplant Dental Hospital

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| 🦷 What Is an Implant? |

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

For modern people, oral health is an important factor that affects not only chewing function, but also confidence, pronunciation, and aesthetics. In particular, when a tooth is lost, the most commonly chosen method is a dental implant. However, since the cost is not small, whether implant health insurance applies and what benefits are available are very important issues for patients.

In this article, we will carefully cover:

• Eligibility for implant health insurance

• Precautions during treatment

• The implant placement process

• A comparison of implant materials (zirconia and titanium)

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1. Eligibility for Implant Health Insurance

In the past, implant treatment had to be paid entirely out of pocket, but now health insurance is partially applied. The eligible patients for health insurance coverage are as follows:

• Elderly patients aged 65 or older

• Partial edentulism: complete edentulism, where there are no teeth at all, is covered by denture insurance, while implants apply when only some teeth are missing

• Insurance coverage available for up to two implants per person

• Lifetime benefit: once an implant is placed with insurance coverage, the number of covered procedures is tracked cumulatively

Cost burden when insurance applies

• The out-of-pocket payment rate is about 30%

※ However, the actual cost may vary depending on each dental clinic’s fee schedule and the materials used.

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2. Precautions During Implant Treatment

Implants are a good way to restore tooth function, but not everyone can receive treatment right away. The following points must be checked:

① Check systemic diseases

• In patients with diabetes, wounds heal more slowly, increasing the risk of infection.

• If you have cardiovascular disease or osteoporosis, the procedure should be carried out carefully after consulting your primary doctor.

② Check the oral condition

• If the amount and quality of the gum bone (alveolar bone) are not sufficient, an implant cannot be placed. In this case, bone grafting may need to be performed together.

③ Correct lifestyle habits

• Smoking interferes with blood flow to the gums and lowers the success rate.

• If oral hygiene management is insufficient, the likelihood of peri-implantitis increases.

④ Post-procedure care

• Just like natural teeth, implants require regular checkups, scaling, and thorough brushing.

• If care is insufficient, the implant can eventually fail.

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3. Implant Placement Process

An implant is not simply a matter of “placing an artificial tooth”; it requires several stages. The general procedure is as follows:

(1) Initial consultation and diagnosis

• X-rays and CT scans are used to evaluate the condition of the gum bone, the location of nerves, and the occlusal relationship.

• A treatment plan is established, and if necessary, whether bone grafting is needed is also decided.

(2) First surgery – Implant placement

• After making an incision in the gum, the implant fixture (root portion) is placed into the alveolar bone.

• The materials used at this stage are mainly titanium or zirconia.

(3) Osseointegration period

• This is the process in which the implant firmly bonds with the jawbone, usually taking 2 to 6 months.

• During this period, the implant gains stability.

(4) Second surgery – Abutment connection

• The abutment, which acts as a post, is attached on top of the fixture.

• This shapes the gum and prepares for the final prosthesis to be placed stably.

(5) Final prosthesis placement

• A custom-made crown (artificial tooth) is fabricated and attached.

• The color and shape are precisely adjusted while considering aesthetics and occlusal function.

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4. Implant Materials – Zirconia vs. Titanium

The core of an implant is the fixture, which serves as the root. The two main materials used for this are titanium and zirconia.

✅ Titanium implant

• Advantages

• Excellent biocompatibility, so it bonds well with bone

• Stability has been verified in clinical practice for decades

• Highly durable and can be used for a long time

✅ Zirconia implant

• Advantages

• A ceramic material with a white color, offering excellent aesthetics

• No risk of metal allergy

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Implants are a treatment that can greatly improve quality of life after tooth loss. However, it is important to know exactly who is eligible for health insurance coverage and how many times it applies, and to make a careful decision by considering your personal health condition and lifestyle habits. In addition, if you fully understand the placement process and choose between zirconia and titanium according to what suits you best, you can achieve satisfying results.

Above all, please remember that the key to successful implants is regular checkups and thorough aftercare.

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🧑‍⚕️ Medical Team

Medical staff from Seoul National University School of Dentistry

Resident specialists in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Comprehensive Dentistry

Based on long experience, we establish personalized diagnosis and surgical plans using the latest digital equipment and technology

We pursue patient-centered care and focus on reducing anxiety through sufficient consultation and explanations

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🦷 Main Services

Implants

General implants, advanced implants involving bone grafting

Immediate placement implants

Aesthetic prosthetic treatment

Zirconia, ceramic prosthetics

Custom design for color/shape

Preventive and cavity treatment

Resin/inlay/crown, etc.

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✅ Seokplant Clinic Hours

Mon–Thu: 10:00 AM ~ 9:00 PM Night hours

Fri: 10:00 AM ~ 6:30 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM

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

Closed on Sundays/public holidays

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