Good Information to Know Before Implant Treatment - Seokplant Dental Hospital

| 🦷 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 prosthetic restoration is placed on top. It bonds firmly with the jawbone and can perform functions similar to a natural tooth.

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Hello. Today, I’d like to talk about implants from an everyday perspective, since many people are interested in them. Dental health affects not only chewing, but also pronunciation, facial appearance, and confidence, so more and more people consider implants during dental treatment.

1. What Is an Implant?

Simply put, an implant is a structure designed to replace a missing tooth. It works by placing a small post in the area where the tooth is missing and then placing a tooth-shaped prosthetic on top so it can be used like the original tooth. It may be easier to understand if you think of it like driving a nail into a wall and hanging a picture on it.

2. The General Flow of the Implant Placement Process

I’ll explain the treatment process in a way that is easy for the general public to understand, rather than from a specialized perspective.

• Pre-examination

• The condition of the teeth and gums is checked, and the thickness and height of the bone are assessed.

• Images or CT scans may also be taken to examine the structure.

• Placement step

• The gum in the area where the tooth is missing is opened, and a small post (usually made of titanium) is placed.

• This process is carried out with surprising precision.

• Period for bonding with the bone

• A certain amount of time is allowed for the inserted post to integrate well with the jawbone and become firmly fixed in place.

• Depending on the individual, this can take from several weeks to several months.

• Prosthetic attachment

• Once the post has settled in place, a tooth-shaped prosthetic is placed on top.

• Zirconia and similar materials are commonly used, and they are known for their natural color, which helps them blend well with the surrounding teeth.

3. When Bone Grafting Is Needed

Sometimes, if a tooth has been missing for a long time, the jawbone may have resorbed or be insufficient. In such cases, a bone grafting process may be performed to create an environment that can support the post. Bone grafting can be understood as a procedure that fills in deficient areas and helps reinforce them.

4. About Implant Materials

The core of an implant is the post that is placed, and titanium is usually used. Titanium is well matched with the human body and has properties that allow it to support teeth for a long time, so it has been used for many years. Prosthetic restorations come in various materials, but zirconia has been gaining popularity recently. That is because it provides aesthetic satisfaction.

5. Scope of Health Insurance Coverage

Implants are covered by health insurance in some situations among dental treatments. For example, adults aged 65 or older may be covered for a limited number of implants. However, the details vary depending on age and tooth condition, so the safest way to confirm the exact information is through a consultation at the hospital.

6. Care After Implants

Since an implant ultimately serves as a kind of “tooth” inside the mouth, care is important.

• Brushing: Clean thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush

• Interdental brush/floss: Food can easily get trapped around implants, so using auxiliary tools is recommended.

• Regular checkups: It is recommended to check the condition at regular intervals and receive scaling, etc.

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🧑‍⚕️ Medical Team

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Medical staff from Seoul National University College of Dentistry

Residents/specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery and integrated dentistry

Based on years of experience along with the latest digital equipment and technology, we establish personalized diagnosis and surgical plans

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

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🦷 Main Treatment Areas

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Implants

General implants, high-difficulty implants with bone grafting

Immediate placement implants

Aesthetic prosthetic treatment

Zirconia, ceramic prosthetics

Color/shape customized design

Conservative treatment / cavity treatment

Resin/inlay/crown, etc.

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✅ Seokplant Clinic Hours

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Mon–Thu: 10:00 AM ~ 9:00 PM night clinic

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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Directions

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