Which Implant Type Is Right for Me?

Lee Jang-wook, Chief Director

Hello.

A place that does its best

for a healthy smile

This is Etoile Seoul Dental Clinic.

A woman in her late 60s, Kim Young-hee, who opened the clinic room door and came in, was holding a stack of treatment plans she had received from various places. Her eyes clearly showed how tired she was. Some people visit multiple clinics while searching for information about recommended implant types.

Listening to her story, I thought once again that I was glad to be doing this work today.

We take responsibility for your dental health.

Five years of pain, and a crossroads of choice

Ms. Young-hee had started losing teeth one by one five years earlier. At first it was one or two, but over time she lost most of her upper teeth. When chewing function declines, daily life becomes much more inconvenient. Her husband said it broke his heart to see his wife gradually speak less and less. He said that even while hearing her crying alone in the bathroom every night, he did not know how to comfort her, and it hurt them both deeply.

Confusing moments in choosing implants

Ms. Young-hee visited several dental clinics for examinations. At one place, she was told she would need individual standard implants placed one by one, which would cost more than 10 million won. At another, she was told she had insufficient bone and would need bone grafting first, so she would have to wait several months. Many people feel confused in such complex and difficult situations.

The process of finding the implant that suits me

I explained things to Ms. Young-hee slowly. I told her that standard implants involve placing an implant for each missing tooth, so if there are many missing teeth, the cost and time inevitably increase. But there is a method called full-arch implants, which can restore an entire side of the jaw with only about 4 to 6 implants.

Many people are curious about full-arch implants.

When I recommend implant types, I always look at each person’s situation. I check the condition of the bone, whether overall health is okay, and even the person’s lifestyle. For someone like Ms. Young-hee, who has lost multiple teeth, full-arch treatment may be a good option. If only one or two teeth are problematic, standard implants may be more suitable. And for people who are using dentures and feel uncomfortable, implant-supported dentures are another option.

The examination results showed that Ms. Young-hee had very little bone left, but with 3D navigation technology, it was possible to proceed without bone grafting. I explained that this was a method of placing implants, and that it minimizes incisions and allows for faster recovery. In cases where a temporary prosthesis can be placed on the same day, the period of being without teeth can be minimized.

The day a new life began

On the day of the procedure, her husband came with her. He waited anxiously outside the operating room the entire time. About two and a half hours later, when the procedure was finished and Ms. Young-hee came out wearing her temporary prosthesis, I saw tears welling up in her husband’s eyes. Ms. Young-hee smiled brightly and held her husband’s hand tightly. In that moment, I felt deeply moved too.

At her first checkup a week later, Ms. Young-hee came in with a bright expression. When she told me that she had eaten meat with her family for the first time in five years, I once again realized the true reason I do this work.

Happiness in returning to daily life

A month later, on the day the prosthesis was fitted, Ms. Young-hee showed me photos of her grandchildren. Full-arch implants aim to restore chewing ability close to that of natural teeth, and while results vary by person, they may make it possible to eat a wider variety of foods. The gum portion made with pink porcelain can provide a natural aesthetic result.

Three months later, Ms. Young-hee came in with a friend. Her friend also said she had visited several places while looking for information on recommended implant types. It was impressive to see Ms. Young-hee firmly holding her friend’s hand while speaking beside her.

Different situations, different choices

Let me share another story.

Mr. Park Seong-min, in his early 50s, lost several front teeth in an accident. He works in sales and said it was difficult to stand in front of people. He had been considering bridges or standard implants, but because multiple teeth had problems at once, he was confused about which option was right.

For Mr. Seong-min, I suggested a partial full-arch approach. It was a method that focused on restoring only the front-teeth area, and I explained that it offers better fixation and feels more natural than implant-supported dentures. I explained that implant-supported dentures provide about 60% to 80% of the chewing power of natural teeth, while full-arch treatment aims for a higher level of chewing function recovery. I also told him that because it does not move inside the mouth, it causes less discomfort when speaking.

Mr. Seong-min regained his confidence. Every time he told me that his presentations were getting good responses, I felt that this work is not simply about fixing teeth, but about changing a person’s life.

People who come in for implant type recommendations each have different concerns. Some hesitate because of cost, some because of time, and some because they are afraid of pain. I always say this: “The most important thing is to think not only about convenience right now, but about the next 10 or 20 years.”

Hope that can be found if you do not give up

Ms. Young-hee now comes in for regular checkups with a bright face. She comes once every six months, and each time she shares a new story. She tells me about eating rice cakes at her grandchild’s first birthday party, going hiking with friends, and traveling with her husband.

Sometimes, when people hesitate about treatment, I say this: even people with diabetes or high blood pressure can often undergo treatment if their condition is well controlled. However, suitability is determined through an individual discussion. Even if you are older, full-arch treatment may actually be appropriate for those who find it difficult to come in many times. What matters is not giving up.

What I want to tell you

Ms. Young-hee said this during a checkup. She said she had recommended us to many of her friends as well. Seeing her smiling happily while holding her husband’s hand tightly, I feel confident once again today that my choice was the right one.

If you are currently struggling with dental problems, please do not suffer alone.

Not being able to bite into an apple, not being able to smile in front of people—those things can all improve.

You can find happiness again, just like Ms. Young-hee did. The days of losing sleep because of pain at night, the loneliness of not being able to eat with your family—all of that can pass.

The reason I am telling this story is because I want to give someone hope. Ms. Young-hee also had difficulties at first, but now she says every day is something to be thankful for. You can do it too. Do not give up. If you find the method that fits your situation, the path will surely become visible.

Was today’s blog, written to help with implant type recommendations, helpful?

At Etoile Seoul Dental Clinic, we continue to support your bright smile today as well.

Like the warm sunshine of a spring day, I sincerely hope happiness will return to your daily life too. Let us create hope together.

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