Get Help with Full-Arch Implants and Ease the Burden

Director Lee Jang-wook

Hello.

We are Etoile Seoul Dental Clinic,

a place that does its best

for your healthy smile.

Not long ago, a woman who had just turned 70 came to see me holding her daughter’s hand tightly. She looked like she was in a lot of pain from the moment she walked in, and during the consultation, she quietly began to cry.

"Doctor, eating is really so hard for me. My dentures keep getting loose, so even eating a spoonful of rice feels like a battle. My heart breaks when my grandchildren ask why Grandma only eats porridge all the time." Her daughter, standing beside her, also wiped away tears and said, "My mom doesn’t even want to go out these days. Even when her friends ask her to meet up, she says she’s embarrassed to eat, so she just wants to stay home. I can’t tell you how upsetting that is for me."

Before learning about full-arch implant insurance, many people never even considered treatment because of the burden of the cost. I hope today can be a chance to learn more through their stories.

We take responsibility for your oral health.

The days of tears because of dentures

She had been using dentures for many years, but as the jawbone had significantly resorbed, the dentures no longer stayed in place properly. Because the dentures kept moving around in her mouth, her gums hurt every time she chewed, her speech would slip, and she always felt anxious about the dentures suddenly coming out during meals. She grew increasingly withdrawn, avoiding even eating out with her daughter, and gave up the mountain-climbing group she had once loved so much. I still remember the expression on her face when she said, "Eating is this hard, so what’s the point of living?"

The start of a small hope, easing the burden

First, we checked whether full-arch implant insurance could be applied. Fortunately, she was able to receive some help, and once the financial burden was reduced even a little, a small smile appeared on her face for the first time. We carefully planned the treatment using 3D imaging and a digital oral scan. Although there was a severe lack of jawbone, we found that by placing four implants at a special angle, it would be possible without bone grafting. I still remember how surprised she was when she said, "Can it really be done so simply? I came here prepared for major surgery."

That was how the journey began. On the day of the procedure, she came into the treatment room looking nervous, but her daughter kept holding her hand and encouraging her. Using a navigation system, we placed the implants in the exact positions and fitted a temporary prosthesis that same day. When she looked at herself in the mirror for the first time, tears welled up in her eyes again. But this time, they were different tears. "Is this really my mouth? With teeth like this, I feel human again." Her daughter, standing beside her, also teared up and said, "Mom, you look so beautiful. You look like your old self again."

Happiness in a spoonful of kimchi stew

For the first few days, she carefully adjusted by eating soft foods first. Then one day, her daughter called me. "Doctor, my mom was eating rice mixed into kimchi stew for breakfast, and suddenly she started crying. I was so surprised and asked if she was okay, and she said she was crying because she was so happy. She said she never knew chewing kimchi could be such a joyful thing." Hearing that, I felt deeply moved as well.

A month later, when she came in for the final prosthesis, she was completely transformed. Her expression had brightened, and even her clothes looked more cheerful. "Doctor, I’m going hiking with my friends this week. And next month, I’m going to attend my alumni gathering. I haven’t gone to anything for years, but now I feel like I can do anything." Her daughter also said, "My mom smiles every day now. She’s energetic when playing with the grandchildren, she eats samgyeopsal again, and it feels like she’s become a completely different person."

The reason I smile in front of the mirror every morning

When she came back for a regular checkup a few months later, she said this to me: "Doctor, these days I smile every morning when I look in the mirror. I can’t explain how grateful I am to be able to smile freely like this. I wish I had known sooner that eating could be such a happy thing, but I’m still so glad it turned out this way now. When my grandchildren say Grandma is pretty again, it really feels like I’m flying." Hearing those words reminded me once again why I do this work.

The courage of not giving up, even with diabetes

Another story comes to mind. He was a man in his mid-60s who had lived with diabetes for a long time. His teeth had become very poor, so he visited several hospitals, but all he heard was that implants would be difficult because of his diabetes. He came with his wife and cautiously asked, "Is it possible for me too?" I can still hear the sound of his voice. Fortunately, his blood sugar was well controlled, so I told him it was possible, and I can still clearly remember the couple hugging each other tightly in joy.

He was also able to receive full-arch implant insurance benefits, which reduced the financial concern, and because one side of the mouth could be restored with just four implants, the burden in terms of time and cost was also lower. He took excellent care of himself after the procedure. He brushed carefully every day and never missed a single follow-up checkup. When he came in six months later, he smiled brightly and said, "Doctor, these days I go hiking and even play golf. My friends say I look younger. Because eating is enjoyable, life feels more enjoyable too."

A message of hope I want to share with you

The reason I’m sharing these stories with you is not simply to explain a treatment method. Among those reading this post right now, there may be people struggling with similar concerns, and I wanted to offer them a small ray of hope. I know how much pain it can cause not to be able to chew properly, or not to be able to smile in front of others, and how that goes far beyond simple discomfort.

When considering implants, the first concern is usually cost. If full-arch implant insurance applies, the financial burden can be reduced, and instead of restoring every tooth individually, just four to six implants can restore an entire side, saving both time and money. Since a temporary prosthesis can be fitted on the day of treatment, there is no period of living without teeth, and because the final restoration is completed within a month, you can return to daily life more quickly than you might expect.

The preciousness of everyday life, regained

Are you having a hard time because of dentures right now? Are you worried because you can’t chew properly? Are you afraid to smile in front of others? If so, please don’t keep worrying alone for too long. Just like the many people I have met, you too can fully regain a happy everyday life. You can enjoy delicious meals every morning, laugh and talk with friends, and fully cherish time with your family.

Whether full-arch implant insurance can be applied depends on the individual, so it’s best to check first. Through a detailed examination, we can find the most suitable method for you, and since related complimentary treatment is provided within three years, you can receive follow-up care with peace of mind after the procedure. If you maintain regular checkups and consistent care, you can use them healthily for a long time.

I hope the stories I shared today become a small source of hope for you. Even if things are hard right now, please don’t give up. A brighter tomorrow will surely come. I will always support you, dreaming of the day when all of you can smile brightly again. I’ll be waiting for your happy smile.

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