Reduce the Burden of Implant Costs for Seniors 65 and Older with Insurance Benefits

Director Lead Doctor Lee Jang-wook

Hello.

A place that does its best

for a healthy smile

This is Etoile de Seoul Dental Clinic.

A few days ago, a man in his seventies came to see me with his son supporting him. He looked very tired from the moment he entered the treatment room, and as soon as the consultation began, he spoke to me in a small voice.

"Doctor, eating has become so painful lately. My denture keeps moving, so it’s hard to chew food. When I eat out with my family, I feel embarrassed by the way I eat, so I find myself avoiding going out more and more." The son sitting next to him also teared up and said, "My father hasn’t been going to his friend gatherings lately and stays at home all the time. He’s so uncomfortable eating that he’s afraid to go out, and it really breaks my heart."

The first thing I checked at that time was the implant cost for those 65 and older and whether insurance coverage would apply.

We take care of your dental health.

Ten years of a father who was afraid to eat out even once

He had used dentures for more than ten years, but as the jawbone had been significantly resorbed, the dentures were no longer properly fixed. Every time he ate, the dentures moved and made his gums sore, and when he spoke, his pronunciation would slip, making conversation uncomfortable. Even when playing with his grandchildren, he could not laugh out loud because he was afraid the dentures might suddenly come out, and the walks he used to take with his wife gradually became fewer. I still remember the expression on his face when he sighed, saying, "What’s the fun if I can’t even eat properly?"

The moment when worries about implant cost turned into hope

Fortunately, we were able to apply insurance benefits for seniors aged 65 and older, which reduced the financial burden. When I told him that he could receive help through insurance, hope appeared on his face for the first time. After a precise examination using 3D imaging and digital scanning, we confirmed that although the condition of his jawbone was not good, with a navigation system we could restore the entire one side with four implants without a bone graft.

"I didn’t know it could be this simple. I came prepared for major surgery, so this is really a relief," he said, visibly relieved.

On the day of the procedure, he came into the treatment room with a tense expression, but his son stayed by his side and encouraged him throughout. The implants were placed in the exact positions, and a temporary prosthesis was fitted on the same day. The moment he first saw his reflection in the mirror, his eyes grew moist. "Is this really my mouth? Having teeth like this makes me feel human again." His son was also moved, saying, "Dad, you look so much younger. You look just like your old self." At that time, he said that being able to reduce the burden of implant costs for those 65 and older was a big help in making the decision.

I didn’t know chewing meat could be such a happy thing

For the first few days, he carefully adjusted with soft foods. Then one day, I got a call from his son. "Doctor, yesterday my father went to a barbecue restaurant with the family and was eating pork belly when he suddenly got teary-eyed. I was startled and asked if he was okay, and he said he had no idea chewing meat could be such a happy thing." Hearing that, my own heart grew warm too.

A month later, when he came in for the final prosthesis, he looked completely different. His expression had brightened, and his steps seemed lighter. "Doctor, I’m going hiking with my friends next week. And next month I’m going to attend my alumni reunion. I couldn’t go out for years, but now I feel like I can do anything." His son also said happily, "My father smiles every day now. He’s full of energy when playing with the grandchildren, he eats meat, and it feels like he’s become a completely different person."

A morning when he could smile brightly in front of the mirror

When he came in for a regular checkup a few months later, he said this to me.

"Doctor, these days I smile while looking in the mirror every morning. I can’t describe how grateful I am to be able to smile this freely. I wish I had known earlier that eating could be such a happy thing, but I’m really glad it turned out this way, even if it’s only now. When my grandchildren say Grandpa has become cool now, it makes me really happy." Hearing those words reminded me once again why I do this work.

Every time I see people who had postponed treatment because they were worried about the implant cost for those 65 and older start a new life with insurance benefits, I feel truly rewarded.

"Could this be possible even if I have high blood pressure?" he asked carefully

Another patient comes to mind as well. He was a man in his late sixties who had been taking blood pressure medication for a long time. His teeth had deteriorated a lot, and he had gone around to several clinics, but all he heard was that implants would be difficult because of his high blood pressure. He came with his wife and asked cautiously, "Could this be possible for me too?" I can still hear that voice clearly.

Fortunately, when I told him that it was possible because his blood pressure was well controlled, the couple hugged each other tightly and rejoiced.

He was also able to receive insurance benefits for implant costs for those 65 and older, which eased the financial burden, and because we could restore the entire one side with four implants, the burden in terms of time and cost was reduced as well. After the procedure, he managed his care very consistently. He brushed carefully every day and never missed a regular checkup. When he came back six months later, he smiled brightly and said, "Doctor, these days I go hiking and even play golf. My friends say I’ve gotten younger. Because eating has become enjoyable, life has become enjoyable too."

A story I especially want to share with those who are worrying alone

The reason I’m sharing these stories with you is not simply to explain treatment methods. Among those reading this post right now, there may be people struggling with similar worries, and I wanted to offer them a little hope. I know how painful it is when you can’t chew food properly, when you can’t smile in front of others, and how that goes beyond mere inconvenience.

When considering implants, the financial aspect is usually the first concern. Seniors aged 65 and older can receive insurance benefits, which can reduce the cost burden, and rather than treating all teeth individually, it is possible to restore the entire one side with only four to six implants, saving both time and money.

Because a temporary prosthesis can be fitted on the day of the procedure, there is no period of going without teeth, and since the treatment is completed within about a month, returning to daily life is easier than expected.

Insurance benefits that helped recover precious daily life​

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

Whether insurance coverage applies differs from person to person, so it’s best to check first.

If you are worried about the burden of implant costs for those 65 and older, first have a consultation to see whether you can receive insurance benefits. Through a precise examination, we can find the method best suited for you, and since related complimentary care is provided within three years, you can receive follow-up management with peace of mind after the procedure. As long as you maintain regular checkups and consistent care, you can use them healthily for a long time.

I hope the stories I shared today have given you a little hope. Even if things are difficult now, don’t give up. A brighter tomorrow will surely come. Dreaming of the day when all of you can smile brightly again, I will always be cheering for you. I’ll be waiting for your happy smiles.

Previous image Next image

▲[Etoile de Seoul Dental Clinic] We provide treatment in a warm and clean atmosphere.

▼ Etoile de Seoul Dental Clinic YouTube ▼