Types of Digital Implants: Which One Is Right for Me?

Lee Jang-uk, Chief Director

Hello.

A place that does its best

for a healthy smile

This is Etoile de Seoul Dental Clinic.

A woman in her mid-60s, Ms. Park Mi-sook, walked into the treatment room holding a stack of treatment plans she had received from several dental clinics. Her face clearly showed how exhausted she was.

"Doctor, everyone says something different wherever I go, so I’m really confused. Some places say I have to get each one implanted individually, while others say only a few are enough. What is actually right?" There are many people like Ms. Mi-sook who visit several places after looking up information about the types of digital implants.

Because each dental clinic suggests a different approach, choosing becomes even more difficult. 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.

The five years of 고민, and the moment of choice

Ms. Mi-sook started losing teeth one by one five years ago. At first it was just one or two, but over time she lost most of her upper teeth. As her chewing function declined, she experienced many inconveniences in daily life. She said that mealtimes with her family gradually became stressful. She avoided sitting at the table because she did not want to show that she could not properly chew the food prepared by her daughter.

Ms. Mi-sook visited several dental clinics and underwent examinations. At one clinic, she was told that standard implants had to be placed one by one, and the cost was well over 10 million won. At another clinic, she was told that because there was not enough bone, she would need bone grafting first and would have to wait for several months.

Many people feel confused when the types of digital implants seem too numerous, too complex, and too difficult to understand.

The journey to finding the right method for each person

I explained things to Ms. Mi-sook slowly. I told her that standard implants are a method in which an implant is placed for each missing tooth, so if the number is large, the cost and time naturally increase.

But there is also the full-arch method, which can restore an entire jaw with only about 4 to 6 implants.

When explaining the types of digital implants, I always look at each person's situation. I check the condition of the bone, general health, and even lifestyle patterns. In cases like Ms. Mi-sook’s, where multiple teeth have been lost, a full-arch approach may be an appropriate choice, while if only one or two teeth are affected, the standard method may be better.

The examination results showed that Ms. Mi-sook had very little bone remaining, but by using 3D navigation technology, the procedure could be performed without bone grafting. I explained that this was a method of placing implants in a way that required smaller incisions, or sometimes no incision at all, and could shorten the recovery period. If same-day placement of a temporary prosthesis is possible, the time spent without teeth can be reduced.

The day a new life began

On the day of the procedure, her daughter came with her. She said she had been anxiously waiting the whole time in the waiting room. About two and a half hours later, when the procedure was finished and Ms. Mi-sook came out wearing the temporary prosthesis, I saw tears well up in her daughter’s eyes. Ms. Mi-sook smiled brightly and held her daughter’s hand tightly. In that moment, I too felt deeply moved.

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

A month later, on the day the prosthesis was fitted, Ms. Mi-sook showed me a photo of her grandson. Full-arch treatment aims to restore chewing ability close to that of natural teeth, and although there are individual differences, it may make a variety of foods possible. The gum portion made with pink porcelain can provide a natural aesthetic result.

Three months later, one day, Ms. Mi-sook came in with a friend. Her friend had also visited several places while looking for implant information. I was especially impressed by how Ms. Mi-sook held her friend’s hand tightly and spoke beside her.

Different situations, different choices

Let me share another story as well. Mr. Kim Seong-ho, in his early 50s, lost several front teeth in an accident. He often gives important presentations at work, and he said it was difficult to stand in front of people. He was considering a bridge or the standard method, but since several teeth had problems at once, he was confused about which choice was right.

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

After the procedure, Mr. Seong-ho regained his confidence. Every time he told me that his presentations received a good response, I felt that this work is not simply about fixing teeth, but about changing a person’s life.

People who come in for information about the types of digital implants each have different concerns. Some hesitate because of cost, some because of time, and others because they are afraid of pain. I always say this: "The most important thing is to think not only about what is convenient right now, but about the next 10 or 20 years."

The path you can find if you do not give up

Ms. Mi-sook now comes to her regular checkups with a bright face. She has checkups every six months, and each time she comes, she shares new stories. She talks about eating rice cakes at her grandson’s first birthday celebration, going hiking with friends, and traveling with her daughter.

Sometimes I say this to people who hesitate about the procedure. Even if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, the procedure is often possible if the condition is well controlled. However, suitability is determined individually through a conversation. Even for older patients, full-arch treatment may be appropriate for those who find it difficult to visit multiple times.

What matters is not giving up.

What I want to tell you

At a checkup, Ms. Mi-sook said something like this. She said she had recommended us to her friends many times. Seeing her happily smiling while holding her daughter’s hand tightly gives me confidence once again that my choice was right today.

Everyone, if you are struggling with dental problems right now, please do not suffer alone. Not being able to bite into an apple, not being able to smile in front of people, all of that can improve. You can find happiness again like Ms. Mi-sook did. Nights spent unable to sleep because of pain, the loneliness of not being able to eat meals with your family, all of that can pass.

The reason I share this story is because I want to be a source of hope for someone. Ms. Mi-sook also had a difficult start, but now she says she is grateful every day. You can do it too. Do not give up.

If you find the type of digital implant that fits your situation, the way forward will surely appear.

Today as well, I support your bright smile. Like the warm sunlight of a spring day, I sincerely hope happiness returns to your daily life. Let us create hope together.

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