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An implant for just 290,000 won
Tempting, isn’t it?
Even as a dentist with 18 years of experience, I’m startled whenever I see ads like this.

If it were truly possible at that price, how great would that be for patients?
But those who have actually had a consultation at least once will know.
When you go to a clinic drawn in by the ad, the estimate you receive tells a completely different story.
On the surface, it looks like a dramatic discount,
but when you check the actual cost, there are a string of additional items added on.
So today, I, O Su-hwan, a dentist with 18 years of experience,
would like to clearly explain the hidden truth behind implant prices mentioned in advertisements.
Just focus for 2 minutes.
Implant price
It is not simply a matter of placing 'one' tooth
An implant is not a single part; it consists of three major components in total.

Fixture
The artificial root placed into the gum bone, in other words, the implant body.
Abutment
The intermediate component that connects the fixture and the crown.
Crown
The artificial tooth visible from the outside. It is responsible for both chewing function and aesthetics.

Only when all three of these are included is one implant truly complete.
However, the "Implant XX won!" ads we commonly see
often refer only to the price of the fixture alone.
In addition, it is usually based on cases where the gum condition is good and no additional procedures are needed at all,
so think of it as a 'minimum standard.'
If bone grafting, sinus lifting, gum grafting, and similar procedures are included,
significant additional costs may arise.
The real reason implant prices change during consultation?
Implants are not simply about connecting parts.
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The fixture must be properly anchored in the bone, and for that, the quantity and quality of the bone must be sufficient.
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The abutment must be precisely aligned with the crown,
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and the crown must blend harmoniously with the surrounding teeth to look natural and be long-lasting.
And depending on the patient’s oral condition,
a variety of additional procedures and choices can greatly affect the cost.

| Some factors that determine implant price |
First. Whether bone grafting is needed
If there is not enough gum bone, a procedure to reinforce the alveolar bone using bone graft material is necessary.
The upper molar area is close to the maxillary sinus, so sinus lifting is often performed at the same time.
👉Such additional procedures can add anywhere from several hundred thousand won to over one million won in cost.
Second. Detailed diagnosis and use of equipment
Because implants are surgery placed into the jawbone,
a precise diagnosis is needed through 3D CT scans, panoramic imaging, and oral scans.
To increase the safety and accuracy of the procedure, it is necessary to identify the locations of nerves and blood vessels, as well as the amount and density of the bone.
👉Some clinics charge this cost separately,
and some include it in the package, so it needs to be confirmed.
Third. Choice of crown material
The price varies depending on the material of the crown placed on top of the implant.
Zirconia crown
High esthetics and durability (price ↑)
Metal-ceramic (PFM) crown
Common choice (price ↓)
👉The choice is made by considering location and esthetics,
and at this point, the material selected can make a difference of more than 100,000 to 300,000 won.
Fourth. Post-treatment warranty period
Each clinic has a different free warranty period for implants.
Some places offer 1 year, while others provide free warranty service for up to 5 years,
so the implant price can vary depending on aftercare policy as well.
👉If something goes wrong after the 1-year warranty period, the consumer may have to cover the cost directly,
so check the warranty period and conditions before treatment.

What matters more than simply comparing implant prices
Because these various factors work together in combination,
it can be risky to judge based only on an ad that says, 'Implant XX won!'
Moreover, implants are not a treatment that ends in a short period.
Rather than simply 'getting the procedure done cheaply,'
what matters far more is how stably and how long it can be used.
That is why, during consultations, I always tell patients to make sure of the following four things.

👉 Is the procedure performed directly by medical staff with extensive implant experience?
Experience and know-how make a difference in the outcome.
👉 Is there sufficient explanation after a precise diagnosis?
Accurate explanation of your oral condition and a predictable treatment plan are important.
👉 Is the implant brand a trustworthy genuine product?
There are large differences in quality and longevity depending on the brand.
👉 Are regular checkups and post-treatment care programs systematically provided after the procedure?
Continuous management is necessary even after treatment is completed.

An implant is not just about placing it cheaply,
but about making it last and function like my own tooth.
Accurate diagnosis, good materials, skilled technique, and systematic aftercare
Only when all of these are in place can it truly be called a cost-effective implant.
If you want treatment that suits you and an implant you can use for a long time,
I hope you choose a clinic based not on advertising, but on real skill and trust.
This has been Director O Won-jang, the smiling dentist.
Thank you.
