Godeok-dong Implant: A Real Case of Improving Protruding Front Teeth Naturally While Reducing Costs

Hello.

I’m the director of Seoul Vardi Dental Clinic.

Even though the burden of implant costs has become lower than before,

when you actually consider treatment,

it is still true that cost remains a concern.

Today, I’d like to introduce a case of a patient in their 60s whose loose and protruding-looking front teeth were

treated with a covered implant to reduce the financial burden,

while also naturally refining the front tooth line.^^

A patient in their 60s whose protruding front teeth were improved with implants Godeok-dong Implant: A Real Case of Improving Protruding Front Teeth Naturally While Reducing Costs

This patient visited us because of discomfort, saying, “My front tooth is shaking.”

Upon examination, the left front tooth had already been restored with an implant long ago,

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the teeth on both sides of the implant were loose.

On the radiograph, there was also inflammation at the root tip, and because the bone had been resorbed, the teeth were unstable,

231107 Bone resorption caused by root tip inflammation

so we planned extraction followed by implant placement.

A covered implant plan that lowered the cost burden Godeok-dong Implant: A Real Case of Improving Protruding Front Teeth Naturally While Reducing Costs

The biggest concern for the patient was the implant cost.

Fortunately, this patient met the requirements, so two national health insurance implants were possible.

As of 2025, insurance implant costs are

usually in the 400,000 to 500,000 KRW range per tooth, which made it possible to realistically reduce the cost burden.

However, if the bone condition is poor, bone grafting or, depending on the case, a custom abutment may be needed.

Since these items can incur additional costs, we explained them together during the treatment planning stage.

( ↓Why do additional costs arise with covered implants?)

CT diagnosis + simulated surgery to check the “angle and position” Godeok-dong Implant: A Real Case of Improving Protruding Front Teeth Naturally While Reducing Costs

For front tooth implants, the placement position and angle determine the outcome.

Even a small difference can make the prosthetic look like it is sticking out in front, which can create a protruding appearance.

So I first checked the bone thickness and bone condition with CT,

and then performed computer-based simulated surgery (virtual surgical planning).

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This is the process of designing in advance, before surgery, where and at what angle the implant should be placed so that it is aesthetically natural

and functionally able to withstand chewing without strain.

Thanks to this preparation, even during the actual surgery, we were able to proceed calmly, close to the planned position and angle.^^

Bone grafting combined with implant surgery Godeok-dong Implant: A Real Case of Improving Protruding Front Teeth Naturally While Reducing Costs

On the radiograph, there was an area where the bone had been resorbed due to root tip inflammation,

and the bone width was also thin, so it seemed difficult to place the implant alone.

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So we planned to perform the implant surgery together with bone grafting.

In cases with root tip inflammation, it is really important not to leave any inflammatory tissue (granulation tissue) behind.

If these inflammatory tissues are not properly removed,

even the implant that was carefully placed can become a problem because the bone may resorb due to them.

So after making an incision in the gum, we directly checked the inflammatory tissue with our eyes and removed it cleanly,

and then performed sufficient bone grafting on the cleaned bone.

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At this time, a barrier membrane was also applied.

The membrane prevents soft tissue from coming in first and filling the space,

and it serves as a protective layer that secures room for the bone to grow.

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In other words, while the bone is regenerating, you can think of it as a "shield that helps the bone harden well."

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But there was one problem. Godeok-dong Implant: A Real Case of Improving Protruding Front Teeth Naturally While Reducing Costs

The problem was that the existing implant prosthetic had been made based on the old tooth arrangement.

If a new prosthetic were made based on that prosthetic, there was a possibility that the final result would again

look like the front teeth were protruding.

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So for the existing implant, we kept the fixture (the root part) in place and removed only the prosthetic,

then redesigned the front tooth line so that it would look less prominent.

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By using the existing implant, we preserved what could be saved

and reduced the cost further by maximizing the effect relative to the input.

A comfortable scanning process using a computer Godeok-dong Implant: A Real Case of Improving Protruding Front Teeth Naturally While Reducing Costs

After about 4 months, once we confirmed that the implant root and bone had fused well,

we take an impression of the implant to make the prosthetic.

Our clinic uses an intraoral scanner to capture precise scan data on a computer.

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For patients who had difficulty in the past when taking impressions with rubber impression material because of gagging,

the scanning method takes impressions using a computer, so many people find it relatively more comfortable.^^

We do not immediately place the implant crown for patient satisfaction. Godeok-dong Implant: A Real Case of Improving Protruding Front Teeth Naturally While Reducing Costs

In this patient’s case, the tooth space was tight, so the size distribution of the front teeth looked ambiguous.

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For areas where aesthetics are important, like the front teeth,

what feels natural can differ slightly from patient to patient.

That is why I prioritize making it according to each patient’s individual needs.

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So before the final prosthetic, we made two temporary tooth designs

so the patient could see them directly and choose one.

This process often determines the final level of satisfaction,

so even though it takes extra effort, I make sure to go through one more confirmation step before the final prosthetic.

That way, we can create something closer to the feeling the patient wants,

and reduce disappointment such as "It’s different from what I expected" after completion.^^

Finally, the completed final prosthetic.

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The final prosthetic was naturally refined in shape and color,

and the feeling that the front teeth stood out too much was softened.

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Even if the symptoms are the same, the treatment direction can differ depending on the cause.

If your front teeth are loose or look protruded, please first check your current condition through a precise examination,

and we will help you organize the least burdensome method step by step.

Thank you.^^

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Godeok-dong Implant: A Real Case of Improving Protruding Front Teeth Naturally While Reducing Costs

Go to make a reservation call
02-481-4278

| This post was written directly by Seoul Vardi Dental Clinic for the purpose of providing medical information, in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Advertising Act. The information provided is for reference only, and we recommend that you visit a medical institution and receive guidance from medical professionals for symptom assessment and accurate management methods. All procedures/surgeries performed at the dental clinic may carry possible risks depending on the individual (inflammation, bleeding, swelling, etc.). Please make decisions after sufficient consultation with the medical staff in advance. The treatment cases in this post were photographed with the consent of patients who completed treatment at our clinic, and the before-and-after photos were taken under identical conditions. |