Dental implants in Busan
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth with a titanium post placed in the jawbone and a crown fixed on top. At Dr. Oh's Dental Clinic in Haeundae, Busan, treatment usually runs 3 to 6 months from placement to final crown, with 2 to 4 visits in between. Consultation, 3D CT scan and a written plan come before any surgery.
What a dental implant actually is
An implant is a small titanium screw that takes the place of the root of a missing tooth. Bone grows onto its surface over a few months — a process called osseointegration — and once it is stable, an abutment and a ceramic crown are attached to it. The result looks and functions like a natural tooth and does not rely on the teeth beside it for support.
That last point matters. A bridge requires grinding down the two healthy neighbouring teeth. An implant leaves them alone. For a single missing tooth with healthy neighbours, that is usually the deciding argument.
Who is a good candidate
Most adults in reasonable health are candidates. What we check at the consultation is the volume and density of bone at the site, the position of the sinus and the inferior alveolar nerve, gum health, and whether any habits or conditions would slow healing.
- Bone volume. If a tooth has been missing for years, the ridge may have shrunk. A graft can be done at the same appointment or beforehand.
- Gum disease. Active periodontitis is treated first. Implants fail in inflamed gums.
- Smoking. Smoking measurably raises the failure rate. We will tell you this plainly rather than after the fact.
- Diabetes and bisphosphonates. Not automatic exclusions, but they change the plan. Bring your medication list.
How long the treatment takes
| Stage | What happens | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | Examination, 3D CT scan, treatment plan and cost breakdown | Day 1, about 40 minutes |
| Placement | Implant fixture placed under local anaesthetic; graft if needed | Day 1 or a later visit, 60–90 minutes |
| Healing | Bone integrates with the implant surface; no appointments needed | 2–5 months |
| Impression | Digital scan for the final crown | 1 visit, 30 minutes |
| Crown fitting | Crown fitted, bite adjusted, photographs taken | 1 visit, 40 minutes |
If you are visiting Korea for a limited period, tell us your dates at the first message. We can sometimes compress the plan, and if we cannot, we will say so rather than start something we cannot finish.
Does Korean health insurance cover implants?
National Health Insurance covers implants only for patients aged 65 and over, and only for a limited number of teeth, with a patient co-payment. Everyone else pays privately. Foreign residents enrolled in NHIS are treated on exactly the same terms as Korean nationals — the rule is about age, not nationality.
We give you a written estimate before treatment starts, and an itemised receipt afterwards that you can submit to private or travel insurance. See the guide for foreign patients for how the paperwork works.
Aftercare
Expect mild swelling for two to three days. We prescribe an antibiotic and a painkiller, and give written aftercare instructions in English. Avoid the surgical site when brushing for the first week, skip alcohol and smoking, and eat on the other side. We see you at roughly one week to check healing.
Long term, an implant needs the same care as a natural tooth: brushing, interdental cleaning and a professional cleaning every six to twelve months. The implant itself cannot decay, but the gum and bone around it can become inflamed if neglected.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental implant cost in Busan?
Implant cost in Korea depends on the fixture system, whether bone grafting is needed, and the crown material. We do not publish a single number because a quote given without a CT scan is usually wrong. Send us a message on WhatsApp and we will give you a realistic range for your case, and a fixed written estimate at the consultation.
Is the implant surgery painful?
The placement itself is done under local anaesthetic and is not painful. Most patients describe the following two days as pressure and soreness rather than sharp pain, controlled with the painkillers we prescribe. Patients who are anxious can discuss sedation options at the consultation.
Can I get an implant if I am only in Korea for two weeks?
Placement can be done in that window, but the final crown normally cannot, because the bone needs months to integrate. Options are to return later for the crown, or to have the crown made by a dentist in your home country using records we provide. Tell us your travel dates first so we can plan honestly.
How long do dental implants last?
With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, implant fixtures commonly last well over ten years, and many last decades. The crown on top is more likely to need replacement before the implant does. Smoking and untreated gum disease are the two biggest factors that shorten implant life.