How are implant types categorized?
Implant types are usually categorized by manufacturer, surface treatment of the screw, thread shape, and the way the abutment (the post that connects the screw to the prosthesis) is connected. Most are titanium or titanium alloy, so the material itself does not differ much; each company makes its surfaces and its width and length sizes differently. I have written about differences in surface treatment separately in Why implant surfaces differ.
| Category | What differs | What I look at |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer / brand | Surface treatment, sizes, parts system | Whether parts will be available for a long time |
| Screw width / length | Several sizes even within the same company | Whether it fits the width and height of the remaining bone |
| Abutment connection | Connection shape; stock, custom, or zirconia | Direction of the prosthesis and the shape of the gums |
Are Korean-made implants lower quality than imported ones?
Quality is not decided by country of manufacture alone. I often get questions like “Korean implants are cheaper, so that’s because the quality is lower, right?” But more important than the name of the country is whether that system has a size that fits this bone, and whether parts can be obtained later to keep repairing it. Saying a product sells a lot is different from saying that screw will be surrounded by this bone.
What do you look at before the brand?
I look at the width and height of the bone first. If the bone is thin or short, the screw will be unstable no matter what name it carries. If the width is insufficient, we add bone before or during placement; if the height is insufficient in the upper molars, we add a sinus lift that raises the maxillary sinus (the empty space inside the upper jaw). I have summarized the criteria in Is a bone graft always needed for an implant?
Next is the bite. Even if the implant bonds well to the bone, if the upper and lower teeth hit hard, the screw can loosen or the prosthesis can break. Where there is teeth grinding, where the opposing tooth has drifted down, or where the front teeth had been bearing the load instead, I adjust the direction of force before thinking about the brand.
Does the price differ by implant type?
It does, but the product is only part of the total. Even within the same company, prices differ by product line, and the total is set by adding bone grafting, sinus lift, the type of abutment (stock, custom, or zirconia), and the prosthesis material. So when comparing quotes, you should lay out side by side which items are included, rather than the product names.
A more expensive line is not better for every bone, either. Where the bone is firm and sufficient, a basic line is often enough; where the bone is soft or initial stability is especially important, we choose a surface and shape suited to it. You can hear in the consultation why that line was chosen.
Can I get follow-up care at another dental clinic later?
Often you can, but parts differ by system, so there needs to be a record of which product was used. When you get a check-up somewhere else after moving or changing jobs, knowing the manufacturer and size makes tightening the screw or replacing parts much easier. I recommend getting your placement record after surgery.
How we do it at Wonjin Dental
At Wonjin Dental, we check the width and height of the bone and the positions of the nerve and maxillary sinus with panoramic and three-dimensional (CT) imaging, and then decide the size. The products on our price list are Osstem Implant SA, BA, and SOI, and each price, along with the costs of bone grafting and sinus lift, is published in Full fee list. In consultations, I mention the product name last. The product name does not decide the result.
Frequently asked questions
Are Korean-made implants always cheaper?
No. There are several lines even within the same company, and bone grafting, sinus procedures, and prosthesis materials are added to the price. Country of manufacture alone does not set the price.
Does implant lifespan differ by brand?
Lifespan depends more on bone condition, bite, gum care, and whether you smoke than on the brand. If you keep up regular check-ups and scaling, implants often last a long time.
How can I find out the product name of my implant?
You can request the placement record (manufacturer, diameter, length) from the clinic that did the surgery. Without a record, it can be estimated from an X-ray, but it may not be accurate.
