Why do implant estimates differ between dental clinics?
Because the range of items included in the estimate differs. “It’s the same treatment, so why is it so different?” If you just put the numbers side by side, this question is bound to come up. An estimate that lists only the screw (fixture) and one that includes the abutment (the post connecting the screw to the restoration) and the restoration are not the same number. The items that make implant estimates differ are as follows. They are also the most common reason the first estimate and the final amount differ.
- The implant product and line
- Whether additional surgery is needed, such as a bone graft or sinus lift
- The type of abutment (stock, custom, or zirconia) and the restoration material
- Diagnostic imaging such as CT, temporary teeth, and surgical difficulty
How much do implants cost at Wonjin Dental?
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Osstem implant SA | ₩300,000 |
| Osstem implant BA | ₩500,000 |
| Osstem implant SOI | ₩800,000 |
| Simple bone graft | ₩150,000 |
| Complex bone graft | ₩300,000 |
| Sinus lift, crestal approach | ₩500,000 |
| Sinus lift, lateral approach | ₩1,000,000 |
| Custom abutment | ₩200,000 |
| Zirconia abutment | ₩300,000 |
Prices are as of September 2026 (the “VAT included” label applies to cosmetic treatment items). The full list can be checked on all treatment fees. A bone graft or sinus lift is not an item added for everyone; it is added only when the CT shows there is not enough bone.
When is a bone graft or sinus lift added?
It is added when the width or height of the jawbone is not enough to surround the screw. If the width is insufficient, bone is filled in during or before placement, and if the bone height below the maxillary sinus (the hollow space inside the upper jaw) is insufficient at the upper molars, a sinus lift is added. Whether it is needed can only be known by looking at a CT, so an estimate given without imaging may change later. The criteria are summarized in Do upper molar implants also need a sinus lift?
How many visits does an implant take, and how long?
After placement, the period for the implant to attach to the bone is usually 2–3 months for the lower jaw and 3–6 months for the upper jaw, and it gets longer with a bone graft. If steps are skipped and only the crown date is moved earlier, the screw may attach but the height can be off, causing food to get caught or the screw to loosen. The number of visits is usually around 4–6, based on the exam, surgery, stitch removal, impression, and placing the restoration, and it increases if there is a bone graft or a temporary tooth.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam and planning | Checking the bone, nerve, and maxillary sinus with a panoramic X-ray and CT |
| Extraction and bone graft | Only where needed |
| Placement and osseointegration | The period for attaching to the bone is not skipped |
| Restoration | Placed with the height and bite matched |
How we handle it at Wonjin Dental
I do not start by talking about the boxes on the price list. I look at whether there is bone to spare using a panoramic X-ray and CT, and for loose teeth, I first look at the possibility of saving them with root canal treatment or gum treatment. Then I explain a plan that does not skip steps and where the bite should be set, and I break the estimate down item by item into the product, bone graft, abutment, and restoration. I do not decide whether it is possible or not by age alone. With implants, I look at the bone, the steps, and the bite before the price.
Frequently asked questions
Can anyone get insurance-covered implants?
It applies to people aged 65 or over who are partially missing teeth, up to 2 implants per lifetime, with a 30% patient copayment. Insurance-covered implants are also available at Wonjin Dental, and eligibility is checked during your visit.
Do implants need to be replaced after some time?
It is not a treatment that must be replaced after a set period. If the gums become inflamed or the restoration wears, it is fixed at that point, and with continued regular checkups, implants often last a long time.
When can I eat after implant surgery?
On the day of surgery, after the anesthesia wears off, start with soft, lukewarm food, and do not chew on the surgical site. While the implant is attaching to the bone, avoid very hard or chewy food.
What should I compare between a cheap estimate and an expensive one?
Compare the items rather than the total. If you line up the product name, whether the abutment and restoration are included, and whether bone graft and imaging costs are separate, most of the difference is explained.
