Korea Dental Implant Cost Calculator

Estimate the out-of-pocket cost of a dental implant in Korea by brand, crown, and add-on procedures, including national insurance for patients aged 65+ and the medical-expense tax refund.

Implant

Add-on procedures

Coverage and tax

National insurance covers up to 2 implants for patients aged 65 and over.

Out-of-pocket cost

₩1,520,000

Estimated range ₩1,150,000 – ₩2,000,000

After medical-expense tax refund₩1,517,000

Cost breakdown

Implant body
₩1,000,000
Prosthesis
₩450,000
Imaging
₩70,000
List price subtotal
₩1,520,000

Tax refund and installments

Deduction threshold (3% of salary)
₩1,500,000
Estimated tax refund
₩3,000
3-month installment
₩506,667/mo
12-month installment
₩126,667/mo

This calculator is based on Korean dental implant pricing and the national insurance rule for patients aged 65 and over (up to 2 implants). Implant pricing is mostly non-covered and varies by clinic and region, so treat this as a planning estimate and confirm a quote with the clinic.

Related calculators

What does a dental implant cost in Korea?

This calculator breaks a Korean dental implant treatment into its parts and estimates the out-of-pocket cost. It reflects the implant brand (domestic or imported), add-on procedures (bone graft, sinus lift), the crown type, and national insurance eligibility, using 2026 insurance rules and regional average pricing.

An implant is the most effective way to replace a missing tooth, giving chewing power and appearance close to a natural tooth. Because most of the cost is not covered by insurance, knowing the price in advance matters.

Korea-based calculator

This tool is based on Korean dental implant pricing and the national insurance rule for patients aged 65 and over. It is a planning estimate, not a clinic quote.

  • For patients and families considering an implant
  • For those aged 65 and over checking insurance coverage
  • To compare domestic and imported implant costs
  • To budget for bone graft or sinus lift add-ons
  • To estimate the medical-expense tax refund

Cost by implant type

Domestic implants

Korean brands lead the world market (Osstem is first, Dentium second). They cost 30 to 50% less than imports with comparable clinical results, so the value is strong. Osstem, Dentium, Neo, Dio, and Megagen are the main domestic brands.

  • Domestic standard (Osstem, Dentium, Neo): KRW 800,000 to 1,300,000 per tooth (Seoul)
  • Domestic premium (Dio, Megagen): KRW 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 per tooth (Seoul)

Imported implants

European premium brands such as Straumann (Switzerland) and Nobel Biocare (Sweden) have long histories and clinical data, and are often preferred for difficult cases. They cost 50 to 100% more than domestic implants.

  • Imported mid (Dentsply, Zimmer Biomet): KRW 1,200,000 to 1,600,000 per tooth
  • Imported premium (Straumann, Nobel Biocare): KRW 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 per tooth

Crown (prosthesis) type

The crown placed on the implant changes both cost and appearance. Zirconia is common for molars, all-ceramic for front teeth.

  • PFM (metal-ceramic): KRW 200,000 to 400,000 — economical, metal edge can show
  • Zirconia: KRW 300,000 to 600,000 — the popular balance of strength and looks
  • All-ceramic: KRW 400,000 to 700,000 — best appearance, closest to a natural tooth

Insurance coverage (2026)

Coverage for patients aged 65 and over

Since July 2014, national insurance has covered implants for people aged 65 and over. Up to 2 implants are covered for life, with a 30% copay, so a covered implant costs about KRW 300,000.

Coverage summary

  • Eligibility: aged 65 and over
  • Count: up to 2 for life
  • Covered base price: about KRW 990,000 per implant (2026)
  • Standard copay: 30%, about KRW 300,000 per implant
  • Near-poor / medical aid 1: 10%, about KRW 100,000
  • Medical aid 2: 20%, about KRW 200,000

Covered implants are priced at the insurance base rate, so non-covered extras (bone graft, premium crowns) are separate. Implants beyond the 2 covered are fully out of pocket.

Medical-expense tax refund

Even though implants are mostly non-covered, they qualify for the medical-expense tax credit. At year-end settlement you can credit 15% of medical spending above 3% of total salary. For example, an employee earning KRW 50 million who spends KRW 3 million on an implant can get about KRW 225,000 back.

  • Credit rate: 15% of the amount above 3% of salary
  • Cap: KRW 7 million (no cap for the taxpayer, those 65+, or the disabled)
  • No age limit: available under 65 too
  • Note: subtract any amount reimbursed by private insurance first

Add-on procedures

Bone graft

A bone graft is needed when the jawbone at the implant site is insufficient, often after a long-ago extraction or gum disease. Cost depends on the material; xenograft (animal-derived) is the most common.

  • Autogenous: KRW 300,000 to 500,000 — your own bone, best formation
  • Allograft / xenograft: KRW 200,000 to 400,000 — most common, proven safety
  • Synthetic: KRW 150,000 to 300,000 — economical, for minor defects

Sinus lift

A sinus lift is done for upper-jaw molars where bone height is short near the sinus. The sinus membrane is raised and graft material is added.

  • Lateral window (large): KRW 800,000 to 1,500,000 — for severe bone loss
  • Crestal (small): KRW 300,000 to 600,000 — for minor bone loss
  • Timing: add 3 to 6 months for bone integration

Implant vs bridge vs denture

An implant costs more upfront but lasts 15 to 20 years or more, so it can be the most economical choice long term. A bridge needs redoing every 7 to 10 years and grinds down the two healthy neighboring teeth. A denture is cheapest but gives only 30 to 40% of natural chewing power and speeds up bone loss.

10-year total cost (one tooth)

  • Implant (domestic): about KRW 1,000,000 (no redo)
  • Bridge (3-unit): about KRW 1,200,000 to 2,400,000 (one redo)
  • Partial denture: about KRW 600,000 to 1,600,000 (one or two replacements)

Regional price differences

Implant cost varies a lot by region. Seoul is the most expensive, and prices fall by 20 to 25% in the provinces. For difficult cases, though, an experienced specialist matters more than price.

  • Seoul: domestic KRW 1,000,000 to 1,300,000, imported 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 (highest)
  • Gyeonggi / Incheon: about 8% lower than Seoul
  • Busan / Gyeongnam: about 15% lower
  • Daegu / Gyeongbuk: about 18% lower
  • Daejeon, Gwangju, Jeju: about 20% lower
  • Gangwon: about 25% lower

Frequently asked questions

How long does an implant last?

On average 15 to 20 years or more, and with regular care (a checkup every 6 months and scaling once or twice a year) it can last much longer. Smoking, diabetes, and gum disease shorten its life.

Domestic or imported?

Domestic implants are sufficient for most cases, with abundant clinical data. Imported premium implants are worth considering for difficult cases such as severe bone loss or front-tooth aesthetics.

Is a bone graft always needed?

No. If the jawbone is sufficient, an implant can be placed without a graft. A 3D CT scan lets the dentist assess bone volume and decide.

How long does treatment take?

A standard implant takes 3 to 6 months including bone integration. An immediate implant placed at extraction can shorten this to 1 to 3 months. A bone graft or sinus lift adds 3 to 6 months.

What is the difference between a covered and non-covered implant?

A covered implant includes only the materials and procedures within the insurance standard. A premium crown such as zirconia or all-ceramic is non-covered and costs extra, so you only pay the upgrade above the basic PFM crown.

Cost-saving tips

  • Compare several clinics: the same treatment can vary 30 to 50% in price; get 2 to 3 quotes.
  • Choose a domestic implant: 30 to 50% cheaper than imports with strong quality.
  • Use interest-free installments: many clinics offer 3 to 12 months interest-free.
  • Check insurance at 65+: always claim coverage if you are eligible.
  • Claim the tax credit: the full implant cost qualifies for the medical-expense credit.
  • Consider nearby regions: comparing accessible provincial clinics can save money.