Gum Treatment Cost Before Dental Implants in Korea
January 17, 2026
🦷 Gum Treatment Cost Before Dental Implants in Korea
Healthy gums are essential for successful dental implant treatment. In many cases, patients need periodontal (gum) treatment before implant placement to control inflammation, reduce infection, and ensure a stable foundation for long‑term success. In Korea, gum treatment is commonly performed before implants, and costs vary depending on the severity of gum disease and the type of treatment needed.
This guide explains typical gum treatment costs in Korea before dental implant procedures and the factors that influence pricing.
💰 Basic Gum Treatment (Initial Periodontal Therapy)
- ₩100,000 – ₩300,000 per quadrant (≈
USD $75 – $230)
This includes scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to remove plaque and calculus from below the gum line and smooth the root surfaces. Initial therapy is usually performed in multiple visits, and costs are often charged by quadrant (one‑fourth of the mouth).
🌿 Periodontal Maintenance
- ₩80,000 – ₩200,000 per visit (≈
USD $60 – $150)
After initial therapy, periodic maintenance visits help keep gum disease under control. These visits usually include gentle cleaning, evaluation of gum health, and monitoring changes.
🦠 Advanced Periodontal Treatment
If gum disease is more severe (moderate to advanced periodontitis), surgical intervention may be necessary:
- Flap surgery: ₩300,000 – ₩800,000 per quadrant ($230 – $600)
- Localized gum surgery: ₩200,000 – ₩500,000 per site ($150 – $380)
- Bone or tissue regeneration procedures: ₩500,000 – ₩1,500,000+ per site ($380 – $1,150+)
These procedures address deep pockets, bone loss, and other complications that can impair implant success.
🪩 Gum Grafting (Soft Tissue Grafts)
Some patients need soft tissue grafts to improve gum thickness or coverage around a future implant site:
- Connective tissue graft: ₩400,000 – ₩1,000,000 per site (≈ USD $300 – $760)
- Free gingival graft: ₩300,000 – ₩800,000 per site (≈ USD $230 – $600)
Gum grafting helps improve aesthetic outcomes and long‑term gum health.
🧠 Factors That Influence Cost
- Severity of gum disease: Mild cases require simple cleaning, while advanced cases need surgical intervention.
- Clinic experience and reputation: High‑end periodontal specialists may charge at the upper end of the range.
- Number of sites needing treatment: More extensive disease leads to more time and cost.
- Location: Clinics in areas like Seoul’s Gangnam or Itaewon may have higher prices.
📄 What’s Usually Included
Gum treatment fees in Korea generally cover:
- Clinical examination and periodontal charting
- Scaling or deep cleaning
- Post‑op instructions and chair time
Advanced procedures include surgical time, anesthesia, and materials used.
🌍 For International Patients
Overseas patients often receive a detailed periodontal assessment before travel. Clinics experienced with international care provide online consultations and estimates that include gum treatment if needed before implants.
Treating gum disease before implant placement improves outcomes and reduces the risk of complications.
📝 Budget Planning Tips
Before treatment, ask your clinic for a detailed estimate that separates:
- Initial periodontal therapy
- Periodontal maintenance
- Advanced periodontal procedures
- Gum grafts
Knowing what’s included and what’s optional ensures you can compare clinics accurately and plan your implant treatment budget with confidence.
🦷 Dental Implant Cost & Quality Checklist for Korea Getting dental implants in Korea is not just about finding the lowest price. Quality, experience, and proper planning are equally important for long-term success. This checklist helps international patients compare clinics, evaluate treatment value, and make informed decisions before traveling. ✅ Understand the Total Cost Always check what the quoted price includes. Some clinics only list the implant surgery, while others include: Implant fixture Abutment Crown or prosthetic tooth Pre-surgical scans and planning Follow-up visits and adjustments Sedation or special anesthesia Ask for a full written breakdown to avoid hidden costs. 🧠 Check Implant Brand and Materials The implant system and prosthetic materials affect durability and aesthetics: Recognized international implant brands Surface-treated titanium or high-strength zirconia Warranty or replacement policy Ensure the clinic uses reliable, high-quality materials . 💰 Consider Additional Procedure Costs Preparatory treatments may add to your budget: Bone grafting or sinus lift Tooth extraction Temporary crowns Guided surgery or digital planning fees Make sure these are clearly listed and priced separately . ⏱ Review Treatment Timeline Know how many visits are required and how long healing takes: Number of surgical appointments Waiting period before final crowns Return visits for adjustments Confirm that the schedule fits your travel plan . 🌍 Evaluate Diagnostic and Technology Standards Advanced diagnostics and digital workflows improve safety and outcomes: 3D CT scans and digital imaging CAD/CAM guided planning In-house laboratories for faster prosthetics Check if the clinic uses up-to-date technology . 🏥 Check Dentist Credentials & Experience The dentist’s skill is critical for implant success: Certified implant specialist or prosthodontist Years of experience with implants Experience treating international patients Choose a clinic with proven expertise . 🩺 Confirm Infection Control and Clinical Protocols Safety standards are essential: Sterilization procedures Surgical support systems Emergency protocols Ensure the clinic follows strict hygiene and safety guidelines . ✉️ Assess Communication and Language Support Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings: English or multilingual coordinators Written treatment plans and consent forms Pre-arrival online consultations Make sure you can communicate clearly throughout the process . 💡 Plan for Aftercare and Follow-Up Long-term success depends on post-treatment care: Scheduled follow-up visits Oral hygiene instructions Remote support after returning home Confirm that aftercare is included . 📩 Evaluate Cost vs Value Cheaper isn’t always better if quality is compromised: Compare full services, not just base price Understand revision or refund policies Check patient reviews and clinical outcomes Make sure you are evaluating total value, not just price .
🦷 When Dental Implants Fail: What Happens Next in Korea Although dental implants have a high success rate, failures can occasionally occur. In Korea, implant failure is approached systematically, with an emphasis on accurate diagnosis, preserving bone and tissue, and planning long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. Understanding what happens next can help patients stay calm and make informed decisions. This guide explains how implant failure is handled in Korea and what patients can expect after a problem is identified. ✅ What Is Considered Implant Failure Implant failure generally falls into two categories: Early failure: The implant does not properly integrate with the bone during the healing phase Late failure: The implant loosens or develops complications after months or years of function Failure does not always mean pain or visible movement at first, which is why regular checkups are important. 🧠 Common Causes of Implant Failure Korean dentists typically evaluate several contributing factors, including: Poor bone integration (failed osseointegration) Infection such as peri-implantitis Excessive bite force or untreated grinding Smoking or uncontrolled systemic conditions Improper implant positioning or overload Identifying the exact cause is critical before deciding on next steps. 💰 Initial Evaluation and Diagnosis When failure is suspected, clinics perform: Clinical examination of stability and soft tissue X-rays or 3D CT scans to assess bone loss or infection Bite analysis to check for overload This diagnostic phase determines whether the implant can be saved or must be removed. ⏱ Can a Failed Implant Be Saved? In some cases, early intervention can stabilize the implant. Korean dentists may attempt: Deep cleaning and decontamination Medication or localized infection control Bite adjustment or prosthetic modification If bone loss or mobility is advanced, removal is usually recommended to protect surrounding tissue. 🌍 Implant Removal and Healing If removal is necessary, it is typically performed under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort. After removal: The site is thoroughly cleaned Infected or damaged tissue is treated Healing time is allowed before further treatment Bone grafting may be performed immediately or after initial healing, depending on the condition. 🏥 Re-Implantation Options After healing, many patients are eligible for re-implantation. Options may include: Delayed re-implantation after bone regeneration Using a different implant size or design Changing implant position based on updated digital planning Alternative restorations if implants are not suitable Korean clinics focus on improving conditions before attempting a second implant. 🩺 Preventing Repeat Failure Before re-treatment, dentists address risk factors such as: Improving oral hygiene routines Managing medical conditions Smoking cessation guidance Night guard use for grinding More frequent maintenance visits This step is essential for long-term success. ✈️ What This Means for International Patients For foreign patients, Korean clinics often provide: Clear explanations of failure causes Written re-treatment plans Coordination for follow-up visits or remote monitoring Even if the initial implant fails, structured care helps patients move forward confidently. 📩 Key Takeaway for Patients Implant failure is not the end of treatment. In Korea, it is treated as a step in a larger process — focusing on healing, correction, and long-term stability rather than urgency alone. With proper diagnosis and planning, many patients successfully receive stable implants even after an initial failure.
