COLUMN · Treatment

Dental Implant Timeline
How Long It Takes and How to Plan Trips to Korea

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sunmin Kim, Board-certified Orthodontist · Last updated 2026-10-22

"How many visits?" and "how many months in total?" are the first questions about implants. If you are having them in Korea, you also need to plan the trips. Here is the typical dental implant timeline and how to think about scheduling it from abroad.

The dental implant process, step by step

1. Consultation: your concerns, wishes and the overall plan.
2. Examination and diagnosis: X-rays and CT to check the bone and make a plan.
3. First surgery: the implant fixture (artificial root) is placed in the jawbone.
4. Healing period: waiting for the implant and bone to bond firmly.
5. Second stage: the gum is shaped to prepare for the final restoration.
6. Fitting the crown: impressions are taken and the crown is fitted.

The main reason the process takes time is the healing period.

Why does the whole process take several months?

For an implant to work steadily, the fixture and jawbone need to bond. This is called osseointegration, and it takes time. The healing period is generally several months, and it differs with the location (upper or lower jaw) and bone condition. Fitting the crown before the implant has bonded properly makes it less stable, so the steps should not be rushed.

Planning trips to Korea for implants

Splitting treatment into trips

You do not need to stay in Korea during the healing period. A common approach is to come for the first surgery, go home during healing, and return later for the crown. Each stay is shorter, which makes work and plans easier to arrange.

Doing treatment in one block

Depending on the case and schedule, a more concentrated stay may be considered. Which approach suits you depends on your bone and treatment, so ask about the number of trips at the consultation.

What changes the timeline?

• Bone condition: whether bone quantity and quality are sufficient.
• Bone grafting: if bone is lacking, grafting may be needed, which makes the whole process longer.
• Number and location of implants.
• General health: healing also depends on health and lifestyle.

These can only be judged after examining your mouth.

Frequently asked questions

This article is for general information and does not promise any particular result or cost. Suitability, treatment plan, results and how long restorations last differ from person to person. Please have a consultation and examination with a dentist before treatment. Prices are standard list prices as of 2026-10-22 and may change.