Teeth, once damaged, rarely recover naturally, making consistent care vital for maintaining their resilience. As aging progresses, its effects intensify, compromising both teeth and gums. This often results in periodontal disease or enamel erosion, while external trauma can further diminish dental function, sometimes leading to the loss of natural teeth.
The absence of teeth hinders chewing, complicating food intake and occasionally causing digestive problems. As a result, dental interventions to restore tooth function become essential.
In South Korea, adults aged 65 and older qualify for health insurance coverage for dental implants. Under this program, patients cover just 30% of the costs, driving a steady rise in implant procedures annually. From February 2025, coverage will extend to zirconia crowns, prized for their exceptional strength and aesthetic quality.
Eligibility for insurance comes with specific requirements. Patients must be at least 65 years old, with coverage capped at two implants per lifetime, whether for incisors or molars. The program excludes those with complete tooth loss; at least one natural tooth must remain. Additional procedures, such as bone grafting or maxillary sinus elevation, incur extra costs. Insurance applies solely to standard, detachable abutments, excluding integrated or custom-fabricated ones.
Dental implants significantly enhance chewing ability and nutritional health for older adults. Prior to treatment, comprehensive assessments of chronic illnesses, blood glucose levels, and blood pressure are critical, alongside precise 3D CT imaging for accurate planning. Starting in February 2025, alongside conventional porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, zirconia crowns—known for superior durability and aesthetics—will also be covered by insurance.
Selecting a dental clinic demands careful evaluation of the practitioners’ expertise, access to cutting-edge equipment, and robust post-treatment care systems. To maximize implant longevity, regular checkups and diligent maintenance are indispensable.
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Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@healthinnews.co.kr
