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Blanche Dental Clinic
Sedation Implants · Conscious Sedation

Sedation implants: a way to have surgery with less tension

Sedation implants are, strictly speaking, done under conscious sedation. Unlike general anesthesia, you have surgery in a light sleep-like state while breathing on your own. We check your health before sedation and keep watching your condition throughout.

  • Conscious sedation
  • Sedation & monitoring by a dentist
  • Pre-sedation assessment & ECG
  • Oxygen, heart rate & blood pressure monitoring
Consult about implants with photos Call +82-1877-2882
How patients feel

You need an implant, but fear of surgery keeps you waiting?

Many people find it hard to breathe just sitting in the dental chair. Sedation implants are one way to ease that tension. If any of the following apply to you, talk to us at the consultation about whether sedation is needed.

Sedation implants are also called conscious sedation implants or sedation dentistry.

  • You have memories of a very hard time during past dental treatment
  • Just thinking about the anesthetic injection or the sound and vibration of the drill makes you tense up
  • You gag when instruments touch the inside of your mouth
  • Keeping your mouth open for a long time is hard in itself
  • You need several implants and worry that surgery will take a long time
  • While putting off treatment out of fear, you've lost more teeth
What is conscious sedation

Sedation implants are, strictly speaking, 'conscious sedation'

The word "sleep" easily brings to mind general anesthesia, where you are completely unconscious. But the conscious sedation used for sedation implants aims for a light sleep-like state in which you breathe on your own and can respond to speech or light touch.

Comparison table
Conscious sedation (sedation implants)General anesthesia
ConsciousnessLight sleep; you can respond when calledCompletely unconscious
BreathingYou breathe on your ownBreathing often needs support from a machine or device
Pain controlLocal anesthesia is given separately at the surgical siteThe anesthesia itself prevents you from feeling pain
Where it's doneDental treatment roomUsually a hospital with an operating room and anesthesia staff
RecoveryYou rest in the surgery room, your condition is checked, then you go homeRecovery takes longer and a hospital stay may be needed

Deeper sedation is not better. The goal is to lower tension enough while you keep breathing on your own. So you may remember parts of the surgery, or your memory may be hazy. It differs from person to person.

Sedation and local anesthesia

Sedation eases anxiety; local anesthesia handles pain

Sedation implants use two things together: sedation, which lowers mental tension, and local anesthesia, which blocks sensation at the surgical site. Sedation alone doesn't remove pain at the surgical site, so after confirming the sedation level, we give local anesthesia where needed.

Patient monitor used during sedation at Blanche Dental, marking where heart rate, oxygen saturation and blood pressure appear on screen

  1. Sedation

    Lowers tension and anxiety, bringing you into a light sleep-like state. You breathe on your own.

  2. Local anesthesia

    Blocks sensation around the implant site. This is what controls pain.

  3. Continuous monitoring

    During sedation, a dentist checks oxygen saturation, heart rate and blood pressure in real time.

  • 01

    If you're worried about pain

    If you've felt pain in the past even with anesthesia, tell us which treatment it was and what it felt like. We'll reflect it in the local anesthesia plan.

  • 02

    How to tell us you're uncomfortable

    You can still respond during sedation, so we agree before surgery on a signal you can give when you feel uncomfortable.

  • 03

    Recovery after surgery still applies

    Sedation doesn't skip the healing of the surgical site. We give you separate instructions for managing swelling and pain.

Who it may help

When sedation implants are worth considering

Sedation can ease the anxiety and tension that made you put off treatment, helping you get the implant treatment you need. However, being afraid alone doesn't make it right for everyone, so we decide by looking at your health and the scope of surgery together.

    • When the surgery is extensive

      Placing several implants, or rebuilding a whole jaw as with full-arch implants (All-on-X), can take longer. If you want to avoid enduring a long time with your mouth open and your body tense, we consider adding sedation.

    Before sedation

    What you must tell us before sedation implants

    Sedation can affect breathing and blood pressure, so before sedation we check your health with a pre-sedation assessment and an ECG. If you leave out information hoping to hear that you're fine, it becomes hard to make a safe decision. Please tell us everything below.

    • 01

      Current medications

      Tell us about every medication you take, including blood pressure or diabetes medication, blood thinners, sleeping pills and sedatives. Don't stop any medication on your own.

    • 02

      Snoring · Sleep apnea

      If you've been told you stop breathing in your sleep or snore heavily, be sure to tell us. It's important information for planning sedation.

    • 03

      Heart or lung conditions

      If you have heart disease, high blood pressure or a respiratory condition such as asthma, it helps to bring medical records or the names of your medications.

    • 04

      Past reactions to sedation or anesthesia

      Tell us if you took a long time to wake up or felt nauseous after a sedated endoscopy or other sedation or anesthesia. The same goes for drug allergies.

    • 3D CT scan before implant surgery at Blanche Dental
      3D CT scan before surgery, checking bone height and width and nerve position.
    • Blanche Dental 3D CT analysis screen for deciding implant position
      3D CT analysis screen, planning implant position and depth in advance.

    If you have a cold or fever, have trouble breathing, or your medications have changed, please contact us before surgery. Our medical team will reassess whether sedation is appropriate that day.

    Day-of preparation

    On the day of your sedation implant, please prepare like this

    The general guidelines are below; anything that differs based on your health will be explained separately when you book. If anything is unclear, please ask again.

    • Please fast for 6 hours before surgery. We'll go over the details again when you book
    • Check in advance whether to take your usual medications on the day of surgery
    • We recommend coming with a companion who can go home with you
    • Do not drive yourself on the day of sedation
    • Avoid alcohol, operating machinery and important contracts or decisions that day
    • Wear comfortable clothes and keep your schedule clear after surgery
    The process

    How sedation implants are done

    From the pre-sedation assessment to going home, sedation is care that goes hand in hand with implant surgery. Surgery is performed by Dr. Taehyung Kim, Chief Dentist, and Dr. Hayoung Kim themselves.

    1. 01

      Consultation · Pre-sedation assessment

      We review your medical history, medications and what you fear most, check your baseline condition with an ECG, and decide whether sedation is right for you.

    2. 02

      3D CT diagnosis

      We look at bone and nerve positions and plan where to place the implant.

    3. 03

      Starting sedation · Monitoring

      We connect the monitor and start sedation. A dentist checks oxygen saturation, heart rate and blood pressure in real time.

    4. 04

      Local anesthesia

      After confirming the sedation level, local anesthesia is given only at the surgical site.

    5. 05

      Implant surgery

      The implant is placed at the planned position. We keep monitoring your condition during surgery.

    6. 06

      Recovery · Going home

      You rest in the surgery room while we check how awake you are, then go home after receiving aftercare instructions.

    Sedation and monitoring are handled by a dentist directly. To prepare for emergencies, all Blanche Dental staff are certified in CPR.

    Recovery time differs from person to person, so it's best not to plan things like going straight to work after surgery.

    • Patient monitoring equipment at Blanche Dental showing oxygen saturation, heart rate and blood pressure in real time during sedation
      Sedation monitoring equipment · real-time oxygen saturation, heart rate and blood pressure
    • Implant surgery at Blanche Dental, with the dentist and staff operating
      Implant surgery
    • Surgery in progress in the Blanche Dental implant surgery room
      Implant surgery

    These photos are to help you understand the surgical process. Swelling, bruising, pain or temporary changes in sensation may occur after surgery, and drowsiness or dizziness may remain after sedation. Recovery time and results vary from person to person.

    Benefits and trade-offs

    What you can expect, what you need to accept

    We hope you won't decide after hearing only the benefits. Please look at both before choosing.

    • What you can expect

      • Less tension and anxiety may make surgery easier to go through
      • Gag reflex and discomfort from sound or vibration may be reduced
      • You may not have to brace yourself through a long surgery
      • It can be the push to start treatment you've been putting off out of fear

    • What you need to accept

      • Drowsiness, dizziness or nausea may last a few hours after sedation
      • Rarely, breathing may become shallow or blood pressure may change, so continuous monitoring is needed
      • We cannot promise you'll remember nothing or feel nothing
      • A companion is recommended, and driving and important tasks should be avoided that day

    Sedation only eases anxiety; it doesn't shorten the time it takes for the implant to bond with the bone or remove the risks of surgery. The surgical plan and recovery need the same care whether or not you have sedation.

    Cost and schedule

    Sedation implant cost and schedule

    Sedation costs KRW 400,000 (≈ USD 295) per session, separate from implant and full-arch costs.

    • 01

      Implant cost

      Per implant: Megagen AnyOne KRW 800,000 (≈ USD 590), Megagen BlueDiamond KRW 1,000,000 (≈ USD 735), Straumann KRW 2,300,000 (≈ USD 1,690). Prices include the abutment, zirconia crown and 3D CT. See the Dental Implants page and the full price list for details.

    • 02

      Sedation cost

      Sedation is KRW 400,000 per session. It is charged separately from implant and full-arch costs, and we decide together at the consultation whether it's needed.

    • 03

      Visit schedule

      It usually takes four visits: surgery, stitch removal about a week later, a scan 4–6 months later, and crown placement a week after that. If you're traveling from abroad or outside Seoul and can stay about a week each time, two trips are also possible.

    We repeat every explanation at least four times. You're welcome to make the decision at home.

    Profile photo of Dr. Taehyung Kim, Chief Dentist of Blanche Dental
    Dr. Taehyung Kim, Chief Dentist
    Profile photo of Dr. Hayoung Kim of Blanche Dental
    Dr. Hayoung Kim
    Implant surgeons

    Dr. Taehyung Kim and Dr. Hayoung Kim perform the surgery themselves

    Blanche implant surgery is performed by Dr. Taehyung Kim, Chief Dentist, and Dr. Hayoung Kim. The dentist who performs the surgery takes responsibility for the plan you heard at the consultation. Both dentists can treat patients in English.

    • Dr. Taehyung Kim, Chief Dentist · Seoul National University College of Dentistry and School of Dentistry graduate, Master of Dental Science, Seoul National University
    • Training at Columbia and UCLA dental hospitals, USA
    • Advisor to SBS 'Dr. Oh's Clinic' and the YouTube channel 'Doctor Friends'
    • The clinic that placed the most Straumann BLX implants in Gangnam in 2024
    • Invited to the 70th anniversary event of the Embassy of Switzerland in Korea
    Learn about Straumann implants →
    FAQ

    Common questions about sedation implants

    Are sedation implants different from general anesthesia?
    Yes. Sedation implants use conscious sedation, which aims for a light sleep-like state in which you breathe on your own and can respond to speech or light touch. It is a different method from general anesthesia, in which you are completely unconscious.
    Will I remember nothing under sedation?
    It differs from person to person. You may remember parts of the surgery, or the time may feel short or your memory hazy. We cannot promise that you'll remember nothing.
    Will a sedation implant be painless?
    Sedation lowers anxiety and tension, while pain at the surgical site is handled by local anesthesia. So after confirming the sedation level, local anesthesia is given separately at the surgical site. Pain or swelling may occur after the anesthesia wears off, and we explain how to manage it.
    Could I wake up during surgery?
    Conscious sedation aims for a light, responsive state to begin with, so there may be moments when you become more clearly aware. The medical team adjusts based on your condition. Agreeing in advance on a signal for when you're uncomfortable helps.
    I'm worried I won't be able to breathe during sedation.
    Under conscious sedation, you breathe on your own. However, sedation can affect breathing and blood pressure, so we perform a pre-sedation assessment and ECG beforehand, and during sedation a dentist checks oxygen saturation, heart rate and blood pressure in real time. If you snore or have sleep apnea, be sure to tell us in advance.
    Who handles sedation and monitoring?
    A dentist administers the sedation directly and also monitors oxygen saturation, heart rate and blood pressure during sedation. To prepare for emergencies, all Blanche Dental staff are certified in CPR.
    Can anyone have sedation implants?
    No. We decide after checking your medications, heart or lung conditions, sleep apnea and past reactions to sedation or anesthesia. Depending on your health, you may first need to see a physician, or another method may suit you better.
    Do I need to fast before sedation implants?
    Yes. Please fast for 6 hours before surgery. We'll explain the details about your usual medications and water again when you book. If you weren't able to fast as instructed, be sure to tell us before you come.
    What should I do about my usual medications?
    Don't stop or reduce any medication on your own. Tell us about every medication you take at the consultation, such as blood pressure or diabetes medication and blood thinners, and we'll confirm together whether to take them on the day of surgery.
    Can I come and go home alone?
    Drowsiness and dizziness may remain after sedation, so we recommend coming with a companion who can go home with you. A companion isn't strictly required, but if you come alone, don't drive yourself, and rest fully in the surgery room before going home.
    Can I drive on the day of surgery?
    Do not drive yourself on the day of sedation. Please also avoid operating machinery, drinking alcohol and important contracts or decisions that day.
    Are there side effects after sedation?
    Drowsiness, dizziness or nausea may last a few hours after sedation. Rarely, breathing or blood pressure may change, so we keep checking your condition during sedation and recovery. If you have trouble breathing or respond unusually after going home, contact us right away, and in an emergency go to an emergency room first.
    With sedation, can several implants be placed in one day?
    Whether to use sedation and how much surgery to do in one day are decided separately. We look at your bone condition, whether a bone graft is needed and your health, then decide whether to do it all at once or in stages.
    Can full-arch implants be done under sedation?
    For longer surgeries such as full-arch implants (All-on-X), we often consider sedation as well. Whether to proceed is decided at the consultation based on your health and surgical plan.
    I did fine with a sedated endoscopy before. Will I be fine this time too?
    Past experience is important reference information, but there's no guarantee that your current health, medications and the scope of surgery are the same. Tell us how it went and we'll reflect it in this plan, and we'll do the pre-sedation assessment again.
    How much do sedation implants cost?
    Sedation costs KRW 400,000 (≈ USD 295) per session, separate from implant and full-arch costs. Implants are, per implant, Megagen AnyOne KRW 800,000 (≈ USD 590), Megagen BlueDiamond KRW 1,000,000 (≈ USD 735) and Straumann KRW 2,300,000 (≈ USD 1,690), including the abutment, zirconia crown and 3D CT. Costs may be added if a bone graft or similar is needed, so we give you the exact total at the consultation.
    Can I get implants without sedation?
    Yes. Surgery can be done with local anesthesia alone, without sedation. Splitting the surgery into stages or taking breaks along the way are also options. We'll compare which approach would be more comfortable for you at the consultation.

    Reviewed by Dr. Taehyung Kim, Chief Dentist (Seoul National University School of Dentistry graduate, Master of Dental Science; training at Columbia and UCLA dental hospitals, USA) · Last updated

    Location

    Blanche Dental Clinic, Nonhyeon Station, Gangnam

    A 30-second walk from Exit 4 of Nonhyeon Station, on Gangnam-daero.

    Subway

    30-second walk from Exit 4, Nonhyeon Station (Line 7, Shinbundang Line)

    Address

    7F, 531 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Banpo-dong)

    Hours

    Mon, Thu, Fri 10:30–19:00Tue, Wed 10:30–21:00 (late hours)Sat 10:00–14:00 · Sun every other week
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    7F, 531 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Banpo-dong)

    30-second walk from Exit 4, Nonhyeon Station (Line 7, Shinbundang Line)

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