FAQ

The most frequently asked questions from patients

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions from the patients of our Swiss dental specialists.

An implant is the best solution when one or more teeth are missing and a permanent, stable solution for tooth replacement is required. The most common reasons for an implant can be accidents and injuries or hygienic factors such as tooth decay or periodontitis (inflammatory disease of the gums). An implant can also be used if there is dissatisfaction with existing dentures or if adjacent teeth need to be protected from bridges.

The surgical procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is therefore painless. Discomfort after the operation is generally minimal and can be relieved with pain relievers if necessary.

A dental implant is not a quick procedure that you “just have done.” It requires a thorough assessment, experience in execution, and good aftercare. This is the only way to ensure the implant integrates correctly and lasts long-term.

In Switzerland, certified implantologists are specially trained. They identify risks early, plan individually, and are there for you even after the procedure. They are accessible locally and are familiar with your medical history.

Treatments abroad may seem cheaper at first glance. However, incorrectly placed implants or insufficient bone coverage can lead to serious problems. In such cases, there is often no one left responsible.

In Switzerland, you benefit from quality, proximity, and safety. This means more than just a good feeling: it is the best prerequisite for a successful implant.

Conventional dental bridges are an alternative to implants. In this case, the artificial dental crowns are attached to the adjacent teeth instead of the implant. These teeth must be ground down to allow the bridge to be attached.

As a rule, mandatory basic health insurance does not cover dental treatments. However, for certain serious diseases of the masticatory system or certain serious general illnesses and their consequences, the resulting dental treatments are part of the mandatory benefits of the compulsory health care insurance (Art. 31 KVG). In such cases, a dental implant may be reimbursed by the health insurance under certain circumstances. In the event of tooth loss due to an accident, accident insurance will cover the costs of the implant treatment after assessment.

There is no upper age limit, provided the general health condition is good and wound healing is normal. Regarding the minimum age, completion of physical growth is required, which is usually the case at the age of 20.

Smokers can generally receive an implant. However, tobacco consumption can slow down the healing process or other complications may occur. Whether an implant is possible and sensible must be evaluated based on the individual health status of the gums and bone.

Allergies to an implant are very rare, but possible. In isolated cases, a titanium allergy or hypersensitivity to certain materials may occur. It is important to note that titanium itself cannot trigger allergies. Titanium allergies can only occur if it is not pure titanium and has been contaminated with tin or nickel. Intolerances can occur as a physical reaction to foreign bodies or infections.

Established implant companies on the market invest significant knowledge and money in product development, production, quality assurance, and long-term clinical research of dental implants. Furthermore, patented processes exist that make an implant surface bone-friendly. Although cheaper imitation products may look similar to established implant systems on the outside, their quality cannot be comprehensively assessed.

As long as this information is missing, the Implant Foundation Switzerland relies exclusively on scientifically established systems. Consult your dentist about the products used.

The differences between the upper and lower jaw are primarily seen in the density, structure, and anatomy of the bone. While the bone in the upper jaw is softer, the bone in the lower jaw is denser and harder. As a result, the lower jaw also provides a more stable foundation for an implant. In the upper jaw, bone is usually additionally built up and supplemented by raising the floor of the maxillary sinus. This means that the healing of the implant takes longer.

With regular check-ups and X-rays, the onset of inflammation and bone loss around the dental implant can be detected relatively quickly. The implant surface is cleaned with appropriate instruments and polished with fine pastes. At the same time, the mucosal pockets are rinsed with a disinfectant. This process is repeated at shorter intervals until the situation has stabilized. In advanced cases, surgical interventions and/or antibiotics are an option.

If there are no special risks, a semi-annual check-up is sufficient. In the case of potential risks or other inflammatory diseases, individual consultation with your own dentist is required.

Dental implants can be replaced depending on the specific case. If they are defective or worsen the state of health, they can be adjusted and replaced. In cases of gum disease, the implant must be replaced or removed entirely, depending on the incident.

Due to today’s medical standards, implants placed by qualified dentists in Switzerland generally last a very long time. If implant loss cannot be prevented, the implant must be surgically removed. This can happen if the implant was not placed professionally, the body rejects the implant as a foreign body, or the implant loosens or does not hold.

Whether an implant can be reinserted depends on the cause of the implant loss. This is examined and assessed by qualified dental specialists.

It must be clarified whether a treatment error (planning, information, execution) has occurred. As with all medical services, no guarantee of treatment success can be provided; however, the treating person is liable for improper professional services. Dentists practicing in Switzerland are aware of this and will therefore document the services correctly to prove the absence of errors. In case of doubt, an open conversation should always be the first step and often contributes to clarification. However, this can only be guaranteed with dental specialists in Switzerland and not for implants that may be done abroad.

In the event of a loss of trust, the assessment commission of the cantonal dental societies can be called upon, but only if the dentist is a member of a cantonal section of the Swiss Dental Association SSO.

Most patients are able to return to work the day after the operation. However, slight pain and swelling may occur, as with any surgical procedure. In rare cases, bruising (hematoma) may occur on the face.

In the event of a loss of trust, the assessment commission of the cantonal dental societies can be called upon, but only if the dentist is a member of a cantonal section of the Swiss Dental Association SSO.

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