Dental implants in Küsnacht

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that heals into the jawbone and then provides a firm anchor for a crown, a bridge or a denture. At our dental practice in Küsnacht, we plan every implant procedure digitally using 3D X-rays and an intraoral scan, and we use implants from the Swiss manufacturers Straumann and Thommen. Whether an implant is the right solution for you is something we will clarify in a personal consultation.

Dr. Tanja Karamousli carries out the surgical steps herself. On this page, you can find out how an implant is constructed, which types are available, what alternatives exist and how treatment works at our practice.

What is a dental implant and who is it suitable for?

Structure and material

An implant usually consists of three parts: the implant body, which is anchored in the jawbone, the connecting piece (abutment) and the visible crown. Once the implant has been placed, the bone grows together with its surface. This process is called osseointegration.

Most implants are made of titanium or a titanium alloy. Titanium has a proven track record over decades and is generally very well tolerated by the body; genuine titanium allergies are rare. If you would prefer a metal-free solution, you can talk to us about ceramic implants made of zirconia. We decide together, calmly and before the procedure, which material suits you.

Requirements: bone, gums and general health

For an implant to heal in securely, there needs to be enough jawbone and the gums must be free of inflammation. We therefore treat any existing periodontitis before placing the implant. If there is not enough bone, bone grafting or, in the upper jaw, a sinus lift may be necessary. This lengthens the treatment, but it is often what makes an implant possible in the first place.

General factors also play a role: smoking, poorly controlled diabetes or certain medications can make healing more difficult. In adolescents, we only place implants once the jaw has finished growing. There is, however, no upper age limit.

Types of implants and restorations

Not all implants are the same. Depending on how many teeth are missing, how much bone is available and what you would like, different solutions are possible.

Immediate implant

With an immediate implant, the implant is placed in the same spot directly after a tooth has been extracted. This saves a procedure and time, but requires healthy bone and inflammation-free tissue. If this is not the case, you wait a few weeks to months until the wound has healed. Find out more in our guide to the immediate implant and its requirements.

Implant bridge

If several adjacent teeth are missing, a bridge can be supported by two or more implants. The healthy neighbouring teeth do not need to be ground down for this. Our article on the implant bridge as a fixed tooth replacement explains how it works.

Mini implants

Mini implants have a considerably smaller diameter than conventional implants. They are mainly used to stabilise a denture when the jaw is narrow. They are generally less suitable for single teeth that are subject to heavy chewing forces. You can find details in our article on mini implants.

Ceramic implants

Ceramic implants made of zirconia are metal-free and tooth-coloured, which can be an advantage where the gums are thin in the front area. However, they have been clinically tested for a shorter time than titanium and are not suitable for every situation. Find out more in our guide Ceramic implants: the metal-free solution.

Alternatives to implants

An implant is not the only way to close a gap. A conventional bridge is supported by the neighbouring teeth, which are ground down for this purpose. This makes particular sense if they need crowns anyway. You can find out more about crowns and bridges made of zirconia or e.max on our dedicated page.

If many or all teeth are missing, removable partial or full dentures are also an option. They involve less effort, but do not sit as firmly as implant-supported replacements. You will find a fair comparison of both fixed solutions in our guide Dental implant or bridge.

How we work at our practice

Our treatment concept is based on a fully digital workflow. We mainly use implants from Straumann, as well as from Thommen; on request we also place CAMLOG implants. Planning is done on the computer before the actual procedure begins.

• Consultation and examination: We examine your teeth, gums and bone, discuss your wishes and also show you the alternatives.
• 3D planning: Using a three-dimensional X-ray (CBCT) and an intraoral scan, we plan the position, length and angle of the implant. Find out more about our equipment on the page X-ray technology at our practice.
• Guided implant placement: The implant is placed according to this plan using a surgical guide, usually under local anaesthesia. A small, minimally invasive access is often enough. Our guide 3D scanning in dentistry explains how 3D X-rays and intraoral scans help with planning.
• Healing: The implant usually fuses with the bone within several weeks to a few months; after bone augmentation it takes longer. During this time you receive a temporary restoration if needed.
• Final restoration: Once the implant has healed, we make the crown, bridge or denture and fit it. We choose the material to suit your situation; the restoration is made by our partner laboratory StarDent or another specialised laboratory.

After the procedure: healing and care

In the first few days, slight swelling and a feeling of pressure are normal. Cooling, taking it easy physically and avoiding smoking and alcohol all support healing. After the procedure, we give you precise instructions and see you again for a check-up.

In the long term, care is crucial. An implant cannot get tooth decay, but plaque can cause inflammation of the surrounding tissue (peri-implantitis), which in the worst case leads to loss of the implant. Thorough brushing, cleaning between the teeth and regular check-ups with professional teeth cleaning at our practice help prevent this.

How much does a dental implant cost?

The costs depend on how many implants are needed, whether bone augmentation is required and which restoration is placed on top. On request, we will prepare a written cost estimate for you before treatment, which you can also submit to your insurer. You can find our rates under Tariff point values.

Compulsory basic insurance only covers dental treatment in exceptional cases, for example after an accident or with certain serious illnesses. Whether supplementary insurance covers part of the cost depends on your policy.

Frequently asked questions

Does having an implant placed hurt?

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia, so you usually feel nothing. Afterwards, there may be some pain or swelling for a few days, which can usually be treated well with ordinary painkillers. If you are anxious about the treatment, please tell us: on request, the procedure can also be carried out under nitrous oxide sedation.

How long does a dental implant last?

With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, implants can last for many years. There is no guarantee that they will last a lifetime: smoking, periodontitis and poor care increase the risk of complications.

Are there metal-free dental implants?

Yes, ceramic implants made of zirconia are metal-free. However, they are not suitable for every starting situation. We will check whether they are an option for you during your consultation.

Can I eat normally during the healing period?

In the first few days, we recommend soft food and chewing on the other side. How much load the implant can take after that depends on your situation. We will discuss this with you individually.

Would you like to know whether an implant is right for you? Book a consultation online at our practice on Seestrasse in Küsnacht.