What an implant is
A dental implant is a screw made of pure titanium, anchored in the jawbone as a replacement for the tooth root. After the healing phase a crown, bridge or denture is attached to it. Compared to a bridge, neighboring teeth do not need to be ground down. Compared to a removable denture, the implant transfers chewing forces directly to the bone and thereby prevents bone loss.
More depth on procedure and materials is on our service overview for dental implants. This page describes how we deliver the treatment in Winterthur.
Treatment in Winterthur
In Winterthur, initial consultation, X-rays, intraoral scan, surgical procedure and prosthetic restoration all take place under one roof. Sedation, if you want it, is organized internally through Dr. Heller.
Before the procedure we take an intraoral scan. Whether a 3D scan (CBCT) is needed is decided after the examination. We take one when bone volume, nerve position or the sinus must be known precisely for planning. Position and axis of the implant are defined before the surgery begins. This preparation reduces the risk of injury to the nerve canal and of misalignments that would later be difficult to correct.
Materials
We work with Straumann (Switzerland) and Nobel Biocare. Both systems have been on the market for over four decades and are broadly documented clinically. Components remain available long-term, which is relevant when an implant requires prosthetic re-restoration after decades.
Insurance and cost estimate
Swiss basic insurance covers implants only in narrowly defined exceptional cases such as after an accident. Supplementary insurance with dental care module may cover part of the costs. Before we begin treatment, you receive a detailed written cost estimate to submit to your insurance.
Aftercare
Implants last long, but only with consistent care. The mucosa around the implant is more sensitive than around a natural tooth. Peri-implantitis is the most common cause of late implant loss. We recommend implant patients two dental hygiene sessions per year in Winterthur and an annual check-up.
Getting to the Winterthur practice
Resident Winterthur, Bahnhofplatz 5b, 8400 Winterthur. Directly at Winterthur main station in the white glass building. Three minutes’ walk from the station exit. Tram, bus and train stops right in front of the building. From the station parking garage a staircase leads directly into the practice building.
More on implant cost and decision-making
The cost of an implant varies by bone situation, material and scope of restoration. A detailed cost overview with range figures in the article What does a dental implant cost in Switzerland. For the decision between implant, bridge and denture, the decision guide Implant vs. bridge vs. denture. The implantology clinical lead at Resident is Dr. Markus Franke.