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Dental treatment abroad: how do you prepare X-rays, 3D scans, trips, temporaries and follow-up from Switzerland?

Dental treatment abroad: how do you prepare X-rays, 3D scans, trips, temporaries and follow-up from Switzerland?

In short: good dental treatment abroad starts at home. Before you book anything, you need a recent panoramic X-ray, clear photos of your smile and an honest description of what bothers you; a 3D scan (cone beam CT) is then usually needed to plan implants. Treatments that involve implants generally require two trips, because the bone needs several months to integrate the implant before the final teeth are made; crowns, bridges and veneers on natural teeth can often be done in one longer stay. Between trips you wear temporary teeth, which need care. Finally, plan your follow-up in Switzerland before you leave: keep your implant card, X-rays and treatment report, and find a local dentist for annual check-ups. This guide walks you through each step, the questions to ask, the number of trips to expect and what to do once you are back home.

This article is general information. It does not replace a consultation or advice from a dentist or doctor.

For an overview of treatments, see our guides to dental implant options, crowns, bridges and dentures and veneers and smile makeovers. This article focuses on how to prepare treatment abroad from Switzerland.

Contents

Why people in Switzerland go abroad for dental care

Dental treatment in Switzerland is excellent but expensive, and it is mostly paid out of pocket. In Switzerland, basic health insurance (KVG/LAMal) covers dental care only in a short, exhaustive list of situations, such as certain severe diseases. For most people, implants, crowns and veneers are self-funded or partly covered by a supplementary dental insurance.

Is this a new trend?

No. A study published in the Swiss Dental Journal in 2017 interviewed 508 patients in five German dental clinics close to the Swiss border. Almost all patients living in Switzerland (95.6%) confirmed that dental treatment in Germany was cheaper, and 65% said other family members also travelled there for dental care. Interestingly, the technical equipment of the practice mattered more to Swiss residents than to German patients: people travelling for dental care look for quality as well as price.

What do dentists in destination countries say about quality?

A survey of 273 Hungarian dentists, published in the British Dental Journal in 2013, described Hungary’s leading role in dental tourism and estimated the rate of complications in dental care at around 5%, similar to other European countries in the respondents’ view. The lesson is not that every destination is safe, but that quality depends on the team, the planning and the follow-up, wherever treatment takes place.

So what makes the difference?

Preparation. Most problems with dental treatment abroad come from rushed planning, incomplete diagnosis, unrealistic timelines or a lack of follow-up after returning home. The steps below reduce these risks.

Step 1: what to send before any quote

A serious clinic cannot propose a treatment plan from a phone call. It needs images and information.

Which documents are needed for a first assessment?

Medespoir’s dental care guide lists three things to send: a recent panoramic X-ray, photos of your smile and a description of what bothers you. On this basis, a first proposal is prepared within 48 working hours, free of charge and without commitment. Other useful documents include:

  • previous treatment reports, especially for existing implants or root canal treatments;
  • a list of your medicines and medical conditions;
  • any older X-rays that show how your situation has changed;
  • the brand and type of existing implants if you know them.

Which photos should I take?

Take sharp photos in daylight, without filters: a natural smile from the front, a wide smile showing the gums, the teeth closed from the front and both sides, and, if possible, the upper and lower teeth from above and below using a mirror. Photos help assess the smile line, tooth shape and colour, which matter for crowns and veneers.

Why describe what bothers me?

Because a treatment plan should answer your goals, not just a list of teeth. « I cannot chew on the left », « my bridge moves », « I hide my smile in photos » and « I want to avoid a removable denture » lead to different plans. Mention also what you do not want, for example removable prostheses or long treatment times.

The panoramic X-ray: your starting point

The panoramic X-ray (orthopantomogram, OPG) is a single image of all teeth, roots, jaws, sinuses and jaw joints. Medespoir’s dental guide calls it the basic examination without which no serious treatment plan can be established.

Where can I get one in Switzerland?

Most dental practices and dental clinics in Switzerland can take a panoramic X-ray. You can ask your usual dentist or book an appointment at a practice for an X-ray and a check-up. Ask for the image as a digital file (often a JPEG or DICOM file) or on a USB stick. You are entitled to receive copies of your medical images.

How recent must it be?

As recent as possible, generally from the last few months. Teeth, gums and bone change over time, and an old X-ray can miss new decay, infections or bone loss. Medespoir asks for a recent panoramic X-ray.

What does the panoramic X-ray show, and what does it not show?

It shows missing teeth, decay, old fillings, root canal treatments, infections at the root tips, bone loss from gum disease, the position of the sinuses and nerves, and impacted teeth. It does not show bone width precisely, nor the exact three-dimensional position of nerves and sinuses, which is why a 3D scan is needed before implant surgery.

Should I also have a check-up in Switzerland?

It is useful. A local dentist can examine your gums, check which teeth can be saved and treat urgent problems before you travel. If gum disease is active, it must be treated before implants or crowns. Our guide to gum disease and periodontitis explains why: nothing durable can be built on unhealthy gums.

The 3D scan (cone beam CT): when and why

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) produces a three-dimensional image of the jaws. It has become standard for planning implants.

What does a CBCT show that an X-ray does not?

  • The height and width of the bone where implants will be placed.
  • The exact position of the nerve in the lower jaw and of the maxillary sinuses.
  • Bone defects that may require a bone graft or sinus lift.
  • The quality of the bone around existing implants or teeth.

These measurements decide the length, diameter and position of each implant. Medespoir’s dental implant page states that implants are adapted to each patient’s case using panoramic 2D and 3D scans.

Is the radiation dose a concern?

It should be justified, not feared. Recommendations published in BMC Oral Health in 2018 by a European group of oral radiologists explain that CBCT offers volumetric data at relatively low doses and costs, but that the effective dose varies widely between machines and protocols, from the equivalent of about 2 to about 200 panoramic X-rays, even for similar indications. The authors conclude that CBCT is justified for pre-surgical diagnosis and planning of implants, with machine settings optimised for each patient and indication. In practice, this means a CBCT should be taken when it will change the treatment plan, and repeated scans should be avoided where possible.

Should I have the CBCT in Switzerland or abroad?

Either can work. Some clinics prefer to take the scan on their own machine, because their planning software and surgical guides are calibrated to it. Medespoir’s dental guide lists three-dimensional imaging performed on site as included in its package. If you already have a recent CBCT from Switzerland, send it: the team will tell you whether it is sufficient or whether a new scan is needed for planning.

What is guided implant surgery?

With a CBCT and a digital scan of the teeth, the team can plan the implants on a computer and produce a surgical guide that directs the drill to the planned position. The 2018 recommendations note that CBCT data can be transferred to surgery via 3D printing or navigation. Guided surgery is not always necessary, but it is useful in complex cases.

Understanding the treatment plan

A good plan explains what will be done, in what order, why, and how long it will take. Read it carefully before you book flights.

What should a treatment plan contain?

Element What to look for
Diagnosis Which teeth are healthy, which can be saved, which must be removed, and the state of the gums and bone
Treatment steps Extractions, gum treatment, bone grafts, implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, in order
Materials Implant system, type of crown (zirconia, ceramic), temporary materials
Number of trips How many stays, how long each, and the interval between them
Temporaries What you will wear between trips and how to care for it
Follow-up Check-ups, what is included after your return, what you must organise in Switzerland
Price and inclusions What the price covers and what remains at your expense

Why might the plan change after the clinical examination?

Because images and photos cannot show everything. Medespoir’s guide notes that a tooth judged savable can turn out to be fractured under an old crown, and that the patient is informed before any procedure, with the impact on the plan and the price. Ask in advance how such changes are handled.

Should the plan save teeth or replace them?

Whenever reasonably possible, saving a natural tooth is preferable. Medespoir’s dental guide stresses that every recoverable element deserves to be saved and that a natural tooth, even reconstructed, has qualities no device reproduces. Be cautious about plans that propose extracting many healthy or treatable teeth to place implants or full-arch prostheses.

Why does gum treatment come first?

Because periodontitis that is not controlled threatens both natural teeth and future implants. Medespoir’s guide states that periodontal treatment is systematic when the gums are affected, and that it requires a re-evaluation before the next steps. This can add time to the plan, but it protects the result.

Ready to start? Send your panoramic X-ray and photos for a free, personalised quote. Dental treatment with Medespoir in Tunisia costs about 60% less than in Switzerland, and you receive the exact price in a personal quote within 48 working hours.

Your health before dental surgery

Dental implants and extractions are surgical procedures. Your general health matters.

Which conditions should I report?

  • Heart conditions: some heart valve conditions or prosthetic valves require antibiotics before dental surgery. Ask your cardiologist.
  • Blood thinners: never stop them on your own. Many dental procedures can be done while taking them, with local measures to control bleeding; the decision is made with your doctor.
  • Diabetes: well-controlled diabetes is compatible with implants, but poor control slows healing and increases infection risk.
  • Osteoporosis medicines: drugs such as bisphosphonates or denosumab can affect jaw bone healing and must always be reported.
  • Radiotherapy to the head and neck: it affects bone healing and requires specialised planning.
  • Smoking: it increases the risk of implant failure.

What does the evidence say about smoking and implant failure?

A meta-analysis published in PLoS One in 2013 pooled 51 studies with more than 40,000 implants placed under risk conditions. Smoking was associated with nearly double the risk of implant failure (relative risk 1.92) and radiotherapy with a relative risk of 2.28. In that analysis, diabetes and osteoporosis were not significantly associated with implant failure, although the authors called for further study. Stopping smoking before and after implant surgery is one of the most effective things you can do.

Does age matter?

Implants can be placed at almost any adult age if health allows. A 2019 meta-analysis in the Journal of Dentistry estimated 10-year implant survival at 96.4% in a traditional analysis. A sensitivity analysis that accounted for patients lost to follow-up gave lower estimates and found that age of 65 or over was associated with lower survival, suggesting that the real-world risk of implant loss may be higher in older people. Older patients therefore benefit particularly from careful planning and regular follow-up.

How should I prepare my mouth in the weeks before?

A clean, healthy mouth heals better. In the weeks before the first trip:

  • have a professional cleaning in Switzerland if your last one was some time ago;
  • brush twice a day and clean between the teeth every day, with interdental brushes of the right size;
  • have urgent problems, such as a painful tooth or a broken filling, treated locally;
  • stop smoking, ideally for good, and at least for the period your dentist recommends;
  • stock up on soft, nutritious foods for the days after surgery: soups, yoghurt, eggs, fish, purées and smoothies.

Do I need to fast before implant surgery?

Under local anaesthesia, usually not, and a light meal beforehand is often recommended. Under sedation or general anaesthesia, fasting rules apply. Follow the clinic’s instructions, which depend on the type of anaesthesia planned.

How many trips will I need?

This is often the first practical question, and the answer depends on the treatment.

Why do implants usually need two trips?

Because the bone must grow around the implant before the final crown or bridge can be fixed. This process, called osseointegration, takes several months. Medespoir’s dental guide describes it as incompressible: the final work comes after integration, and this delay cannot be negotiated. Its implant page indicates that the ceramic crown is placed two to three months after the implant in the protocol it describes. Bone grafts or sinus lifts can extend the interval.

What are the typical stay durations?

Medespoir’s dental guide gives the following indicative durations for treatment in Tunisia:

Treatment First stay Second stay
Single implant 2 to 3 days 3 to 4 days
Two to three implants 3 days 4 days
Implants with ridge augmentation 3 to 4 days 4 days
Lateral sinus lift 4 days 4 to 5 days
Onlay bone graft 4 days 4 to 5 days
Full arch on implants 5 to 6 days 6 to 7 days
Two full arches 6 to 7 days 7 to 8 days
Bridge on natural teeth 5 to 6 days Not needed
Multiple crowns 5 to 6 days Not needed
Veneers 6 to 7 days Not needed
Root canal treatment and crown 4 to 5 days Not needed
Periodontal treatment 3 to 4 days Depending on re-evaluation
Whitening only 2 days Not needed

Can several treatments be grouped?

Often, yes. Grouping treatments reduces the number of trips, flights and days off. Medespoir’s guide explains that treating a mouth tooth by tooth over months multiplies travel and temporary periods, while grouping what can be grouped reduces the number of stays. It also sets a limit: some delays, such as bone integration and periodontal re-evaluation, cannot be shortened.

What happens during each trip?

For a full-arch implant treatment, Medespoir’s guide describes the first stay as extractions where needed, placement of the implants, immediate impressions and fitting of a fixed temporary prosthesis, so that you leave with fixed teeth. During the interval, the bone integrates the implants while you wear the temporary. The second stay is used for final impressions, try-ins and fitting of the final prosthesis.

« Teeth in a day »: what immediate loading really means

Many clinics advertise « new teeth in one day » or « in one week ». The claim contains some truth and some marketing.

What is immediate loading?

Immediate loading means attaching a crown or bridge to implants shortly after they are placed, instead of waiting months. It is possible only when the implants are very stable in the bone at the time of surgery and when the forces on them can be controlled. The teeth fitted at that stage are temporary.

Is immediate loading as reliable as waiting?

For single implants under appropriate conditions, recent evidence is reassuring. A meta-analysis led by researchers at the University of Zurich and published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry in 2026 pooled 40 randomised trials and more than 1,200 single implants. It found no significant difference in implant survival between immediate and conventional loading at one, two, three or five years, with clinically negligible differences in bone loss and similar patient satisfaction. The certainty of evidence was moderate for survival. The key phrase is « under appropriate clinical conditions »: the dentist decides on the day, based on implant stability.

So are the teeth really final after one trip?

No. Medespoir’s dental guide is explicit: the prosthesis fitted immediately is temporary, and the final piece comes several months later, after bone integration. What remains true is that you leave with fixed teeth and a presentable smile. Knowing this avoids disappointment.

Living with temporary teeth

Between the two trips, you will live with temporary teeth for several months. They are functional and aesthetic, but more fragile than the final work.

Will I leave without teeth?

In a well-planned treatment, no. Medespoir’s guide states that a temporary is always placed before departure and that patients leave the first stay with fixed temporary teeth where the plan allows it.

What can I eat with temporaries?

Follow the specific instructions you receive. In general, avoid very hard foods (nuts, hard crusts, ice), sticky foods (caramel, chewing gum) and biting directly into hard fruit with the front teeth. Cut food into small pieces and chew carefully, especially in the first weeks after implant surgery. Medespoir’s guide notes that specific dietary instructions accompany the interval period.

How do I clean them?

Brush gently but thoroughly, clean around the gum line and use interdental brushes or a water flosser if recommended. Good hygiene during the interval protects the healing implants and gums.

What if a temporary breaks or comes loose in Switzerland?

Do not panic and do not glue it yourself with household glue. Contact the clinic that treated you first, with a photo; they can advise you and, if needed, coordinate with a dentist in Switzerland. Keep the broken piece. A local dentist can often re-cement or repair a temporary, but they need to know what was done. Note that intermediate check-ups and repairs in Switzerland are usually at your own expense, as Medespoir’s guide indicates for intermediate checks.

Is there someone to contact during the interval?

Ask before you leave. Medespoir’s guide mentions a contact person available during the interval, when questions tend to multiply, and remote follow-up after the return.

Which treatments suit a trip abroad, and which are better at home?

Not every dental problem is a good fit for treatment abroad. The best candidates are planned treatments with a clear beginning and end; the least suitable are emergencies and treatments that need frequent visits over a long period.

Treatment Suitability for treatment abroad Why
Implants, bridges on implants, full arches Good, with two planned trips Clear steps; healing time between trips is spent at home
Crowns, bridges and veneers on natural teeth Good, often in one stay Can be completed in a few days with an on-site laboratory
Whitening Possible, but rarely worth a trip on its own Short treatment; often combined with other work
Gum treatment Possible as a first step, but maintenance is local Needs re-evaluation and regular follow-up
Orthodontics with braces or aligners Usually better close to home Requires regular adjustments over months
Dental emergencies (abscess, severe pain) Treat at home first Infection and pain need immediate care
Children’s dentistry Better close to home Frequent follow-up and growth monitoring

Should I treat an infection before travelling?

Yes. A painful tooth, a swelling or an abscess should be treated in Switzerland before any planned trip. Flying with an acute dental infection is uncomfortable and can be risky, and the clinic abroad will usually want any infection controlled before major work.

What about long-term maintenance treatments?

Treatments that require many short visits, such as orthodontic adjustments or intensive periodontal maintenance, are hard to organise across borders. Some patients combine the two: the major planned work abroad, and maintenance with a dentist or dental hygienist in Switzerland.

Materials, implant systems and spare parts

The materials chosen affect how long the work lasts, how it looks and how easy it is to repair in Switzerland later.

Why does the implant system matter for follow-up?

Each implant system has its own screws, abutments and tools. If a screw loosens or a crown needs replacing in ten years, your dentist in Switzerland must be able to identify the system and obtain compatible parts. Ask which system will be used, whether it is widely available in Europe, and make sure the brand, model, diameter and length of each implant are recorded on your implant card.

Zirconia or ceramic crowns?

Both are common. Zirconia is very strong and often used for back teeth and bridges; layered ceramics can give very natural results at the front. The choice depends on the position of the tooth, your bite, whether you grind your teeth and your aesthetic expectations. Ask why a material is proposed for each area.

Can I choose the colour and shape?

You should be involved. Ask to see the shade and shape with try-ins before the final work is cemented. Medespoir’s package lists try-ins and adjustments as included. Bear in mind that crowns and veneers do not respond to whitening: if you want whiter natural teeth, whitening should come first so that the restorations can be matched to the new shade.

What about night guards?

If you clench or grind your teeth, a night guard can protect crowns, veneers and implants from excessive forces. Mention any grinding habit at the first consultation, because it influences materials and design.

What happens on arrival: a typical first day

Knowing what to expect on the first day reduces stress and helps you prepare questions.

What does the first appointment involve?

Usually a clinical examination, a review of your X-rays, a 3D scan if implants are planned, and a detailed discussion of the plan. Medespoir’s package includes the arrival consultation, the clinical examination and on-site 3D imaging. The plan proposed from your X-ray and photos is confirmed or adjusted at this stage.

What should I bring to the first appointment?

  • Your X-rays and previous reports, even if already sent.
  • Your list of medicines and any medical letters.
  • Glasses if you need them to read documents.
  • A notebook or phone to write down explanations and instructions.

Can I still change my mind?

Yes. Until treatment starts, you can ask questions, request clarifications or decide not to proceed. If the plan changes significantly from the initial proposal, ask for the reasons and for the impact on the price and timeline before agreeing. A good team takes time to explain.

Organising the trips

Practical organisation makes the experience easier and safer.

When should I book flights?

Only after you have a written treatment plan with the number and length of stays. For the second trip, book once the clinic confirms the timing, which depends on healing. Flexible tickets are worth considering.

Can I fly right after implant surgery?

Usually yes, after a standard implant placement, unless your dentist advises otherwise. After a sinus lift, special precautions apply because pressure changes and nose-blowing can affect healing; follow the instructions on when to fly and how to protect the sinus.

How much time off work do I need?

Plan the length of the stay plus one to a few days at home after major surgery, because swelling often peaks two to three days after implant placement. For crowns or veneers, most people can return to work immediately.

Should someone come with me?

For extensive treatment, a companion is helpful. Medespoir’s dental package includes accommodation and meals for one companion as well as the patient, and transfers on site. Flights for each stay remain at your expense.

What about language?

In Tunisia, Medespoir’s dental guide indicates that exchanges about materials and shapes take place in French. If you are not comfortable in French, bring a companion who is, or ask how explanations and documents will be provided.

Follow-up in Switzerland

The work is not finished when you fly home. Implants and crowns need lifelong maintenance, and most of it will happen in Switzerland.

Which documents should I bring home?

  • The implant card, which identifies the implant system, size and position. Medespoir includes it and the treatment report in its package and advises keeping the card for life.
  • The treatment report, listing what was done on each tooth.
  • Final X-rays, as digital files.
  • Instructions for hygiene and check-ups.

Will a Swiss dentist agree to follow work done abroad?

Most dentists will see you for check-ups, cleaning and urgent care. Having precise documents makes this much easier, because the dentist needs to know the implant system to obtain compatible parts. Find a local dentist before or soon after treatment, explain what was done and schedule regular appointments.

How often should I have check-ups?

Medespoir’s guide recommends at least an annual check-up with periodic X-ray follow-up for implants, plus regular professional cleaning at the interval suited to your situation. People with a history of gum disease usually need more frequent maintenance.

How do I keep implants and crowns healthy at home?

Implants do not decay, but the gum and bone around them can become inflamed, much like gum disease around natural teeth. Daily care is simple but must be consistent: brush carefully along the gum line twice a day, clean between teeth and under bridges every day with interdental brushes, floss designed for bridges or a water flosser, and avoid smoking. Under a full-arch prosthesis, the hygienist can show you how to reach the areas where food collects. Medespoir’s guide insists that a prosthesis must be designed so that it can be cleaned properly, because a piece that cannot be cleaned does not last.

Who does the professional cleaning?

A dental hygienist in Switzerland can clean around implants with suitable instruments. Tell them you have implants and bring your implant card to the first appointment.

What warning signs need a dental visit?

  • Bleeding, swelling or pus around an implant.
  • An implant crown that moves or a screw that loosens.
  • Pain when chewing that persists.
  • A cracked or chipped crown or veneer.
  • A bad taste or persistent bad breath around a restoration.

Inflammation around implants can progress to peri-implantitis, which destroys bone if left untreated. Early treatment is simpler and more successful.

Insurance and costs

Understanding the financial framework helps you compare options honestly.

Will my Swiss insurance pay for treatment abroad?

Basic insurance generally does not pay for implants, crowns or veneers, wherever they are done, except in the limited situations listed in the law. If you have a supplementary dental insurance, check its conditions before treatment: some policies cover a portion of costs abroad, others require prior approval or Swiss providers. Ask for the conditions in writing.

What does Medespoir’s dental package include?

Medespoir’s dental guide lists the following as included: arrival consultation and clinical examination, 3D imaging on site, treatment planning, the planned surgical procedures, implants and components, laboratory work, temporaries between stays, final prostheses, try-ins and adjustments, the implant card and report, accommodation and meals with a companion, transfers on site and remote follow-up after the return. The patient pays for flights for each stay, personal expenses, extra nights for convenience, travel insurance, intermediate check-ups in Switzerland, maintenance cleaning at home and currency exchange fees.

How much can I save?

Dental treatment in Tunisia with Medespoir costs about 60% less than in Switzerland. The exact price depends on your plan and is given in a free, personalised quote. Medespoir’s guide explains why it publishes no generic price list: two implants with the same name may require different durations, materials and numbers of stays depending on the bone. Remember to add flights and time off when comparing.

What about Turkey?

Medespoir confirms hair transplants in its Istanbul clinics. For dental treatment, the quote specifies whether the treatment is possible in Turkey and where.

Risks and how to reduce them

Every dental treatment carries risks, at home or abroad. Some are specific to treatment abroad.

Risk Why it happens How to reduce it
Rushed treatment Trying to fit too much into one short trip Accept two trips for implants; do not compress healing times
Over-treatment Removing or crowning healthy teeth Ask why each tooth is treated; get a second opinion for large plans
Failure of an implant Smoking, infection, poor bone, overload Stop smoking, follow instructions, attend check-ups
Problems after returning home Distance from the treating team Keep documents, arrange a local dentist and a contact at the clinic
Incompatible parts later Unknown implant system Keep the implant card with brand and references
Unexpected extra costs Unclear inclusions Ask what is included in writing before travelling

Should I get a second opinion?

For extensive plans, such as full arches, multiple extractions or many crowns or veneers, a second opinion from a dentist in Switzerland is worth considering. Bring the X-rays and the plan. A difference of opinion does not necessarily mean one plan is wrong, but it helps you ask the right questions.

What about « Turkey teeth » and aggressive veneers?

Very white, bulky veneers or crowns placed on heavily ground-down healthy teeth have attracted media attention in several countries. Preparing healthy teeth aggressively is irreversible. If your goal is mainly aesthetic, ask how much tooth structure will be removed and whether less invasive options exist, such as whitening, minimal-preparation veneers or aligners.

Your checklist

Before requesting a quote

  • Recent panoramic X-ray (digital file).
  • Clear photos of your smile and teeth.
  • A short description of what bothers you and what you want to avoid.
  • List of medicines and medical conditions.

Before booking

  • Written plan with steps, materials, number and length of stays, and the interval.
  • Written list of what is included and what is not.
  • Answers about temporaries, follow-up and contact during the interval.
  • Gum disease treated or planned first.

Before each trip

  • Stop smoking.
  • Plan medicines with your doctor, including blood thinners.
  • Book flexible flights and travel insurance.
  • Prepare soft foods for the first days at home.

After treatment

  • Implant card, report and final X-rays in a safe place.
  • A dentist in Switzerland for check-ups and cleaning.
  • Annual check-up as a minimum.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to send for a dental quote abroad?

A recent panoramic X-ray, photos of your smile and a description of what bothers you. Previous reports and a list of medicines are useful too.

Do I need a 3D scan before implants?

Usually yes. A CBCT shows bone volume and the position of nerves and sinuses, which determine implant size and position.

How many trips do dental implants require?

Usually two: one to place the implants and one, several months later, to fit the final teeth. Crowns and veneers on natural teeth often need one stay.

Will I have teeth between the two trips?

Yes, in a well-planned treatment you leave with temporary teeth. They need care until the final work is fitted.

Is « teeth in a day » real?

Fixed teeth can sometimes be fitted on the day of implant surgery, but they are temporary. The final prosthesis comes after bone integration.

What if my temporary breaks at home?

Contact your treating clinic with a photo, keep the broken piece and do not glue it yourself. A local dentist can often help.

Will a Swiss dentist follow my implants?

Most will provide check-ups and cleaning, especially if you bring your implant card, report and X-rays.

Does Swiss basic insurance pay for implants abroad?

Generally not. Basic insurance covers dental care only in a limited list of situations. Check any supplementary dental insurance in advance.

Your next step: send your recent panoramic X-ray and smile photos for a free, personalised quote. Treatment in Tunisia costs about 60% less than in Switzerland, with a package that includes 3D imaging, temporaries, laboratory work and accommodation for you and a companion. See also the price page.

Main sources: Gheorghe et al., Dental tourism from Switzerland to Germany, Swiss Dental Journal (2017); Kovacs and Szocska, Dental tourists in Hungary from the perspective of Hungarian dentists, British Dental Journal (2013); Jacobs et al., Cone beam computed tomography in implant dentistry: recommendations for clinical use, BMC Oral Health (2018); Pachiou et al., Immediate versus early or conventional loading of single implants, Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry (2026); Smoking, radiotherapy, diabetes and osteoporosis as risk factors for dental implant failure: a meta-analysis, PLoS One (2013); Howe et al., Long-term (10-year) dental implant survival, Journal of Dentistry (2019); Medespoir, dental care guide and dental implants page.

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