Price of dental implantology in Switzerland: from a single implant to a full arch

Implantology replaces missing teeth with titanium or ceramic implants screwed into the jawbone, onto which crowns, bridges or a full prosthesis are attached. It ranges from replacing a single tooth to restoring an entire jaw on a few implants. Its price depends on the number of implants, the type of prosthesis, the need for a bone graft or sinus lift, imaging and any sedation. In Switzerland, implantology is in principle not covered by basic insurance, except in particular situations such as an accident. For treatments, see our page on dental implantology.

The cost of implant treatment includes the implant, the abutment, the crown or prosthesis, imaging, surgery and, if necessary, a bone graft or sinus lift, which increase it considerably. A full arch on four to six implants represents a substantial budget. Implantology is generally paid for by the patient; accident insurance or supplementary insurance may contribute depending on the case.

The budget depends mainly on the number of teeth to be replaced and the type of prosthesis.

After a tooth is lost, the bone gradually resorbs. If it lacks volume, a bone graft or sinus lift is needed before or during placement. These procedures increase the cost and lengthen treatment by several months. A 3D scan makes it possible to anticipate them from the outset, and therefore to cost the treatment accurately.

Implant treatment takes place in several stages: assessment and CT scan, possible extraction, placement of the implant, healing and integration into the bone over a few months, then impression and fitting of the crown. Each stage may be billed separately; an overall costed treatment plan gives a clear picture.

For a single implant with abutment and ceramic crown, prices vary from one region to another, as shown in the tables.

Implants are in principle paid for by the patient. Accident insurance may contribute when the tooth loss results from a recognised accident. Certain serious illnesses or malformations may fall under basic insurance subject to conditions. Supplementary dental insurance may reimburse part of the cost, up to a ceiling. Non-reimbursed costs may be tax-deductible according to cantonal rules.

Compare the implant brand, what is included (abutment, crown, temporaries), imaging, planned bone procedures, sedation, guarantees and follow-up. A price per implant without the crown does not allow a meaningful comparison.

A person who has lost a molar with sufficient bone: implant and crown. A person with a tooth missing for a long time: bone graft in addition. An edentulous person who wants fixed teeth: four to six implants and a fixed prosthesis.

Extractions, temporaries, professional hygiene, annual check-ups.

For a person who has lost all the teeth in one jaw, or whose remaining teeth cannot be saved, a fixed prosthesis can be screwed onto four to six implants. The posterior implants are sometimes tilted to avoid a bone graft or sinus lift. A temporary prosthesis is often fitted the same day, with the final prosthesis a few months later. This treatment, known by names such as All-on-4, represents a substantial budget, but it often avoids grafts and provides fixed teeth. A less expensive alternative is a removable prosthesis stabilised by two to four implants.

Between placement of the implant and the final crown, there is generally a wait of three to six months while the implant integrates into the bone. With a graft, the timeframe can reach six to twelve months. This schedule also allows the expense to be spread out.

An implant cannot decay, but the gum and bone around it can become infected: this is peri-implantitis, the main cause of long-term failure. Rigorous daily hygiene, regular check-ups and professional hygiene sessions prevent it. This maintenance care has an annual cost that should be included in the budget. Smoking and poorly controlled diabetes increase the risk.

An implant is most often placed under local anaesthesia. For anxious patients or lengthy treatments, conscious sedation, or in rare cases general anaesthesia, may be offered at an extra charge. Comfort comes at a cost, to be discussed with the implantologist.

Before comparing prices, it helps to understand the procedure well: our page Dental implantology in Switzerland explains it.

Prices of related procedures

• Types of dental implants: prices in Switzerland
• Hollywood smile: prices in Switzerland
• Dental veneers: prices in Switzerland

Our guides

• Guide to dental care in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

What you need to know before signing a quote.

Implants and bone surgery: your questions

Is implant placement painful? Under local anaesthesia, no; recovery is moderate.

Can you eat normally afterwards? A soft diet is recommended for a few days.

Is an overall treatment plan provided? It should be, with all stages costed.

What is peri-implantitis? An infection around the implant, the main cause of long-term failure.

Is professional hygiene necessary? Yes, once or twice a year.

Does a ceramic implant cost more? Often a little more than titanium.

What is All-on-4? A fixed prosthesis on four implants for an entire jaw.

Is a temporary prosthesis provided? Often, during healing.

Is the temporary charged? Often, separately.

Do implants last a lifetime? They can last a very long time with good hygiene.

What is implantology? The specialty that replaces teeth with implants screwed into the bone.

Does the price of an implant include the crown? Not always; check whether the abutment and crown are included.

Why a 3D scan? To assess the bone volume and plan the position of the implants.

Does a bone graft increase the price? Yes, considerably.

What is a sinus lift? A bone graft under the sinus, to place an implant in the upper jaw.

Does a full arch require one implant per tooth? No, often four to six implants support a prosthesis.

Is a fixed implant-supported prosthesis expensive? Yes, it is a major treatment.

Is a removable implant-supported prosthesis cheaper? Often, with two to four implants.

How long does the treatment take? Often three to six months, longer with a graft.

Is immediate loading possible? In some cases, with a temporary prosthesis on the same day.

Is implantology reimbursed? In principle no, except in particular situations such as an accident.

Does supplementary insurance contribute? Sometimes, up to a ceiling.

Is general anaesthesia necessary? Rarely; usually local, sometimes with sedation.

Is sedation charged? Yes, as an extra.

Are extractions included? Often charged separately.

Does the price vary by canton? Yes, with moderate differences.

Do implant brands affect the price? Yes, implants from well-known brands cost more.

Can an implant be rejected? Failure to integrate is possible, but rare.

Does the practice cover a failure? Some offer a guarantee; ask for it.

Does smoking increase the risk of failure? Yes.

Does diabetes rule out implants? Not if it is well controlled.

Is follow-up charged? Check-ups and hygiene are often charged.

Tell us your canton: we will refer you free of charge to implantologists and send you a costed treatment plan.