Price of a dental implant in Switzerland: types of implants and unit price

The price of a dental implant can be confusing, as it covers several elements: the implant itself, a titanium or zirconia screw placed in the bone; the abutment, which connects the implant to the tooth; and the crown, the visible part, made by a laboratory. Some practices quote the price of the implant alone, others an all-in price. The type of material, the brand, the abutment and the crown also influence the cost. This page helps you decode a unit price and compare quotes. For implant types, see our page on types of dental implants.

A complete dental implant comprises the implant, the abutment and the crown. Titanium is the reference material; zirconia, more aesthetic, often costs more. Implants from well-known brands with a long track record are more expensive but better documented. A ceramic crown costs more than a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. Always check what the quoted price includes.

Each component has its own cost and options. A clear quote itemises them.

Titanium has been used for decades, with an excellent success rate. Zirconia, a white ceramic, is chosen for aesthetic reasons, for example with thin gums on a front tooth, or for people who wish to avoid metal. It has a shorter track record and often costs more.

The major implant brands have long-term studies, a wide range of components and traceability that makes repairs easier years later, even with another dentist. Cheaper implants exist, sometimes less well documented. It is legitimate to ask for the brand and to receive an implant card.

For a titanium implant from a well-known brand with abutment and ceramic crown, here are the price differences by city and canton, with Geneva as the baseline.

The crown, made by a dental technician, can be all-ceramic, more aesthetic, or porcelain-fused-to-metal, more economical. It can be screwed onto the abutment, which makes later removal easier, or cemented. Laboratory fees often appear separately on the quote.

Check whether the price covers the implant alone or the whole, the brand, the material, the type of abutment, the crown, the laboratory, imaging and the guarantee. Two quotes that look very different sometimes cover different contents.

A missing molar: titanium implant and porcelain-fused-to-metal or ceramic crown. An incisor with thin gums: zirconia implant or abutment for aesthetics. An unstable removable denture: mini-implants to stabilise it.

CT scan, possible extraction, temporary, hygiene and check-ups.

Implants come in several diameters and lengths. Standard implants suit most situations; short implants sometimes make it possible to avoid a bone graft or sinus lift when bone height is limited; narrow implants suit small spaces, such as the lower incisors. Mini-implants, very thin, are mainly used to stabilise a removable denture, at a lower cost. The choice depends on the available bone, the tooth to be replaced and chewing forces, and it influences the price and the need for additional procedures.

Between placement of the implant and the final crown, a temporary tooth is often offered, especially for visible teeth. It can be removable or fixed onto the implant if stability allows. This temporary has a cost, sometimes included, often charged separately. On a molar, it is sometimes omitted.

A well-integrated, well-maintained implant can last many years; the crown may need to be redone after ten years or more, depending on wear. Spread over this period, the cost of an implant compares favourably with a bridge, which puts strain on the neighbouring teeth and may need to be redone.

An implant is in principle not covered by basic insurance. Accident insurance applies if the tooth was lost in a recognised accident. Some supplementary dental policies reimburse part of the cost, up to an annual ceiling. Non-reimbursed costs may count towards deductible medical expenses, according to cantonal rules. See the price of implantology for more extensive treatments.

Indications, procedure and results: everything is described on our page Types of dental implants in Switzerland.

Prices of related procedures

• Dental veneers: prices in Switzerland
• Hollywood smile: prices in Switzerland
• Dental implantology: prices in Switzerland

Our guides

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

Short answers to help you plan your budget.

Types of implants: frequently asked questions

Should a missing tooth be replaced quickly? It is better not to wait too long, as the bone resorbs.

Does an implant interfere with a medical scan? Generally not; mention it.

Does an implant hurt after placement? Moderate discomfort for a few days, relieved by painkillers.

Do you need a specialist? A dentist trained in implantology or an oral surgeon.

Does titanium cause allergies? It is very rare.

Is the implant visible on an X-ray? Yes, which makes follow-up easier.

Is a tooth broken in an accident reimbursed? Accident insurance may cover the implant.

Are implant costs tax-deductible? They may be, according to cantonal rules.

Can an implant be placed immediately after an extraction? Sometimes, depending on the condition of the bone and gum.

Is a bridge cheaper than an implant? Often initially, but it requires reducing the neighbouring teeth.

Will the crown need to be redone one day? Sometimes after many years, depending on wear.

Is a temporary fitted? Often for visible teeth.

Do narrow implants cost the same? Generally, yes.

What does the price of an implant include? Depending on the practice: the screw alone, or the whole implant, abutment and crown.

What is the abutment? The component that connects the implant to the crown.

Is the crown included? Not always; check the quote.

Is titanium the most common material? Yes, with a long track record.

Is a zirconia implant more expensive? Often, and it is chosen for aesthetic reasons or intolerance.

Are all implant brands equal? No; well-known brands have a longer track record and better traceability.

Is a cheap implant risky? It may be a poorly documented brand; ask which one.

Is an implant card provided? It should be, with the brand and reference.

Are mini-implants cheaper? Often, for stabilising a removable denture.

Is a ceramic crown more expensive than a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown? Often, for a more aesthetic result.

Does a zirconia abutment cost more? Yes, it is used for the aesthetics of front teeth.

Does a screw-retained crown differ from a cemented crown? Yes; a screw-retained crown is easier to remove, without a big price difference.

Is an implant reimbursed? In principle no, except for an accident or a particular situation.

Is there an implant guarantee? Manufacturers often offer a guarantee on the implant itself.

Does the guarantee cover the fees? Rarely in full.

Do prices vary between Bern and Lugano? Slightly, according to our tables.

Is the laboratory charged separately? Often, for the crown.

Is one implant needed per tooth? No, a bridge can rest on two implants.

Can an implant be replaced? Yes, in the event of failure, at a cost.

Do short implants avoid a graft? Sometimes, depending on the situation.

Does the price include the CT scan? Not always.

Is an implant visible? No, only the crown is visible.

Tell us your canton: an implantologist near you will give you a detailed quote, free of charge for you.