The dental implant: an artificial root
The dental implant is an artificial root made of biocompatible titanium that integrates lastingly into the jaw bone. Once osseointegrated (generally after 3 to 6 months), it supports a crown, a bridge or a stabilised denture. At Cabinet Côté Gare, implants are placed by Dr Thierry Caro, oral surgeon. We use Straumann and Nobel Biocare implants and plan each case with 3D imaging (cone beam), for precise and secure placement. The imaging and the surgery room are located within the practice: see Dental clinic in Bussigny.
Clinical cases
Cases from the practice and from Dr Thierry Caro, published with the patients' written consent. Click on a case to see all its photos. Results vary from person to person.
A planned and personalised treatment
Implant treatment takes place in several stages: initial assessment with a scan, surgical placement of the implant under local anaesthetic, a healing period, then placement of the final crown. In some cases (immediate extraction and implant placement, a single visible tooth), accelerated protocols make it possible to obtain a temporary tooth on the same day. Good hygiene and regular follow-up allow the implant to last several decades.
Replacing all the teeth of an arch
When all the teeth of an arch are missing, the Fast & Fixed, All-on-4 and All-on-6 protocols replace them with a fixed bridge carried by four or six implants. They are carried out by Dr Thierry Caro, oral surgeon. Learn more about full rehabilitations.
After placement: the first few days
You receive written instructions at the end of the appointment. They are adapted to your situation and take precedence over what follows. This summary is here so that you know what to expect even before you decide.
The first 24 hours
- Bite down on the gauze pad that has been put in place, for about twenty minutes, without changing it constantly.
- Apply cold to the cheek, in periods of about ten minutes, not directly against the skin.
- Avoid rinsing, spitting and drinking through a straw: this disturbs healing.
- Do not smoke. Tobacco is the single biggest threat to an implant taking hold.
- Eat lukewarm or cold, soft food. Chew on the other side.
The following days
- Swelling and sometimes a bruise often appear after one to three days: this is expected.
- Take the medication that has been prescribed to you, as it was explained to you.
- Brush the other teeth normally; protect the treated area for the time indicated.
- Avoid sport, the sauna, hot baths and alcohol for the first few days.
- Do not touch the site with your tongue or your fingers.
When to call us
Do not wait if you notice these signs. Call 021 218 92 18 :
- Bleeding that does not stop despite the gauze pad.
- Swelling that is still increasing after the third day.
- Pain that gets worse instead of easing after the third day.
- Fever.
- An unusual and persistent taste or smell.
Outside opening hours, and for swelling that spreads towards the eye or the throat, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, go to a hospital emergency department or call 144.
Frequently asked questions
Is the implant painful to place?
Under local anaesthetic, you do not feel pain during placement. The post-operative course is generally moderate and well managed with standard painkillers.
What is the success rate of implants?
More than 95% in patients in good general health with rigorous hygiene. Tobacco and certain diseases can lower this rate.
How long does an implant last?
With good care, an implant can last a lifetime. The crown on top may need replacing after 15-20 years.
How much does a dental implant cost?
Placing an implant with its crown starts at CHF 2647.-, Straumann or Nobel Biocare implants and crown included. A detailed treatment plan and a personalised quote are given to you at the first consultation, before any treatment begins. The breakdown of what makes up the amount is on the page Price of a dental implant in Switzerland.
Am I a candidate for an implant?
This depends on the available bone volume and the condition of your gums. An examination and an X-ray at the consultation make it possible to determine this. When the bone is insufficient, a bone graft may be considered beforehand.
How long does the complete treatment take?
Between the placement of the implant and the final crown, the bone has to bond with the implant. This time varies from one situation to another; it is given to you in your treatment plan.
Does my insurance cover an implant?
In Switzerland, basic insurance does not, in principle, cover dental care. Depending on your supplementary insurance, a contribution may be possible: the detailed quote we give you can be submitted to your insurer.
How do I look after an implant?
Like a natural tooth: daily brushing, cleaning between the teeth and regular check-ups. A hygiene session allows the gum around the implant to be monitored.
How long should I take it easy after placement?
The first few days call for caution: soft food, no sport, no tobacco. The exact duration depends on the procedure and is given in the instructions you are handed.
Will I be left without a tooth during healing?
No. Depending on the clinical situation, fixed temporary teeth are placed within the 24 hours following the procedure, then replaced by the final teeth after healing. The solution planned for your case is discussed with you before the procedure.
Does tobacco rule out an implant?
It does not rule it out, but it is the factor that does the most harm to the implant taking hold and to the health of the gum around it. We talk about it frankly at the consultation.
