Status report on dental implantology in Switzerland

PURPOSE: To present results of a survey on the status of implantology in Switzerland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all SSO (Swiss Dental Society) members asking for personal (anonymous) background data and their implantology concepts. Specific questions dealt with level of recognition of implants, use of implants, superstructures, success and failure rates, recall and training. RESULTS: Straumann, Nobel Biocare, 3i, SPI and Frialit are the most commonly used implant systems in Switzerland. Almost two thirds (63.8%) of the dentists place more than 20 implants per year. Long-term prognosis is the crucial factor, whereas material costs play a minor role. The edentulous lower jaw is the indication of choice, whereas the edentulous upper jaw applies less. Almost every dentist active in implantology follows continuing education programs in the field. CONCLUSION: Compared to a study undertaken twelve years ago the number of dentists engaged in implantology doubled, meaning at least one third of non-hospital dentists in Switzerland are involved in dental implantology. Overall the willingness to extend the therapeutic range has greatly increased.