Dental Implants in Kilchberg: Why Metal-Free Ceramic Makes All the Difference

An implant does more than just replace a tooth. It also plays a key role in determining how well your body accepts the new tooth root. This is precisely where our practice places a special emphasis.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is firmly anchored in the jawbone and fuses with it. It permanently replaces a missing tooth without requiring healthy adjacent teeth to be ground down, as would be necessary with a bridge. That’s the textbook definition. In practice, however, there’s a question that’s often overlooked: What material should the new root be made of, and how well will your body tolerate that material over the course of decades?

At Dr. Jens Tartsch’s dental practice in Kilchberg, we approach implantology from a holistic perspective that considers the entire body. As a practice specializing in environmental dentistry, we ensure that dental restorations place as little strain on the immune system as possible. That is why we focus on metal-free ceramic implants, supplemented by proven titanium implants where they are the more appropriate solution.

Ceramic or Titanium: The Real Difference

Question About Materials

Both materials have been tried and tested for many years, and both can produce excellent results. The difference lies less in durability than in tolerability and the patient's specific needs.

Ceramic implants: metal-free and highly biocompatible

Ceramic implants are made of zirconia, a high-strength, white ceramic. They are completely metal-free and do not release any particles into the surrounding tissue. The gums adhere to them very well, and the risk of intolerance or allergic reactions is low. For health-conscious individuals who value body-friendly dental care, they are the obvious choice. Another advantage is visible: Because ceramic is light in color, no dark line shows through at the gum line. The result looks natural. Today, modern high-performance ceramics achieve success rates averaging 97 percent after five years, putting them on par with titanium.

Titanium Implants: The Proven Standard

Titanium has the longest track record of long-term use and is considered the proven standard in implantology. It is very stable, durable, and promotes reliable healing. However, recent research shows that even titanium can corrode and release fine particles, which in isolated cases can lead to titanium intolerance in the form of an exaggerated foreign body reaction. If necessary, we’ll determine in advance whether such a risk exists by conducting a titanium stimulation test. Where a titanium implant is medically the most sensible solution, we’ll advise you openly and honestly.

Are implants suitable for everyone?

Not every missing tooth can automatically be replaced with an implant, and implants are not intended for acute emergencies. Whether an implant is right for you depends on several factors: the quality of your jawbone, your overall health, your immune system, and your oral hygiene. That’s why we always start with a thorough examination and a consultation, during which we work with you to find the best solution.

When an Implant Is a Good Option

• Single-tooth gap: The implant stands on its own; healthy adjacent teeth remain unaffected.
• Multiple missing teeth: with a fixed bridge supported by implants.
• Edentulous Jaw: with fixed dentures supported by several strategically placed implants.

How Implant Treatment Works

Procedure

Depending on your initial condition, treatment lasts about four to eight months until function and appearance are fully restored. Most of this time is spent healing, during which you won’t feel anything.

When the bone is insufficient

Not every jawbone provides enough bone for an implant right from the start. In such cases, we first create a stable foundation through bone augmentation by filling in the missing area and protecting it with a collagen membrane. In line with our holistic approach, we rely on the body’s own resources whenever possible: PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) uses platelet-rich fibrin derived from your own blood and promotes faster, less inflammatory wound healing and tissue preservation after a procedure.

Our Approach to Implantology

For us, an implant is not an isolated procedure, but part of a larger picture. As a practice specializing in environmental dentistry—an approach that Dr. Tartsch also helps shape in his role as chairman of the German Society for Environmental Dentistry—we combine modern technology, computer-aided planning, and minimally invasive methods with a holistic view of your health. We take the time to explain every step to you and create a calm atmosphere where you feel well cared for. This approach defines our entire practice, from preventive care to implantology.