Dental implants in Lower Austria and Styria

When is an implant the right solution?

An implant is generally an option when one or more teeth are missing and the jawbone offers enough volume and quality to support it securely – if not, the bone can be prepared in advance by bone grafting (augmentation). Implants are a particularly sensible alternative when healthy neighbouring teeth should not be ground down for a conventional bridge, or when an existing removable denture is to be replaced by a fixed, more comfortable solution. The basic requirements are healthy, inflammation-free gums, good oral hygiene and well-controlled general health – with certain pre-existing conditions such as untreated diabetes or with heavy smoking, the success rate is lower; we discuss this together beforehand.

Specialisation: All-on-X & zygomatic implants

For patients with toothless jaws or teeth that can no longer be saved, I offer two specialised types of treatment.

All-on-X restorations carry a complete fixed set of teeth on just a few implants – usually four to six per jaw. Because the implants are placed at specific angles, the available bone is used to best effect, so that extensive bone grafting can often be avoided; if the starting situation is suitable, a temporary fixed restoration is often possible shortly after the procedure. I perform All-on-X treatments in my practices in Lower Austria and Styria.

Zygomatic implants are an option when the bone of the upper jaw has receded so much that conventional implants can no longer be anchored there securely. Instead, they are anchored in the much more stable cheekbone (zygomatic bone) and in many cases make lengthy bone grafting unnecessary. I perform this procedure at University Hospital St. Pölten.

I explain both procedures in detail on the page All-on-X and zygomatic implants; further information (in German) is available at festezaehne.at ↗.

What does an implant procedure involve?

After a thorough examination and three-dimensional X-ray imaging (cone beam computed tomography, CBCT), I plan the position, angle and number of implants precisely so that the final restoration fits well and can bear load. The implant procedure itself is carried out as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia: the implant is placed precisely into the prepared jawbone through a small opening in the gum. It then needs time to fuse firmly with the bone – a process called osseointegration. During this healing period you usually wear an inconspicuous placeholder or a temporary restoration. Only once the implant has fully healed is the final crown, bridge or denture fitted and adjusted – usually in cooperation with your dentist.

How long does healing take?

The healing time varies from person to person and depends mainly on the quality and amount of the available jawbone: in the lower jaw, where the bone is usually denser, it is typically around 8 to 12 weeks; in the upper jaw, whose bone structure is naturally softer, it is often 4 to 6 months. If bone grafting was also necessary, this time is extended accordingly. Mild swelling or a feeling of pressure in the first days after the procedure is normal and subsides quickly with cooling. Regular check-ups during the entire healing phase are important to monitor progress.

Implants in Lower Austria and Styria

I place implants – from single implants to All-on-X restorations – in my practices in St. Andrä‑Wördern (Tulln district) and Frankenfels in the Pielach valley in Lower Austria, and in Thörl in Styria; at University Hospital St. Pölten I place conventional implants as well as zygomatic implants. A consultation is possible at all my locations. You will find addresses and directions under Oral surgeon in Lower Austria and Oral surgeon in Styria.

Implants for patients from St. Pölten

If you live in or around St. Pölten, there are two ways to see me: at University Hospital St. Pölten I place dental implants – conventional implants as well as zygomatic implants; you can book an appointment in my consultation hours there by calling +43 2742 9004‑22911 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 10:30 am). I also place implants in the practice in Frankenfels in the Pielach valley, in the St. Pölten‑Land district. More information under Oral surgeon in St. Pölten.

What does treatment cost?

The total cost depends on the number of implants needed, any necessary bone grafting, the implant system chosen and the type of final restoration. As dental implants are generally not covered by Austrian statutory health insurance, or only in narrowly defined exceptional cases, it is worth checking an existing supplementary dental insurance policy beforehand, which may cover a substantial part of the costs. For implant treatment in my practices and at University Hospital St. Pölten you receive an invoice (Honorarnote) from me that you can submit to your health insurer – the insurer alone decides on any reimbursement. I will be happy to explain the planned procedure and the associated costs in detail in a personal consultation.

Personal consultation before every treatment

Before every treatment I take time for a detailed personal consultation: together we go through your medical history, discuss realistic expectations and answer all open questions before you decide on an appointment. Only with a complete medical history and a careful examination can I assess whether a treatment is suitable for you and which approach makes sense in your case.

Frequently asked questions

What does a dental implant cost?

That depends on the number of implants, any necessary bone grafting, the implant system and the type of crown, bridge or denture, so a flat-rate figure is not possible. Statutory health insurance generally does not cover implants. For implant treatment in my practices and at University Hospital St. Pölten you receive an invoice (Honorarnote) that you can submit to your health insurer; the insurer decides on reimbursement. I will be happy to explain the procedure and costs.

How long does it take for an implant to heal?

Usually around 8 to 12 weeks in the lower jaw and often 4 to 6 months in the upper jaw. If bone grafting was also necessary, it takes correspondingly longer. During this time you usually wear a placeholder or a temporary restoration.

Can I get an implant despite bone loss?

In many cases, yes. If bone is missing, it can be built up beforehand by bone grafting (augmentation). If the bone of the upper jaw has receded severely, zygomatic implants are an option, which I anchor in the cheekbone at University Hospital St. Pölten.

How long does the implant procedure itself take?

30 to 90 minutes, depending on its extent. The procedure is carried out as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia.