For more information regarding dental implant surgery or the cost of dental implants, contact our office serving University Place, Tacoma, Puyallup, Seattle, and neighboring communities.






Randal Swanlund, D.D.S.
7120 40th Street West
University Place, Washington 98466

Ph. (253) 564-7591
Fx. (253) 564-7596

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Implant FAQs – Cost of Dental Implants – University Place, Tacoma, Puyallup, Seattle

When making a decision about your oral health, such as whether to undergo dental implant surgery, it is important to be informed about all of the options available. During a consultation with an experienced oral surgeon like Randal Swanlund, D.D.S., you will be able to discuss your personal periodontal needs. In the meantime, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to address common concerns regarding the cost of dental implants and more. Residents of University Place, Tacoma, Puyallup, Seattle, and surrounding areas are encouraged to review our website and contact South Sound Dental Implant Centre to schedule a personal consultation.

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of dental implants varies. At our office serving University Place, Tacoma, Puyallup, Seattle, and surrounding areas, Dr. Randal Swanlund evaluates each patient personally in order to give an accurate estimate. A complete treatment plan is developed and fees are established. The dentist who fabricates the crown that will attach to the implant will have a separate fee. Some dental insurance companies cover a portion of the dental implant, and most health care providers offer coverage for the crown or bridge. At South Sound Dental Implant Centre, we offer financing through Care Credit Healthcare FinanceSM.

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How many stages are there in implant surgery?

There are three stages in dental implant surgery: Stage I is the placement of the implant, Stage II is the uncovering of the dental implant, and Stage III is the fabrication of the crown or bridge.

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How long does implant treatment take?

Although it does not require numerous appointments, dental implant treatment can take several weeks due to the healing time necessary between the phases of surgery. Healing time depends on where the implant is placed in the mouth. If it is placed in the mandible (the lower jaw), patients must wait four months between Stage I and Stage II. If the implant is placed in the maxilla (the upper jaw), patients must wait six months between stages.

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Do dental implants decay?

Unlike natural teeth, dental implants do not decay.

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Are implants sensitive to hot and cold?

Dental implants are not sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.

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If I have diabetes, can I have dental implants?

Yes. Patients with controlled diabetes can be successfully treated with dental implants.

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Will osteoporosis prevent me from having dental implants?

Osteoporosis may affect whether you are a candidate for dental implants only if the disease has caused so much bone to deteriorate that there is not enough to support a dental implant. Patients who already have dental implants when they develop osteoporosis are not affected.

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What is the success rate of dental implants?

The success rate of dental implant surgery is between 93 percent and 96 percent. Our dental implant before-and-after photos demonstrate the impressive results achieved by Dr. Swanlund at South Sound Dental Implant Centre.

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Is the process painful?

Most patients report that dental implant surgery is less painful than tooth extraction. However, for patients who would rather be sedated during the dental implant procedure, Dr. Swanlund also offers sleep and sedation dentistry.

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Can I wear my partial or denture immediately after implant surgery?

No. Generally, patients must wait one to four weeks after surgery before they are able to wear their partial or denture. Healing time varies for each patient.

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How soon after Stage II will I have my permanent teeth?

Once Stage II is complete, patients must wait two to eight weeks for healing before Dr. Swanlund can begin taking impressions. Once the impressions are made, it may take another six weeks before the patient has his or her teeth.

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How long after an extraction can I have an implant?

Patients with extractions/implants on the mandible (the lower jaw) must wait four months; patients with extractions/implants on the maxilla (the upper jaw) must wait four to six months. Contact our office in University Park to learn more about extraction-to-implant surgery.

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Do implants require home care?

Yes, dental implants require regular brushing and flossing at home in conjunction with regular visits to the dentist.

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Are dental implants affected by periodontal disease like natural teeth?

No. Dental implants are not affected by periodontal disease. Unlike a natural tooth, the implant is fused securely to the bone through a process known as osseointegration, with no need for a periodontal ligament. This makes the implant less susceptible to the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.

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Can implants fail?

Dental implants can fail. Because an implant is a foreign object, it may be rejected by the body.

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How can I tell if I am a candidate for dental implants?

If you are considering dental implants, an experienced dentist like Dr. Swanlund can examine you and take a specialized X-ray called a Panorex® to determine your eligibility.

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Do implants stop bone loss?

Yes, dental implants can stop bone loss by preserving the space in the patient's mouth and preventing the jawbone from deteriorating. Implants have been shown to maintain and promote bone growth.

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Why are dental implants a better option than a bridge or partial denture?

Dental implants have a higher long-term success rate than bridges and partial dentures. Conventional bridges and partial dentures need to be replaced every seven to 15 years. Over time, patients may develop problems with the "anchor" teeth of the bridge, which could lead to further tooth loss and less support for replacement teeth. During this process, bone loss begins, which can eventually make patients ineligible for implants altogether. Choosing dental implants over a bridge or partial dentures gives them a more predictable long-term outcome.

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Contact South Sound Dental Implant Centre for More Information

To find out if you are a good candidate for implant surgery, or to get an estimate on the cost of dental implants, contact our practice, serving University Place, Tacoma, Puyallup, and Seattle. Dr. Swanlund can help you regain a functional, permanent smile with dental implants.

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