Autogenous Bone Grafting in Lakewood, WA

For patients in Lakewood and Tacoma who require the most significant levels of bone reconstruction, Autogenous Bone Grafting (also known as an autograft) is often the preferred choice. While many grafting materials are sourced from donors or synthetic minerals, an autogenous graft uses your own natural bone, harvested from another part of your body. At the office of Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS, we consider this the “gold standard” of regenerative dentistry because it is the only grafting material that contains your own living cells and growth factors, leading to the fastest and most reliable healing possible.

Why “Your Own Bone” is Better

As a specialized Dental Implant Periodontist, Dr. Kevin Kim recommends autogenous grafting for complex cases because of its superior biological properties. Because the bone comes from your own body, there is zero risk of rejection or disease transmission. More importantly, autogenous bone is osteogenic, meaning it doesn’t just act as a “placeholder”, it actively produces new bone. This results in a graft that integrates more quickly and becomes much denser than other alternatives, providing a powerhouse foundation for your future dental implants.

Precision Harvesting Techniques

At Dental Health Associates, we strive to make the harvesting process as minimally invasive as possible. Dr. Kim typically sources the bone from “non-essential” areas within the mouth, such as:

• The Chin (Mandibular Symphysis): Ideal for smaller, targeted grafts.
• The Back of the Jaw (Ramus): Often used for “block grafts” to increase ridge width.
• Extraction Sites: Utilizing bone already being removed during a procedure.

Dr. Kim uses CBCT 3D Imaging to precisely map both the donor and recipient sites. This advanced imaging ensures that we harvest exactly what is needed while protecting vital nerves and structures. By combining this with Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) therapy, we use your own blood’s growth factors to jumpstart the healing at both locations, ensuring a smooth and comfortable recovery.

Is Autogenous Grafting Right for You?

While autogenous grafting requires a second surgical site, the results are often unparalleled, especially for patients with severe bone loss or those who have had previous grafts fail. Dr. Kevin Kim, a graduate of the Pikos Institute for advanced bone grafting, has over 20 years of experience managing these intricate cases for our neighbors in University Place and JBLM. To learn more about the biology of autografts, you can visit the American Academy of Periodontology or the Mayo Clinic’s guide to bone transplantation.