When you finally decide to replace a missing tooth, the most significant step in your journey is the actual Dental Implant Placement. At the Lakewood office of Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS, we understand that for many of our neighbors in Lakewood and Tacoma, the idea of “oral surgery” sounds a lot more intimidating than it actually is. In reality, modern implant placement is a highly precise and surprisingly gentle procedure. Dr. Kim combines over 20 years of experience with advanced technology to ensure that your new tooth root is placed exactly where it needs to be for a lifetime of stability and comfort.

The process of Dental Implant Placement is essentially the foundation-building phase for your smile. We start by using CBCT 3D Imaging to create a digital map of your jaw. This allows Dr. Kevin Kim to see your bone density, nerve paths, and sinus cavities in three dimensions. Using this map, we perform Computer-Guided Implant Surgery, which acts like a GPS for the procedure. By planning the exact angle and depth on a computer first, Dr. Kim can place the titanium post through a very small incision, often without the need for traditional stitches. This precision is why many of our patients tell us their recovery was much faster and easier than they expected.

During the actual placement, your comfort is our absolute priority. We use local numbing and offer gentle sedation options so that you feel relaxed throughout the visit. Once the implant is in place, a remarkable natural process called Osseointegration begins. This is where your jawbone actually grows around and fuses with the biocompatible titanium post. This bond is what makes dental implants the “gold standard” of tooth replacement; unlike dentures that sit on top of the gums, an implant becomes a permanent part of your body. Whether you are replacing a single tooth or getting Full Mouth Dental Implants, this solid foundation is what allows you to eat crunchy foods and speak with total confidence.

For some of our patients near JBLM or Steilacoom, we can even offer Immediate Post-Extraction Implant Placement. This means if you have a tooth that can’t be saved, Dr. Kim can often remove the tooth and place the new implant in the same appointment, saving you months of waiting. To learn more about the biological process of how implants heal, you can visit the Mayo Clinic’s overview of dental implant surgery or explore the American Academy of Periodontology for more on the long-term health benefits. Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS and the team at Dental Health Associates are here to make sure your path to a complete smile is smooth, safe, and predictable.