When you are looking to replace a missing tooth, you might wonder why you should see a specialist instead of a general dentist. At our Lakewood, WA office, Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS brings the specialized expertise of a Dental Implant Periodontist to every case. A periodontist is a dentist who has completed three additional years of intense surgical training after dental school, focusing specifically on the gums and the bone—the “foundation” of your smile. Just like you would want a foundation expert to check the ground before building a home near the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, you want a periodontist to ensure your jaw is ready to support a lifelong implant.

The biggest advantage of seeing a Dental Implant Periodontist is their deep understanding of how your soft tissue (gums) and hard tissue (bone) interact. For many patients in Tacoma and Lakewood, successful implants aren’t just about putting a screw in a hole; they are about managing complex factors like gum disease or bone loss. Dr. Kim uses advanced CBCT 3D Imaging to map out your anatomy with extreme precision. If your bone is too thin or your sinuses are too low, a periodontist has the surgical skill to perform Bone Grafting or Sinus Lifts to create the perfect environment for your new tooth to thrive.

Another reason our neighbors choose Dr. Kevin Kim is for his experience in handling “high-risk” or complicated cases. If you have a history of smoking, diabetes, or previous dental trauma, the risk of an implant failing is slightly higher. A Dental Implant Periodontist is uniquely qualified to manage these risks and can even provide Peri-implantitis Treatment if an existing implant from another clinic becomes infected. Because Dr. Kim focuses so heavily on the health of the supporting structures, he can often save implants that others might have to remove. We also utilize Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Therapy to use your body’s own healing powers to speed up recovery.

Beyond the technical skill, a periodontist considers the aesthetics of your gums. We don’t just want the tooth to be strong; we want it to look natural where it meets the gumline. This is especially important for front teeth, where the “pink” part of your smile is just as noticeable as the “white” part. To learn more about the rigorous training periodontists undergo, you can visit the American Academy of Periodontology or check out the International Congress of Oral Implantologists for information on fellowship standards. Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS is a Fellow of the ICOI and the Misch International Implant Institute, ensuring you receive world-class care right here in Pierce County.