Immediate Post-Extraction Implant Placement in Lakewood, WA

For many patients in Lakewood and Tacoma, the news that a tooth cannot be saved is often followed by a second worry: “How long will I have to wait for a new one?” Traditional methods usually require waiting several months for the extraction site to heal before an implant can be placed. However, at the office of Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS, we often perform Immediate Post-Extraction Implant Placement. This advanced technique allows Dr. Kim to remove the failing tooth and place the dental implant into the empty socket during the exact same appointment. This “all-in-one” approach preserves your natural bone structure and significantly shortens your total treatment time.

The immediate placement method is particularly beneficial because it takes advantage of the body’s natural healing response. When a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone begins to shrink almost immediately because it no longer has a root to support. By placing the titanium implant post right away, Dr. Kim provides the jawbone with the stimulation it needs to stay strong. As a Dental Implant Periodontist, he often uses Bone Grafting material or Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) during the same visit to fill any tiny gaps between the implant and the socket, ensuring a snug fit and a robust foundation.

Precision is key when performing immediate placement. Dr. Kevin Kim utilizes CBCT 3D Imaging and Computer-Guided Surgery to plan the extraction and the implant trajectory before you even sit in the chair. This ensures that the implant is positioned perfectly for the eventual Zirconia or Porcelain Crown. For our patients who are replacing a front tooth, we can often provide a temporary crown on the same day, so you never have to leave our Lakewood office with a gap in your smile. This is a life-changer for professionals in Tacoma or anyone with a busy social calendar who wants to maintain their appearance throughout the healing process.

While this “same-day” extraction and placement technique is highly successful, it does require a healthy amount of surrounding bone and an absence of active infection. During your Dental Implant Consultation, Dr. Kim will carefully evaluate the site to see if you are a candidate for this streamlined path. To learn more about the biological advantages of immediate placement, you can visit the American Academy of Periodontology or read the Mayo Clinic’s guide to dental implant timing. Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS and the team at Dental Health Associates are here to help you turn a difficult tooth extraction into a fresh start for your smile.