Pterygoid Implants in Lakewood, WA

For patients in Lakewood and Tacoma who have been told that their upper jawbone is too thin or “atrophic” for standard dental work, the news can be devastating. Severe bone loss in the back of the upper jaw often happens after years of missing teeth or wearing traditional dentures, as the bone naturally shrinks away without a tooth root to stimulate it. At the office of Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS, we offer a specialized solution for these complex cases called Pterygoid Implants. These unique implants allow us to bypass the need for extensive bone grafts or sinus lifts by anchoring into a dense, stable bone structure located at the very back of the upper jaw, the pterygoid plate, which never loses its volume.

As a Dental Implant Periodontist, Dr. Kevin Kim uses Pterygoid Implants to provide a “rock-solid” foundation where other dentists might see no hope. While traditional implants rely on the soft, porous bone of the upper jaw, Pterygoid Implants are longer and angled to reach the cortical bone of the skull’s base. This bone is incredibly hard and remains stable throughout your life, regardless of how much jawbone you have lost. This technique is often a game-changer for our patients near JBLM and Steilacoom because it provides the necessary support for a full set of upper teeth without the six-to-nine-month wait required for a sinus lift.

One of the most significant advantages of choosing Pterygoid Implants at Dental Health Associates is the ability to achieve Immediate Load (Same-Day) Dental Implants. Because the pterygoid bone is so dense, Dr. Kim can often achieve the “primary stability” needed to attach a functional set of teeth on the very same day as the surgery. This means you don’t have to live with a gap or a removable “flipper” while you heal. Using CBCT 3D Imaging and Computer-Guided Surgery, Dr. Kim maps out the complex anatomy of your posterior maxilla to ensure the implant is placed with millimeter precision, avoiding vital structures and ensuring a safe, predictable outcome.

Pterygoid Implants are often used in conjunction with Zygomatic Implants or the All-on-4® technique to rebuild a completely collapsed upper arch. By utilizing these various dense bone structures, Dr. Kim can give you back a smile that feels permanent and allows you to eat your favorite foods at the Lakewood Towne Center with total confidence. To learn more about how these specialized implants offer a high success rate (often exceeding 95%), you can visit the American Academy of Periodontology or the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. If you’ve been told “no” elsewhere, Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS is here to find a way to say “yes” to your new smile.