Traditional Two-Stage Implant Surgery in Lakewood, WA

While modern dentistry often highlights “teeth in a day,” there are many situations where a more gradual, phased approach is the safest and most predictable path to a successful smile. Traditional Two-Stage Implant Surgery is considered the “gold standard” for patients in Lakewood and Tacoma who may have compromised bone quality or require a more complex restorative plan. At the office of Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS, we recommend this time-tested method when we want to give your body the absolute best environment to heal, ensuring that your new dental implant is protected from any outside pressure during its most vulnerable phase of growth.

In the first stage of this process, Dr. Kim carefully places the titanium implant post into the jawbone. Instead of attaching a temporary tooth immediately, the gums are gently stitched closed over the top of the implant. This “submerged” healing phase is crucial because it keeps the implant completely protected from the bacteria in your mouth and the physical pressure of chewing. During the next few months, a biological process called Osseointegration occurs, where your bone tissue literally fuses to the surface of the implant. By allowing this to happen undisturbed, Dr. Kevin Kim ensures that the foundation of your new tooth is as rock-solid as possible before it is asked to support the weight of a crown.

Once Dr. Kim confirms through CBCT 3D Imaging that the implant has successfully bonded with your bone, we move to the second stage. This is a much smaller, minimally invasive procedure where the gum is gently opened to reveal the top of the implant. Dr. Kim then attaches a “healing abutment”, a small metal collar that helps shape the gum tissue so it looks natural and healthy around your future tooth. This step is vital for the final aesthetics of your smile; it ensures that when your permanent Zirconia or Porcelain Crown is placed, it looks like it is growing right out of your gums rather than just sitting on top of them.

Choosing the two-stage approach at Dental Health Associates is often the best choice for our Geriatric Dental Implant patients or those with medical conditions that may slow down the healing process. While it requires a bit more patience, the long-term success rates are incredibly high. Dr. Kevin Kim uses Computer-Guided Surgery even in these traditional cases to ensure that every step is handled with millimeter precision. To learn more about the biological benefits of submerged healing, you can visit the American Academy of Periodontology or the Mayo Clinic’s guide to the stages of dental implant surgery.