Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that helps restore the health and structure of your jawbone. When a tooth has been missing for some time or bone has been lost due to gum disease, the jawbone may begin to shrink or deteriorate. A weakened or thinned jawbone can interfere with your ability to receive certain treatments, particularly dental implants. Bone grafting in Uncasville, Connecticut, rebuilds the jaw to provide the strength and volume necessary for long-term oral health and function.
Understanding the Bone Grafting Process
During a bone graft, Dr. Michael McKay or Dr. Hannah Farrar will place bone material in the area of your jaw where bone loss has occurred. This material may come from your own body, a donor source or a synthetic substitute designed to support natural regeneration. In many cases, bone is harvested from another area of your jaw, such as near your wisdom teeth, to ensure compatibility and encourage healthy fusion. Once in place, the graft serves as a scaffold, allowing your body to regenerate bone tissue and restore volume over time.
Bone grafting is often recommended before the placement of dental implants. Implants must be anchored into healthy bone in order to remain stable and function properly. If you have experienced bone loss following tooth removal, trauma or gum disease, bone grafting can help prepare the site for successful implant integration. The procedure may also be used to support other restorative or periodontal treatments where bone tissue is needed to provide support and stability.
When You Might Need Bone Grafting
You may require bone grafting if you have been missing a tooth for an extended period or if you have advanced periodontal disease that has damaged the jawbone. Some patients discover they need a graft when planning for dental implants and undergoing diagnostic imaging. Others may need one following a traumatic injury or oral infection that has affected the bone. In every case, the goal is to regenerate strong, healthy bone that will support your smile and protect your oral structures.
Following the procedure, it will take several months for the grafted material to fully integrate with your natural bone. Our dentists will monitor your healing and determine when it is appropriate to move forward with further treatment. With proper care and planning, a bone graft can significantly improve your long-term oral health.
If you have questions about bone grafting in Uncasville, CT, and to learn whether this treatment is right for you, we invite you to reach out to McKay Family Dentistry at 860-848-3262 and schedule an appointment. Our dentists and team are here to provide expert care and help restore your smile’s health and strength.