The Foundation of a Smile
Successful dental implants rely on more than just titanium and technology—they depend on bone. Specifically, a healthy, dense jawbone is required to:
- Anchor implants securely
- Distribute bite force evenly
- Prevent future bone loss
- Support the shape and volume of your face
Unfortunately, when a tooth is lost and not replaced, the bone that once supported it begins to resorb (shrink) over time. This can happen gradually—even if you’re wearing dentures or bridges—and may leave you with too little bone to hold an implant.
That’s where jaw bone grafting comes in. It gives your future restoration the stable, supportive foundation it needs to last a lifetime.
Advanced Diagnostics with 3D Imaging
Before recommending grafting or implants, we perform a detailed evaluation using Cone Beam CT (CBCT) imaging. This advanced 3D technology gives us a full view of your:
- Bone density and volume
- Nerve pathways and sinus position
- Jaw anatomy and symmetry
- Surrounding oral structures
With CBCT, we’re not estimating—we’re planning with precision. It helps us determine exactly where bone is lacking and how much grafting material is needed to rebuild your jaw properly.
Learn more about how we use this tool on our Cone Beam imaging page.
What to Expect from the Grafting Process
While it may sound intimidating, bone grafting is a routine and highly successful procedure—especially when handled by a specialist.
Here’s a simplified overview of how it works:
- Assessment & Planning: A CBCT scan is used to map your current bone structure.
- Graft Placement: The grafting material—often processed bone or a synthetic substitute—is placed in the area where bone is missing.
- Healing Period: Over the next several months, your body naturally fuses the graft with existing bone.
- Implant Placement: Once healed, the site is ready to securely hold your dental implant.
In many cases, grafting is done in preparation for full-arch implant restoration or individual implants, depending on your needs.
For more, visit our Jaw Bone Grafting service page.
Why Choose a Prosthodontist?
When it comes to grafting and implants, experience matters. As a prosthodontist, Dr. Paul Connolly is specially trained to manage the full scope of your treatment—from rebuilding the foundation to restoring the final tooth.
Unlike general dentists, prosthodontists complete three additional years of advanced residency focused entirely on complex oral rehabilitation. This allows us to:
- Manage bone, bite, and aesthetic outcomes holistically
- Coordinate implant surgery and restoration under one roof
- Ensure your final result is as functional as it is beautiful
From Bedford to Londonderry, patients choose us for our precision planning, advanced technology, and commitment to long-term success.
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