Why Bone Grafting Matters for Dental Implants in Bloomington, Indiana

If you’ve ever pulled a fence post out of the ground, you know what happens: the hole doesn’t stay neat or solid—it collapses. Try putting a new post in that same spot without fixing it, and it won’t stand up straight or stay put for long.

Your jawbone reacts the same way when you lose a tooth.

What Happens After Tooth Loss

When a tooth is missing, the jawbone that once supported it starts to deteriorate. Without the tooth root to stimulate bone tissue, up to 25% of the bone in that area can shrink within the first year. This weakening compromises your ability to get a stable, long-lasting dental implant.

What Is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a procedure that adds new bone or bone-like material to areas where bone has been lost. Think of it like replenishing the soil before setting a new fence post. In dental terms, it restores a solid foundation so a dental implant can securely anchor into your jaw.

Common bone graft materials include:

• Autografts (your own bone)
• Allografts (donor bone)
• Xenografts (animal-derived)
• Synthetic options

Why Bone Grafting Is Important

• Stability: A solid bone base ensures your dental implant stays firmly in place.
• Longevity: Implants are built to last. Bone grafting provides the strength needed for decades of support.
• Facial Aesthetics: Rebuilding lost bone helps preserve your facial structure and natural smile.

Do You Need a Bone Graft Before an Implant?

Not everyone does. However, if it’s been a while since your tooth was lost, or if your bone is too thin or soft, bone grafting might be the essential first step.

At Bloomington Implant Dentist, Dr. Steven E. Lynn uses advanced CBCT imaging to get a detailed 3D view of your jaw. This helps determine if a bone graft is needed and allows us to create a personalized treatment plan.