About Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is often necessary when the jaw has lost bone due to missing teeth or other conditions. It enables patients to regain sufficient bone density for treatments like dental implants by using natural or synthetic materials tailored to their individual needs.
About bone grafting
Bone Graft Materials and Techniques
There are several grafting approaches, each offering benefits based on the source of the graft and the patient’s condition. From using your own bone to donor or synthetic materials, the goal remains the same: restore lost bone volume and function.
When teeth are missing, the jawbone beneath them may shrink over time due to lack of stimulation. This bone loss can result in a jaw that lacks the strength or size needed for dental implant placement. Bone grafting is a technique used to restore or increase bone where it’s deficient, making it possible to place implants and restore both function and appearance.

Autogenous Bone Grafts

Also called autografts, these are taken from your own body, typically the chin, jaw, leg, hip, or skull. Because the graft is made from your own living bone, it promotes natural bone growth and is fully biocompatible. However, a second procedure is needed to harvest the bone, which may not be ideal for every patient.

Allogenic Bone

Allografts come from human donors. The bone is processed and freeze-dried to ensure safety. It doesn’t contain living cells, so it serves as a scaffold for your own bone to grow into, rather than generating new bone on its own.

Bone Graft Substitutes

Several synthetic alternatives to natural bone are safe and effective, offering additional treatment options:

Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM) / Demineralized Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft (DFDBA)

Derived from processed donor bone, DBM contains proteins and collagen that help support bone regeneration. It is available as powder, chips, or gel.

Graft Composites

These blend materials like DBM, collagen, ceramics, or even autograft bone to enhance both structural support and biological activity.

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs)

BMPs are naturally occurring proteins that help regulate bone formation. In grafting procedures, they may be added to stimulate bone growth at the graft site.

Synthetic and composite materials reduce the need for bone harvesting, minimizing risk and discomfort. Each option has its pros and cons. Your oral surgeon will evaluate your specific needs to recommend the best grafting material for your treatment plan.