Understanding How To Select Bone Grafting Materials For Your Dental Practice. Jaw bone graft options.
For dentists who treat patients with missing teeth complicated by degraded bone or slow healing, bone grafts are what make a treatment program effective. While the end goal for every restoration is the same, every patient and the treatment needs of their condition are different and may call for a different type of bone graft to get the best results. Three biological mechanisms come into play in the healing process following a graft procedure.
- Osteoconductive – Materials with this property encourage osteoblasts forming from the body to integrate with it, using it as a scaffold for the generation of new bone.
- Osteoinductive – This term describes a material that draws in cells known as mesenchymal cells to be delivered to the site by the bloodstream. These cells stimulate osteoblasts to be formed from undifferentiated osteoprogenitor cells.
- Osteogenic – This type of graft material delivers living, viable osteoblasts to the site and promote growth through the previous mechanisms as well.
Here is a table comparing the numerical data presented on the page for the top 5 bone grafting materials:
| Bone Graft Material | Success Rate | Integration Time | Resorption Time | Availability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autograft | 95-99% | 4-6 months | 6-18 months | Limited | High |
| Allograft | 80-85% | 4-6 months | 6-18 months | Abundant | Low |
| Xenograft | 60-70% | 4-6 months | 6-18 months | Abundant | Low |
| Synthetic | 60-70% | 6-12 months | 12-24 months | Abundant | Medium |
| Composite | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Note: The numerical data presented here is based on the information provided on the page and may vary depending on individual patient factors and the specific type and source of bone graft material used. The availability and cost may also vary based on location and other factors.
Each form of bone graft material has one or more of these properties and will play a part in determining which one will be the best choice for the treatment at hand. There are four primary categories of bone grafts, each describing the origin of a given sample of bone graft material.
- Autograft – Bone drawn from the patient’s own tissue is known as an autograft. Autografts are pieces of bone that are transferred from one location in the patient’s body to another and are the preferred choice due to there being no chance of disease or rejection.
- Autograft Properties:
- Osteoconductive, Osteoinductive, Osteogenic
- Allograft – Allograft bones are similar to autograft in that they are drawn from human tissue. The difference lies in that allografts are drawn from a cadaver donor. While generally considered safe, there is some concern that transmitting disease through these graft materials may be possible.
- Allograft Properties:
- Osteoconductive, osteoinductive
- Xenograft – In cases where an autograft is impossible and an allograft is unavailable or undesired, a xenograft is possible. Xenografts use bone material from a non-human source, typically from bovines and porcine sources, that has been depleted of all protein and minerals. Bovines are known for their durability and longevity.
- Xenograft Properties:
- Osteoconductive
- Alloplast is made from entirely synthetic materials, eliminating any risk of transmitting disease. The most common bone material used in the manufacture of alloplastic is hydroxyapatite (HA). This material is the primary structural component in bone and is favored due to its abundant availability and reliability.
- Alloplast Properties:
- Osteoconductive
When selecting a source for a bone graft that isn’t the patient themselves, it’s important to find a reputable source for the material. We referenced respected sources in the dental industry to provide a list of sources that have a solid reputation for delivering safe and effective bone graft materials you can rely on.
5 Best Dental Bone Graft Brands for Sinus Lifts, Ridge Augmentation and Pre-Implant Grafts
| Bone Graft Material | Type | Source | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autograft | Natural | Patient’s own bone | High success rate, minimal risk of disease transmission or immune response | Requires a second surgical site, limited supply, postoperative pain |
| Allograft | Natural | Donor’s bone | No second surgical site, ample supply, can be used in large quantities | Slightly lower success rate than autograft, risk of disease transmission or immune response |
| Xenograft | Natural | Animal bone (usually bovine) | No second surgical site, ample supply, can be used in large quantities | Slightly lower success rate than autograft, risk of disease transmission or immune response |
| Synthetic | Artificial | Man-made materials (e.g. hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate) | No risk of disease transmission or immune response, customizable to fit patient needs | May not integrate with natural bone as well as natural materials, limited long-term data |
| Composite | Combination | Mix of two or more materials (e.g. allograft and synthetic) | Can combine advantages of different materials, customizable to fit patient needs | May be more expensive, more complex surgical procedure |
Note: The advantages and disadvantages listed here are not exhaustive and may vary depending on the specific material and individual patient factors.
Top 10 Bone Management Products for Dentists
1. HeliMend Collagen Membrane by Integra Miltex
Net32 Ratings: 5 stars out of 13 Reviews
HeliMend’s collagen membranes are made with purified bovine tendons and provide wound stabilization for guided tissue regeneration. The membrane is absorbed within 4 to 8 weeks, as the membrane’s pliable, sterile, and easy to place. The HeliMend provides dentists and clinicians with bleed control, viable space, and appropriate wound stabilization and handling sizes. As a leading provider in surgical and dental instruments, Integre Miltex’s HeliMend offers physicians a viable controllable grafting material that’s made with durable synthetic materials that last.
Net32 Price: $73.95
Top 10 Bone Regeneration Materials for Dental Surgery and Periodontal Use
2. R.T.R Syringe Resorbable Tissue Replacement by Septodont
Net32 Ratings: 4.3 Stars out of 3 Reviews
The R.T.R syringe incorporates its tricalcium phosphate granules into a syringe form for easy application and less messy procedures. The syringe features a sterile and resorbable bone substitute that releases calcium and phosphate into the bone to help form bone regeneration within 3-6 months. The material’s osteoconductive structure helps foster new bone growth by molding with the micro and macropores within the bone structure and thus is an excellent choice for intrabony defect treatments and sinus lift procedures.
Net32 Price: $93.00
3. Foundation Bone Filling Material by Morita
Net32 Ratings: 4.6 Stars out of 16 Reviews
Morita’s Foundation is a collagen-based, bovine bone material that acts as a filler after tooth extractions. The bone material provides support for implants, bridges, and dentures, and fills the tooth with new bone within 8-12 weeks. Foundation works with the surrounding cells and capillaries to generate new bone growth by releasing calcium and phosphate into the socket. The product features a cone-shaped packaging that can be trimmed for a better fit and can be immediately placed into the socket for an easy fit.
Net32 Price: $336.60
4. Mineralized 5.0cc Bone Granules by Veragraft™
Net32 Ratings: 4.7 Stars out of 21 Reviews
The Veragraft particulate is a mineralized, allograft material with a cortico-cancellous mixture, allowing the material to maintain space maintenance and remodel the bone over time. Its osteoconductive, allowing the materials to work together with the bone to create seamless integration within 4 to 6 months, allowing for long healing times. Veragraft works best for sinus grafts, periodontal treatments, and extractions, and can be used as an alternative to mixed particulate allografts.
Net32 Price: $209.95
5. InterOss Organic Cancellous Granules by SigmaGraft
Net32 Ratings: N/A
InterOss, a hydroxyapatite bone material made from Australian bovine bone, is a highly purified osteoconductive material that’s chemically comparable to human bone. InterOss contains both a macroporous and microporous structure, which acts as a guide for body fluids, such as bone marrow, blood vessels, and bone cells, to heal the bone over time gradually. The product is sterilized using gamma radiation, and thus contains long-term stability for tooth extraction, periodontal, and sinus lift procedures.
Net32 Price: $285.00
Bone grafting requires materials made for the job that aren’t affected by fluids and bone structures, and as a dentist, your products are what help make your practice grow. For quick supplies, Integra Miltex’s HeliMend and Helimend Advanced membranes will provide you with the bone graft material you need in a pinch. However, for high quality and assurance, we recommend the Veragraft line of products for its variety of granule sizes and consistencies.
