WHAT ARE THE DENTAL BONE GRAFTING OPTIONS?
Bone graft helps heal bone by creating new bone (called de novo bone). There are many bone graft technologies that can help achieve this — and substantial differences among them. They work differently, and they are made from different materials.
Common options for bone grafting include:
Xenograft Tissue
Xenograft is bone taken from an animal source and transplanted into your body.
Benefits:
- Not human derived
- Readily available
- Well documented success
- May heal small defects by itself
Drawbacks:
- Low risk of disease transmission
- Does not stimulate your body's cells to form bone
- Portions of the graft may remain in your body for years to come
- Limited in its ability to heal large defects by itself
Alloplast Bone Graft
Alloplast is synthetically made material to be used in your body as a bone graft alternative.
Benefits:
- Not human derived
- Readily available
- Well documented success
- May heal small defects by itself
- No risk for disease transmission
Drawbacks:
- Does not stimulate your body's cells to form bone
- Portions of the graft may remain in your body for years to come
- Limited in its ability to heal large defects by itself
Autograft Tissue
Autograft is bone taken surgically from one part of your body and transplanted to another part.
Benefits:
- No potential for immune reaction or disease transmission
- Well documented success
- May heal large or small defects by itself
- Transplanting your own bone forming cells to help heal the defect
Drawbacks:
- Risk of pain and/or infection at harvest site which may last for a long time
- Additional surgery and anaesthesia are required
- May not be an option for some patients
Allograft Tissue
Allograft tissue is generously donated by the family of a deceased loved one to enhance the life of another individual. Grafton™ Demineralised Bone Matrix (DBM) is an allograft tissue option from Medtronic.
Benefits:
- Well documented success
- May heal small defects by itself
- Demineralised allografts contain signals to stimulate your own cells to turn into bone
Drawbacks:
- Minimal risk for disease transmission
- Portions of the graft may remain in your body for years to come
- Limited in its ability to heal large defects by itself
BONE GRAFT SELECTION
The type of graft used will depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the type of surgery being performed, a person's age, medical history, and bone quantity/quality. A patient should always discuss their options with a medical professional.