Glossary

Bone Grafting Glossary

Key terms for understanding dental bone grafting — the graft types, procedures used to rebuild the jaw, and concepts related to healing and osseointegration.

Autograft

Bone taken from your own body, often from the chin, hip, or tibia (shinbone).

Allograft

Bone taken from a cadaver (deceased donor).

Xenograft

Bone taken from an animal, usually a cow.

Alloplast

Synthetic bone graft material made from calcium phosphate or other biocompatible materials.

Bone Grafting for

Dental Implants: To create a stable foundation for dental implants when there is insufficient jawbone.

Periodontal Disease

To regenerate bone lost due to gum disease.

Trauma or Injury

To repair bone defects caused by facial injuries or fractures.

Cleft Lip and Palate

To repair bone defects in the mouth caused by cleft lip and palate.

Sinus Lift

To increase bone height in the upper jaw for implant placement.

Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR)

Using a membrane to guide bone growth and prevent soft tissue from interfering with the graft.

Socket Preservation

Placing bone graft material into a tooth socket after extraction to prevent bone loss.

Ridge Augmentation

Increasing the width or height of the jawbone to support implants.

Block Graft

Using a solid piece of bone to fill a larger defect.

Particulate Graft

Using small particles of bone to fill smaller defects.

Biocompatibility

The ability of a material to function in the body without causing harm.

Growth Factors

Proteins that stimulate bone growth and healing.

Membrane

A barrier used to protect the graft and guide bone regeneration.

Osseointegration

The process by which bone fuses with an implant.

Resorption

The breakdown and loss of bone tissue.