Types of Bone Graft

autogenous – bone taken from one area of the patient and transplanted to another area requiring such grafting allograft – bone from a bone bank (cadaver bone) xenograft – bovine /cow bone

Autogenous bone is the “gold standard” and oftentimes has the most predictable results. This has been described as the best type of graft because such bone is live bone with live active cellular elements that enhance bone growth, whereas other types of grafts are devoid of any active cellular material. The most common sites used to obtain the patient’s bone are Intra-oral sources such as the chin or extra-oral sources such as iliac crest, fibula, ribs, mandible or even parts of the skull. The biggest negative aspect of autogenous grafts is that an additional surgical site is required, in effect adding another potential location for post-operative pain and complications.