Jawbone Powders (Bone Grafts)

➢ What is Jawbone Powder (Bone Graft)?

In cases of bone deficiency, materials applied to the area where bone formation is desired are called bone grafts. These bone grafts can be taken from the patient’s own body (usually from the jawbone or hip bone), from animal sources (such as bovine grafts), or produced synthetically.

➢ In Which Situations Are Jawbone Powders Used?

Jawbone powders are generally used in the following situations: when there is not enough bone to place an implant, when it is desired for the extraction site to heal without loss after a tooth extraction, or to fill the area after the removal of cysts or tumors. In the upper molar region, prolonged tooth loss or certain extractions can cause the sinuses to sag downward, resulting in insufficient bone support for implants. By lifting the sinus floor and filling it with bone powder, the area can be made suitable for implants.

For individuals considering an implant after tooth extraction, a bone graft is placed in the empty socket after extraction to create bone for the implant, and a certain healing period is observed. When the bone is sufficient for the implant, the implant is placed in the position of the extracted tooth.

➢ What Are the Types of Jawbone Powders?

• Autograft: This is the process of transferring a graft taken from one part of a person’s body to another part of the same body. In dentistry, bone grafts are usually taken from the jaw or hip for bone formation in the jaw. Bone grafts from the jaw are typically taken from the front or back region of the jaw that is healthy and strong.

• Allograft: These are grafts taken from genetically different individuals of the same species, also known as homografts. Bones obtained from cadavers are stored in tissue banks, making them easy to acquire. These grafts undergo special procedures to prevent disease transmission. Allografts can be obtained in mineralized, demineralized, chips, powder, or whole bone forms.

• Xenograft: This is the process of transferring a graft taken from a different species to another species.

• Synthetic Bone Grafts: Bone grafts can also be manufactured artificially. These grafts are made from materials such as hydroxyapatite or tricalcium phosphate.