There are three classes of bone-grafting materials based upon the mode of action. Autogenous bone is an organic material and forms bone by osteogenesis, osteoinduction, and osteoconduction. Allografts such as demineralized freeze-dried bone are osteoinductive and osteoconductive and may be cortical and/or trabecular in nature. Alloplasts such as hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate may be synthetic or natural, vary in size, and are only osteoconductive. They can be divided into three types based upon the porosity of the product and include dense, macroporous, and microporous materials. In addition, alloplastic materials may be crystalline or amorphous. These materials have different properties and therefore indications. The use of the three classes of materials in diverse combinations depends upon the size and topography of the bony defect. Small defects or defects with four walls of host bone can be repaired with alloplasts alone or allografts in combination with alloplasts. The loss of three or more bony walls mandates the addition of autogenous bone to the graft or the use of a small pore membrane. The larger the defect, the more autogenous bone is required. The different indications of bone substitutes are discussed as to their specific applications in implant dentistry.
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