ABSTRACT
Autogenous Bone Grafts The ready availability of autogenous bone has always meant that it is the first choice of bone grafting material for many clinicians. However, patient acceptance of autogenous bone harvesting may be low, given the potential morbidity associated with such techniques. Although a great amount of research and clinical time has been spent over many years to develop substitutes for autogenous bone, it remains the gold standard by which all other materials are judged and remains the material of choice for the present authors. Its main advantages are as follows:
l Availability l Sterility l Biocompatability l Osseoinductive potential l Osseoconductive potential l Ease of use
The main disadvantages are as follows:
l Limited volumes available particularly intraorally l Access to good donor sites l Postoperative pain and other operative sequelae l Potential damage to adjacent structures
The graft acts as a scaffold for the ingrowth of blood vessels and as a source of osteoprogenitor cells and bone-inducing molecules. The graft is eventually resorbed as part of the normal turnover of bone.
