Some grafts are taken from different parts of the patient’s own body, typically the hipbone or chin. Graft material may also come from human organ donors, from synthetic materials, and highly purified bone mineral.

There are also different types of GBR membranes. Some are made from synthetic polymers and must be removed during a second surgical procedure several weeks or months later. Others are made from natural materials and are gradually resorbed by the body.

We use Bio-Oss, which is a safe, effectual bone grafting material derived from specially processed bovine sources. Under a microscope Bio-Oss is very similar to human bone and because of this similarity it’s very successful in helping new bone to form. Using Bio-Oss can eliminate the need for additional surgery to obtain the patients bone as grafting material in many cases.

Because Bio-Oss is so similar to human bone, it is accepted by our defence mechanisms as a “friendly” graft and acts as a structure onto which bone forming cells, blood vessels, etc. can migrate. As cells and blood vessels travel along the Bio-Oss structure, healthy new bone is formed and the original bone defect is repaired.

Bio-Oss is completely safe. Since it is highly purified bone, no allergic reactions or infections have been observed following its use. Every batch of Bio-Oss goes through highly controlled processing and sterilization procedures, which remove all impurities. At the end of these procedures, every batch of Bio-Oss must pass rigorous tests for purity and sterility, assuring the total safety of materials.

Bio-Oss, because of its similarity to human bone, is highly successful in supporting new bone growth. Although new bone will begin to form within the first few weeks after grafting, several months are required to achieve the quantity and density of bone needed for further dental procedures to be performed.

We use Bio-Gide, which is a thin resorbable GBR membrane made from the natural fibre material, collagen. Often when a bone graft is needed, Bio-Gide is placed directly over the grafted material. Bio-Gide encourages new bone to form and prevents the growth of scar tissue.

Bio-Gide is resorbable, which means it melts away. Unlike membranes that do not resorb, it does not require a second surgical procedure to be removed. And, unlike most other “resorbable” membranes, which tend to resorb within 4-8 weeks, Bio-Gide lasts at least 4 months, the time required for new bone to form.

Finally, during the healing process, if an opening occurs in the gum tissue covering Bio-Gide, the opening will tend to close spontaneously, allowing bone growth to continue. Removal of the Bio-Gide membrane is almost never required.

Bio-Gide, like many artificial membranes, is composed of porcine delivered collagen. Using special processing and sterilisation procedures, Bio-Gide is made completely biocompatible and sterile. Every batch of Bio-Gide membranes undergoes a series of tests confirming its purity and sterility, assuring total safety of the materials. Bio-Gide is not indicated for patients with a known history or allergic response to collagen or porcine derived products.