Physico-chemical and morphological properties of current particulated biomaterials used in alveolar bone augmentations: a review.

The efficacy of grafting materials for alveolar bone regeneration procedures has been repeatedly corroborated by clinical and scientific evidence. Although an ever growing number of biomaterials are available on the market, the origins, material characteristics, bioactivity and osteoconductive properties of these products are not always known by clinicians, hence often hampering an adequate product selection. The purpose of this contribution was to provide an overview of five different types of osteoconductive grafting materials frequently used in dentistry (Bio-Oss®, Cerasorb M™, Bone Ceramic®, Natix®, Genos®) and to summarize their physico-chemical and morphological characteristics at the macro- and micro-scale. Furthermore, the influence of these properties on the in vivo behaviour of these biomaterials is discussed. The results of this study are presented as data sheets, which may prove helpful for clinicians in the design of their treatment strategies.