Dentin Graft – The Hidden Treasure

Abstract

Maintaining alveolar bone volume is prerequisite for ideal functional restorations and aesthetics. Bone loss entails functional alterations and decreased alveolar volume, with consequent difficulty in seating of prostheses at a later stage or placement of implants or might also be aesthetically unpleasant. Extracted teeth are considered as biomedical waste. It is a simple and easily available bone substitute material. The dentin and bone exhibit similar biochemical composition hence could be utilized as bone graft material. Demineralised dentine matrix (DDM), an organic material obtained from dentin has been shown to possess osteogenic capacity. This paper reviews the composition, preparation, and the role of DDM as a periodontal regenerative material.