xenograft bone is a bone graft material that comes from a different species, most commonly bovine (cow) or porcine (pig). In dentistry, it is processed to remove cells and organic components, leaving a mineral scaffold. It is commonly used to help preserve or rebuild bone volume in the jaws. Dentists and surgeons often place it around teeth or implants where bone support is limited.

allograft bone is donated human bone tissue that is processed and used as a grafting material. In dentistry, it is commonly placed to support bone healing where bone volume is missing or needs reinforcement. It is often used around teeth or dental implants, and in areas affected by gum disease, trauma, or tooth loss. Its main role is to act as a scaffold for the body to rebuild bone over time.

A tibial graft is bone graft material taken from the tibia (shinbone) of the same person. It is a type of **autogenous bone graft** (also called an autograft), meaning the tissue comes from the patient. In dental and oral surgery, it may be used to rebuild jawbone where bone volume is missing. It is most commonly discussed in relation to implant dentistry and ridge reconstruction, not tooth fillings.

A rib graft is a piece of bone (and sometimes cartilage) taken from a patient’s rib and used to rebuild bone elsewhere. In dentistry and oral–maxillofacial surgery, it is most often used when the jaw lacks enough bone for function or future dental implants. Because it comes from the patient, it is a type of **autogenous (autograft) bone graft**. It is typically used for larger or more structural reconstructions than small, localized dental grafts.

A calvarial graft is a piece of a patient’s own skull bone used for reconstruction. It is an **autogenous bone graft** (taken from the same person) and is typically **cortical bone** (dense outer bone). In dentistry and oral surgery, it is most often used to rebuild areas of the jaw that lack enough bone for function or implants. It is also used in craniofacial reconstruction when rigid, shape-stable bone is needed.

An iliac crest graft is a bone graft taken from the iliac crest, the upper edge of the hip bone. It is most often an **autograft**, meaning the bone comes from the same person receiving the graft. In dentistry and oral surgery, it is commonly used to rebuild jawbone volume before or during implant-related reconstruction. It may also be used in larger facial or jaw defects where substantial bone is needed.

An autogenous bone graft is bone taken from your own body and transplanted to another site. In dentistry, it is commonly used to rebuild jawbone that is too thin or low for implants. It can also help repair bone defects after tooth loss, trauma, or infection. Because it comes from the same person, it is considered a “self-donor” graft.

bone grafting is a procedure that adds graft material to an area where jawbone volume or quality is not adequate. In dentistry, it is commonly used to support dental implants or to help preserve bone after tooth extraction. The graft can come from the patient, a donor source, an animal-derived source, or a synthetic material. Over time, the graft is intended to act as a scaffold and/or stimulus for new bone formation, depending on the material and case.

midface distraction is a surgical technique that gradually moves the middle third of the face forward using a mechanical device. It is a form of **distraction osteogenesis**, meaning new bone forms as the area is slowly widened or advanced. It is most commonly used in craniofacial and orthognathic care to address a retruded (underdeveloped) midface. It may be discussed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, craniofacial teams, and orthodontists working together.

mandibular distraction is a surgical technique that gradually lengthens the lower jaw (mandible) using a mechanical device. It is based on “distraction osteogenesis,” meaning new bone forms as two bone segments are slowly separated. It is commonly used in oral and maxillofacial surgery and craniofacial care to improve jaw size, bite relationships, and sometimes the airway. It may be used in children, teens, or adults depending on the diagnosis and clinical goals.