An **intrabony defect** is a pocket of **bone loss around a tooth** that extends down inside the jawbone. It is most often discussed in **periodontal (gum) disease**, where inflammation leads to loss of supporting bone. Clinicians use the term to **describe the shape and severity** of bone loss seen on probing and dental imaging. It helps guide **treatment planning**, especially when considering periodontal surgery or regenerative procedures.

bone fill is a dental restorative material term commonly used to describe a flowable, resin-based “bulk-fill” composite placed into a tooth. In plain language, it is a tooth-colored filling material that can be placed efficiently into certain cavities. It is most commonly used for back teeth (molars and premolars) and for building up areas under a final filling. The exact meaning of “bone fill” can vary by clinician and case, and may refer to a specific product line or clinic shorthand.

bone regeneration is the process of rebuilding lost or weakened bone so it can support teeth, implants, or facial structures. In dentistry, it is commonly used in the jaw (alveolar bone) after tooth loss, infection, or trauma. It often involves a procedure called bone grafting and may include a protective membrane. The goal is to create stable, healthy bone for long-term oral function and esthetics.

A bone substitute is a material used to help fill or rebuild areas where natural bone is missing. It is commonly used in dental bone grafting before or during implant treatment. It can also be used to support healing around teeth affected by periodontal (gum) disease. Bone substitute materials may come from human, animal, or synthetic sources.

An alloplast is a synthetic (man‑made) material used to replace, repair, or augment body tissues. In dentistry, alloplast most often describes tooth‑colored resin materials used for restorations (fillings and repairs). The term can also be used more broadly for synthetic graft or implant materials, depending on the clinical context. Which meaning applies varies by clinician and case.

A xenograft is a graft material derived from a different species than the patient. In dentistry, xenograft most often refers to processed animal-derived bone used to support bone regeneration. It is commonly used in implant dentistry, periodontal (gum) procedures, and oral surgery when bone volume is limited. The material acts as a scaffold that can help maintain space while the body forms new bone.

An allograft is donated human tissue that is transplanted into another person of the same species. In dentistry, allograft most commonly refers to **donor bone graft material** used to support bone healing. It is frequently used around **extraction sites, implants, and periodontal (gum) defects**. The material is processed and supplied in forms designed for surgical handling.

An autograft is graft material taken from your own body and moved to another site. In dentistry, autograft most often refers to your own bone or gum tissue used to rebuild or thicken an area. It is commonly used around dental implants, after tooth removal, and in periodontal (gum) procedures. Because the tissue comes from the same person, it is considered “self-sourced” grafting.

A bone graft is a material placed into an area of missing or thin bone to support new bone formation. In dentistry, bone graft is commonly used in the jaw (alveolar bone) around teeth and dental implants. It can be used after tooth removal, around periodontal (gum) defects, or to rebuild ridge shape. The graft acts as a scaffold, and the body gradually remodels it into living bone to varying degrees.

titanium mesh is a thin sheet of medical-grade titanium with small openings (a “mesh” pattern). It is commonly used in dental and oral surgery to help shape and support healing bone. It often works alongside bone graft material during procedures to rebuild jawbone volume. It is also used in broader maxillofacial reconstruction when stable, lightweight support is needed.