The donor bone is obtained from a cadaver, that was previously screened for syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and HIV virus and antibody. Freeze-dried bone and its decalcified for are made into a powder form which can be stored at room temperature for long periods of time. This bone graft material is purchased from tissue banks. The freeze drying process eliminates antigenicity, preventing a foreign body type of reaction. The average bone fill achieved, 1.3 to 2.6 mm, is similar to other graft materials.
Particle size seems to play an important role in the success of the procedure.
The ideal particle size is between 250 and 750 microns. However, the results achieved in terms of bone fill in periodontal defects are very similar between both processes. Histologically, new attachment can be gained with both types of freeze-dried bone graft materials. Decalcified freeze-dried bone remains the most commonly used form of Allograft material. In order to prevent risks of infection to patients with the placement of decalcified freeze-dried bone from a cadaver, several safety measures are undertaken.