The following are the common types of bone graft materials: Autograft bone graft: A bone graft that is autogenous or autologous is when the natural bone tissue from your body is used to build the height of your jaw bone. It may be taken from the back of your jaw bone or hip bone. Allograft bone graft: If you are not a candidate for an autograft, your oral surgeon may suggest an allograft. The donor tissue is human bone from somewhere other than the recipient. Generally, a healthy deceased person’s tissue (usually from a bone bank) is used for these types of transplants. The procedure is more affordable and safer than autografting. There is also a low risk of infection with cadaver donor bone. Xenograft bone graft: This is quite a unique process, as it involves using natural bones from another species. The most common ones are those made from bovine bone, but sometimes equine bone and coral (calcium carbonate) are used. A non-human bone source reduces the success rate as compared to an autograft or an allograft. Xenografts are not able to stimulate the body’s cells to produce bone. Instead, they serve as a framework for your bone growth. Some of the transplant pieces contribute to bone growth and eventually become your bones. Alloplast bone graft: Bone graft substitute materials such as calcium sodium phosphosilicate or calcium phosphate are used. There is no risk of disease transmission when using an artificial bone graft. Additionally, it can heal minor flaws on its own and does not require additional treatment. These do not stimulate the bone cells to generate bone formation, similar to xenografts. An implant can usually be placed only after the bone graft has completely healed. It is common for the process to take several months since bone healing takes time. Depending on individual circumstances, the healing process may take longer or shorter.