Bone grafting is now routine in many practices, whether for socket preservation after extraction, ridge augmentation or sinus lifts. Handling graft material efficiently depends on a small set of specialised instruments.
Mixing and preparation
- Graft mixing well (dappen dish) — a stainless steel or titanium well to hydrate particulate graft with saline or the patient’s blood.
- Spatula — to mix and divide graft material.
Carrying graft material
- Bone graft syringe/carrier — a tube with a plunger that delivers measured amounts directly into the site.
- Spoon-shaped carriers — scoop and place small quantities.
Condensing
- Bone packers/pluggers — with flat or serrated ends in several diameters, used to condense graft gently into the defect.
- Double-ended condensers — two sizes in one instrument for different defect widths.
Harvesting autogenous bone
- Bone scrapers — collect thin bone shavings from nearby sites.
- Surgical curettes — collect small amounts of bone and debride the socket.
Membranes
- Membrane placement instruments — smooth, flat ends to tuck membranes under flaps.
- Fine tissue forceps — to handle membranes without tearing.
Tips for handling graft material
- Hydrate graft as directed by the manufacturer before carrying it.
- Condense gently; over-packing can reduce space for new bone to form.
- Keep instruments separate from contaminated areas to avoid infection.
Care
Graft particles lodge in serrations and syringe barrels. Disassemble carriers for cleaning and brush serrations before ultrasonic cleaning.
Grafting instruments can be added to the Aurix Bone Management System or any custom kit.
