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Cortical and Cancellous Bone Grafts Explained

The Web is full of good resources about the science of bone grafting materials, giving dental professionals access to some strong writing about the various advantages and pitfalls of different materials.

This recent piece from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation offers a nice side-by-side look at cortical and cancellous bone grafts:

Bone grafts can also be classified according to their structural anatomy: cortical or cancellous. Cortical bone has fewer osteoblasts and osteocytes, less surface area per unit weight, and contributes a barrier to vascular ingrowth and remodeling compared with cancellous bone. The advantage of cortical bone is its superior structural strength.

The initial remodeling response to cortical bone is resorptive as osteoclastic activity predominates. Cortical grafts progressively weaken with time because of this bone resorption as well as slow, incomplete remodeling. Conversely, cancellous bone becomes progressively stronger because of its ability to induce early, rapid, new bone formation.

Whether a dental clinician opts for cortical allografts or cancellous allografts is largely a matter of individual history, prognosis and presentation.

At Surgikor, we proudly offer the industry standard in cortical cancellous bone grafting materials in a variety of types. Feel free to browse our catalog for the complete selection today.

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