Bone core and implant retrieval tool - a review of three trephine bur systems

Aim: To assess and compare the difficulty and structural integrity of bone core harvesting and retrieval prior to implant placement using three different trephine bur systems. Methods: Bone core samples were harvested from patients scheduled to receive maxillary dental implants following iliac crest bone graft augmentation. Three trephine bur systems were used and comparison was based on the retrieval time, sample integrity, and implant stability. Results: Differences existed between the systems in terms of difficulty and the retrieved bone cores. The formerly planned implant size could be placed in all cases. More structurally intact cores could be achieved although this came at the expense of reliability. Conclusions: The Easy Retrieve trephine bur system might be recommended in situations where bone sample structural integrity is paramount. Nevertheless, the potential reliability issue with the smaller bur in this system should be taken into consideration.