Dental trephines are hollow rotary cutting instruments used in implant dentistry to remove a cylindrical section of bone while preserving the central core. Unlike a solid osteotomy drill, a trephine cuts around the perimeter of the site. This makes it useful for bone-core harvesting and selected implant retrieval procedures.
Artman Instruments offers dental trephines in 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 mm diameters, along with a trephine set that combines five trephines with seven tissue punches. The instruments are made from medical-grade stainless steel, with titanium-coated options available in the set. Clinicians can also explore our dental implant instruments and implant kits, drills and drivers.
Choosing the Right Trephine
Select a trephine according to the clinical objective, anatomy, and required cutting diameter.
- Bone-core harvesting: A hollow trephine removes a cylindrical core that can be collected for grafting or diagnostic purposes where clinically indicated.
- Implant retrieval: Trephines can cut around an osseointegrated implant when a less bone-removing method is not appropriate. For explantation, the internal diameter should clear the implant body while limiting removal of surrounding bone.
- Individual sizes: Choose a single trephine when replacing a frequently used diameter or adding a specific size to an existing surgical kit.
- Trephine sets: A multi-size set is practical when several diameters are required for implant, grafting, or retrieval procedures.
For a comparison with standard osteotomy drills, review our implant drill selection guide.
Clinical Applications
Dental trephine burs are commonly used for bone-core harvesting and selected implant removal procedures. Implant-retrieval reviews identify trephines as an established explantation method, although reverse-torque techniques may preserve more peri-implant bone when clinically feasible. Selection therefore depends on implant condition, remaining bone, access, and the treatment planned after removal.
During bone harvesting, the hollow geometry allows a cylindrical specimen to remain inside the instrument. When soft-tissue access is required before implant surgery, dental tissue punches serve a different function and should not be confused with trephine drills.
Trephine Sets and Supporting Instruments
Artman’s trephine and tissue punch set includes 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 mm trephines plus seven tissue punches in an organized stainless steel stand. Practices performing broader implant surgery may also pair trephines with bone grafting instruments, implant drills, depth-measuring tools, and oral surgery instruments according to the procedure.
Why Choose Artman Instruments
- Manufactured in an FDA-registered facility
- Produced under GMP-certified quality systems
- Medical-grade stainless steel construction
- Individual 3-7 mm trephines and a multi-size set
- Reusable, autoclavable instrument options
- Suitable for implantologists, periodontists, oral surgeons, dental schools, and procurement teams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dental trephine used for?
A dental trephine cuts a circular channel in bone while retaining a central core. Applications include bone-core harvesting and selected implant retrieval procedures.
Is a trephine bur the same as an implant drill?
No. Standard implant drills remove bone across the full drill diameter to prepare an osteotomy. A trephine is hollow and cuts mainly around the circumference.
How do I choose a trephine size for implant removal?
Select the smallest size that can safely clear the implant body and follow the planned retrieval technique. Local anatomy and remaining peri-implant bone should be assessed before trephination.
What sizes are available from Artman?
This collection includes 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 mm individual trephines. Artman also offers a set containing all five sizes with seven tissue punches.
Are Artman dental trephines reusable?
Yes. The reusable trephines are designed for cleaning and steam sterilization according to validated reprocessing instructions. Review our guide to cleaning surgical instruments before autoclaving for instrument-care steps.
