The purpose of this issue is to lay out a logical approach to alveolar reconstruction and bone grafting for implant preparation. This begins with the basic science of bone biochemistry and physiology. In recent years, we have come to understand bone at a much deeper level. Understanding the human genome has unlocked some of the secrets that regulate bone deposition and resorption. Although the first article may be partially incomprehensible for the surgeon, it is important to know that bone products are developing with sound scientific structure. Bone is a much more dynamic matrix with multiple regulating factors than previously thought. It is exciting to discuss clinical problems with our basic science colleagues and share in the translational research. Basic science understanding does change the surgeon's behavior. The principles of bone grafting are applicable for the simple socket graft, sandwich graft, or the sinus lift. We must establish minimally invasive office-based procedures that yield predictable outcomes. Bone must be harvested by predictable surgical techniques, whether from local or distant sites. The OMSs are trained to harvest the best bone indicated, and therefore choice is not limited to just allogenic bone (bottle bone). New procedures such as ridge splitting, distraction osteogenesis, and titanium mesh are examples of this new surgical niche that are built on the solid surgical principles of the past. No bone graft or surgical procedure will be successful without adequate vasculature and soft tissue protection. We learn most from our failures, and the article on explantation gives us valuable information on the biomaterials of implants.