A tack, or a bone tack, is a small piece of metal that is used to stabilize bone graft material during guided bone regeneration. Stabilizing the membrane can help promote healing. There are many different types of bone tacks and membrane fixation systems. Some are manual while others are automatic and which one is used for bone grafts depends largely on the preferences of the periodontist working with the patient. While bone tacks can be purchased alone, they are most often found in a “tack kit,” which can also include a tack block, a tack mallet, a tack placement instrument, and a drill for dense cortical bone. All of these items in a tack kit are autoclavable, meaning they can be sterilized in between use on patients like most other dental instruments. Most bone tacks are made from titanium alloy, but they can be made from other materials.