The replacement of missing teeth after unavoidable tooth loss is a core competence in dentistry. In addition to the obvious rehabilitation of the masticatory function and esthetics, there are increasingly more medical considerations that might warrant the replacement of missing teeth. However, the prospective implant site is often compromised by defects of the alveolar process which are triggered by tooth loss or which develop after extraction. The preservation and, if necessary, the regeneration of the alveolar process thus play a major role in daily clinical practice. Various biomaterials are available to the dental practitioner besides autologous bone grafts. The following questions were addressed in the guideline "Implantological indications for the use of bone substitute materials" of the DGI and DGZMK: 1. which are the indications for bone augmentation, 2. which materials are available, 3. which techniques are recommended? The key scientific statements of the guideline are summarized below. The literature references are therefore adapted to this format. The complete details and background are found in the guideline. Keywords: bone augmentation, bone grafts, bone substitutes, jaw atrophy, tooth loss