Objective: Various graft materials such as synthetic and biological products are used routinely in maxillofacial surgery. These materials are usually derived from porcine, bovine, and human tissues, and it is known that some religious beliefs forbid the dietary use of substances from certain animal sources. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of religious belief on selecting of the different types of grafts used in maxillofacial surgery. Methods: A total of 203 participants were included in survey. The data were collected using a questionnaire form on socio-demographic characteristics, the different graft types and the Revised Religious Fundamentalism Scale (RFS-R) for religious belief levels measure of participants. The purpose of the study and the origins of the different graft types were explained to the participants, and their opinions regarding the acceptance or rejection of each type were acquired. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.

Results: The most preferred grafts were autologous grafts (88.7%), alloplastic grafts (65%), bovine-derived xenografts (60.1%), allografts (53.2%) and porcine-derived xenografts (7.4%), respectively. One hundred and fifty nine of participants (84.6%) refused the porcine-derived xenografts due to religious reasons, and there was statistical difference between the religious belief levels of participants accepted or refused porcine-derived xenografts.

Conclusions: It was determined that most preferred grafts were autogenous, and the least preferred grafts were porcine-derived xenografts and porcine-derived xenografts were especially refused because of religious reasons, and religious belief and dietary restrictions affected on graft selection.