If a way was found to prise the molars out, it was possible they could be used to create a stronger product again.
One very small block of Geistlich Bio-Oss, the synthetic product currently used, cost about $700.
Dr Ratnayake estimated one bone graft from the bulls' tooth material would be able to be created for $5 or $10.
The next stage would be to test the product on animals, before hopefully carrying out a trial on humans, and eventually he hoped to market it in New Zealand and overseas.
Dr Ratnayake and his team were working on developing both bone graft products at the same time.
Bulls' teeth were a waste product, so did not cost anything — and the procedure of extracting the bovine hydroxyapatite, used to make the grafts, was also very cheap and environmentally friendly, involving water and heat pressure.
"We used a very economical and very simple method, you don't use any chemicals.
"Anyone would be able to do it."