osteotome osteotome an osteotome is an instrument used for cutting or preparing bone. osteotomes are similar to a chisel but bevelled on both sides. they are used today in plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery and dental implantation. osteotomes used in dental implantation bernhard heine's osteotome component parts of the osteotome, and the instrument in use the chain osteotome, originally referred to simply as the osteotome, was invented by the german physician bernhard heine in 1830. this device is essentially a small chainsaw.