Osseointegration: A Dental Implant’s Best Friend

Dental implants are unlike any other teeth replacement method. They have the unique design of being anchored into the jawbone, giving patients the ability to have an artificial tooth as well as an artificial tooth root. This offer numerous benefits, ranging from bone loss prevention and minimal maintenance to improved stability and a better quality of life. But there is a specific process that occurs underneath the gums when an implant is placed that largely determines whether an implant will be successful or not. This critical process is called osseointegration.

What is Osseointegration?

The term osseointegration may sound intimidating, but it is actually quite simple and very natural. Once the titanium implant post is surgically placed within the jawbone, osseointegration begins. Over a period of 3 to 6 months, the surrounding bone cells attach themselves directly to the titanium surface, allowing the biocompatible implant to fuse to the jawbone and essentially lock the implant in place.

On a more scientific level, there are a number of microscopic holes on the surface of each dental implant to which the bone’s osteoblasts and connective tissues can connect. This helps them integrate securely into the jaw. Osseointegration eliminates the risk of your implant falling out or becoming loose.

It makes sense, therefore, that osseointegration is derived from the Greek and Latin words for “bone” and “to make whole.” Osseointegration involves your body’s natural process and it produces permanent results. In fact, the same process occurs when recovering from a bone fracture or when a reconstructive joint is replaced.

What if Osseointegration Fails?

If the bone doesn’t successfully fuse to the surgically placed implant, the implant simply can’t support or stabilize a prosthetic tooth or teeth on top. Either a crown, bridge or denture can be attached to an implant to serve as replacement teeth. However, if the osseointegration process did not fully take place or encountered complications, your dental implants may fail. Rest assured that dental implant failure is very rare. However, poor bone density, lowered immune system, gum disease and smoking are culprits that can sabotage a successful osseointegration process.

Want to learn more about the remarkable design of dental implants? Call 1899 Dental Implant.