What is osteintegration?
Osseointegration dates back to 1950 and was discovered by Professor Per-Ingvar Branemark. This is defined as the process by which bone cells adhere to a metal surface.In the case of dental implants, it is the process in which the jawbone joins or heals with the root of the metal dental implant, integrating both parts in a durable, solid and direct way.The most commonly used metal in this process is titanium, because it is a highly biocompatible compound that integrates very well with the bone. In addition, it is a light and resistant material.How is the osseointegration process?
Osseointegration is, for the reasons indicated above, a necessary phenomenon for the successful placement and maintenance of the dental implant.The osseointegrated implant can be performed by quick loading or, if the patient suffers from lack of bone, by sinus lifts or bone graft surgery.The osseointegration process follows the following steps:- Placement of the titanium root that replaces the natural root of the lost or extracted tooth.
- Once the blood clot is established, the osseointegration process takes place after 24 hours, forming a net-like material that hardens over time. This process lasts approximately 4 to 6 weeks from implant placement.
- This tissue ossifies, hardening the junction and adapting functionally, acting as the natural tooth. This phase takes approximately 2 months.
- Finally, the bone structure matures and hardens properly, and the permanent teeth are placed. This phase lasts between 3 and 4 months.
1. How does the functionality of a well-integrated implant compare with that of a natural tooth root?
The process of implant osseointegration consists of several steps. First, a titanium root is placed to replace the natural root of the missing or extracted tooth. After placement, a blood clot forms and the osseointegration process begins after 24 hours. Over time, a web-like material is formed that gradually hardens. This crucial step usually takes 4 to 6 weeks from implant placement.When is the osseointegration process completed?
After this initial phase, the newly formed tissue begins to ossify, further strengthening the bond and functionally adapting to mimic a natural tooth. This maturation process generally occurs approximately 2 months after implant placement.3. When does the compaction of the implanted piece with the bone structure begin?
Finally, as the bone structure matures and hardens completely, the permanent teeth can be installed. This last phase usually takes 3 to 4 months.How long does osseointegration take?
By following these steps, the implant is fully integrated into the bone, providing stability and mimicking the functionality of a healthy natural tooth root. Understanding the timeline of the osseointegration process is important for both patients and dental professionals to ensure successful implantation procedures.What factors influence osseointegration?
As we have mentioned, osseointegration, or the integration of the dental implant into the bone, is a biological process of great importance for the success or failure of the dental implant.There are several factors that can influence effectiveness and duration. Here are 5 keys to make this process successful:Keep periodontal diseases at bayAny disease that may affect the teeth, gums or other areas of the mouth can put the dental implant at risk.Avoid tobacco and alcoholTobacco delays the healing process and its harmful elements can inflame the gums and cause infections. On the other hand, alcohol is a vasodilator, also reducing the speed of healing and causing possible bleeding.Maintain proper oral hygieneCorrect dental hygiene is always a very important factor, however, at the time of dental implant placement, this becomes much more important, since the scarring is exposed to microorganisms that can infect it.Avoid bruxism and biting hard foods.Clenching the teeth while sleeping (bruxism) or biting on hard foods can cause us to force the implant and it may not hold properly.Inform your dentist of possible diseases that hinder osseointegration. Some diseases such as diabetes or circulatory problems may hinder osseointegration. It is important to discuss this with the practitioner so that he/she can know how to proceed.Systemic problems that can affect osseointegration of dental implants include chronic and systemic diseases. These conditions represent an evident risk for the healing process of the implants and, therefore, require periodic and exhaustive controls by the specialist. The purpose of these controls is to avoid possible complications that could arise during the osseointegration process of dental implants.Come to IMOI or call us without obligation. We will inform you about everything you need to know about dental implants. In addition, we will give you these and other tips to take care of your oral health and achieve a perfect integration of your new prosthesis.At IMOI Barcelona and IMOI Ibiza, we follow editorial principles that guarantee the authenticity of all the information we disseminate. If you are interested in learning more about how we ensure that our content is always up-to-date and accurately supported, we invite you to review our editorial commitment.
This article has been supervised by Dr. Ferran Novell Costa and Dra. Erjona Demiraj, specialists in Dental Health and Dental Aesthetics treatments. Responsible for the treatments provided at IMOI Barcelona and IMOI Ibiza and for the supervision and/or updating of the contents of this blog entry. (7/11/2023). The recommendations described are not generic and do not replace the diagnosis and evaluation of a professional in a dental office. If you want us to clarify any aspect or you want a personalized diagnosis and advice we recommend you to come to our dental clinics.
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