Osseointegration is the biological process that takes place after the insertion of an implant. It enables the implant to become so stable that a crown, bridge or prosthesis can be placed on it. A fully integrated implant cannot be removed from the bone - it is more fused to it than the patient's own teeth!
The pilot drill causes a small wound in the bone, which in turn triggers a whole cascade of biochemical processes. As soon as the implant is inserted, its surface, which comes into contact with the bone, becomes the site of the healing "wound". Bone-forming cells are deposited on the implant surface, which is specially modified by the manufacturers (sandblasted, etched, matted with a laser and sometimes coated with calcium ions) to "promote" the colonization of osteoblasts. New blood vessels form at the implantation site. These carry the components required for the growth of a new, thin layer of bone on the surface of the implant. This entire process takes about four months. After this period, the implant should be sufficiently stabilized.
There are three types of implant stabilization:
Primary implant stabilization
In other words, this is the mechanical stabilization by the thread (the "screw-in effect"). It is fundamental in the first phase of integration and depends largely on the initial bone hardness and the shape of the implant thread and its position. It fades and is no longer relevant about 6–8 weeks after implant placement.
Secondary stability of the implant
It occurs approximately 6–8 weeks after implantation and is the result of biological osseointegration. It reaches an appropriate level after about 4 months.
Final stabilization of the implant
The insertion of the implant, i.e. the pressure on the crown and the implant, strengthens and thickens the surrounding bone, which leads to a further increase in stability. This has been proven by scientific studies.
This phenomenon can be exploited by using temporary crowns (made of plastic) over a longer period of time to perform a so-called bone training, which leads to a strengthening of the bone. This technique is often used in cases of low bone density.
Another method to achieve (immediate) stabilization when several implants are placed at the same time is to splint/anastomoses them so that all implants connected to each other can withstand the occlusion forces. This is achieved using an intraoral welding technique with individually profiled titanium components. We use this technique to restore all teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw.
Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular, but many people are still unaware of the benefits they offer over traditional dentures. Find out more about the science behind "osseointegration" and why it is a better solution for you than dentures.
There are currently two different types of dentures: full upper/lower dentures and partial upper/lower dentures. Dentists usually recommend full dentures because they fit perfectly in the mouth and cause minimal discomfort or pain.
Osseointegration implants are the latest development in dental implant technology. They have been in use since the discovery of osseointegration by Swedish-born dentist Per-Ingvar Branemark. Once they are fully integrated, they can be used for many activities that would not be possible with conventional dentures, e.g. eating, speaking, smiling, chewing gum, kissing, whistling - and best of all: no more annoying false teeth.
How long does the pain last after osseointegration? Thanks to modern anesthetics and effective painkillers, pain after implantation procedures is minimal. After simple implant procedures, patients can return to work the very next day.
The gums heal after just a few days. The process of osseointegration itself, on the other hand, takes 3–6 months, in complicated cases even longer. It takes place under the surface of the healed gums, deep in the bone and is not noticeable to the patient.
Once the implant is in place, it is eventually covered by a thin layer of bone that provides an interface for osseointegration. During this healing phase, the surrounding bone may be resorbed, requiring close monitoring of tooth function and other indicators of oral health to assess long-term stability.
If you are wondering how you can support the process of osseointegration, all you have to do is follow your implantologist's post-operative recommendations to the letter. The basis for the healing process is, of course, always a healthy, balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamins C, A and E and collagen, among other things. For this reason, it makes sense to carry out a blood test before the planned implantation, paying particular attention to the vitamin D3 level.
Exactly how long does osseointegration take? There are many misunderstandings on this point. Many people think that they will simply receive an implant that will implant itself into the bone in no time at all. The procedure itself is immediate. The gums heal within a few days, while the process of osseointegration of the implant takes three to four months.
It should be noted that only titanium implants whose bone contact surface is properly prepared, etched and sometimes coated with calcium ions are osseointegrated. The quality of the implant surface is decisive for the speed and quality of osseointegration. This means how quickly the implant will be functional and how long it will serve the patient.
The second factor that influences osseointegration is the quality and quantity of the patient's own bone. The more bone there is and the denser it is, the better the implant will integrate into it. To assess the quality and quantity of the patient's bone, a computed tomography scan (CBCT) is performed, which should be a routine examination before implantation.
Osseointegration is a key process in implant treatment. Dental implants with osseointegration are a unique and innovative way to help patients with tooth loss. They are the perfect solution for people who have lost teeth and want to regain their smile and enjoy life again.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about this procedure so that you can make an informed decision as soon as possible. Call us today on the number provided on the website.
