Osseointegration

Osseointegration — the most important process during implant treatment

Why is osseointegration so important? What it is. It is responsible for the implant remaining in the bone. Osteointegration is the cycle of fusion between the dental implant and the alveolar bone. It is a permanent process, so if successful, we can enjoy a stable implant. Implantology and osseointegration is our passion and main specialty confirmed by more than 25 years of experience in Poland and abroad, and many certifications — we do not perform these procedures occasionally. We are happy to provide consultations and answer even the most detailed questions. Feel free to contact us.

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Osseointegration of the implant

In order for the process of connecting the implant to the bone to go smoothly, several factors must be taken into account:

• the quantity and quality of the bone,
• insertion of the implant by an experienced doctor, which is why a good implantologist is so important,
• the material of which the implant is made (in our offer we have only implants covered by the Clean Implant Foundation certificate),
• prosthetic crown, which should provide good functionality and aesthetics.

During the implant consultation, the alveolar bone and the quality of the gums are evaluated. The specialist analyzes the possibility of implant insertion and an X-ray taken. Through the consultation, certain processes can be predicted, which will positively affect the osseointegration process.

The osseointegration process usually takes 4 to 6 months.

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Types of stabilization

There are 3 types of stabilization of the implant in the bone:

• primary stabilization, or mechanical stabilization — functions due to the thread of the implant and lasts for 6–8 weeks, and is achieved on a mechanical basis (due to the threaded surface of the implant) during the insertion / screwing of the implant into the bone. This stabilization depends largely on the shape of the implant, its threading, as well as the density and hardness of the bone at the implant insertion site. Primary stabilization begins to fade about 6–8 weeks after implantation.

• Secondary stabilization — occurs immediately after the primary, the process takes place through biological osseointegration. It lasts about 4 months, and is achieved through bone fusion (osseointegration) with the implant surface. The implant manufacturer properly prepares this surface. Secondary stabilization depends on the microscopic quality of the implant surface (its porosity, coverage with substances that accelerate integration), as well as on the metabolism of the bone into which the implant is inserted. The biological response/readiness of the implanted site can affect the quality and/or speed of osseointegration. Most implants achieve secondary stabilization 3–4 months after implantation.

• Definitive stabilization — acts during the use of the implant, thus strengthening the osseointegration.  It is obtained some time after the crown or bridge is placed on the implant. This is due to the remodeling (strengthening) of the bone structure due to the action of chewing forces on the implant with the crown (according to the so-called Wolff's law). It is only after a few months or so that a fully functional (i.e., participating in chewing) implant acquires final stabilization.

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Osteointegration of an implant — how long does it take? One day or several months?

One-day implantation involves screwing in an implant immediately after a tooth extraction. An implant is screwed in place of the extraction, an abutment is attached to it and finally a temporary crown is cemented in place. Everything is done during one visit. This is called implantation.

Once a dental implant is placed, there is no time for the bone to heal, so the initial stabilization of the implant consists only of mechanical anchoring in the bone with threads. Osteointegration occurs when the entire implant procedure is already done, and takes 4 to 6 months. The process of fusion of the implant with the bone is therefore difficult, in which case great care is recommended in taking care of the surgical site so that osseointegration is successful.

In summary, implantation is a one-time procedure, while osseointegration is a stabilization process that takes 4 to 6 months.

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Osseointegration — reviews

You will certainly be interested in the opinions section, where patients like you talk about their experiences. It's a good idea to hear about this and other treatments from the perspective of patients who have experienced them.

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