Dental Encyclopedia · Implants
Osseointegration
Osseointegration
Osseointegration refers to the phenomenon in which the artificial tooth root (fixture) of an implant bonds directly and firmly with the surrounding jawbone. It is known as the process that forms the foundation allowing an implant to withstand chewing force like a natural tooth.
In plain terms
Put simply, the implant screw placed in the jawbone becomes firmly attached to the bone over time, as if the two were one body. It can be compared to a nail driven into wood, where the wood grips the nail and hardens around it. Only when this bond is sufficient can a tooth (the prosthesis) be placed on top without it moving.
After an implant is placed, bone cells grow between the fixture surface and the jawbone until the two meet directly — this process is osseointegration. This bond is known to play a key role in the stability and lifespan of an implant.
Osseointegration usually requires a healing period of several weeks to several months, and the upper jaw (maxilla) tends to take longer than the lower jaw (mandible) because its bone is softer. The patient’s bone condition, general health and smoking status are reported to affect the speed and the success rate of osseointegration.
Whether osseointegration is sufficient is confirmed through clinical examination and radiographic imaging (CT, panoramic) before moving on to the prosthetic stage. Results vary from person to person, so we advise you in terms of average tendencies rather than definitive figures.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
- Q. How long does osseointegration take?
- It is generally known to take several weeks to several months, and the upper jaw tends to take longer than the lower jaw. The period and the success rate can vary with bone condition, general health and smoking, so the exact course is explained through diagnosis and follow-up observation.
This entry is for general information. Diagnosis and treatment depend on individual conditions.