Osseointegration

Per-Ingvar Brånemark, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon, developed the word "osseointegration" in the 1960s. It refers to the direct structural and functional link between live bone and implant surface. In dentistry, titanium implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone, where they progressively fuse with the surrounding bone tissue. Over time, osseointegrated implants become securely attached in the jaw, forming a solid foundation for the attachment of prosthetic teeth.

The path to a restored smile begins with a full assessment by a dental specialist. Patients who are judged appropriate candidates for dental implants must go through a precise surgical process after a comprehensive examination and consultation. During this procedure, titanium implants are carefully implanted in the jawbone to act as prosthetic tooth roots.

Once implanted, the miracle of osseointegration begins to work. Over the course of many months, the titanium implants develop a link with the surrounding bone tissue, thereby integrating into the jawbone. Titanium's biocompatibility enables flawless contact with live bone cells, facilitating this process. The implants become more stable and strong, replicating the natural anchoring of tooth roots.

Once osseointegration has occurred, the scene is prepared for the implantation of artificial teeth. Whether it's a single crown, a bridge, or a whole set of dentures, the prosthetic restoration is custom-made to complement the patient's natural teeth and facial characteristics. Patients with osseointegrated implants can benefit from restored dental function, greater chewing abilities, and increased confidence in their smiles.

Osseointegrated dental implants provide several advantages over standard tooth replacement alternatives. Unlike removable dentures or dental bridges, implants are a permanent treatment that does not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Furthermore, osseointegrated implants support healthy bone retention, avoiding the bone loss that frequently happens after tooth extraction.

Initial Evaluation and Planning: The treatment procedure begins with an initial consultation with a dental expert, who assesses the patient's oral health and develops a treatment plan. This phase may involve dental examinations, X-rays, and other diagnostic testing to assess bone density and compatibility for dental implants.

Implant installation Surgery: After the treatment plan has been finalized, the surgical installation of dental implants is conducted. This operation is usually performed under local anesthetic or sedation to guarantee the patient's comfort. During surgery, titanium implants are precisely inserted into the jawbone at the location of the missing teeth.

Healing: After implant implantation, the healing  process begins. During this phase, which usually lasts many months, the titanium implants progressively merge with the bone tissue. The time varies according on bone quality and the patient's overall health. Temporary restorations may be used to preserve aesthetics and function during the healing process.

Restorative Phase: The restorative phase occurs once osseointegration is complete and the implants are stably implanted into the jawbone. This entails attaching abutments to the implants, which act as connections between the implants and the artificial teeth. Custom-made prosthetic teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, are then constructed and fitted to the abutments to restore dental function and appearance.