19 Sept 2010

Dental Implants & Osseointegration

Osseointegration is a biologic concept. It refers to the formation of a direct interface between an implant and bone, without intervening soft tissue,i.e. the incorporation within living bone of an inanimate component. This is in essence an anchorage mechanism - nothing more, nothing less. such reliable anchorage allows the attachment of prosthetic to the bone by means of using fixtures (dental implants). 

This phenomenon was first observed in the early 20th century, and dental surgeons realized the implications of osseointegration very quickly. Only certain materials can undergo osseointegration, with titanium being one of the most popular choices for procedures in which osseointegration is the goal. With other materials, the tissue will fail to grow into and around the implant, and it will not anchor. 


One of the obvious uses for osseointegration is in the placement of dental implants. These tooth implants can be osseointegrated into the jaw, allowing the implant dentist to fit a tooth onto the implant. Cosmetic dentistry and reconstructive dentistry can both take advantage of this implant technique.

The success of dental implants and osseointegration process has been proven beyond all doubt, but successful achievement of osseointegration depends on careful planning,advanced surgical techniques and skilful restorative management. It demands on appreciation for extensive human biology and an understanding of wound healing in particular. 

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