Dental implants osseointegration refers to a process where a dental implant, acting like a replacement tooth root, connects to your natural jawbone. It’s what happens when the implant becomes one with your jawbone while you heal after getting the dental implant. This fusion is called osseointegration. The word comes from “osteon” which means bone in Greek, and “integrare” which means to make whole in Latin. Unlike other ways to replace teeth, dental implants work really well because they become strong and work just like real teeth. They closely attach to the jawbone, making them very effective. Want to know where you can get quality Las Vegas dental implants? Just schedule a consultation at Boca Dental & Braces for a lasting transformation now!
Osseointegration usually takes from six weeks to six months, depending on where the implant is and how healthy your jawbone is. During this time, you might get temporary teeth to keep your mouth functional. Once the implants are fully integrated, they put the permanent replacement teeth on top of them.
Dental implants are like real teeth because they look, feel, and work almost the same. The implant has three parts: a small titanium screw acting as the root, which becomes part of your jawbone, making it stable; then there’s the connector called the abutment; and on top of that, there’s the replacement tooth, also known as the crown.
In situations where patients don’t have enough bone in their jaws, dentists carry out a procedure called bone augmentation before placing the implant. This means they add more bone to make a strong base for the implant. They use special materials like bone grafts, which can come from animals, humans, or be made artificially. These materials help new bone grow and form the foundation for the dental implant.
Osseointegration Phases
Phase 1: Hemostasis
In this first phase, the process starts when a small hole is made in the jawbone to prepare for the dental implant. The implant, made of titanium, is then placed in this hole. As a result, there might be some minor bleeding in the area, which is a normal response.
The body’s natural healing process is triggered during Hemostasis. Within a short time, specific substances like ions and serum proteins leak out of the blood vessels and stick to the surface of the titanium implant. At the same time, the blood vessels release tiny particles called thrombocytes, which come together to form a clot. This clot helps seal the area where the hole was made.
As part of the healing process, fibrin monomers, which are tiny protein molecules, spread out and attach themselves to the surface of the titanium implant. They also contribute to forming the blood clot, which plays an essential role in the initial healing process.
Phase 2: Inflammation
A few hours after the surgery, the body’s defence cells are deployed to clean the wound. They remove small bone fragments, tissues, and bacteria from the mouth. This makes the blood vessels around the wound more open, allowing special white blood cells called polynuclear leukocytes (PMLs) to enter the wound. These PMLs are essential in fighting bacteria because they release substances that can kill them effectively. Also, as there are a lot of bacteria in the wound, another type of defence cell called macrophages is released later during the healing process to help kill bacteria.
Phase 3: Proliferation
After the surgery, special cells called fibroblasts enter the wound and start producing collagen and other fibres. This process helps create new blood vessels from a type of stem cell found on blood vessels called perivascular cells. These new blood vessels join the existing network, which brings oxygen needed for bone healing. Around one week after surgery, osteoclasts (cells that degrade bone to initiate normal bone remodelling) begin to absorb bone tissue, an important step in the healing process. As they do this, certain byproducts are released, which are essential for forming new bone tissue. This new bone tissue attaches to the titanium implant’s surface through collagen fibres, forming a new structure by the end of the first week. This contributes significantly to the stability of the implant.
Phase 4: Remodelling
Several weeks after surgery, the newly formed bone structure begins to remodel itself in a way that enhances its ability to withstand biting and chewing forces. This usually means that the bone connects to the titanium post at right angles. As time goes by, a type of bone called lamellar bone forms, making the implanted tooth much stronger and able to work just like a natural tooth.
Tips for Successful Osseointegration
Osseointegration is a natural process that should occur smoothly with good oral health. However, certain conditions and habits can disrupt this process, making it important to adhere to all post-surgical care instructions. Here are some helpful tips from one of the best dentists in Turkey, Dr. Gulay, from dentakay.com for ensuring successful osseointegration and a favorable outcome for dental implant treatment:
- Choose an experienced and knowledgeable dental clinic to minimise the risk of complications during implant placement.
- Follow the prescribed course of antibiotics diligently to prevent any potential infections.
- Consider using antibacterial mouthwash to further reduce oral bacteria and support the healing process.
- Refrain from consuming alcohol and abstain from smoking for at least two weeks before dental implant treatment and throughout the recovery period. These habits can hinder osseointegration.
- Continue practising regular brushing and flossing, but avoid direct contact with the implant site for the first few days after surgery to promote healing.
- Keep up with visiting your dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleanings to avoid tooth decay and identify any problems early.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments in the weeks and months following dental implant placement to monitor the progress of osseointegration.
- Report any unusual side effects or concerns to your dentist as soon as possible for prompt evaluation and resolution.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for the success of dental implants. According to the Association of Dental Implantology, the average success rate for dental implants is approximately 95 percent. However, this success heavily relies on making positive lifestyle choices that aid in proper healing. If you are interested in learning more about the dental implant process or are considering getting implants, please feel free to contact us. We’re ready to help!
