Osseointegration
Pronunciation: os-ee-oh-in-teh-GRAY-shun
The direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of a load-bearing implant, which must be confirmed before a final prosthetic restoration is attached.
Full Definition
Osseointegration is the biological process by which a dental implant becomes firmly anchored to the jawbone through direct bone-to-implant contact without intervening fibrous tissue. First described by Per-Ingvar Brånemark, the term is central to implant dentistry documentation and is a prerequisite milestone before the implant can be loaded with a permanent crown or prosthesis. In clinical notes, editors may encounter it misspelled as 'osseointegration' versus 'osseointegeration' or confused with 'ankylosis'. For billing purposes, the healing period during which osseointegration occurs separates the implant placement appointment from the restorative phase. Editors drafting patient-informed-consent documents or implant case reports must render this term correctly and explain it in plain language for lay readers.
Usage
Usage note: One word, no hyphen. Commonly misspelled as 'osseo-integration' or 'osseointegeration'. Confirm spelling against the ADA glossary in all formal documents.
In Context
- "The surgeon's note confirmed osseointegration had been achieved after a four-month healing period, clearing the patient for abutment placement." — Implant surgery progress note
- "Editors should italicise 'osseointegration' only on first use if following a journal style guide; in practice management documents the term needs no special treatment." — Editorial style guidance for dental case reports