Osseointegration
Pronunciation: os-ee-oh-in-teh-GRAY-shun
The direct structural and functional bond between living bone tissue and the surface of a load-bearing implant, essential for long-term implant success.
Full Definition
Osseointegration, a term coined by Per-Ingvar Brånemark, describes the direct anchorage of an implant by the formation of bony tissue around it without the growth of fibrous tissue at the bone-implant interface. It is the biological basis for the long-term success of dental implants and some craniofacial prostheses. Clinically, osseointegration is assessed through the absence of mobility, absence of pain, and radiographic evidence of bone-to-implant contact. The process typically takes three to six months. Editors should note the one-word spelling without a hyphen.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell as one word: 'osseointegration', not 'osseo-integration'. Do not confuse with 'ankylosis', which refers to pathological fusion of a tooth root to bone, not implant integration.
In Context
- "Radiographic assessment at six months confirmed successful osseointegration prior to placement of the implant crown." — Implant review clinical note
- "The patient education brochure described osseointegration as the implant 'bonding with the jawbone', which is an acceptable lay paraphrase for non-clinical audiences." — Patient information editorial note