Osseointegration
Pronunciation: os-ee-oh-in-teh-GRAY-shun
The direct structural and functional bond between living bone and the surface of a load-bearing implant.
Full Definition
Osseointegration, a term coined by Swedish orthopaedic researcher Per-Ingvar Brånemark, describes the direct anchorage of a titanium implant by bone formation without any intervening fibrous tissue. In dental implantology, successful osseointegration is the prerequisite for placing a prosthetic crown, bridge, or overdenture. Editors must spell the term correctly — one word, no hyphen — and distinguish it from 'fibro-osseous integration', which describes a failed or inferior form of implant attachment. The process is assessed clinically by resonance frequency analysis and radiographic review.
Usage
Usage note: One word, no hyphen. Capitalisation of the originator's name (Brånemark) should be preserved when cited in historical context.
In Context
- "A healing period of three to six months is typically required for osseointegration before the final crown is placed." — Implantology treatment plan
- "The review article examined the histological markers of successful osseointegration in diabetic patients." — Peer-reviewed journal article