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, established without intervening soft tissue.
Full Definition
Osseointegration refers to the biological process by which a titanium or zirconia implant fixture becomes anchored directly to surrounding alveolar bone at the cellular level. First described by Per-Ingvar Brånemark in the 1960s, it is the foundational prerequisite for implant success. Editors should ensure the term is spelled as one word, lowercase unless beginning a sentence, and is not conflated with 'bone grafting' or 'ossification'. Clinical documents typically note the degree or percentage of osseointegration achieved at follow-up intervals.
Usage
Usage note: Always one word, never hyphenated. Do not use 'osseointegration' and 'bone fusion' interchangeably in clinical text.
In Context
- "Radiographic evaluation at six months confirmed successful osseointegration of the mandibular implant." — Clinical case report
- "The protocol requires a healing period of three to six months to allow osseointegration before loading." — Surgical procedure manual