Secondary Stability
The biological fixation of a dental implant that develops over time as bone remodels and grows into contact with the implant surface, superseding initial mechanical anchorage.
Full Definition
Secondary stability is the result of bone remodelling and new bone apposition at the implant–bone interface during the healing phase following surgical placement. Unlike primary stability, which is mechanical, secondary stability is biological in origin and increases progressively as osseointegration matures. There is typically a transient dip in total stability during the early remodelling phase before secondary stability rises. This concept is critical when determining the appropriate time to load an implant prosthetically. Editors should ensure clinical articles clearly delineate the timeline at which secondary stability is being measured or discussed.
Usage
Usage note: Often appears in contrast to 'primary stability'; ensure authors clarify which phase is being discussed, particularly when referencing ISQ measurements.
In Context
- "As secondary stability developed over eight weeks, the ISQ values climbed from 58 to 74." — Prospective clinical study
- "The stability dip between primary and secondary stability must be considered when planning early loading." — Continuing education module