The amazing natural process underpinning dental implants

How osseointegration is integral to the success of your implant placement.

As we have our dental implant open day for Burton and Ashby patients coming up on the 25th May, something we we covered on our previous blog, we thought that we would take a look at one of the most important aspects of this procedure; one that essentially determines its success.

Whilst, undoubtedly, the skills required by the implant dentist, and the technology used to determine the exact placement position is essential, it is the part that the human body plays which is critical to the success of the procedure.

Osseointegration

Immediately after the dental implant is placed, it is not yet secure enough to complete by adding a dental crown. In fact, it will take approximately three months for it to reach this stage. During this time, a process known as osseointegration takes place. First discovered during a non dental related experiment by a Swedish scientist, Professor Per-Ingvar Branemark, it was found that titanium rods placed into a rabbit, had actually bonded so well with the bone, that they were virtually impossible to remove. Subsequent tests showed that this could be repeated, and so, the idea of using a replacement tooth root made from titanium began.

The first implant placement took place in the 1960’s and, as you would expect, many advances have been made since then which have increased the success rate to close to 100%. Essentially though, the osseointegration period still holds the key to their success.

Initial care

Although the body will start the process where the bone in the jaw fuses with the titanium implant, and which, after three months or so, should leave you with an extremely strong artificial root ready for the dental crown, this is not guaranteed if you do not take care of the new implant. Naturally, we will monitor the implant during the early stages, but we will also offer advice which we strongly recommend that you follow if you wish for a successful outcome. Infections and incorrect use of the implant can cause problems which could even cause the implant to fail.

We will provide full instructions when you have your implants placed at Alexandra Dental Care, but the following are some of the key points.

1.    Eat soft foods; liquids initially. It is important not to put undue pressure on the new implants.
2.    Do not smoke or drink during this period, both increase the risk of gum disease and other infections which could affect the outcome.
3.    Clean around the implant. You will be given full instructions how to do this. Failure to do so can result in implant failure caused by either gum disease or peri-implantitis.
4.    Don’t skip appointments. If we have asked you to make an appointment for us to monitor your implants, please keep the appointment.

Providing that the patient abides by the advice that we recommend, there is every chance that the implant and bone will fuse successfully, and that you will have a very strong and healthy replacement tooth for many years to come.

If you are looking for a local dentist in Burton or Ashby and would like to know more about dental implants; or to book a place on our implant open day, please call Alexandra Dental Care on 01283 216347.

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