Osseointegration Losing teeth is a common occurrence with adults, and it is typical for patients to seek replacement options. Among tooth replacement options, dental implants have proven to be highly effective and long lasting. They owe their effectiveness to a few reasons, and one of them is the process called osseointegration. At Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, our specialists harness the power of osseointegration by using dental implants to replace missing teeth for patients. Dental Implants And OsseointegrationFor a complete and functioning dental implant, the procedure is done in different stages. Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that are used to replace missing teeth. These titanium posts act as tooth roots and are surgically placed into the jawbone. When they have been placed in the jawbone, the jawbone will grow around the implant to secure it in place. This is when osseointegration occurs. Osseointegration is the process that helps the jawbone to bond with the dental implant. “Osseo” means “bone,” and osseointegration shows how the implant integrates with the jawbone. Implants are made of a biocompatible titanium material, which aids the bonding to the jawbone. Once the jawbone heals around the titanium post, it holds it securely. The secured implant acts like a tooth root, to receive the abutment and finally, the crown. How Long Is The Osseointegration Process?While this may seem like an easy process, the human bone takes time to grow. The process where the bone grows and bonds with the implant often takes several months, although it is unique from one patient to the other. Medical factors that relate to the oral health of a patient may influence the healing period. Patients who consume alcohol or smoke tobacco during the process may also have prolonged healing time. Following the implant procedure, our professionals will inform every patient with the best health and oral practices for a smooth and successful healing process. What Happens After The Osseointegration Process?During the process, you will need to keep regular appointments with our team. Once the healing process is complete, we will proceed to the next stage of joining the abutment to the dental implant. This may require some minor cuts to the gums, which will be left to heal. As soon as this is healed, we will place your artificial crown, and you may enjoy your new teeth. Candidates For Dental ImplantsTo receive dental implants, patients must have a healthy jawbone. While osseointegration is how our body grows bone cells, some patients may have issues producing such bone cells. When this is the case, the dental implant procedure may have complications or not yield desired results. Underlying medical issues could also affect osseointegration in patients. So, it is advisable to know as much as you can about your bone health before deciding on your teeth replacement options. Our professionals at Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery are always ready to answer your questions about osseointegration. Reach us today at (610) 435-6161 to schedule a consultation. |
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