Osseointegration

Osseointegration is the biological process by which an implant fuses to the existing bone, thereby strengthening both the bone and the load-bearing implant. The process is commonly observed among amputees who are given surgically implanted metal prostheses. By attaching the remaining bone directly to the prosthetic limb, surgeons can encourage the process of osseointegration.

This happens in a similar way with dental implants. The implant fuses to the jawbone and the osseointegration (“osseo” from the Latin “osseus” or “bony” and “integration” or “to make whole”) stabilizes both the implant and the jaw. In essence, this is the biological process that makes dental implants possible since without it, your body would not be able to sustain normal functioning in the presence of an implant.