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Osseointegration – What Is It? How Long Does It Take?

If you’re considering dental implants, it is more than likely that you’ve  come across the term ‘osseointegration’ when reading about the process. Although it might sound super technical, understanding this process is key to appreciating how dental implants provide a long-lasting and stable solution for missing teeth. Here at Smile Stories, we believe informed patients make the most confident decisions, so we’ve got the details of what osseointegration of dental implants is, how it works, how long it takes, and what you can do to make sure it is as successful as possible. 

What is osseointegration?

Starting off with what it actually is, osseointegration is the biological process where the titanium dental implant fuses with your jawbone. The term comes from the Latin word ‘osseo’, meaning bone, and ‘integration’,  meaning to make whole. This fusion process of the implant and the jawbone is what makes dental implants so stable and reliable – a great, long-term option for fixing missing teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants will become a permanent part of your jaw, mimicking the natural roots of your teeth.

The success of dental implants does largely rely on the osseointegration process, because when the titanium post integrates successfully with your bone, it creates a sturdy foundation for the replacement tooth or teeth to be attached to, so your new pearly whites won’t go anywhere they shouldn’t!

oval image showing 2 implant screws in bone. the right one shows how the bone has grown around the screw - osseointegration has taken place.

How does osseointegration work?

The process of osseointegration for dental implants involves several key steps:

  • The placement of the implant – As part of the dental implant procedure, your dentist will surgically place the titanium implant into the jawbone, and because it is made from titanium which is biocompatible, it’s well-tolerated by the body and encourages bone growth around it.
  • Healing of the bone and growth – After the placement of the implant, your bone cells begin to grow and attach to the surface of the titanium root. Over time, this will create a very strong, stable bond, which will provide a great foundation for your new crowns or bridge. 
  • Formation of a bond – The implant becomes fully integrated with the bone, forming a secure anchor for your prosthetic tooth or teeth.

This process is so important in your dental implant journey, not only because it provides strength and stability for your new teeth, but because it also helps preserve the jawbone’s structure. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone can deteriorate over time, so dental implants stimulate the bone, preventing this loss and maintaining facial structure.

How long does osseointegration take?

The length of the osseointegration process can vary from patient to patient, but it usually takes around 3 to 6 months. There are in fact several factors that can influence how long the process can take – some of them include:

  • Your bone quality and density – We typically find that patients with healthy, dense jawbone usually experience faster osseointegration, and that is because if bone density is low, additional procedures like bone grafting may be needed before implant placement, which can extend the overall timeline of the treatment.
  • Where the implant is in your mouth –  Implants in the lower jaw (mandible) often integrate faster than those in the upper jaw (maxilla) which is due to differences in bone density. Your dentist will discuss what this means for you. 
  • Your overall health – It may seem obvious, but a patient’s general health and habits can have such a big impact on the healing process. Conditions like diabetes or smoking can slow the osseointegration process, so best. to discuss these with your dentist at your consultation. 
  • Type of dental implant – Here at Smile Stories, we only use modern implants that are designed with surface treatments that promote quicker integration, which have been shown to reduce the healing time compared with other dental implants.

How to best support osseointegration – our top tips for patients

Osseointegration largely depends on biological factors, but, there are steps you can take to support the process and improve your chances of the best outcome:

  • Follow your dentist’s instructions – After your implant surgery, we will provide you with guidelines for aftercare which will include dietary restrictions, oral hygiene routines, and follow-up appointments. We really recommend that you stick to these instructions so that your healing process goes smoothly. 
  • Maintain excellent oral hygiene – Again, it may seem obvious but keeping the surgical site clean helps prevent infection, which is a common risk during the healing process. You should brush gently around the implant area and use our recommended mouth wash to keep your new implant in the best condition.
  • Avoid smoking – Did you know that smoking can impact blood flow and slow down healing? It’s best to quit smoking entirely, but if that’s not possible, try to refrain from smoking during the healing period.
  • Eat a nutritious diet – Proper nutrition and healthy eating is known to support bone healing, so you should focus on foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Soft foods are usually recommended immediately after surgery to avoid putting pressure on the implant site.
  • Be patient! – As with any surgical treatment, healing takes time. Avoid rushing into activities like chewing hard foods on the implant site until your dentist gives the green light to do so. 

Why is osseointegration important?

The next-level stability provided by osseointegration sets dental implants apart from other tooth replacement options, and that’s because when osseointegration is successful, implants have so many amazing benefits:

  • They function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
  • They provide a permanent solution that can last a lifetime with proper care.
  • They preserve your jawbone and facial structure, preventing the sunken appearance that often comes with tooth loss.

Without osseointegration, an implant would lack the strength and durability that is needed to support a replacement tooth in the most effective way. 

At Smile Stories, we’re dedicated to making your dental implant experience smooth and successful – ultimately, we’re not happy until you’re happy! From the initial consultation to the final restoration, we’ll guide you through every step of the process and you can be assured that our team uses the latest techniques and technologies to maximise the success of osseointegration to ensure you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

If you’re ready to explore dental implants or have questions about osseointegration of dental implants, book a consultation with us today. Let us help you take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!

Osseointegration FAQs

1. What happens if osseointegration fails?

While extremely rare, osseointegration failure can happen, and this might be due to infection, inadequate bone density, or excessive pressure on the implant before it’s fully healed. If this happens, we will always work with you to develop a new treatment plan, which might involve bone grafting or placing a new implant.

2. Can I speed up the osseointegration process?

While you can’t directly accelerate osseointegration, following your dentist’s advice and maintaining good health can support efficient healing.

3. Is osseointegration painful?

The process itself isn’t painful, as it happens gradually after surgery. Some discomfort is normal after the implant placement, but this can be managed with pain relief advised by your dentist.

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