Why is Osseointegration Important for Dental Implant Treatment?

One of the terms involved in dental implant treatment is osseointegration, which is a crucial process in the treatment. It is important to know what is involved in the process of getting a dental implant near you.

What is Osseointegration?

Osseointegration comes from Greek and Latin terms; Osteon, meaning bone, and ‘integrate’ meaning to combine two things and make whole. In dental implant treatment, osseointegration occurs when the bone and the implant fuse with the bone tissues.

The implants are made of biocompatible titanium that is fixed on the jaw bone. These screws have a tiny hole that enables the connective tissues to bond to the implants, creating firm support. If fixed properly, the body will react to the placement of the implants. That is why a dental implant is the most effective treatment in stopping bone loss.

Why Is It Important?

The problem with most dental restorations is that they do not stop bone deterioration. With time, the alveolar bone will get reabsorbed in the body and cause the jaw to shrink. This not only affects the structure but will cause the teeth to weaken.

For the dental implant in Downtown Toronto, to be successful, you need to have sufficient bone support. The bone and implant need to integrate to stop the deterioration of the bone, otherwise, the implants will come loose. Also, if they do not attach properly, the body may reject the implant and cause the treatment to fail.

How Long Does Osseointegration Take?

The osseointegration occurs during the healing period. How long it takes for the bone tissue to fuse to the implant will depend on your body’s ability to react to the metal screws. However, on average, it can take between four to six months for the new bone to grow and be ready for an implant.

Is Bone Graft Necessary?

The decision of the dentist in Downtown Toronto, ON to do a bone graft will depend on the level of your bone support. The implants need sufficient bone density. If you lack the required percentage, then bone grafting may be done.

The bone graft will be done before the implant is fixed. This is to stimulate new bone growth and create strong support. After the grafting process, the dentist can fix either the traditional screws or mini dental implants.

If you have several teeth missing, the dentist near you may recommend full mouth dental implants like the all-on-4 implants.

How Can You Speed Up the Osseointegration Process?

You will have numbness for a few hours and it is advisable not to eat until the anesthesia wears out. You will experience pain and discomfort in the first couple of hours. The dentist will prescribe medication to ease the discomfort and prevent infection.

The recovery after the implant surgery will depend on how well you take care of your oral health.

• Avoid smoking. Tobacco not only slows gum healing and osseointegration but will also negatively affect your overall health.
• Use a cold compress. This helps to control swelling and the discomfort caused. Place an ice pack on the affected area for 15 minutes.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to eliminate the bacteria and germs in the mouth.
• Follow a healthy diet to speed up gum healing. Eat nutrient-dense foods that can support your health. In the first few days, you may have to take soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing to give the gums rest and time to recover.

What Happens After the Osseointegration Process?

Once the bone and implant integrate, your jaw will be ready for the rest of the process. The dentist will fix the abutment, which connects the implant and the dental crowns. The gums are reopened for the placement of the connector and stitched back again.

A cast of your teeth is taken to make the dental crowns. The dentist in Downtown Toronto may cover your gums with temporary crowns as you wait for the permanent ones.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Rusholme Family Dentistry for more information about dental implants and other missing teeth replacement treatments.