You only have one set of adult teeth, so taking good care of them is of the utmost importance. You know to brush twice a day and floss daily, but there is so much more to dental health. On this website, we've compiled articles to help you boost your personal knowledge of oral health and dental care. From brushing tips to ideas for snacks that won't case cavities, it's all here. We are not dentists, but we scoured the internet for factual information, and we're confident your dentist will approve of what you're learning. Grab your favorite tooth-healthy snack, and start reading.
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The Truth About Teeth
What Is Osseointegration And What Does It Mean For Your Dental Implant?
Lonnie Davidson
You probably have many questions if you're considering scheduling a dental implant procedure. Plenty of information about dental implants is available online, but some may contain unfamiliar terms. One common bit of technical jargon you may find is "osseointegration." This medical term may sound complicated, but it is critical to any dental implant procedure.
Surprisingly, it's also a term that can impact the long-term success of your procedure, so it's something you should understand. If you haven't heard of osseointegration before, this article will attempt to clarify this terminology and provide the information you'll need before and after your procedure.
Osseointegration Simplified
The human body is surprisingly adaptable, including the gums and jaw. Although you might think of an implant as something distinctive from the "natural" parts of your body, your bones can actually grow to include the implant. In the months following your procedure, the implant will become a part of your jaw, ultimately becoming more firmly anchored in the process.
Osseointegration is critical because the implant fixture is not initially strong enough to support the abutment and prosthetic. In fact, the need for additional strength is why implant procedures typically require multiple visits. The initial visit allows your dentist to install the implant fixture (or post), and a second visit allows you to receive your abutment and crown after the implant is stronger.
Surprisingly, the process of osseointegration begins almost immediately as the tissue around the implant heals and begins an immune response. Over the next days, weeks, and months your body will form new tissue and new bone growth, ultimately securing the implant to your jaw. Bone will begin to form around the implant after the first week, creating a high degree of stability.
Understanding What Osseointegration Means For You
While osseointegration is a natural process, it's still something you can influence. Successful osseointegration is necessary for a successful implant, so it's critical to give your body all the advantages you can during this period. You'll have the best chance of success by maintaining exemplary oral hygiene as your body heals from the initial procedure.
In addition to brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, you should also take careful note of any special instructions your dentist provides. For example, your dentist may recommend a prophylactic course of antibiotics following your first surgery to prevent infections. Following these instructions is critical to avoid postoperative infections interrupting the osseointegration process.
For more information, contact a company like Bremen Family Dentistry, PC.
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