Posted on April 17, 2024
Dental implants are procedures that are designed to replace missing or damaged tooth roots with a high-quality, surgical-grade alternative that can function very similarly to the natural root. These titanium replacements are not just placeholders, they’re engineered to maintain the function of natural teeth when placed directly into the jaw bone and become integrated with the natural biological systems around it. The fusion process is called “osseointegration” and it is crucial for the success of your dental implants.
At The Perio Centre, our periodontist in Oshawa, Dr. Adam Ohayon and our entire team strategically approach the procedure during every step of the process to ensure you get the best results from your dental implants for long-lasting benefits.
Here’s what you need to know about osseointegration and why it matters when you are getting dental implants in Oshawa.
What to Expect from the Dental Implant Process
At The Perio Centre, dental implants are carefully and strategically implanted by Dr. Adam Ohayon, an experienced periodontist in Whitby following a highly specialized surgical procedure. Because the dental implant will be placed in the bone, your periodontist will evaluate your oral and overall health to ensure that you’re eligible for the procedure looking at factors like gum health and bone density. If your jaw bone or other factors are not up to standard for the procedure, there are other procedures your periodontist may recommend first, such as bone grafting, gum grafting, and sinus lifts, so that you too can reap the benefits of dental implants.
Once your bones and overall all health are in the right condition, you can move forward with the procedure. At The Perio Centre, we use high-quality surgical grade titanium posts and implant it directly into the jaw bone. After the implant is securely placed, the gum is sutured, and the integration process, known as osseointegration, begins. This involves the bone healing around the implant, securing it firmly in place.
Why Osseointegration Matters
The importance of osseointegration cannot be overstated when it comes dental implants. It is what allows the dental implant to withstand the daily pressures of chewing and speaking, akin to natural teeth. The success of osseointegration directly impacts the functionality, comfort, and longevity of dental implants. Osseointegration doesn’t happen immediately, so our team of experts monitor it to ensure success, strength, and longevity.
Once healing is complete, a custom-made crown is attached to the implant, fully restoring your smile and bite.
Factors Influencing Osseointegration
Several factors can affect the success of osseointegration, including the patient's bone density, overall health, and lifestyle choices such as smoking or diabetes management. Before dental implant procedures, your periodontists will evaluate your health which will give the team insight into your body’s natural healing process and the chances of successful osseointegration.
Some factors that may affect osseintegration and the success of dental implants include the following. But if you are struggling with these, you may still be able to get these high-quality tooth replacements in the future. To be sure, book a consultation with Dr. Adam Ohayon and the qualified team at The Perio Centre.
- Bone Density: Bone density refers to the strength and solidity of the bone. For a dental implant to be successful, the jaw bone must have enough density, strength and soliditiy to support and stabilize the implant. A higher bone density provides more surface area for the implant to adhere to, which facilitates better osseointegration, whereas low bone density might not adequately support the implant, leading to a higher risk of implant challenges. This is why bone grafts are sometimes necessary—to enhance the bone structure and provide a firmer foundation for the implant.
- Overall Health: The general health of a patient can significantly impact how well their body can heal and integrate the implant. Conditions that impair the immune system, such as autoimmune diseases or chronic illnesses, can slow down the healing process and interfere with the body’s ability to integrate the implant properly. Healthy individuals typically have a more robust healing response, which facilitates quicker and more effective osseointegration.
- Lifestyle Choices: Lifestyle choices such as smoking have a direct impact on blood circulation and the body’s inflammatory responses. Smoking impairs blood flow, reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients available to the healing tissue, which can delay or inhibit the osseointegration process.
- Chronic Conditions: Conditions like osteoporosis or diabetes not only affect overall health but specifically impact bone metabolism and healing capabilities. Proper management of these conditions is essential to maintain bone health and ensure an optimal healing environment for osseointegration.
Get Comprehensive Care at The Perio Centre
The Perio Centre team takes a tailored and comprehensive approach to dental implants and all of our periodontal treatments. If you’re interested in the smile enhancing and life changing benefits of dental implants, our team will help build you a tailored plan to get your jaw and health in shape for the procedure when possible. After dental implants, we will schedule routine follow-up appointments, where you can see an experienced periodontist in Oshawa to ensure healthy healing. To learn more about about what is involved in the dental implant process, contact us today.