What Is Osseointegration?

Osseointegration is a biological concept. It refers to the incorporation within living bone of an inanimate (metallic) component. It is in essence an anchorage mechanism - nothing more, nothing less. Such anchorage allows the attachment of prosthetic components to the skeleton by means of these anchorage units.

The success of osseointegration has been proven beyond all doubt, but successful achievement of osseointegration depends on careful planning, meticulous surgical technique, and skillful prosthetic management. It demands an appreciation for biology and an understanding of wound healing in particular. Its applications are wide ranging, including not only dental prostheses but maxillofacial prostheses, replacement of diseased joints, and the attachment of artificial limbs.

 The chapters that follow provide a better understanding of this fascinating biological phenomenon.