As you become familiar with the introductory details of dental implants, you learn that they can bond with your jaw tissue in a way that seems magical. After all, you know that your body typically rejects foreign objects, so you might start wondering what makes implants so unique. Fortunately, a process called osseointegration is what makes this beneficial option for replacing missing teeth possible. We’d like to review some details patients frequently ask us about, so you feel educated on the topic.
Questions and Answers
Question: Why is the process called osseointegration?
Answer: This is a term that covers what happens when your jawbone and the dental implant fuse. “Osseo-” refers to bone tissue. “Integration” refers to the joining of multiple parts into one. So, you have your bone and the implant bonding into a single unit.
Question: Why doesn’t my body reject the dental implants? How is it even possible for osseointegration to occur?
Answer: Your body does not reject the implants as foreign objects because they are made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material. This means that they won’t harm organic tissues (like your gums and your jaw). Instead, your body accepts them.
Question: Does this always work?
Answer: While it is always possible for any type of treatment to fail or to yield complications, it is very, very unlikely that your dental implant treatment will be unsuccessful. Implants retain a success rate of about 98 percent. That means that in most cases, your jawbone tissue will fuse with your implant for long-term wear.
Complete Your Smile With Implants
Coming in for a visit will shed light on how dental implants work and whether they may work for your missing teeth. Schedule the time you need in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-545-4625 to schedule your visit today.
