What is osseointegration?

Osseointegration refers to the biological process by which living bone tissue forms direct structural and functional connections with the surface of a load-bearing artificial implant. This is primarily relevant in dental implantology, where a metal implant is inserted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. The success of this process is crucial for the stability and longevity of dental implants, as it allows the bone to support the implant effectively, enabling it to bear functional loads.

The significance of osseointegration lies in its role in ensuring that the artificial root of the dental implant becomes securely anchored in the jawbone, mimicking the functionality of a natural tooth root. Successful osseointegration provides a stable platform for the prosthetic tooth and helps in maintaining the integrity of the surrounding bone structures.

In contrast to this definition, the other options reference different processes that do not directly encompass osseointegration. For example, the growth of bone within a tooth is not an accurate representation of osseointegration, as teeth do not contain living bone tissue that integrates with metal implants. Additionally, the healing process after tooth extraction pertains to the body's recovery from tooth removal, rather than the integration of implants. Lastly, while the formation of new bone tissue is part of various biological healing