HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is the process called when implant appliances bond with bone tissue to obtain stability?

1. Histocompatibility

2. Osteoconduction

3. Osseointegration

4. Bone Grafting

The correct answer is: Osseointegration

The process of implant appliances bonding with bone tissue to achieve stability is known as osseointegration. This term specifically refers to the direct structural and functional connection between the living bone and the surface of a load-bearing implant. Osseointegration is crucial for the success of various dental implants, as it helps to ensure that the implant can withstand the forces associated with chewing and other oral functions. During this process, the bone tissue grows around and integrates with the surface of the implant, providing mechanical stability and ensuring that the implant becomes a firmly anchored part of the patient's anatomy. The effectiveness of osseointegration can be influenced by several factors, including the design of the implant, the materials used, and the patient's bone quality and health. Histocompatibility refers to the compatibility of tissues from different individuals, which is crucial for organ transplants but not directly related to the process of bonding between implants and bone. Osteoconduction involves the ability of a material to support the growth of new bone cells but does not specifically describe the bonding process that occurs with implants. Bone grafting is a surgical procedure used to replace or augment bone but is also distinct from osseointegration, as grafting typically involves adding material rather than the bonding process itself.