Osseointegration & Healing Flashcards

The 'stability dip' phenomenon during implant healing occurs because:

Answer: Primary stability decreases before secondary stability fully develops during remodeling

During early healing, bone remodeling reduces the initial mechanical grip (primary stability) before new bone formation (secondary stability) compensates — creating a temporary dip.

Growth factors contained in platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) that enhance implant site healing include:

Answer: PDGF, TGF-beta, and VEGF

PRF releases platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to accelerate healing and angiogenesis.

Fibro-osseous integration (as opposed to osseointegration) is considered a failure because:

Answer: A fibrous tissue layer at the interface lacks mechanical stability and is prone to breakdown

Fibrous encapsulation creates a weak, mobile interface similar to a non-union fracture — the implant may feel firm initially but typically fails under functional loading.

The peri-implant blood clot formed immediately after implant placement serves as:

Answer: A scaffold for cellular migration and initiating the healing cascade

The fibrin clot matrix provides a provisional scaffold for cell migration including osteoblasts, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells that initiate tissue regeneration.

Which systemic condition most severely impairs osseointegration by reducing osteoblast function?

Answer: Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis reduces bone density and osteoblast activity, potentially compromising bone-to-implant contact and increasing fracture risk around implants.

Stress shielding around dental implants refers to:

Answer: Reduced bone stimulation in areas shielded from occlusal load, leading to bone resorption

Areas of bone not receiving adequate functional stimulation due to the stiffness of the implant (stress shielding) undergo disuse atrophy and resorption.