Glossary

The surface of a dental implant plays a significant role in osseointegration, or the body’s ability to integrate the dental implant into the bony structures of the mouth. The idea is that the rougher the implant surface, the easier it will be for the bone to adhere to it. To improve osseointegration, there are a wide variety of implants available with different types of implant surfaces. Acid etched and sandblasted dental implants are popular choices, however, machined implant surfaces are also used. A machined implant surface simply refers to a manufacturing process that was turned, polished, or milled. While many periodontists believe that etched surfaces have a better osseointegration rate than machined implant surfaces, there are a number of periodontists who use machined implants and have success with them. Patients should discuss with their periodontist about the different types of implant surfaces and which one is recommended.

A macrointerlock is a fixation method which mechanically interlocks the bone and the dental implant. This can include the interlocking connections between abutments and implants. Macrointerlocks can also be used to build up fragile teeth before an implant is placed. Following some dental procedures, the canal of the affected tooth can be left hollow which weakens the strength of the tooth and reduces its ability to support an implant. Prior to implant fixation, a macro-lock post may be used to aid in the reconstruction and build-up of such a canal. Without the use of such posts, the tooth may be too fragile or unstable to allow for an implant. Macro lockers can help strengthen the tooth while also increasing the surface area needed for the implant. Macrointerlocks may also provide stability and longevity to the implant as well as to the bone-to-implant interlock.

Although rare, failure is unfortunately something that still occurs with dental implants, even when periodontists take every possible precaution before and after the dental implant procedure. Once an implant is placed, motion of any kind should be avoided until the implant has had enough time to begin the osseointegration process and become more stable. Macromotion is the term used for excessive motion, most often related to trauma. For example, if a patient gets into a severe car accident soon after their dental implant procedure, macromotion that results from the accident may cause the dental implant to fracture or break. Micromotion is the opposite, a term used for the very minimal motion that is typically expected after implant surgery. Too much micromotion can also cause implant failure, so it’s important for dental professionals to educate patients on both and develop strategies to avoid them as long as possible after surgery.