endosseuze

Endosseuze implants are artificial tooth roots embedded in the jawbone to support dental prostheses such as crowns, bridges, or overdentures. The word endosseuze derives from endo- (within) and osseous (bone), and in Dutch dentistry it refers to implants placed inside bone, in contrast to subperiosteal or other implant types.

Most modern endosseuze implants are screw-type or cylindrical; blade implants were used earlier and are now rare. They are typically made of commercially pure titanium or titanium alloys, though zirconia is used as an all-ceramic alternative. Surfaces are often roughened through methods such as sandblasting, acid etching, or coatings to enhance osseointegration, the process by which bone grows onto or into the implant surface.

Placement requires surgical insertion into a prepared osteotomy within the jawbone. After placement, healing allows for osseointegration, typically several weeks to months. After successful integration, a prosthetic abutment is attached and the final crown or bridge is connected. In some cases, immediate or early loading may be performed.

Applications include single-tooth replacement, multi-tooth restorations, and supporting implant-retained overdentures. Benefits include preserved alveolar bone, stable function, and natural-feeling esthetics; limitations include the need for sufficient bone density and volume, potential complications such as infection or peri-implantitis, and requirements for ongoing maintenance.

History notes: The concept of endosseous implants is closely linked to osseointegration research by Per-Ingvar Brånemark in the 1950s and 1960s, with widespread clinical adoption from the 1980s onward.