Osstell Implant stability recording to ensure proper integration of implants

We must test your dental implant after the healing period to ensure that osseointegration has occurred.  Often this is done by torqueing on the implant to ensure that it doesn’t spin or cause pain.  Although this technique is widely accepted it can result in implant failure for a dental implant that was close to, but not fully, osseointegrated. 

The Osstell unit uses a magnetized pin that intimately fits into the dental implant.  Magnetic pulses are used to measure how integrated a dental implant is.  The unit of measure is the “ISQ” (implant stability quotient).  The ISQ scale is 0-100.  A lower ISQ reading, say in the 50’s, may mean that more healing time is needed.  A higher reading means that osseointegration has occurred, and a very high reading, mid-70’s or higher, can mean that the implant is ready to restore earlier than planned.  The Osstell is totally passive, so no damage occurs to the dental implant even if more healing time is necessary.