Osseointegration and the Bone-Implant Interface

Abstract: 2025 marks 60 years anniversary since the concept of osseointegration was first realized with titanium dental implants in 1965 . Today, it is a cornerstone of modern implantology, enabling predictable and long-term clinical success. Yet, the bone-implant interface remains a key area of research due to its importance for implant stability, function and long-term performance. This lecture explores how osseointegration is understood and evaluated, focusing on multiscale and multimodal analytical strategies. A correlative microscopy approach— spanning macro to nanoscale imaging—is combined with spectroscopic techniques to reveal structural and compositional relationships at the bone-implant interface.

By integrating advanced imaging with tailored sample preparation, the presentation offers a more holistic and clinically relevant view of dental implant osseointegration. It also addresses current clinical challenges. The strengths and limitations of today’s analytical methods will be critically discussed, highlighting their role in shaping future research and clinical practice.

Learning Objectives:
1). Define osseointegration and its clinical significance.
2). Identify key analytical techniques for studying the bone-implant interface.
3). Recognize current challenges and opportunities in implant research.