Which statement best describes osseointegration?

• A. It is the bond between living bone and the surface of an implant fixture.
• B. It is the process of bone resorption around the implant.
• C. It is the formation of a peri-implant fibrous capsule.
• D. It is the integration of bone with the mucosa only.

Answer: (A)

Osseointegration is the direct bond between living bone and the surface of an implant fixture, creating a stable bone-implant interface that can transmit functional loads. This means bone tissue attaches directly to the implant without an intervening fibrous tissue layer, allowing the implant to behave like an natural part of the skeleton under chewing forces. Achieving this depends on factors such as implant material (commonly titanium), surface characteristics, surgical technique, and adequate healing time with limited micromotion at the interface.

The other descriptions describe scenarios that do not reflect this direct bone-to-implant connection: bone resorption around the implant implies loss of bone rather than a stable bond; a peri-implant fibrous capsule indicates a fibrous barrier preventing direct contact; and integration with the mucosa only pertains to soft tissue without true bone bonding.