In daily practice, we never measure the insertion torque since we use Osstell instead to monitor implant stability. For non-splinted implants, we want the second ISQ value to be ≥70 to initiate the prosthetic rehabilitation with functional loading. In most implant patients, this is either at 4 or 8 weeks of healing allowing an early loading protocol.

Osstell has become my personal guide in determining the appropriate time to load patients’ implants, and I now use it for every implant case.

My primary use of the Osstell Instrument in my clinic is to evaluate each implant at the time of placement and again at the second stage abutment connection. This allows for an objective way to evaluate the implant healing and gives some indication of the short term and long term success. Progression of numbers will allow for an understanding of the bone quality and stability of the implant during all phases of treatment. Specially, I use the Osstell at immediate load or early loading depending on what these definitions mean to the clinician

Osstell use is critical for my implant practice. Every year, this device more than pays for itself as there are always several patients who heal slowly or who have implants placed with extremely low insertion torque. This confounds my ability to predict when healing has been adequate to proceed to the restorative phase. Osstell provides me with quantitative information necessary to make informed decisions. No longer am I the villain who slows up patient care, but it is objective data about the patient’s healing that becomes the determining factor.

Osstell is an essential part of my implant practice. As a surgical prosthodontist I use it on every implant case to determine and document implant stability. ISQ values provide the confidence (based on science) to know when each implant is ready to load, whether for immediate or delayed restoration, helping to achieve a successful restorative outcome for each and every patient

We are currently using Osstell when we place all implants to establish a baseline measurement of implant stability. At the time of placement if the ISQ is too low (depending on the location – anything below 45) we will remove the fixture, possibly graft and then wait another 3-6 months before trying to place another fixture. Since we began using this device in 2009, our decision making process has become more simple and objective. We will continue to use the Osstell values to help guide treatment decisions and as a communication tool with our referring dentists.

Comparative surgical and pre-prosthetic Osstell readings provides an effective foundation for shared responsibility between the patient, surgeon and restorative dentist regarding implant integration status. As the team enters the prosthetic phase of treatment objectives, implant performance data helps to focus outcomes based on realistic expectations.

As a surgical specialist, I work closely with my restorative colleagues. When immediate and early loading treatment is selected, I need certainty in communicating implant stability. Osstell ISQ gives me a “number” I can provide as a tangible measurement of stability. If changes in loading protocols are appropriate, I can provide a numerical value that makes sense and keeps all members of the team on the same page. I value this technology and feel it has only just begun to demonstrate all of its applications in clinical practice.