The Technique Behind Osstell

Resonance Frequency Analysis

Resonance Frequency Analysis (RFA) is the measurement of the frequency with which a device vibrates. There are several detection methods for the resonance frequency, one of them is to listen to the sound of the vibration frequency in the audible range. By comparing resonance frequencies, the stability of a dental implant can be determined as the resonance frequency changes with different stabilities. A sensor is mounted on top of the implant and the sensor is then brought to vibration by gently moving it with magnetic pulses. The sensor will vibrate for a short while and then stop. If the implant stability (stiffness of the bone-implant interface) increases, the vibration frequency of the sensor will increase.

ISQ

ISQ is short for “Implant Stability Quotient”. The ISQ-scale runs from 1 to 100 and corresponds to the resonance frequency in a close to linear way. The reason for using ISQ instead of the resonance frequency expressed in Hz, is simply because it is easier to communicate. The scale was determined in 2003, and ISQ 1 correspond approximately to 1,000 Hz and ISQ 100 correspond approximately to 10,000 Hz. The early scientific studies were used to determine how the ISQ scale should relate to Hz and numerous clinical studies after that have put the ISQ-scale in a clinical context, relating to treatment adn loading protocols.

Micro Mobility

The distance the implant moves when subjected to 1 N lateral load 10 mm above bone level, here expressed as μm/N. The load is applied at a certain distance from the bone level. Micro mobility is determined by e.g. bone density in general and the degree of osseointegration, preparation of the implant site and the implant design. The correlation between micro mobility (μm/N) and ISQ is non-linear and micro mobility is reduced with app. 50 % when ISQ increases from 60 to 70 ISQ.

Micro Motion

The distance the implant moves, when subjected to a determined lateral load, in μm. Micro motion = micro mobility (μm/N)*load (N)  Depends on the degree of micro mobility and the applied load e.g. bite force, no of implants and prosthetic design. The correlation between micro motion (μm) and load (N) is linear, the more lateral load the more micro motion. The same load (N) will give different micro motion (μm) in different bone quality. It is well known that too much micro motion will jeopardize the osseointegration process. Scientific ISQ data indicates that implants with high ISQ-values seem to withstand even high forces in the mouth and still osseointegrate. This is also well in accordance with the theoretical model.

ISQ, Micro Mobility and Micro Motion

The Osstell technique is an indirect measurement of osseointgration. It measures the resonance frequency of the connected SmartPeg which reflects the micro mobility of the implant. This way of measuring has several advantages compared to direct techniques like ”knocking” (percussion based techniques) on the implant. 

The influence of the mass of the implant will be minimal and the very low energy transferred to the implant is non-invasive. The measurement is totally objective; no matter who is using the system, the result will always be the same. The measurement is accurate, repeatable and can be used to monitor osseointegration without jeopardizing the biological process.