21. Mechanics Meets Biomechanics

The technique of basal osseointegration draws on the empirical finding that the jaw bone is continuously subjected to deformation and torsion. BOI implants are therefore inserted in such a way that they are somewhat more rigid than the jaw itself in order to avoid total isoelasticity. On the other hand, the rigidity must not reach a point where the implant-bone interface is subjected to peak forces that would give rise to osteolysis or avulsion.