Osstell ISQ Beacon

Osstell measures the lateral stability of the implant and thereby indirectly the degree of osseointegration. The results are presented as an ISQ, ranging from 1-100 ISQ, which correlates to micro mobility.

Osstell helps you ensure that the implant is stable enough to load before initiating the prosthetic rehabilitation. This is especially important if you are trying to reduce treatment times or if you are treating risk patients.

Osstell measures the lateral stability of the implant and thereby indirectly the degree of osseointegration. The results are presented as an ISQ, ranging from 1-100 ISQ, which correlates to micro mobility.

If you see an increased ISQ value, compared to the baseline value taken at placement, it is the effect of osseointegration. The same is true for high values that should stay high over time. If there is a significant drop in ISQ value, it is probably due to a failing implant.

The SmartPeg measures the stability in all directions and singles out the most stable and the least stable direction. Sometimes, there is no difference between them. To make sure to measure both values, the probe should be held perpendicular to the jaw line for one measurement, and in line with the jaw line for the other measurement. The two ISQ’s represent these values. If the instrument finds them both at the same time, and they differ more than 3 ISQ units, they are presented on the display together.

Measure at implant placement and again before the final restoration to monitor the development of osseointegration. If the ISQ value is not high enough it is advised to add time and remeasure before proceeding with the prosthetic rehabilitation of the implant.

Periotests are designed for natural teeth that are attached to the bone with a periodontium. An implant is attached directly to the bone without periodontium.  Osstell uses a more sensitive scale with a non-contact, non-invasive technique which is totally objective and repeatable.

The SmartPeg, with its magnet on top, works like a small tuning fork. The magnet is emitted with magnetic pulses from the probe which makes the SmartPeg vibrate. Due to the stiffness in the interface between the implant surface and the bone the SmartPeg will vibrate accordingly. The more dense bone the higher stability, the higher frequency and the higher ISQ value. The ISQ value will be displayed on the screen within a second after the measurement is done. 

If you start with low mechanical stability at placement the value will increase due to the increased stability caused by osseointegration. If the initial value is in the high range, e.g. 75 ISQ it will stay about the same even after osseointegration, since the initial mechanical stability was already so high. If the implant does not osseointegrate the ISQ value will decrease significantly and should be taken as a warning.