One of the most often asked questions asked about dental implants is the concern about rejection of the implant by the body. Can this really happen?

In a word, the answer is no. Dental implants are not rejected by the body.

Implants vs Transplant Explanation

Most of us are aware of the problems associated with organ or tissue “implants”. A “transplant” is the correct word to describe the procedure involved. This involves whole organ transplantation that involves living tissue, and includes well known transplants such as kidneys, liver, or even a heart in extreme cases.

Because of genetic differences, natural rejection of these organs as foreign tissue will occur, unless steps are taken to fool the body. To prevent this problem, powerful drugs are given (lifelong) to suppress the immune system and allow for long term success.

This is NOT necessary with dental implants. Why?

Dental Implants Not Made of Living Tissue

Dental implants are not living tissue, but are made of materials that are compatible with and accepted by the body. They are usually made mostly of titanium, an especially bio-compatible material. They can also be coated with a micro thin layer of hydroxyapatite (a bone like substance) which is also recognized as normal to the body, though unnecessary for predictable success.

Since dental implants are accepted as part of the body, they cannot be rejected as a foreign substance, such as a living organ. Therefore, dental implants enjoy a fantastic success rate of over 97%!! – perhaps the most successful procedure in all of dentistry.

Implants Can Fail – But Rarely

Even though implants can fail – this rarely happens. When and if they do, this not a rejection of the implant, but a failure of normal bone to grow around the implant, normal care by the patient, infection, poor bone quality, or other factors. These rare problems are sometimes wrongly attributed to rejection of the dental implant. Correction of the underlying problem, allowing the bone to heal, will permit insertion of another implant to be placed with great success!

Implants Enjoy Highly Predictable Success Rate

This fact alone speaks to the fact that dental implants are not rejected by the body, but enjoy a highly predictable success rate.

You can be assured that your choice to enjoy the great benefits of dental implants will provide you with a lifetime of normal chewing function and a beautiful smile.

Of course, good home and professional care are important to ensure the high success rate of dental implants.

Dr. Dale Entrekin has many years of training and experience to provide you with predictable and highly successful results with your dental implants. This success results from his attention to every detail, from proper expert placement of each implant, to the final teeth that he provides. He and his staff, strive to make your treatment as comfortable as possible in a pleasant, caring atmosphere.

Call Dr. Entrekin’s office today to begin your journey to the comfortable, lasting, and beautiful smile made possible with dental implants!