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.

Heart Transplant vs Dental Implant

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

Successful Dental Implants – Montgomery AL

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!

Montgomery Dental Implants

A dental implant provides a permanent solution for the replacement of single or multiple teeth. Consider this overview of dental implant treatments for single or multiple tooth replacement and realize that the often embarrassing events of missing teeth and removable dentures can be a thing of the past.

Replacing Teeth with a Dental Implant

A dental implant offers the greatest solution to permanently replace one or more teeth. Dental implants are titanium screw-like posts that are surgically placed within the jawbone. The jawbone heals around the implant to form a permanent, secure bond. A dental implant basically acts as a “natural” tooth root to which different types of teeth can be attached. The type of tooth replacement used generally depends on the number of teeth needing replacement as well as individual preference. Teeth used with dental implants include dental crowns, implant-supported bridges, and implant-supported dentures.

Dental Implant with Dental Crowns

A dental implant used with a dental crown (cap) restoration is best used for replacing a single tooth. If you are only missing one or two teeth, a single tooth dental implant with crown restorations are typically the best treatment. This also prevents the alteration of adjacent natural teeth, which would be necessary if a normal bridge was used instead of dental implants. Implants also preserve your natural teeth and jawbone in comparison to dentures or a bridge.

Though a full set of teeth can be replaced with individual implants and dental crowns, this is not the most time or cost effective treatment. For multiple tooth replacements, implant-supported bridges or implant supported dentures (in the case where all the teeth are missing) may be a better option.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Montgomery Dental Implants

Implant-supported dental bridges are used to replace multiple teeth with two or more dental implants, making them best suited to situations in which two or more consecutive teeth need replacement. Implant-supported bridges consist of one or more artificial teeth that bridge the gap between missing teeth. The teeth are permanently placed and are not removable, just like natural teeth.

Dental Implant-Supported Dentures

Full sets of teeth can best be replaced with implant-supported dentures. Implant-supported dentures use three to five dental implants to securely attach the dentures within the mouth. Implant-supported dentures attach to the implants in a way that allows them to be removed for ease of cleaning. Implant-supported dentures allow you to eat and speak with the confidence of knowing your dentures are securely in place. Implant-supported dentures eliminate the need for messy adhesives while still allowing you to enjoy foods that removable dentures wearers generally need to avoid. No food restrictions!

Experience the Benefits of a Dental Implant

Dental implants offer many benefits including increased self-esteem, great looks, and vastly improved chewing function. Though many people make great candidates for dental implants, implants require minor surgery and as such, are not suitable for everyone. Fortunately, the vast majority of patients can experience the joy of dental implants. Candidates for dental implants should be healthy enough to tolerate surgery, and have good oral health to properly maintain a clean mouth. Candidates must also have sufficient jawbone. Fortunately, a bone graft may be performed to rebuild the jaw if needed. See for yourself how dental implants are changing patients’ lives!

To learn more about dental implant treatment or to schedule your personal consultation, we welcome you to CALL (334) 649-6299 to schedule an appointment with our qualified implant dentist today!

Montgomery Dental Implants

First, what are dental implants? Dental implants are root-like devices shaped like a screw and is usually made of titanium. They are surgically inserted into the jawbone, when there is enough of it to ensure ample anchorage. After healing, a restoration is attached in order to replace a tooth or a set of teeth. They are permanent and very durable and they look and feel like natural teeth, making them very popular.

One other good thing about dental implants is the fact that there are no limitations with age for you to have them. Children to the elderly, with missing tooth problems, can get them. However, they must be cleared of any contraindicated conditions like uncontrolled diabetes and bone cancer.

If you are concerned with surgery, do not worry. During the procedure, an effective sedative and local anesthetic will be used to make sure you are free from any discomfort. You will also be given medications to ensure comfort after surgery.

Dental implants are the most successful procedures in dentistry. However, there are several factors that may affect the long-term success of dental implants. First, is the quality and quantity of the jawbone. The better the quality of bone and with appropriate bone height and width, the higher the chance of long-term success. Another factor is the quality of the restoration used on top of the implant. Only the best materials and procedures should be used. And lastly, is the capability and experience of the dental surgeon who will perform the implantation. There is no substitute to ensuring the right doctor to do the best surgery for you. It is always best that you feel confident with the professional to whom you are entrusting your health. With years of successful experience, our implant dentist easily fulfills that requirement.

So, you ask now, who can place a dental implant? Dental implantation can be done by a periodontist, an oral surgeon, or a general dentist (implantologist) properly trained in implant surgery. If you go to a periodontist or an oral surgeon, you will also have to see a restorative dentist because periodontists and oral surgeons are only trained to do the implant, while the general dentist will be the one to construct and put on the crown (cap). But, with implantologists, both the surgical insertion of the implant and the attachment of the tooth or teeth is completed in one location, which can be a huge benefit.

Maintenance of dental implants is not unlike natural teeth. Professional cleaning and examination, twice per year is recommended. And, of course, nothing beats daily brushing and flossing to maintain not just your implants, but your overall oral and general health.

For further information on dental implants, you may contact Montgomery Dental Implants at (334) 649-6299 or fill out a contact request form.