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If you are thinking about getting dental implants, you might wonder if your body can reject them. The concern makes sense — after all, a dental implant is a foreign object placed into bone. But the truth is simple: true implant rejection is extremely rare. Let’s look at what really happens when dental implants fail and how to avoid it.
Table of Contents
- Rejection vs. Implant Failure
- What Actually Causes Implant Failure
- How to Ensure Implant Success
- Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in Deer Park, IL
- FAQs
Rejection vs. Implant Failure
People often confuse implant failure with rejection, however, they are not the same thing. True rejection occurs when the immune system recognizes tissue as foreign and attacks it. This can happen with organ transplants but not with dental implants.
Implant failure occurs when the implant does not fuse properly with the jawbone or becomes unstable later. This happens due to biological or mechanical issues, not because your body is rejecting it.
Why True Rejection Is Rare
Dental implants are made from titanium or zirconia, both known for their excellent biocompatibility. Titanium forms a direct bond with bone in a process called osseointegration, allowing the implant to become part of your jaw.
Your immune system does not attack titanium or zirconia. In fact, titanium allergies affect less than 1% of people, making immune rejection almost nonexistent.
What Actually Causes Implant Failure
Most implant failures result from healing problems, infection, surgical technique, or lifestyle factors—not rejection.
Poor Osseointegration
An implant must fuse firmly with the jawbone to stay stable. Failure can occur when bone density is low, the implant shifts during healing, or the crown is attached before full integration takes place.
In some cases, inadequate surgical technique or poor treatment planning can also prevent the implant from properly integrating with the bone.
Infection (Peri-Implantitis)
Bacteria can infect the tissue and bone around an implant, leading to inflammation and bone loss. Poor oral hygiene, existing gum disease, tobacco use, or surgical complications are common contributors.
Medical Conditions
Certain health issues can slow healing and increase the risk of implant failure. These include uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, osteoporosis or bone-weakening medications, and cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.
Lifestyle Factors
Daily habits can also affect how well an implant heals. Smoking reduces blood flow and delays tissue repair, increasing the risk of infection and failure even years after it was placed. Teeth grinding places constant pressure on the implant and surrounding bone, which can lead to loosening over time. Poor oral hygiene habits allow bacteria to collect around the implant, causing inflammation and gum disease that threaten its stability.
How to Ensure Implant Success
Dental implants have an impressive 95–98% success rate when properly planned and maintained. Here is how to keep yours healthy long-term.
Before Surgery
Preparation plays a major role in healing and long-term results.
- Choose an experienced oral surgeon
- Treat any gum disease before implant placement
- Share your complete medical history and medications
- Quit or reduce smoking
After Surgery
The first few weeks are critical for successful integration.
- Follow all post-operative instructions carefully
- Eat soft foods
- Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods during recovery
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
Long-Term Care
Good daily habits protect your implant for years to come.
- Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day
- Schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash if recommended
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
Working with an experienced oral surgeon is the most reliable way to ensure your implant is placed correctly and heals properly. With the right care and expertise, your dental implant can look, feel, and function like a natural tooth for many years.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in Deer Park, IL
If you are considering dental implants or want to ensure the health of an existing one, the specialists at Oral Facial & Implant Specialists are here to help. Our board-certified oral surgeons, Dr. J. Travis Thompson and Dr. Stephen Martin, provide expert implant placement, treatment for peri-implantitis, and long-term care to protect your smile and maintain lasting stability.
To book a dental implant consultation at our oral surgeons office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or visit us at 21660 W. Field Parkway, Suite 220, Deer Park, IL.
FAQs
Many patients successfully receive a new implant after a previous one fails. The key is identifying why the first implant failed. Your oral surgeon will evaluate bone health, gum condition, and bite alignment before recommending a new placement. Sometimes bone grafting or a different implant design helps achieve success the second time.
A failed dental implant is considered a dental emergency, especially if the implant feels loose, causes pain, or shows signs of infection such as swelling or bleeding. These symptoms indicate that the implant has lost stability or the surrounding tissue is inflamed. Contact your oral surgeon right away to prevent further bone loss and protect the area for future treatment.
At Oral Facial & Implant Specialists in Deer Park, IL, Dr. J. Travis Thompson and Dr. Stephen Martin offer expert dental implant care, from placement to long-term maintenance. Their advanced training and surgical experience ensure lasting, natural-looking results. To book a dental implant consultation at our office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or complete the online inquiry form.
