Tooth implants replicate the appearance of your natural teeth and are anchored in your jawbone with screw-like titanium posts. Once the implants are placed, they fuse with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for one or more artificial teeth made from dental crowns.
Despite the high success rate of tooth implants, a common concern that patients tend to have is – can the body reject a tooth implant?
Dental implant rejection is a pathological process that involves inflammation, resorption, and the loss of the bone tissue surrounding the implant.
However, rejection is quite rare. Statistics indicate that its occurrence ranges from 3% to 10%. For zirconium implants, the rejection rate is even lower, falling between 0.5% and 2%.
The process of osseointegration, where a dental implant bonds with the bone, unfolds in three distinct stages.
This phase occurs during the first month following the implant placement. During this time, spongy bone, or immature bone tissue, forms around the implant. Since this tissue is less dense, it's best to avoid placing a permanent prosthesis just yet.
Spanning 4 to 6 months, this stage sees the spongy tissue transform into lamellar bone, which is denser and stronger. This robust bone can handle the full force of chewing, making it the right time to place a crown, bridge, or complete prosthesis.
Lasting up to 18 months, this final phase marks the completion of the implant’s integration and stabilization. By the end of this period, the risk of implant rejection is significantly reduced, ensuring a solid foundation for your new teeth.
The timing of implant rejection can be divided into three distinct periods:
Healthy gums are essential for dental implant surgery; without them, the procedure is unlikely to succeed. Gum disease can infect and damage both your gums and jawbone, and if left untreated, infections can form around the implant, leading to its failure.
Smoking is a significant contributor to dental implant failure, primarily because it restricts blood flow to the gums, slowing the healing process. Research indicates that about 20% of smokers face this issue of implant rejection by their body.
A healthy jawbone is vital for the success of dental implants. If there isn’t enough bone, the oral surgeon won’t be able to place the implant properly. Conditions like osteoporosis can lead to bone loss, reducing bone density and increasing the risk of fractures. Additionally, periodontitis can contribute to the deterioration of the jawbone.
Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, can slow down the body's healing process, potentially hindering osseointegration and increasing the risk of implant failure.
Failing to maintain proper oral hygiene can significantly affect the outcome of the implant. If you have limitations that hinder your ability to maintain proper oral hygiene, you may be deemed ineligible for dental implants.
Dental implants should feel completely natural, blending seamlessly with your existing teeth. However, if your implants feel loose or move around in your mouth, it’s important to contact your dentist right away, as this could indicate implant rejection.
Some discomfort is normal during the healing process after receiving dental implants, but you shouldn’t experience excessive pain. If you notice sharp, radiating pain in your mouth or jaw, it could be a sign that your implant is failing.
Some swelling of the gums is to be expected after dental implant surgery but this swelling should gradually decrease and not spread. If you notice your gums turning red, it could indicate an infection that might spread throughout your mouth and even enter your bloodstream.
Dental implants are designed to mimic your natural teeth, so experiencing pain or discomfort while chewing suggests that something might be wrong with your implant.
Although tooth implant surgery is generally a safe procedure with a high success rate, complications can arise that may lead to implant rejection or failure. This underscores the importance of having your implants placed by an experienced oral surgeon.
Once the cause of rejection is identified, such as medical conditions or bone loss, a new implant can be successfully placed. Maintaining good oral health is also crucial to preventing issues with the implant.
Schedule a consultation with Stoney Trail Dental and learn more about the tooth implant procedure.
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Yes, inadequate oral hygiene can lead to infections like peri-implantitis, which can compromise the implant and lead to failure. Regular dental check-ups and good oral care practices are essential.
Yes, if an implant is rejected or fails, it can often be replaced successfully once the underlying issues are addressed.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Gurshant Grewal - a Registered Dentist on October 16, 2024
