Many people worry the body will reject the implant post like a foreign object. In fact the problem is usually that the post does not fuse with the bone or becomes inflamed, rarely rejection in the usual sense.
- Implant posts are usually made of titanium, compatible with the body, so true rejection like an organ transplant is rare.
- An implant usually fails because the post does not fuse with the bone or because of inflammation around the implant.
- Smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, poor hygiene and grinding raise the risk.
- A loose post, pain, a swollen gum, bleeding or pus around an implant means you should return early.
Many people hesitate to have an implant because they fear the body will reject the post like a foreign object, as with an organ transplant. Implant posts are usually made of titanium, a material compatible with the body that rarely triggers an allergic reaction. So the problem usually seen is not rejection but two other situations.
What usually makes an implant fail?
- The post does not fuse firmly with the bone: the bone does not grip the post during the healing period, see how long after an implant you can chew normally.
- Inflammation around the implant: bacteria inflame the gum and later wear away bone around the post, see what peri implantitis is.
- Infection from the time of surgery or in the early period.
- Too much chewing force on the post before it is stable.
Factors that raise the risk
- Smoking, which slows healing of bone and gum.
- Poorly controlled diabetes, see whether people with diabetes can have implants.
- Poor oral hygiene, or untreated gum disease.
- Grinding or very hard clenching.
- Not attending follow up visits on time.
Signs that something is wrong
- The post or the tooth on the implant feels loose.
- Pain, swollen gum around the implant, or bleeding or pus.
- A bad smell or taste, or gum receding to expose part of the post.
- Pain on biting in the implant area.
If you notice these signs, return early. The dentist will examine you and take an X-ray to find the cause, and in many cases the problem can still be dealt with if found early.
Keeping an implant lasting
- Brush carefully and clean around the post every day.
- Stop smoking and keep blood sugar under control if you have diabetes.
- Attend follow up visits and regular scaling, see what to know about dental implants.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first, so the dentist can check your implant.
Frequently asked questions
Can the body reject an implant like an organ transplant?
Implant posts are usually made of titanium, compatible with the body, so true rejection is rare. The usual problems are a post that does not fuse with the bone or inflammation around the implant.
What signs show there is a problem with an implant?
A loose post or tooth, pain, a swollen gum, bleeding or pus, a bad smell and pain on biting. Return early to be checked.
How can I keep an implant lasting?
Brush carefully, clean around the post, stop smoking, keep blood sugar controlled and attend regular follow up visits.