Can Your Body Reject Implants Years Later?
From Dr. Eastwood at Summerbrook Dental & Implants – Fort Worth, TX
Patients sometimes ask, “Can your body reject dental implants years later?” At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, Dr. Eastwood explains that true “rejection” is extremely rare, but implants can fail even years after they are placed—usually for different reasons.
Dental implants are made from biocompatible materials like titanium or ceramic. This means your body is unlikely to treat them as a harmful object. Once the implant bonds with your jawbone—a process called osseointegration—it becomes very stable and can last decades.
However, implants can still have problems years later if the surrounding bone or gums become unhealthy. The most common cause is peri-implantitis, a type of infection that damages the bone around the implant. This can happen if plaque and bacteria build up over time. Gum disease, smoking, or poor oral hygiene increase this risk.
Other possible causes of late implant failure include bite problems that put too much force on the implant, injury to the area, or certain medical conditions that affect bone health. In rare cases, an allergic reaction to the implant material may cause long-term irritation, but this is uncommon.
The good news is that with proper care, most implants remain strong and healthy for life. Regular dental checkups, professional cleanings, and daily brushing and flossing are key to preventing problems. Dr. Eastwood also uses advanced imaging to check your implant’s health over time.
At Summerbrook Dental, we are a no-judgment office. Whether your implant is new or has been in place for many years, we’re here to help keep it healthy and working properly.
If you have an implant and notice swelling, pain, or changes in the way it feels, call Summerbrook Dental & Implants today. Early treatment can protect your smile and save your implant.