When you take the time to read up on implants, you will come across a lot of interesting scientific details. One factor that commonly comes up is the fact that dental implants are biocompatible. As you will notice by checking your context clues, this is a positive detail that’s very important in the success of implant placement. However, this may not be enough information to help you fully understand what we mean by biocompatibility. We’d like to assist you in feeling more educated with a question and answer session.
Questions and Answers
Question: Strictly regarding the definition of the word, what does biocompatible really mean?
Answer: It means harmless toward living tissue. “Bio” is in references to “life” or living material, while “compatible” essentially means harmless toward or “not in conflict with.”
Question: So, if dental implants are biocompatible, does that mean that they are safe for use in my smile? Isn’t almost anything safe?
Answer: This means that the placement of implants in your smile to replace missing teeth is considered safe. Unfortunately, not all materials can be used to replace missing tissue in your body. Your immune system is quite powerful and can detect the difference between harmful foreign materials and natural tissue. Since the titanium used to craft an implant is biocompatible, your body should recognize it as “safe” and accept it.
Question: Is there anything else I should know about why the biocompatibility of dental implants is so important?
Answer: Yes! If you’ve heard of osseointegration, you know that this is the fusion that occurs between the implant and your jaw tissue, lending extraordinary stability once the process is complete. This is possible because of the biocompatible nature of implants.
ABOUT YOUR ROHNERT PARK, CA, ORAL SURGEONS:
Combining experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery with a genuine care for their patients’ health and comfort, the team at Santa Rosa Oral Surgery is ready to improve the health and beauty of smiles in the Sonoma County and North Bay area. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling 707-545-4625 (Santa Rosa).
