Dental implants are one of the most popular methods of replacing teeth, in part because of their permanence. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants function very similarly to real teeth and last for many years longer than replacements like dentures or bridges. However, it's understandable if you're concerned about having something artificial placed in your body. Here's what you should know about the safety of dental implants.

No Risk of Rejection

One of the concerns people can sometimes have about any kind of foreign object being placed in their body is whether or not they'll need anti-rejection drugs. The immune system typically attacks anything foreign that's inserted in the body, including some medical implants. You'll be glad to know, however, that dental implants aren't one of them.

Titanium is one of the few metals on the planet that the body doesn't have an immunological response to. This makes it an extremely safe option for medical devices, and it's why it's the sole metal that's used for the internal part of the implant.

Titanium and Bone

Another common fear is the idea that the titanium could snap off and get loose inside your body. This is extremely unlikely to happen because your own bones won't let it happen.

When the titanium implant is put in place, it's fitted into the bone of the jaw. Over time, the bone actually grows new cells and covers the titanium, effectively shielding it. This means that you would have to endure enough force to potentially break your jawbone in order for the titanium implant to be damaged, and even then, it would be encapsulated in bone and wouldn't hurt you.

How it Actually Maintains Oral Health

Not only do dental implants don't harm your health, they can also be helpful in keeping you healthy too.

Dental implants improve oral health by encouraging the bones in the jaw to stay strong and by improving circulation in the gums. These two things combined can help to protect any healthy teeth that you still have and could potentially help to prevent the need for future tooth replacements as a result. 

Dental implants are a great choice to make if you want your smile restored, and they're a safe one at that. Talk to a dentist if you're ready to get your missing teeth replaced once and for all, and tell them that their dental implant services are what you're set on.