What happens to non-organic and artificial implants after death? As the name would suggest, non-organic and artificial implants are appliances placed by a surgeon or dentist. Examples include: Pacemakers Defibrillators Surgical implants Artificial/metal joints Tooth fillings Breast implants These are typically made from materials such as metal or plastic. As such, many do not go through the same stages of decomposition. Metal components are not destroyed by funerary practices. For this reason, there are specific procedures providers must take to handle these materials to minimize health and safety concerns. However, these practices vary depending on the process and local rules and regulations.
