The basic definition of a host response is the reaction of living tissue to the presence of a foreign material. In the broadest sense, the term “host response” can be used to describe any bodily response to an injury, surgical procedure, or implant. Within the field of dental implantology, the term host response is used to indicate the response of the patient’s bone and soft tissue to a dental implant. Ideally, the host response will be a positive one and the bone will begin to fuse to the implant, also known as osseointegration. The implant will remain stable with minimal swelling and no infection. However, in some cases, the host response is less desirable and results in implant failure. Osseointegration may not occur, the implant hardware may be rejected, or an infection may develop. Thoroughly evaluating a patient and selecting the right hardware and procedure for their needs can help ensure a positive host response.