Dental implants are one of the most innovative and effective treatments for addressing tooth loss. Not only can they replace missing teeth from the roots up, but they offer incredible stability and longevity for your smile. Still, due to their lifelike results, some wonder if it’s still possible to develop cavities after receiving their new pearly whites. Keep reading to learn what you should expect and how to maintain long-lasting results.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are typically titanium posts that are embedded into the jawbone to directly support your restoration(s) or prosthetics. Since they’re biocompatible, the metal should fuse to the bone tissue and provide a stable foundation for your new smile. Unlike other restorations or prosthetics, this can allow you to preserve your jawbone and promote strong bone growth just like your natural tooth roots.
Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?
Cavities generally begin to form due to bacteria and plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) settling along the tooth surface and/or gum line. The acid byproduct can then start to erode your enamel. While your enamel is vulnerable to cavities, your titanium implant will not be, since it isn’t organic. Bacteria will not erode your dental implant in the way it erodes enamel, but it is important to properly clean around your dental implant to prevent peri-implantitis.
What is Peri-implantitis?
Peri-implantitis is when the tissue around the implant becomes infected and begins to breakdown. This condition is usually caused by poor oral hygiene which allows bacteria to build up around the implant and the restoration. This causes loss of soft tissue and can cause bone loss around the implant. Signs of peri-implantitis include swelling and redness around the implant, discharge of pus, bad taste in the mouth, loose implant, and pain or tenderness.
Ways to Take Care of Your Dental Implants
Although your new implants won’t be susceptible to cavities, it doesn’t mean the surrounding bone and gum tissue will be completely safe from bacteria and disease. To protect your dental implants from complications that could ruin them, such as peri-implantitis, it’s important to practice the following preventive measures:
- Brush and floss frequently to remove food particles and plaque
- Use a waterpik daily
- Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to minimize bacterial buildup
- Avoid using tobacco products, as this can impede recovery as well as the success of your implants
- Refrain from biting down on hard objects or foods that can compromise your restorations
- Visit your dentist for checkups so they can monitor your oral health and address underlying issues before they worsen
While dental implants are durable and won’t get cavities, it’s still important to maintain them with the tips above. By doing so, you can ensure a successful treatment and a lifetime of enjoying a stronger and healthier smile!
About the Author
Dr. Sheren Elsaid is incredibly talented and experienced in various aspects of dentistry, striving always to provide personalized and reliable care for her patients. She’s also a member of the American Dental Association and has even taken continuing education courses on dental implants so that she can perform the entire process in the office. If you’d like to know more about this treatment or wish to schedule a consultation, check out our website or call us at +1-973-370-5221.