Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Since they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they allow for a wide range of additional benefits that you can’t find elsewhere. This includes reliable stability, comfort, and longevity. They are the closest you can get to real teeth! This begs the question – can dental implants get cavities? Continue reading to find out.
Do Dental Implants Get Cavities?
Dental implants look and feel just like natural teeth do. However, one major difference is that dental implants cannot decay like real teeth do. This is because dental implants are typically made from titanium which is incredibly resistant. The dental crown or other restoration attached to your implants is typically made from porcelain or ceramic. These materials look just like real teeth, even in the way they reflect light. One of the great things about them is that they don’t decay like tooth enamel does. That being said, the teeth around them still can, and the gums are still susceptible to gum disease. Gum disease is one of the biggest threats to the success of dental implants. You must take all of the necessary steps to care for your smile and avoid these consequences.
How to Care for Dental Implants
Dental implants might not get cavities, but they still need to be cared for to maintain excellent oral health. Here are some of the steps that you should be taking to keep your new teeth in optimal condition.
- See Your Dentist: By seeing your dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups, issues can be caught and addressed early on. Professional cleanings help to keep all areas of your smile clean, preventing oral health issues from developing.
- Bursh Your Teeth: Just like with natural teeth, you should be brushing your dental implant twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
- Floss: In addition to brushing, you should floss your teeth every day. This helps to remove food debris and plaque from between the teeth and along the gumline. Some people also benefit from using a water flosser for extra ease and freshness.
- Rinse: Antimicrobial mouth rinses help to prevent the buildup of bacteria in your mouth, reducing your risk of developing an infection.
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking slows the body’s natural healing process, increasing your risk of developing an infection.
- Mindful Eating: You don’t have any eating restrictions when you have dental implants, but you can still benefit from being mindful about the items that you are choosing. Be careful when eating foods that are particularly hard or sticky. You should also avoid overindulging in sugary and starchy foods.
Dental implants can’t get cavities, but maintaining your smile is just as important as it’s ever been. By using the tips listed above, you can keep your dental implants in excellent shape.
About the Author
Dr. Jay Oza has been working in the field for over a decade. He earned his dental doctorate from New York University. Since then, he has been committed to continuing education and is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and the Fort Work Dental Society. For more information on dental implants or to schedule a consultation at his office Midlothian, visit his website or call (682) 772-3072.