Are Dental Implants Impervious to Cavities?

When it comes to restoring missing teeth, no other option rivals a dental implant; this innovative, lifelike solution is able to replace a lost tooth’s entire structure, from the roots to the crown—meaning that oral functionality is re-established. But are dental implants susceptible to the same types of problems that your natural teeth are, such as decay and cavities? Here’s what your dentist wants you to know about dental implants and cavities, along with some tips for keeping your mouth and implants in great shape!

Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?

The simple answer is no, dental implants cannot get cavities since they’re composed of special, durable materials. The implant posts that are placed into the jawbone are typically made from titanium, a resilient, biocompatible metal that can fuse with your bone matter. The crown portion of the implant is generally made from porcelain or zirconia, which aren’t just beautiful, but also totally resistant to decay (unlike tooth enamel).

However, even though your dental implants cannot get cavities, they aren’t totally immune to problems. They can still sustain physical damage if you get hit in the mouth or bite into hard objects frequently, and plaque can also build up on their surface if you aren’t diligent about brushing. The rest of your mouth is also still vulnerable to oral health issues, including gum disease—which poses a seriously large threat to your implants and can lead to implant failure if left unaddressed! If you have any remaining natural teeth in your mouth, it’s worth mentioning that they’re still vulnerable to decay and cavities.

Advice for Keeping Your Implants Clean and Intact

Although dental implants are impervious to cavities and designed to last for several decades, this doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when it comes to oral hygiene. Good practices will ensure that your implants last for as long as possible. Consider the following:

• Practice excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily—these habits matter whether you have implants or not!
• Continue to visit your dentist for routine preventive care; they’ll be able to uncover any hidden issues with your implants or oral health and prescribe treatment accordingly.
• Watch what you eat; a healthy diet can go a long way towards promoting good oral health and preventing issues like gum disease, which poses a serious threat to your implants.
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products; these habits are notorious for causing oral health issues that might compromise your implants.
• Drink plenty of water, as it’s the absolute best beverage for your oral health. Drinking after eating can also assist with keeping your mouth clean between brushing sessions.
• Avoid bad habits like biting your nails, using your teeth as tools, or chewing on ice—these behaviors can physically damage your implants.

About the Practice

The Dental Center of Huntington has proudly served the needs of families in the Shelton, CT community for several years. They offer a comprehensive range of tooth restoration options including dental implants to assist patients with compromised smiles. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit to see if dental implants are a viable solution for you, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for further assistance. Telephone: (203) 925-1911.