Dental implants involve a big investment of not just your time, but also your money. Because of this, you want to make sure that once your teeth are restored using this leading-edge technology, they last a lifetime. However, even though your new teeth may be made from titanium and high-quality materials like porcelain, it doesn’t mean they can’t be impacted by the same bacteria that lead to cavities and gum disease. Read on to learn whether your dental implant can develop cavities and what you need to do to preserve your newly restored smile.
Can Your Dental Implants Decay?
The great news is that neither your replacement teeth nor the dental implants anchoring them within your mouth can get cavities. This is because they’re crafted from biocompatible, non-porous materials like ceramic and titanium. Additionally, when the implants fuse with your jawbone, they create a thin protective titanium oxide layer over the implant, keeping it from rusting or corroding over time. Because of this, your prosthetic and implant post are designed to last for life, and with the right care, it’s possible they’ll do just that!
Is It Possible for Dental Implants to Fail?
Although your newly restored tooth may not develop a cavity, other problems can arise if you aren’t diligent about maintaining good oral hygiene at home. In fact, one of the leading causes of dental implant failure is an infection called peri-implantitis.
When harmful oral bacteria accumulate within the mouth, they can begin to attack the supportive hard and soft tissues anchoring your replacement teeth in place. Over time, it can cause the dental implant to become loose or even fall out. It’s important to keep in mind that over 98% of dental implant cases remain successful even after five years of placement, so while this risk is minimal, it’s still a good idea to be mindful that it can happen!
How Can You Best Care for Your Dental Implants?
One unique benefit of dental implants is that you don’t have to implement any special new routines into your daily oral hygiene practices after getting them. In fact, you care for your teeth just as if they were natural. Be sure to follow these instructions to prevent health-compromising infections from developing and affecting the stability of your new smile:
- Brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day for two minutes each time.
- Rinse with alcohol-free, antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Floss between your existing and replaced teeth at least once a day.
- Visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and examination.
If at any point during your journey you become concerned about the health of your dental implants, just call your dentist. With timely care and a good dental routine, you will be able to extend their lifespan and hopefully enjoy them for decades to come.
About the Practice
At DuPont Family Dentistry, our team is led by Dr. John Ludu and Dr. Rhenu Sharma, who have decades of collective experience. With a commitment to providing their patients with high-quality care and lasting results, they partner with leading periodontists and oral surgeons in DuPont for dental implant placement. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit DuPont Family Dentistry’s website or call 253-964-7000.