You recently had your missing teeth replaced with dental implants, and you couldn’t be happier about the results. Your new smile is complete and works like normal, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and feel confident while surrounded by your peers. But as you continue to practice good oral hygiene, you begin to wonder, “Can dental implants get cavities?” To answer this question as well as share what you can do to take better care of your smile, read on to hear from a local dentist.
What Are Dental Implants Made Of?
A dental implant consists of three different parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the crown. Each is made of different materials but comes together to create a cohesive, complete, artificial tooth. While titanium is the most commonly used material for implant posts, abutments are made from metal, while customized restorations (i.e., crowns, bridges, and dentures) can be made out of porcelain or zirconia.
Is It Possible to Develop Cavities with Dental Implants?
While this question deserves a more thorough explanation, the quick answer is no, dental implants cannot get cavities. The reason is that the materials used to create these restorations are not porous like traditional tooth enamel. This means that they do not absorb unhealthy particles and bacteria that commonly cause tooth decay and cavities.
However, if you have any remaining healthy teeth inside your mouth, they are still susceptible to harmful plaque and tartar, which can lead to decay as well as gum disease.
If bacteria are allowed to accumulate inside the mouth, they can attack your soft oral tissues, resulting in inflammation and bleeding. Should peri-implantitis form, which is similar to gum disease, there is a chance that implant failure can occur.
How Can I Maintain a Cavity-Free Smile?
Although you do not need to worry about your new artificial teeth developing cavities over time, you will need to maintain good oral hygiene to ensure they remain in place. You can do this by:
- Continuing to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings to ensure your real and artificial teeth are in optimal shape.
- Keeping your smile healthy by brushing and flossing as well as rinsing regularly to minimize the presence of harmful bacteria.
- Wearing protective mouth gear if you play sports or if you tend to grind your teeth at night.
- Eating a diet that consists of more nutrient-rich foods (i.e., leafy greens, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables) as opposed to those that contain high levels of sugars and starches.
- Using appropriate tools to open packages instead of relying on your teeth.
- Giving up bad habits that can damage your real and artificial pearly whites (i.e., smoking, eating ice).
While you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that your dental implants are safe from cavities, it’s essential that you adopt a good oral hygiene routine to safeguard your smile for the future.
About the Author
Dr. Scott Olson attended the University of Florida Dental School where he earned his dental degree. After passing his board exams, he and his wife returned to Missouri, and he has since pursued continuing education through the Kois Center, the Dawson Academy, and the Engle Institute. Offering advanced technology and innovative solutions, he and his team can replace missing teeth with the help of dental implants. If you or a loved one is missing one or more pearly whites and would like to learn more, visit our website or call (417) 823-4900.