Dental implants are one of the most powerful tooth replacement options, capable of giving you a stronger and much more durable bite than you might be able to get in other circumstances. Dental implants are so incredible that some argue they’re even better than natural teeth. If you’ve spent a long time suffering from serious tooth decay, that may very well be the case for you.
If you’re wondering whether your dental implants could be susceptible to the same thing, here’s what you should know about the relationship between dental implants and cavities.
Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?
Tooth decay is a consequence of acid that is secreted from the bacteria in the mouth. This acid dissolves the enamel that makes up the top layer of the tooth.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are constructed of a titanium base with a porcelain crown on top of it. These materials are resistant to acids, meaning that you won’t have to worry about your dental implant having any problems with tooth decay.
What Can Put Dental Implants at Risk?
That said, there are oral health problems that can potentially put your dental implant at risk. While acid-secreting bacteria isn’t necessarily an issue, gum disease absolutely can be. If you don’t care for your dental implants properly, the bacteria responsible for gum disease could creep under the gum line and being to attack the jawbone.
This is a condition known as peri-implantitis, and in the worst cases, it can cause the dental implant to fall out. As such, you should still work hard to keep your dental implants in the best condition possible.
How to Maintain Dental Implants
If you want to protect your dental implants from infection, the best thing to do is to keep up with your dental hygiene routine. Brush your dental implants twice a day, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to keep your mouth free of bacteria.
You should also take care not to press down too hard when you floss, as you could potentially break the peri-implant seal that connects the dental implants to the gums. Keep these tips in mind, and you should be able to protect your dental implants for a long time.
About Our Practice
At Plush Dentistry, we’re proud to be a dentist’s office that does things differently. While many dentists have a cold office environment and an even colder dental team, we believe that dentistry should be about creating experiences for our patients and helping them feel like they’re pampering themselves. We’ll also be sure to offer our patients the highest level of dental care so that their smiles can be as healthy and strong as possible.
If you have any questions about dental implants, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (469) 256-7098.