Dental implants have allowed millions of people to replace teeth lost to injury or decay with functional and lifelike restorations. The artificial teeth hosted by dental implants are indistinguishable from real teeth in appearance and able to handle all the same foods, so some patients may wonder if these prosthetic devices are vulnerable to the same infections. Here’s a brief guide to how oral bacteria can affect your implants and how to keep them healthy for decades to come.
Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?
A dental cavity is an infection caused by bacteria eating their way into the outer layers of the teeth such as the enamel and the dentin, and the problem will only get worse unless it is addressed by a dentist. While dental implants look exactly like real teeth, they are actually made from durable materials like ceramic and titanium which cannot be metabolized by bacteria. This means that dental implants are completely immune to tooth decay.
Can Bacteria Harm My Dental Implants?
While bacteria cannot cause cavities to form in your dental implants, they can still infect the gum and bone tissue that supports them. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of implant failure, and it is frequently caused by factors such as excessive sugar consumption, poor oral hygiene, and smoking. While the early stage of gum disease called gingivitis can usually be reversed with improved oral care, the advanced stage called periodontitis must be managed with regular periodontal treatment.
How Can I Keep My Dental Implants in Great Shape?
The best way to ensure that your dental implants stay healthy and beautiful for as long as possible is to take excellent care of them. This includes:
- Practicing excellent oral hygiene: Brush and floss every day to prevent the accumulation of plaque, food debris, and nasty bacteria.
- Seeing your dentist regularly: Routine exams and cleanings allow your oral health professional to monitor your dental health, correct issues in their early stages, and advise you as to better oral care practices.
- Not abusing your teeth: Using your teeth to open packages or bottles and chewing on non-food items are great ways to damage your natural enamel and your dental restorations. Kick these habits to keep your smile in great shape.
- Quit smoking: Tobacco use is terrible for your gums and will make implant failure more likely.
Don’t let harmful oral bacteria ruin your beautiful new smile. With excellent care, you can keep your dental implants in great condition for decades or even a lifetime.
About the Author
Dr. Jenny Hong earned her dental degree at the University of Toronto and completed her Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Temple University. Her office in Morgan Hill offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To Learn more about proper dental implant care, contact her office online or dial (408) 763-3008.