As technology has advanced, so has the world of dentistry. Now, patients can replace any number of missing teeth with dental implants, which – in addition to being unmatched in stability – look extremely natural, help prevent bone loss, and can last for several decades. But can they decay? If you’ve been asking yourself that same question, then read on to learn if dental implants can get cavities.
So, Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?
Unlike your natural teeth, dental implants are crafted from artificial materials, like dental porcelain, which cannot decay. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can throw your oral hygiene tools away. After all, peri-implantitis (a form of gum disease) is one of the leading causes of dental implant failure and it’s the direct result of bad dental care habits. So, it’s important to make taking good care of your smile a priority!
How To: Take Good Care of Your New Smile
Fortunately, you don’t need to buy new, expensive dental care products to keep your dental implants (and the rest of your smile) in pristine condition. Simply do your best to commit to good habits, like:
- Brushing your teeth for two full minutes each morning and night
- Flossing and rinsing with mouthwash daily
- Eating well-balanced, nutrient-dense meals
- Drinking lots of water to prevent dry mouth
- Wearing a mouthguard during sports
It’s also important to avoid doing anything that has the potential to damage your restoration, like smoking, chewing on ice cubes, or using your teeth to remove a bottle cap.
The Importance of Routine Dental Visits
Whether you have a single dental implant or an implant denture, you need to schedule a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. That way, your dentist can routinely check the condition of your dental implants, your gums, and any remaining natural teeth you have. If they notice something concerning – from a small cavity to a severe infection – they can address it early on. In other words, your biannual visits benefit both your oral health and your smile, so make them a priority!
About the Practice
As your dental team, we want you to have a healthy, complete, and beautiful smile. Sometimes, that requires dental implants and, if that’s the case, we will help you through the entire process – from the initial consultation to the final visit when we place your restoration securely in position. If you have any questions for our team at Spillman Family Dental of Rockwall, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (972) 945-0887 so we can provide you with the answers you’re looking for.