When you invest in dental implants, you’re putting trust in them to last. After all, you’ve paid for them in money, time, and effort. So, can they get cavities like regular teeth, forcing you to replace them over and over? Not exactly. Dental implants can’t decay, but they do still need consistent care to stay sturdy. Here’s what every implant patient should know.
Dental Implants Can’t Get Cavities
Dental implants are made of titanium, and the crown attached on top is typically made of porcelain or a similar material. Neither of these can decay the way natural tooth enamel does, so you can rest easy. For patients who have struggled with decay in the past, this is welcome news that should inspire confidence.
Your Implants Still Need Care
While your implants themselves can’t decay, the gum tissue and jawbone surrounding it are still absolutely vulnerable to bacterial buildup. Worse still, the consequences can be just as serious as a cavity, if not more so.
A condition called peri-implantitis is essentially gum disease that develops around a dental implant. Plaque and bacteria accumulate at your gumline, causing inflammation, bone loss, and, if left untreated, implant failure. It’s one of the leading causes of implant complications, because it often develops without obvious symptoms in its early stages.
What This Means for Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Implant failure is rare, but it can happen without giving your smile proper attention. Luckily, caring for dental implants looks a lot like tending to natural teeth. Brushing twice a day, flossing carefully around the implant, and using a non-alcoholic mouthwash all help keep bacteria at bay. A water flosser can be especially useful for cleaning around the implant base, where basic floss might be a bit more unwieldy.
Regular checkups also become even more important once you have your implants placed. During these visits, your dentist can monitor the health of the bone and tissue surrounding your enhancements, spotting early warning signs of peri-implantitis. This allows them to step in before a slight case of gingivitis derails your progress.
Dental implants are one of the most durable and long-lasting tooth replacement options available, with success rates over 95%. But their longevity depends on consistent care and professional attention. No cavities doesn’t mean no maintenance, but with a great dentist in your corner, it also doesn’t have to mean more stress.
About the Practice
At Woodside Dental Care, our team has been rebuilding smiles since 1994. With an in-house periodontist who places dental implants right in our office, we offer full-service care from start to finish. If you have questions about implant maintenance or are ready to explore your tooth replacement options, call us at (718) 898-6010 to schedule a consultation.