If you’ve heard of dental implants, you probably already know they look and work great. A cursory search will show that they’re the gold standard of modern tooth replacement! That said, have you learned whether dental implants can get cavities or not? You’ll want to confirm that detail before you commit to treatment, so your Beaverton dentist is here to address it. Just keep reading to learn about tooth decay, why implants are cavity-proof, and how to protect your posts in the future.
Context: How Natural Teeth Decay
Before anything else, you should review how natural teeth decay. Doing so provides you with context for the implant-cavity question.
Natural teeth typically get cavities from plaque – a sticky bacterial film that gathers on your smile. When this film builds up over time, it will slowly wear away your enamel and dentin. Your teeth can then erode and start to develop openings – “cavities” – that make your grin more vulnerable.
Without question, untreated cavities in natural teeth are an issue. They often cause toothaches, make your mouth sore, and increase your risk of tooth infection.
Dental Implants Can’t Get Cavities
Due to the facts above, we can now address the main question. Dental implants can’t get cavities, as they don’t (and won’t) erode over time.
Don’t forget that dental implants are wholly artificial. Made of titanium and porcelain, they lack any enamel for plaque to decay and wear down. The posts are thus cavity-proof and won’t erode with the passage of time.
Of course, dental implants still need a healthy mouth to work. They’ll be at greater risk of failing if they sit near sites of oral decay, infections, and so on.
Tips on Caring for Dental Implants
If you want your dental implants to stay safe, you have to protect them from oral problems. You can do so by adopting the following practices:
- Clean Your Mouth Often – You can avoid the issues that threaten implants by keeping your mouth clean. So, remember to brush your teeth twice daily and floss between them once daily.
- Quit Bad Oral Habits – Implant posts will often fail if you bite hard objects or smoke tobacco. Therefore, give up or quit these practices.
- Get Dental Checkups – If you see your dentist often, they can treat the small issues that’d harm your dental implants later.
While dental implants can’t get cavities, they still need maintenance. Remember the tips above so your restorations stay strong for a lifetime!
About the Practice
Caring Smiles Dental is based in Beaverton, OR. Led by Dr. Brooke Appelhans, our practice combines friendly care with cutting-edge, personalized, and patient-centric dentistry. We thus offer a wide array of dental treatments, ranging from dental checkups and cleanings to top-tier dental implants. Whatever trouble your grin has, rest assured – our team will handle it! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (503)-430-5096.