Dental implants resemble your natural teeth in many different ways; not only do they have a similar feel and appearance, but they can also help prevent bone loss in your jaw. But do dental implants mimic teeth in less-than-desirable ways as well? Do you have to worry about them developing cavities if you don’t keep them clean? Your dentist is here to explain what kinds of oral health threats your dental implants need to be protected from.
Do Dental Implants Get Cavities?
Every natural tooth is protected by a layer of enamel, which can start to decay if it’s frequently exposed to the acids produced by harmful oral bacteria. However, dental implants are not made out of enamel; the posts normally consist of titanium, while the restorations they support can be created from a variety of artificial materials. As a result, your dental implants will not get cavities.
So What Do You Need to Protect Dental Implants From?
Of course, just because cavities are a non-issue for dental implants doesn’t mean that there aren’t still some oral health problems that you need to protect them from. In particular, it’s important to be aware of the possibility of gum disease, which is well-known for causing dental implants to fail.
Gum disease can cause your gums to recede, and it can also lead to degeneration of the jawbone. Consequently, the tissues around your implant posts will grow weaker over time. As the posts lose their support, they may start to come loose, and eventually, there may be no option but to remove them.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Dental Implants?
If you want to keep your dental implants for as long as possible, you need to help the tissues around them stay healthy. The best way to do that is to practice good oral hygiene. Remember to brush and floss every day, and be extra careful not to neglect the area around your dental implants.
When it comes to flossing in particular, you should take the time to make sure that you’re properly cleaning the space between the restoration and the gums. If you’re having a hard time getting the floss where you need it to go, it may be a good idea to invest in a floss threader. An oral irrigator (sometimes known as a water flosser) can help as well.
If you think there’s a problem with your dental implants or are worried that you aren’t taking proper care of them, talk to your dentist. They can give you further tips about protecting your implant posts from gum disease and other threats so that you can keep your new smile as safe as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Walter Mick has completed courses at the Perio Implant Institute, and he is a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He has decades of experience and can use dental implants to replace any number of teeth. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Mick at Mick Family Dental Care in Reynoldsburg, visit his website or call (614) 864-4618.