Dental implants have restored the smiles of countless patients with lifelike prosthetic devices that look, feel, and work just like the real thing. These prosthetic devices seem so perfectly natural that many patients may wonder if they are vulnerable to the same infections as real teeth. Read on to learn about why dental implants can’t get cavities and what you can do to protect them from destructive infections.
What Are Cavities and Can They Harm Dental Implants?
A dental cavity is an infection in the enamel of a tooth caused by harmful oral bacteria that feed upon sugar and excrete acid as a metabolic byproduct. Dental implants are typically made from durable materials such as porcelain and titanium that bacteria cannot harm directly. While dental implants cannot develop cavities, they can still fail due to infections of the gum and bone tissues that support them.
How Can Bacteria Harm My Dental Implants?
Dental implants depend on the gums and jawbones for support, and they function just like real teeth in large part because they gradually fuse with their surrounding bone tissue through the natural process of osseointegration after being placed. While implants cannot be harmed by tooth decay, gum disease is one of the leading causes of their failure.
Gum infections start as gingivitis that can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene habits, but they will eventually progress to the advanced stage of periodontitis if they are not resolved in time. At that stage, the patient’s mouth may sustain permanent damage such as gum recession and jawbone erosion, and both of these issues can cause an implant to come loose and eventually fall out completely.
How Can I Keep My Dental Implants Healthy?
Luckily, caring for dental implants is quite easy since they only require the same daily hygiene regimen as real teeth. This includes brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate plaque and food debris while keeping the gums and other soft tissues stimulated. It’s also important to see your dentist regularly so they can monitor your oral health and address problems in their early stages. With excellent care, your new teeth can last for up to thirty years or possibly a lifetime.
About the Author
Dr. Joshua Hong earned his dental degree at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco and has completed post-graduate studies in fields such as non-surgical TMJ therapy and full-mouth reconstruction. His office in Goodyear offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry as well as dental implant services. If you’d like to know more about proper dental implant care or are concerned about gum disease, contact his office online or dial (623) 925-8822.