Whether you’re a kid or grownup, cavities are awful! Most kids—about 67 percent—have at least one before they turn 19 years old, and tooth decay is the most common childhood condition in the world. Cavities penetrating to a tooth’s nerve can be extremely painful, hindering your ability to eat, focus, and talk, so the thought of removing the source entirely can sound appealing.
The idea of not having dental pain ever again seems ideal, and with dental implants, you come remarkably close to having a natural set of teeth without the real thing. But do these prosthetics decay too? Will you get cavities if you don’t carefully maintain them? What should you do to keep your implants working? Keep reading to find out!
Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?
Cavities are decay in tooth structure caused by acids. Certain strains of oral bacteria feed on sugar and starchy debris in your mouth and produce acids. Combined with exposure to acidic beverages and foods like soda and sports drinks, the enamel and underlying layers of the tooth erode away.
Dental implants consist of biocompatible but inorganic materials like titanium posts and porcelain restorations, meaning they work well with your natural jawbone, but they are not susceptible to the same decay as real teeth. As a result, once you get dental implants, you no longer need to worry about cavities!
Why Do I Still Need to Take Care of Dental Implants?
Although your prosthetic teeth will not decay, they can fail if you don’t properly care for them. When plaque is allowed to form on your dental implants, your gums can become infected with peri-implantitis, which is similar to gum disease. As the bacterial infection worsens, the jawbone deteriorates, weakening the hold it has on the implant posts. Without treatment, the implants will come loose and out entirely. Clearly, if you want your replacement teeth to last a significant amount of time, you must put in some effort to keep them in working, beautiful condition.
What Do I Need to Do to Maintain My Dental Implants?
Even though your prosthetic teeth are fake, maintenance for implants resembles that for real teeth. In other words, you can continue the same healthy habits that others with natural dentition should practice. Daily brushing and flossing as well as regular dental visits are essential for preserving dental implants and preventing plaque from negatively affecting your restored smile. Other choices, like having less sugar in your diet and drinking more water, can also reduce your risk of infection.
Dental implants do not decay like teeth, but your smile is still fragile and requires careful attention. If you remain diligent in your oral hygiene habits and work closely with your dentist, you shouldn’t experience any dental pain and can live without worrying about cavities ruining your day!
About the Practice
Turning Leaf Dental has three dentists and several staff members who create a positive dental experience for every patient. For those considering dental implants, our periodontist, Dr. Daliah Salem, performs the placement procedure in our office for the most convenience and comfort. During your consultation, we’ll make sure to answer all your questions and inform you about required maintenance and instructions. To schedule this appointment, call our Boston office at 617-536-5182 or visit us online here.