Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?

If you’re missing adult teeth and looking for a permanent restoration solution, dental implants are the answer. Long considered the gold standard in tooth replacement, dental implants create a beautiful, natural-looking smile with more bite force than dentures or implant dentures. But just because they’re not “real” teeth, doesn’t mean you don’t have to take care of them. Here are a few common maintenance questions about them, and what you need to know about keeping your dental implants in great condition.

Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?

One of the most common questions people ask about dental implants is if they can get cavities like natural teeth can. The answer to that is no! Dental implants are made of a synthetic material, so they cannot get cavities. They can, however, stain, chip, or crack if not properly cared for, so be sure to avoid darkly colored foods and beverages, and only use them for food. No opening packages or biting your nails with them!

Caring for Dental Implants

By now you may be wondering how exactly one cares for their dental implants. Believe it or not, it’s easier to maintain them than it is to maintain dentures. That’s because unlike dentures, you don’t remove them. You simply brush and floss them just as you would your natural teeth.

Other Oral Health Problems You Can Get with Dental Implants

While you cannot get a cavity in your dental implants, you still can experience some oral health problems if you do not properly care for them. For example, you can still get periodontal (gum) disease even if you have implants, as this is caused by bacteria infiltrating the gums.  This can cause your implants to fail or fall out and could require a bone graft procedure to correct.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are durable, beautiful tooth restorations that can not only improve your smile, but they can also protect your jawbone from deterioration, keep your face from appearing sunken, and even help protect your remaining healthy teeth. Best of all, because they are permanent, they do not need to be replaced, making them more cost-effective than dentures.

If you are interested in learning more about the ease of wearing and caring for dental implants, speak to your dentist today, and get going on getting that gorgeous grin back!

About Dr. Marable

Dr. Ulysses L. Marable III is honored to help patients of all ages find a reason to smile. Whether he’s performing a general exam, a cosmetic procedure, or restoring your teeth with the help of dental implants, he strives to create a trusting bond with each of his patients.

To schedule an appointment for dental implants at Fantastic Smiles, please visit our website or call us today at 478-825-3000.