Dental implants are broadly recognized as the gold standard of tooth replacement. Not only are they capable of incredible bite force due to their implantation in the jaw, but they also outlast other kinds of tooth replacement by two to one.
If you lost a tooth due to decay, you may wonder whether your dental implants could be susceptible to the same thing. Here’s what you should know.
Is it Possible for Dental Implants to Get Cavities?
For the most part, you shouldn’t have to worry about your dental implant getting cavities. Tooth decay happens because of acid secreted by bacteria in the mouth. This acid is capable of wearing down the enamel on the surface of your tooth, eventually leading to cavities.
The crown of your dental implant, however, is likely to be made of porcelain. This material is much more resistant to acid erosion than your enamel is, making concerns about tooth decay a thing of the past.
What Can Cause Problems For a Dental Implant?
That said, you definitely shouldn’t just ignore the development of bacteria in your mouth. While tooth decay isn’t a problem, bacterial growth can cause serious infections that can potentially be disastrous for your dental implant.
When this bacteria begins to creep under the gum line, it can start to attack the bone tissue holding the dental implant in place. This is a condition known as peri-implantitis, and in severe cases, it can put the integrity of your dental implant at risk.
How to Maintain Your Dental Implant
If you want your dental implant to remain strong and stable for as long as possible, you need to do what you can to maintain them well. Thankfully, that’s pretty easy to do.
First, just make sure that you’re keeping up with your dental hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, and carefully floss around your dental implant. Just be careful not to push down with the floss below the gumline, as this can break the seal between the implant and the gums.
About the Author
Dr. Geoff Iverson has been working in dentistry for over four decades, and he comes to work every day ready to put his incredible experience to work for his patients. Dr. Iverson received his degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, and his work as a dental lab technician earned him the Academy of General Dentistry Service Award. He also served as a Clinical Professor of Operative Dentistry at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry for seven years.
If you have any questions about dental implants, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (507) 364-7424.