If you want to get dental implants, it’s likely because they’re so lifelike. People now see the posts as the most realistic replacement teeth – more toothlike than dentures or dental bridges. Having said that, their “natural” quality may leave you curious: Can dental implants get cavities? One could think posts that act so much like real teeth would also decay. The good news is that your Norman dentist can answer your question, so read on to see whether implants get cavities.
How Do Natural Teeth Get Cavities?
To learn whether implant posts get cavities, you’ll first need to know how natural teeth get them. That information provides context and helps you grasp the truth.
Natural teeth typically get cavities due to plaque buildup. As the sticky film gathers on each tooth, it produces acid that slowly wears down your enamel and dentin. The results of this erosion are openings or “cavities” – holes that make your teeth vulnerable.
Cavities are severe problems for smiles, especially when they go unchecked. Their most immediate issue is the toothaches they cause as teeth get sensitive from lost enamel. A cavity can also let harmful bacteria reach a tooth’s pulp, triggering an infection that makes your teeth fall out.
Can Dental Implants Also Get Them?
Given the facts above, dental implants can’t actually get cavities. Their materials – porcelain, titanium, etc. – don’t decay from bacterial acid, so you won’t have to worry about holes in them. Still, there’s something else you should keep in mind.
You see, dental implants need a healthy mouth to work well. The posts will become unstable if they sit near oral decay or infection sites, raising the risk of early failure. Nearby gum disease or dental abscesses could loosen your implant post until it needs replacement.
These points should motivate you to be careful with dental implants. While the posts aren’t “real” teeth, they need good oral health to thrive.
Tips on Caring for Dental Implants
To stop your dental implants from failing early, you’ll need to take good care of them. You can do so with the following tips:
- Keep Your Mouth Clean – You’ll avoid oral issues that can threaten dental implants by brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily.
- Avoid Bad Oral Habits – Bad habits like biting hard objects and smoking tobacco often make implants fail. That being the case, give up or quit these practices.
- See Your Dentist Often – Six-month dental checkups and cleaning can treat small smile issues, so attending them reduces the risk to your implant posts.
While dental implants can’t get cavities, they still demand your care and attention. Talk to your dental provider about how best to look after them.
About the Author
Dr. Bobby J. Carmen is a dentist based in Norman, OK, having earned his DDS from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He’s practiced in the dental field for over twenty years now, so he’s very well-versed in comprehensive dental care. That means you can trust him for preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, as well as dental implants! Today, Dr. Carmen practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (405)-364-2200.