Are Dental Implants Susceptible to Cavities?

When it comes to restorative dentistry, dental implants are leaps and bounds ahead of other solutions. However, some people wonder if they can still incur problems such as cavities, despite being quite different in composition from natural teeth. Keep reading to learn more from your trusted dentist about dental implants, their resistance to cavities, and some useful tips for keeping them intact.

A Closer Look at Dental Implants

Dental implants rely on titanium posts that are surgically placed into a patient’s jawbone to restore their missing teeth. Since the implant posts essentially mimic the roots of the lost natural teeth, a patient’s smile can be wholly restored in terms of look, feel, and functionality with the help of this innovative solution. Dental implants are also remarkably durable and resilient, and under ideal circumstances, they can remain an effective solution for several decades.

Dental Implants Can’t Get Cavities… But They Aren’t Invincible

That said, as a bonus, dental implants cannot develop cavities or decay since they’re not made from the same material as your natural teeth! The implant posts are made from biocompatible titanium, while the crown portion that’s placed on top is often made from zirconia or porcelain, which can be designed to look exactly like your original teeth. However, dental implants can still sustain physical damage such as chips or cracks, accumulate plaque on their surfaces, or even loosen and fall out under unfavorable circumstances like gum disease.

Keeping Your Implants Intact

Fortunately, dental implants can easily be kept intact if patients are diligent about their oral hygiene and avoid unfavorable lifestyle habits. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Maintain a clean mouth – You should care for your implants as you would your natural teeth; brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use an antibacterial mouth rinse to keep harmful oral bacteria from causing issues.
• Stick to a healthy diet – Try to enjoy sugary and starchy items in moderation and opt for healthier choices when you can. Nutritious foods don’t cause the same issues that unhealthy items cause.
• Drink plenty of water – Water is the best beverage for your whole body, meaning you should drink plenty to benefit your smile. It stimulates your mouth’s flow of saliva, which is integral in the ongoing fight against gum disease and other oral health issues.
• Wear a mouthguard – If you participate in sports, especially contact sports, ensure that you’re wearing a helmet or mouthguard as needed.
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco – Cigarettes and other tobacco products are notoriously bad for your oral health and dental implants, as are other bad oral habits like biting your nails or chewing on ice cubes.
• Regularly visit your dentist – By visiting your dentist for routine care, you’re allowing them the opportunity to inspect your implants for any underlying problems. Although they’re immune to cavities, other problems can go unnoticed and cause you grief!  

About the Author

Dr. Ashley Civetti received her DDS from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry at Houston and is excited to serve patients and families in the Royal Palm Beach community! Her practice is thrilled to offer a wide variety of dental services, including restorative options like dental implants. If you have any questions about the blog or dental implants, or you’d like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact the practice today for further information! Telephone: (561) 771-5239.