Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?
A dental implant is one of the most stable, h2, and long-lasting options to replace a missing tooth. A dental implant has a titanium post, which places into the jawbone of the missing tooth via surgery. The implant heals around the jawbone and becomes a permanent part of your mouth. Later, the dentist places a crown on top for additional strength and protection.
There are many benefits of using dental implants to replace missing teeth. An implant restores your bite function, maintains your facial muscles, prevents the adjacent teeth from shifting out of position, improves your jawbone health, and enhances your appearance significantly. Contact our dentist in Mississauga for dental implants near you.
Can a Dental Implants Get Cavities?
Since a dental implant feels, looks, and functions like your natural tooth, many patients are often curious whether it can develop cavities. After all, a dental implant is a relatively costly investment, and it makes all the sense to be worried about potential issues.
The good news is that dental implants are artificial, meaning that they can’t develop cavities. Similarly, caring for them is easy – you just care for them the same way you care for your natural teeth.
Why Dental Implants Don’t Get Cavities
Your natural teeth are made up of natural and porous materials which are susceptible to decay. Exposure to plaque, tartar, bacteria, and acids can erode the tooth’s enamel, causing small holes or cavities to form.
If not treated, these cavities get deeper with time, exposing the tooth’s pulp to infection and decay. Unlike your natural tooth, an implant and crown are made from artificial or non-natural materials. While they look and feel natural, they aren’t susceptible to damage from plaque, tartar, bacteria, and acids like natural teeth. Mainly, your implant will only be damaged by extreme forces causing it to crack, chip, or break.
Still, good oral hygiene and habits are essential to ensure they remain in excellent condition for many years. Keep in mind that poor dental habits and hygiene can damage the implant, cause gum disease, and promote cavities in your remaining natural teeth.
Dental Implants and Peri-implantitis
While your dental implant won’t develop cavities, poor oral hygiene can increase your risk of developing peri-implantitis. Similar to periodontitis, peri-implantitis often occurs when bacteria and plaque build-up around the surrounding gum tissue and bone and infect them.
Common symptoms of peri-implantitis include:
- Bleeding upon being probed
- Exposure or visibility of the implant threads
- Swelling, redness, soreness, or inflammation around the surrounding gum tissue
- Halitosis or bad breath
- Jawbone deterioration
- A loose implant
- Swollen lymph nodes around the neck
- Pus discharge from tissues around the implant
If left untreated, peri-implantitis can progress to serious stages. Over time, this can lead to further jawbone deterioration, implant loss, gum disease, and further tooth loss. For this reason, it’s advisable to maintain good dental hygiene around the implant.
If you suspect you might have peri-implantitis, it’s essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. Early treatment facilities faster, cheaper, and less invasive treatments. Factors that can increase your risk of peri-implantitis include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- An allergic reaction to the implant
- Underlying health conditions like diabetes and gum disease
- A history of peri-implantitis
How to Care for your Implant and Prevent Peri-implantitis
Excellent oral hygiene and habits are the best ways to maintain a healthy implant and reduce the risk of peri-implantitis. Below are tips for caring for your dental implant and mouth:
- Brush your teeth and tongue at least twice daily
- Floss at least once daily
- Schedule frequent dental exams and professional cleanings
- Eat gum- and teeth-friendly foods
- Avoid tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption
- Avoid sugary, hard, or sticky foods
- Avoid abrasive dental products
- Have regular fluoride treatments
Schedule an Appointment Today
Are you interested in dental implants in Mississauga, or would you like to learn more tips about dental implant care and maintenance? Contact Dr. Jeff Levman today to book your appointment.