Dental Implant Inquiry: Do They Get Cavities?

Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their unique advantages. They tend to be stronger and more resilient than dentures and dental bridges, and function more like natural teeth.

However, it’s important to be well-informed about a potential treatment before proceeding. It’s natural to have questions about dental implants, like whether they can develop decay. Continue reading to learn more about it!

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the only prosthetics with a titanium rod surgically placed in your jawbone. It can take several months to heal after your procedure because your jaw must create enough new bone growth to envelop and fuse with the metal rod, which can take anywhere from three to six months.

Once you’ve recovered sufficiently, your dentist will attach a customized dental crown (or other appropriate restoration) to your implant to fill the space in your smile. This is usually made from durable porcelain or resin that can be customized to match the size, shape, and shade of your natural teeth for seamless results.

Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?

Cavities occur when bacteria in your mouth combine with acids from foods you consume to erode your enamel. Once they penetrate the protective outer layer, they can make their way to the tender nerves and pulp inside and cause an infection.

Your dental implant is not made of the same materials as your enamel, so germs don’t affect it the same way. As a result, it cannot develop tooth decay. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to worry about keeping it clean. You must maintain your new tooth correctly to avoid potential failure.

How Can I Maintain My Dental Implants?

Although it’s rare, if the implant site becomes infected, you could develop a form of gum disease called peri-implantitis, which is the number one leading cause of failure. Fortunately, you can prevent it by cleaning your prosthetic consistently.

You should continue brushing and flossing twice daily to remove plaque and buildup of bacteria that contribute to common oral issues. Be careful not to press too deeply into the pocket around your restoration, though, because it’s not connected by natural ligaments like the roots of your teeth. You might inadvertently damage the implant seal if you floss overly aggressively.

Also, visiting your dentist for a routine visit every six months allows them to monitor your condition to identify and address areas of concern, like gum disease, before they progress and put your oral health at risk.

About the Practice

At On Point Dentistry, you and your family benefit from a skilled general dentist and periodontist who work together to offer a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location, including dental implants. Dr. Caballeros and Dr. Parra have the specialized training and state-of-the-art equipment to provide each step of the dental implant process, including oral surgery, in the office. Then, they can provide beautiful, lifelike restorations to replace any teeth that have gone missing. If you’re frustrated by gaps in your grin, you can request an appointment on the website or call (469) 476-4092.