If you’ve chosen dental implants to restore your missing teeth, then you’ll be sure to enjoy numerous advantages with your results for many years to come. However, you might wonder if you can still experience similar oral health problems as your natural pearly whites. While gum disease and infection remain potential issues to avoid, is it possible for cavities to develop in your dental implants? Keep reading to learn what you should expect from your treatment and ways to prevent complications in the long run.
What Causes Cavities to Form?
There are multiple reasons cavities can begin to form. Other than overindulging in sugary or starchy foods, other factors include consuming excessive amounts of acidic drinks, poor oral hygiene, and even genetics. In each case, bacteria can start to grow in the mouth and spread, creating acid byproducts that lead to the breakdown of your enamel. A cavity is a small hole that grows as a result of this process.
Can Dental Implants Develop Cavities?
While dental implants are designed to look and feel exactly like your natural teeth, they aren’t made of the same organic material. Since they’re constructed out of a titanium base and porcelain or ceramic restorations, you shouldn’t ever expect cavities to form in your new teeth.
That said, practicing good oral hygiene habits will still be essential to maintaining healthy dental implants. This is because you’ll want to avoid peri-implantitis—one of the major causes of treatment failure. This condition is an infection in the gum tissue around the dental implant, where the bacteria can start to attack and destroy the connective tissues keeping the metal post in place. If left untreated, the new tooth can end up loosening or falling out.
How to Avoid Tooth Decay & Peri-Implantitis
Cavities only affect normal teeth, but you’ll want to take precautions to keep your implants and oral health safe from problems like gingivitis and peri-implantitis. A few ways to ensure a successful treatment include:
- Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash daily (especially after eating)
- Sticking to a diet that’s low in sugar and starch to avoid bacteria and gum disease
- Scheduling checkups and cleanings every six months to address any developing issues early on and remove plaque or tartar
Now that you have dental implants, you shouldn’t expect cavities to be an issue with them. Just be sure to maintain great oral health by keeping your smile clean and visiting your dentist regularly, and you can expect your results to last a lifetime!
About the Author
Dr. Sujal Patel is highly committed to delivering the highest quality care his patients deserve. He earned his dental doctorate from New York University and is a member of notable organizations like the Dallas Local Society and the American Dental Association. If you’re concerned about cavities or have any questions about dental implants, visit his website or call him at 972-818-5649.