Dental implants are incredibly durable restoration, able to withstand more daily wear and tear than any other tooth replacement option to date. They’re also super strong and can cut through the toughest of meats and veggies with ease – something dentures could only dream of! So does that mean these proverbial “restorations of steel” are invincible?
Not exactly. Like most physical objects outside of a cartoon show or comic strip, they have their limits. This post will tell you everything you need to know!
Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?
That’s part of the reason why people tend to get the impression dental implants are “bulletproof,” so to speak. They are, in fact, immune to cavities. You see, cavities develop when a specific bacteria strain builds up, hardens into plaque and tartar, and starts eating away at your tooth. This bacteria has no effect on inorganic materials, like the kind that make up dental implants!
Why Aren’t They Invincible?
If that’s true, then why can’t dental implants be considered invincible? Well, there’s more than one harmful oral condition out there, you know! One of the leading causes of dental implant failure is gum disease. The bacteria that create this condition target your gums, not organic dental layers, and will lead to serious gumline recession if left untreated. Left without enough gum support, dental implants can and will come loose or fall out entirely.
What Can I Do to Promote Healthy Implants?
Avoiding gum disease comes down to one simple thing: maintaining a good oral hygiene routine! Since dental implants fit into your tooth socket like a glove, this is fairly easy to do. You can brush and floss your smile as you normally would – twice daily for brushing, and at least once per day for flossing. Throw regular professional checkups and cleanings into the mix, and you’ll have the number one most effective preventative care plan!
Overall, dental implants may not be as invincible as some people think. But with mindful habits and your dentist’s advice, they’ll still last you for 30 years or more! During that time, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits that come with this heroic tooth replacement option, including a fantastic looking smile and all the food you can eat.
About the Author
Dr. Barry Miller was inspired to pursue dentistry after needing extensive dental work of his own. The way his oral care team helped replace his missing lateral incisors and restore his smile left him awestruck, and the rest is history! Since then, Dr. Miller has learned a lot and treated plenty of patients. He particularly enjoys the surgical aspect of dentistry such as dental implant placement, so if you have further questions about maintaining your restorations of steel, Dr. Miller will have answers. To contact his office, call 937-642-3434.