Dental implants are often considered the gold standard of tooth replacements because they provide unique advantages over other options like dental bridges and dentures. They’re the only treatment that includes a support rod that’s inserted directly into your jaw so they can function as a standalone structure. This is what makes them so much more resilient than the alternatives.
One frequently asked question that many patients have is whether their dental implant can get cavities like their natural teeth. If you’d like to know the answer, continue reading to learn more about it!
What Are Dental Implants Made Of?
To answer this question, it’s important to first establish what dental implants are made of. They consist of two different components; the support rod, or abutment, which is inserted into your jaw, and the artificial tooth itself. Typically, the abutment is built out of titanium because it’s incredibly strong but also lightweight. Sometimes other materials like gold or cobalt-based alloys are used but it’s less common.
After this pole integrates with your jawbone in a process known as osseointegration, your dentist will place a dental crown to fill the gap left by your missing tooth. It’s usually made of resilient porcelain or a composite resin material. Both can be color-matched to your natural teeth for a beautiful, lifelike restoration.
Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?
Tooth decay occurs when harmful bacteria work in tandem with acids from the food you eat to erode your enamel and penetrate your tooth. Because your restoration is not made from the same organic materials, it doesn’t get cavities.
That said, you must maintain consistent at-home dental hygiene habits to prevent potential failure. If your natural teeth or gums develop decay or disease, it can penetrate your jawbone and weaken it to the point that it can no longer support your smile. You could experience additional tooth loss or implant failure if it goes unaddressed.
How Should I Care for My Dental Implants?
To keep your mouth healthy, you should brush and floss your teeth twice daily. This removes unwanted germs from all surfaces of your pearly whites, your restoration, and your gum line. Also, be sure to schedule a regular checkup and cleaning with your dentist every 6 months. Early indicators of problems can be hard to spot, but they know what to look for and can address any areas of concern before they progress.
By keeping up with your usual dental hygiene routine, you can continue to make the most of your dental implant for years to come!
About the Practice
At Sweet Smiles Dental Design, patients of all ages benefit from three experts who offer a wide array of services under one roof, including dental implants. With combined decades of experience between them, they have solutions to mend or maintain your grin regardless of its current condition. Plus, you’re sure to receive the most advanced treatment options at their state-of-the-art facility. If you’re interested in dental implants, you’re welcome to request a consultation on the website or by calling (303) 688-9519.