In the past, you struggled with cavities. Perhaps they even contributed to some of your tooth loss. Now, you are considering dental implants to replace your missing teeth, but will your old enemy return and cause more damage to your new smile?
The good news is that cavities cannot affect implants, but you should know that these false teeth are not impervious to other complications. Keep reading to understand how best to take care of your dental implants decade after decade.
Why Dental Implants Cannot Get Cavities
When a tooth becomes infected with a cavity, the hard enamel is eroded away because of acids produced by the harmful bacteria found in plaque. Without clearing away this white, sticky substance, it will continue to create decay, which will delve deeper and deeper into the tooth, usually causing excruciating pain and eventually causing the tooth to die. At that point, extraction is the only choice to save your smile.
Dental implants come closer to natural tooth structure than any other replacement option, but they are not made of the same materials. Titanium and porcelain are stronger and not susceptible to decay like enamel is, which means that your implants will never get cavities in them.
Problems That Can Affect Dental Implants
Even though you do not have to worry about decay attacking your dental implants, that does not mean they are out of danger. In fact, your implants are still at risk of failure because of an infection called peri-implantitis, where the gum tissue recedes and the jawbone degrades. As a result, the implant becomes loose and can come out entirely.
How You Can Protect Your Dental Implants and Smile
To keep your restored smile and implants in excellent condition, you must have healthy habits in your lifestyle. Every day, you need to brush and floss your teeth, which keeps plaque from building up. Visiting your dentist at least every six months also ensures that any infections are identified and treated as quickly as possible, securing your implants for the long term.
Other habits like drinking plenty of water and limiting how much sugar you eat are also great ways to control the bacteria in your mouth.
With dental implants, cavities are no longer an issue, but you still have to take care of your smile if you want it to last a long time. Following your implant dentist’s instructions will help you preserve your implants and keep your gums strong and healthy.
About the Practice
At Pioneer Greens Dentistry, Dr. Claire Haag, Dr. Chris Haag, and Dr. Justin Shirk are proud to offer comprehensive care in one convenient location in Lincoln. In addition to routine services, we can place and restore dental implants. To learn more about the risks and benefits of this treatment, you may call our office at 402-483-7502 or visit our website to schedule a consultation.