Dental implants have restored the smiles of millions of patients who have lost teeth due to age, genetic factors, infection, or injury. These amazing artificial teeth are incredibly lifelike, which may lead some people to wonder if they are vulnerable to the same infections as real teeth such as tooth decay. Here’s a brief guide to how bacteria can affect your dental implants and what you can do to keep your restored grin gorgeous and healthy.
Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?
Dental cavities are infections caused by oral bacteria breaking down the enamel, and the problem will only get worse and lead to tooth loss if you do not receive treatment from a qualified dentist. Dental implants and the restorations mounted upon them are made from materials like titanium, porcelain, and acrylic, making it impossible for bacteria to infect them directly. While you won’t have to worry about cavities on your implants, infections of the gum and bone tissue supporting them can lead to their loss.
How Can Bacteria Affect My Implants?
Dental implants can exert maximum chewing force and last for decades because they are surgically placed in the jawbone and fused with the surrounding tissue through the natural process of osseointegration. However, the success of a dental implant is dependent upon the gums and jaw healing properly and staying in good health afterward.
Infections of the gum or bone tissue supporting the dental implant can cause the device to loosen and eventually fail completely. Dental implants lost in this way can be replaced, but it will probably be necessary for the patient to receive treatments to restore their oral health beforehand.
How Can I Keep My Dental Implants Healthy?
Strictly following your dentist’s postoperative instructions after dental implant surgery is the best way to ensure that your implants heal properly. These will probably include:
- Refraining from spitting
- Abstaining from smoking and drinking
- Avoiding chewing over the implant site
- Taking a break from intense physical activity
- Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as instructed
Once your dental implants have healed, you’ll only need to adhere to the same oral hygiene practices that you would use for real teeth. These include a daily routine of brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash as well as receiving biannual exams and cleanings at your dentist’s office. It’s also a great idea to quit smoking permanently and cut back on your sugar consumption to help ensure that your gums stay strong and infection-free so your implants can last for life.
About the Practice
Legacy Trails Dental of Plano offers the finest oral health services in town. Led by Afshin Azmoodeh and Tatyana Romanoff, the staff treats each patient with the utmost courtesy and outstanding customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To learn more about keeping your dental implants healthy, contact the office online, or dial (214) 227-1000.