Dental implants are sometimes referred to as the “gold standard” of tooth replacement, and there are a few reasons why that’s the case. For one, they outlast other tooth replacement options by decades, with many enduring as long as 30 years with proper maintenance. They also afford a much stronger bite than dentures, for example.
If you’ve lost teeth in the past, you may wonder whether dental implants could be susceptible to similar problems. You might hope that they won’t get cavities, for instance. If you’re curious, here’s what you should know about dental implants and tooth decay.
Can A Dental Implant Suffer From Tooth Decay?
Most dental implants come in three parts: a titanium post inserted in the jaw, a porcelain crown that sits on top of it, and a small abutment that connects the two.
Neither the porcelain that the “tooth” is made out of nor the post in the jaw, is susceptible to decay. For that reason, you shouldn’t expect to have to deal with any kind of tooth decay in your dental implant.
What Can Happen to a Dental Implant?
However, that’s not to say that you can neglect to take care of your dental implant. One of the most common causes of failure for them is infection, and that infection is usually due to neglect.
If you aren’t careful, you could develop a condition known as peri-implantitis, where bacteria seep under the gum line and begin to attack bone tissue. In addition to being remarkably painful, this style of infection can eventually result in the dental implant falling out.
How to Prevent Infection
Thankfully, this condition is incredibly rare—around 95% of dental implants are still successful at 20 years, meaning infection-induced failure doesn’t happen often. All you need to do is to take care of your dental implant.
Brush it twice a day, just as you would your natural teeth. You should also floss daily, though you need to be careful not to press down too hard; you could potentially break the seal connecting the implant to the gums. If that makes you nervous, use a floss threader to make cleaning easier. Finally, swish each day with an antibacterial mouthwash to stave off infection, and you’ll have a complete smile for decades to come!
About Our Practice
At 918 Dentist of Glenpool, we believe that a great smile can help you get all the things that matter most in life. Whether you’re meeting new people, advancing your career, or just spending time with those you love, good oral health can make it easier. That’s why everyone on our team takes their work so seriously—so that you can get a healthy smile you can be proud of!
If you have any questions about dental implants, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (918) 216-1000.