Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. Not only might you start worrying about being judged for the changes to your appearance, but you might also struggle to enunciate certain words or thoroughly chew food to nourish your body.
Your dentist can thankfully restore your smile with lifelike dental implants, but you might avoid the procedure if you’re afraid your new teeth will develop decay. Continue reading to learn whether your new teeth can get cavities and how to keep them in great shape!
What Are Dental Implants Made From?
It can vary somewhat based on your provider and your budget, but typically, dental implants contain a titanium support rod that’s surgically placed into your jawbone for added strength and stability. It can take several months to recover because your jaw must generate enough new bone growth to fully fuse with the biocompatible material in a process called osseointegration, making it a permanent part of your mouth.
When you’ve healed sufficiently, your dentist will make impressions of your teeth and gums to build a lifelike restoration, usually made from tooth-colored ceramic. This is customized to match the shade, shape, and size of your natural teeth for seamless results once it’s anchored to your implant.
Can Dental Implants Develop Tooth Decay?
Your prosthetics aren’t made from the same organic materials as your enamel, so you don’t have to worry that they’ll get cavities. But that doesn’t mean they’re completely invincible! Other oral problems can impact the overall success of your procedure.
For instance, did you know the leading cause of failure is a pervasive form of gum disease called peri-implantitis? This condition occurs when germs in your mouth penetrate and erode the connective and bone tissues holding it in place, causing it to become unstable.
How Can I Preserve My Dental Implants?
Fortunately, many common dental problems can be prevented with proper maintenance. For example, brushing and flossing twice daily, combined with routine checkups and cleanings with your dentist every six months, strengthens your teeth and gums to resist disease, decay, and other damage.
You can also preserve your new teeth by eating wholesome foods that support your oral and overall health, and minimize your consumption of overly hard, crunchy, sugary, or sticky ingredients that could chip, yank, or dislodge your prosthetic.
If you still have questions about how to best care for your dental implants, your dentist can provide answers that take your unique circumstances into account!