Dental implants are one of the most reliable ways to restore your smile. In fact, if you were to look at yours after 5, 10, or even 20 years, you wouldn’t see a single cavity in it. But does that mean implants don’t need oral care? Not at all. Just because your dental implants can’t decay doesn’t mean they’re completely maintenance-free. Here’s what you need to know about implant care so you can keep yours secure and healthy for life.
Why Don’t Dental Implants Get Cavities?
A natural tooth can develop a cavity because it is made of organic material that can break down. This happens because bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars to produce acids that eat away at the enamel, leading to decay.
Dental implants are different. The implant posts are usually made of titanium, and the restorations attached to them are made from materials like porcelain or ceramic. These mediums don’t decay, so cavities simply can’t form on them.
What Can Go Wrong with Dental Implants?
Even though implants don’t get cavities, the gums and jawbone around them can still have problems. The biggest concern is an infection called peri-implantitis. This is similar to gum disease and happens when bacteria build up around the implant.
Over time, this infection can worsen, causing red, swollen, or tender gums, bleeding while brushing and flossing, bone loss around the implant, and ultimately, implant failure. To prevent this, good oral hygiene and regular checkups are a must.
Your Other Teeth Still Need Protection
Even if your implants could never get cavities or become infected, you likely still have other natural teeth that need care. Those teeth can definitely still get cavities if you don’t brush and floss every day. Once decay or gum disease develops near an implant, it can affect the health of the surrounding tissues and make it harder to keep the area clean. This is why caring for your entire mouth—not just your implants—is so important.
How to Care for Dental Implants
Caring for dental implants is very similar to caring for natural teeth:
- Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Floss daily, including around your implant crown
- Consider using an interdental brush or water flosser for hard-to-reach areas
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams
- Avoid smoking, which increases the risk of gum problems and implant failure
With good oral hygiene and professional support, you can keep a healthy, confident smile for many years. If you have questions about caring for your implants, reach out to your dental team. They’ll be happy to guide you every step of the way.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer “Jenna” Gagnon earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Tufts University and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency in Maine. Today, she continues expanding her skills through continuing education and professional organizations. She’s proud to offer dental implants at her practice to help patients revitalize their smiles. Call (207) 253 5600 to schedule a dental implant consultation at Gannett Drive Dental or visit our website to explore other services.