Can Implant Teeth Get Cavities?

Dental implants have become a popular and reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. Made of titanium that fuses with the jawbone, these dental posts provide a solid and durable foundation for crowns, bridges, and dentures. 

Despite the wide range of benefits offered by artificial tooth roots, people often wonder whether they can get cavities. The answer is no; implants themselves cannot develop decay or cavities. However, you must be very careful about their care and maintenance to keep them in good condition for a long time.

Understanding Why Implants Do Not Get Cavities 

Cavities, also called dental caries, are caused when tooth enamel is damaged by bacterial growth. The microbes feed on the sugar and starches in the mouth, releasing acid that further damages the enamel. 

The artificial dental posts are not made with natural enamel, so they do not face decay like their natural counterparts. The titanium used in the implanted teeth is highly biocompatible, so it is not susceptible to bacterial decomposition that leads to tooth decay. Hence, when you have dental implants in Tigard, rest assured that they are caries-free. However, you need an oral hygiene routine to extend their durability. 

How Gum Disease Affects Fixed Artificial Tooth Roots?

While implanted teeth do not develop cavities, the surrounding tissue, like gum, is still prone to bacterial infections. If proper oral hygiene is neglected, plaque and bacteria can build up on these titanium posts and surrounding gums. This can further lead to peri-implantitis, an infection that affects the gum tissue and bone around the implant. 

Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for preventing periodontitis around implants. Brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash will help keep the gums in good condition. The periodontist also recommends special tools like implant-specific brushes and water floss to clean the area around the false tooth and prevent plaque build-up. 

How To Take Care Of Titanium Posts?

As said earlier, these artificial tooth roots cannot have caries, but it is still crucial to care for them properly. Regular oral checkups are essential to ensure that these tooth replacement options are secured and there are no signs of infection. During the clinic visit, the implant specialist will check the condition of the dental post, clean the area around it, and monitor the health of the gums and surrounding tissue. 

You can also avoid habits that stress the titanium roots, such as chewing on hard objects, grinding your teeth, and using your teeth for open packaging. If you have any tendency toward bruxism at night, the periodontist might recommend wearing a night guard to protect both the implanted tooth and the natural ones.

Other Problems Linked With False Tooth Root

Although artificial teeth cannot get cavities, they can encounter other issues if not correctly cared for. These issues include artificial root failure, bone loss, and infection. It is good to know the aftercare instructions given by the professional and to attend the post-surgery appointments to monitor the success of the treatment. 

Implanted teeth cannot develop caries as they are not made with natural materials that do not decay. However, bacterial infection can still affect the gum and supporting tissue when not adequately maintained. At Progressive Periodontics, we provide patients with implants to restore their smiles and the best maintenance tips. Contact today.