The success rate of dental implants is close to 95%. The minimal risk of failure makes the dental implant a popular choice to replace a missing tooth. However, one of the frequent questions people have when exploring the implant option is whether implants get cavities. Continue reading to learn more about implants and tooth decay. And for dental implants we offer services in North Charleston, West Ashley, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, James Island and Hanahan, SC.
To learn more about dental implants, schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry.
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants?
We have several options to replace missing teeth. Each of these has its advantages and disadvantages. However, one outstanding choice is dental implants because of their many benefits, such as:
-
Restoring your natural biting force.
-
Preventing bone loss in your jaw.
-
Matching the size, shape, and color of your surrounding natural teeth.
-
Enabling easy and natural speech.
-
Maintaining the support of your facial structure.
-
Allowing regular brushing and flossing techniques.
-
Providing a more permanent replacement for missing teeth.
What Causes Dental Cavities?
Tooth decay destroys the hard, outer tooth structure known as enamel. Although enamel is extremely hard, a hole can form after prolonged exposure to acids formed by dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on everyone’s teeth when bacteria mix with sugary foods. Without plaque removal by toothbrushing and flossing, the acids form a small hole known as a dental cavity in the tooth’s enamel. If this small cavity remains, it can lead to deep cavities, tooth pain, root canal treatment, or tooth extraction. Although everyone forms dental plaque, you may form it faster if you:
-
Eat a diet high in sugar.
-
Drink soft drinks or other sweetened beverages.
-
Have a dry mouth due to medications or a medical condition.
-
Receive head and neck radiation.
-
Smoke or use other tobacco products.
Can Dental Implants Get Dental Cavities?
Because a dental implant system is composed entirely of materials such as titanium and porcelain, it is not susceptible to decay like a natural tooth. Even though an implant appears natural, its resistance to dental cavities is an advantage it offers to replace missing teeth.
Do I Need To Brush And Floss Dental Implants?
Although you cannot get a dental cavity in your implant, you still need to maintain an effective oral hygiene routine. In fact, oral hygiene becomes more important when you have dental implants because they are susceptible to inflammation and infection. Despite a remarkably high success rate with today’s techniques and materials when it comes to dental implants, smoking and gum disease place you at a higher risk of implant failure.
When you receive your dental implant, you receive oral hygiene instructions for maintaining your new restoration. This may include the use of interdental brushes, oral irrigators, and other devices to keep the area around your implant free of bacteria. You may also need to change your flossing technique to avoid damaging the gum around your implant.
Schedule Appointment
Millions of people now enjoy the many benefits of replacing missing teeth with dental implants. Contact us to learn more about how implants can improve your smile and change your life.