Can Implants Get Cavities?

Implants are a great replacement option for missing teeth or teeth that need to be replaced. Implants are similar to your natural tooth as they are held in place by a screw placed directly into the bone beneath your gums. You can treat an implant just as you would your natural tooth. You may wonder if your implants can get cavities, but you will find that implants have a variety of benefits. One of the major benefits is that you cannot get a cavity in your implanted tooth. Below you will find more information on implants and if they are right for you. 

Dental Implants and Cavities

There are a variety of benefits to having dental implants, and one of them is that you cannot get cavities. This is because they are made of titanium and zirconia. These are very strong materials that are completely unaffected by tooth decay. However, this does not mean that you should no longer have a healthy oral hygiene routine. You still need to take care of your teeth and gums with implants.

Just as you would with your natural teeth, focus on a healthy and consistent oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing at least twice a day, including your dental implant. Brush for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush in circular motions all over your teeth and just above your gum line. Don’t forget your tongue as it can harbor a lot of harmful bacteria. In addition to brushing, floss at least once a day. If you only floss once, floss at night. This will help ensure that your dental implant lasts for years without the need for a replacement. Even though your dental implant cannot get a cavity, you are still susceptible to gum disease and your surrounding natural teeth can also get cavities. 

Dental Implant Treatment

Dental implants are meant to last a lifetime. They are surgical-grade root devices that help support and lock in a prosthetic tooth. The surgical root is anchored into the bone directly underneath your gums. They are fused in to ensure that the tooth does not come loose. Once the root device is locked in, you’ll have a crown placed on top of the implant. The crown looks just like your natural tooth in terms of color, size, and shape. Dental implants can be used to replace just one tooth or a number of teeth. 

The process itself involves multiple steps and can take months to complete. This is important as it helps ensure the treatment serves as a long-term solution for your missing tooth. The first step involves the implantation of the titanium rod. This is placed where the natural tooth was prior. Your gums are then stitched up, and the fusion process is what takes so long. The implant needs to fuse to the surrounding bone. For this process, you will be sedated or under anesthesia. Once you have fully healed, you can be fitted for a permanent crown. You may experience some discomfort, bruising, and swelling after the procedure. These should subside within a short period of time, and you should be back to your normal routine in roughly two weeks. 

Shady Grove Point Dental

If you are considering tooth replacement options or need your tooth removed, contact the dentists at Shady Grove Point Dental. The team has decades of experience in general and cosmetic dentistry, including dental implants. The team at Shady Grove Point Dental is focused on providing you with the best dentistry services and ensuring you leave their office with a healthy and beautiful smile. Contact Shady Grove Point Dental today for an appointment!

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