Can Bacteria Eat Ceramic Materials? What to Know About Dental Implants and Cavities

Dental implants have empowered millions of people to replace their lost teeth with lifelike and functional dental restorations. These amazing artificial teeth look, work, and feel just like the real thing, and they can deliver a range of significant benefits for your oral health and quality of life. However, you’re probably wondering if dental implants can develop cavities or other destructive oral infections. Here’s what you should know about practicing proper oral hygiene so your implants can stay in great shape for decades.

Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?

Modern dental implants consist of a post and abutment piece made from titanium and a lifelike dental crown made from a ceramic material such as porcelain. Since neither porcelain nor titanium can be metabolized by bacteria, dental implants are completely impervious to cavities and other forms of tooth decay. However, failing to practice proper oral hygiene can lead to oral infections that erode the gums and jawbones these restorative appliances depend on for support, which can cause implant failure.

How Can I Keep My Dental Implants Safe from Infection?

One of the key benefits dental implants offer is that they only require the same oral hygiene routine as natural teeth. This means that you’ll need to stick to a daily regimen of brushing at least twice, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash to keep them in great shape. It’s equally imperative that you keep up with seeing your dentist at least twice a year for exams and cleanings so they can monitor your oral health, correct any issues in their early stages, and recommend better at-home dental care methods.

What Else Can Cause Dental Implant Failure?

Gum disease is not the only thing that can ruin your dental implants if you are not careful. Tobacco in any form is destructive to your dental implants and your overall oral health because the noxious chemicals in its smoke and juice inhibit your gums’ ability to heal and fight infections. Since using tobacco is one of the leading causes of implant failure, it’s important to kick this habit before beginning treatment.

Chewing on non-food objects like ice, writing utensils, and paperclips and using your teeth to open bottles or packages are both incredibly effective ways to painfully damage your smile so you need costly restorative treatments. To keep your implants and real teeth in great shape, only chew things that are edible and take care to use appropriate tools such as bottle openers or box cutters when necessary.

Dental implants can restore your beautiful smile with long-lasting and functional restorations. With excellent care, your new teeth can stay in great shape for several decades or even a lifetime.

About the Author

Dr. Steven E. Amburgey earned his dental doctorate at West Virginia University in 2005 and regularly participates in continuing education courses to keep his skills up to date. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the Virginia Dental Association. His office in Abingdon offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To learn more about proper dental implant care, contact his practice online or dial (276) 258-5568.