Dental Implants and Decay
Dental implants are made of titanium or a titanium alloy, and the prosthetic teeth attached to them are generally made of porcelain. Therefore they cannot decay. However, they can collect food particles and provide a haven for the germs that cause tooth decay and gum disease. It’s very important, then, to clean them regularly by brushing and flossing. This helps protect your gums as well as any remaining teeth you may have.
If you have implants with a removable denture, this should also be cleaned regularly, and you should floss around the abutments. Ask your implant dentist for guidelines regarding care of your implants and your mouth if you have any questions.
Dental Implants and Gum Disease
Implant dentistry replaces missing teeth, but implants can fail if your gums aren’t healthy. Gum tissue is important to support the artificial roots. If your gums erode due to severe periodontal disease, your implants can become loose and fall out just like your original teeth. When an implant becomes loose, it generally cannot be repaired and must be replaced. If it’s replaced, there’s still a chance it will fail again, especially if your gums become infected again.
Many dentists prefer to see implant patients a little more often than other patients in order to monitor the condition of the gums. These regular visits can help diagnose gum problems very early so they can be dealt with before they cause long-term problems with your implants as well as your other teeth. It can be challenging to maintain diligent oral hygiene with implants, so be sure to follow all the instructions your dentist provides.
Contact our office today to discuss your own implant options!