Replacing your lost permanent teeth with dental implants is simply the best thing you can do for your oral health. Not only do dental implants restore your beautiful smile, but they also restore your chewing capabilities and protect the bone density of your jaw. But just like your real teeth, dental implants still require proper care. In fact, you may be wondering if they’re susceptible to the same kinds of damage your real teeth were. Here’s why you still need to maintain your oral hygiene, even though your implants aren’t biological.
Can My Dental Implants Get Cavities?
Thankfully, no. Dental implants can’t get cavities because they’re not real teeth. But that doesn’t mean you don’t still need to take care of them. In fact, you can still get plenty of oral health problems with dental implants, such as bad breath and gum disease, which is the leading cause of implant failure.
Furthermore, if you do have any remaining natural teeth, those can still get cavities if you have dental implants, so don’t ditch that toothbrush!
How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?
Caring for your dental implants is easy. In fact, it’s pretty much the same way you care for your biological teeth. Just brush them twice a day, and floss them at least once a day. You can make them last even longer by not smoking, and by attending your regular, semi-annual dental cleanings and exams.
Are Dental Implants Really Permanent?
Dental implants are the posts that are permanently secured to your jaw. Provided you take good care of them, they should last a lifetime. They have a 95 percent success rate, so most people never need to replace them. The abutments and crowns (teeth) on your implants may need to be replaced eventually, however with proper oral health care, they can last 20 years or more.
Can I Still Get Dental Implants If I Have Gum Disease?
In many cases, yes, however this will depend upon how advanced your gum disease is. For some patients, you may be able to get dental implants despite having gum disease if you are treating it properly. For others, you may require a bone grafting procedure to restore any bone deterioration that has occurred because of gum disease. In other instances, you may simply not be a good candidate for the procedure if the bone loss and gum disease is too severe. Your dentist can explain your options during your dental implant consultation.
Remember, dental implants are designed to permanently replace your natural teeth, but they don’t make your mouth invincible. Thus, it is still important to maintain proper oral hygiene and avoid bad habits like smoking and neglecting your teeth to ensure they last a lifetime.
About Dr. Gramse
Dr. Laura Gramse has dentistry in her blood. A second-generation dentist in the Springfield area, she is proud to have helped numerous families present their best smiles possible in her 35-plus years as a dentist. Whether you need a cleaning and exam, have an urgent problem like a tooth infection, or you’d like to replace lost teeth with dental implants, Dr. Gramse and her team are here to help!
To schedule an appointment for dental implants, please visit our website or call us today at 413-783-6907.