Your natural teeth required quite a bit of maintenance to keep them healthy and strong. Now that you have dental implants, you may be wondering if your prosthetics need quite as much intervention. Here’s what you need to know about the care and maintenance of your new teeth.
Do Dental Implants Get Cavities?
Thankfully, no, your dental implants will not get cavities, however if you have any remaining biological teeth, those still can. This is because dental implant crowns are made of synthetic materials. Beware, though. Your crowns can still get damaged if you use them improperly such as to crunch hard items like ice or hard candies; they can also become stained or discolored if you smoke or don’t brush well.
Can I Still Get Gum Disease with Dental Implants?
Yes, you can still get gum disease with dental implants. In fact, gum disease can cause your implants to fail, so it is imperative that you maintain excellent oral hygiene with them, even though they’re not your “real” teeth. Be sure to brush all of your teeth (both real and prosthetic) twice a day, and continue to floss your teeth, even the implants, as this will help prevent cavities on your real teeth and keep your gums clear of dangerous bacteria.
What Happens if My Dental Crowns Become Damaged?
If you break or stain a dental implant crown, your dentist can assess the damage and either repair it, or you may need to replace it. Thus, be careful with how you use them, and how frequently you clean them. If yours is showing any signs of damage, call your dentist as soon as possible.
Remember, though your dental implants cannot get cavities, they can still fail if you don’t care for them, and their crowns can become damaged or stained. Thus, be sure to practice excellent oral hygiene, and never skip your semi-annual dental appointments, even if you have a full mouth of prosthetic teeth.
About Elmbrook Family Dental
At Elmbrook Family Dental, we work together as a team to make sure our patients get the treatment they need. Whether it’s your child’s first appointment, or you’re looking to replace lost teeth with dental implants, we offer a wide range of services under one roof.
To schedule an appointment for dental implants, please visit our website or call us today at 262-784-7201.