The great news about dental implants is that they look, feel, and function just like your real teeth. Better still, they’re permanent solutions to tooth loss, meaning that once you get them, you’ll likely never need to replace them. But when it comes to caring for and maintaining them, how do these prosthetics stack up against your natural smile? Here are a few ways you can protect your dental implants from damage, stains, and implant failure so your new smile stays complete for a lifetime!
Do Dental Implants Get Stains?
Unlike real tooth enamel that is very porous, dental implant crowns are made of durable materials like porcelain that do not easily stain. When they are made, they are sealed with a glaze that protects them from stains and discoloration. But while this may be good news for foodies, it also means that you need to be careful with how you clean them. Because they aren’t porous like real teeth, products like whitening toothpaste and professional whitening gels will not work on them. In fact, even some regular toothpastes are too abrasive for them and can damage the glaze. Thus, to ensure that they stay as white as possible, brush regularly with a non-abrasive toothpaste, floss daily, visit the dentist regularly for your biannual exams and cleanings, and never smoke. If your crowns eventually do look dull or stained, you may need to replace them.
Do Dental Implants Get Cavities?
Another question many patients ask is if dental implants can get cavities like real teeth do. The good news is that because they’re not biological, they cannot get cavities, infections, or decay like your natural teeth can, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Jawbone deterioration, gum disease, and peri-implantitis can all cause them to fail if you don’t take proper care of them by regularly brushing and flossing, as well as by closely following your aftercare instructions. Though the risk is low (approximately five percent), implant failure can have a very long recovery period, especially if you need additional procedures such as bone grafts to make your mouth healthy again.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions with Dental Implants?
If you’ve had dentures before, you are likely familiar with the dietary restrictions of other prosthetics. Unlike dentures, however, your dental implants are permanently secured to your jawbone, so they provide a lot more biteforce than other restorations. This means that you can enjoy a much wider range of foods with them, including crunchy foods and tough proteins. While you still should never use your restorations to chew things like ice cubes, hard candies, fingernails, pen caps, or to open packaging, they do allow you to once again eat a full diet.
Remember, dental implants are a permanent, durable, natural-looking way to replace missing teeth. If you are ready to close those embarrassing gaps in your smile or are tired of dealing with the hassle of dentures or bridges, speak to your dentist today about dental implants!
About Our Practice
At Dental Designs of Maryland, our team of skilled and caring dentists work together to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care. Whether you’re here for your child’s first dental exam, a dental makeover, or you’d like to restore your smile with the help of durable, lifelike dental implants, we’re here to help.
To schedule a consultation for dental implants, please visit our website, or give us a call at 443-936-2899.