Dental Implants Cannot Decay, but They Still Need Brushing
A dental implant is made up of a titanium post fixed in the jawbone and a crown attached to the top. Neither part can get a cavity. Decay happens when bacteria break down sugar and produce acid that dissolves enamel and dentin, and titanium and ceramic do not break down that way.
Some patients take this to mean the implant can be brushed less carefully than their other teeth. It needs the same daily cleaning, because the tissue holding it in place is still alive.
What can go wrong around an implant
The jawbone grows tightly against the implant post, and the gum seals around the base of the crown, much as it does around a natural tooth. Plaque left along that gum line causes inflammation, which comes in two stages.
- Peri-implant mucositis. The gum around the implant turns red, looks puffy or bleeds when you brush. Caught at this point, it usually settles with better cleaning and a professional clean.
- Peri-implantitis. The inflammation spreads into the bone that supports the implant. As bone is lost the implant can loosen, and in severe cases it has to be removed.
Bleeding around an implant is not normal. If it lasts more than a few days, book a check-up.
Daily care
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush, angling the bristles toward the gum line around the implant.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss, implant floss or small interdental brushes. Your dentist can tell you which size fits your gaps.
- If you smoke, consider stopping. Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums and is one of the main risk factors for implant problems.
- Keep up regular check-ups and professional cleaning, usually every six months unless your dentist suggests otherwise.
- Contact us if the implant feels loose, the gum swells, or you notice a bad taste around it.
Looking after it long term
Implants that are cleaned well and checked regularly can last for many years. If you have an implant you would like checked, or you are thinking about getting one, drg. Fernando Natanel sees implant patients at our clinic from Monday to Friday.