If you’ve experienced tooth loss due to decay, you know very well the havoc that cavities can wreak. They may cause immense pain and sensitivity, and when they get severe enough, they may make extractions necessary. Fortunately, if you get those teeth replaced with dental implants in Colorado Springs, cavities will become a thing of the past!
Implant Crowns Won’t Decay
Natural tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it has to put up with so much on a daily basis that it can easily develop cavities. Habits like munching on candy or drinking acidic beverages wear away at the teeth and lead to dental problems. And while most people do their best to prevent tooth decay, it still happens to almost everyone.
Fortunately, implant crowns (the tooth-shaped prosthesis that goes on top of a dental implant) are invulnerable to cavities because they’re usually made of porcelain. Porcelain closely resembles the look of natural teeth, but it won’t wear away and leave you with painful holes in your smile.
Dental Care Is Still Important
Even if you experienced extensive tooth loss and had your entire smile reconstructed by an expert Colorado Springs implant dentist, it’s still vital that you have regular checkups with a dental professional. Why? There are several reasons:
- Implants have the potential to last a lifetime, but only if you take measures to avoid infection. If bacteria sneaks into the bone around the implants, your new smile could end up losing its support system.
- Gum disease is still a possibility when you have dental implants. The bacteria that causes this condition can even make its way into your body and cause systemic health problems. A qualified dentist can diagnose and treat gum problems before they become severe.
- In the unlikely case that problems do develop with your implants, catching the issue early on might prevent your tooth replacements from failing altogether.
- While the implants themselves may last forever, the crowns might crack if you accidentally apply to much pressure to them or if an accident occurs. Your dentist can fix this issue and get your smile back to looking its best.
Caring for Your Implants at Home
Once your implant crowns are in place, caring for them is pretty easy. Here are some tips to keep them (and your oral health) in great shape:
- Brush your teeth. Yes, even the fake ones. You can prevent discoloration and plaque buildup on your artificial pearly whites.
- Use an antibacterial mouth rinse. This may reduce the risk of infection.
- If you have an implant-supported bridge or denture that replaces several teeth, you may not be able to floss between those artificial chompers because they’re all connected. However, you may still have to floss under those teeth to remove any icky stuff that has accumulated on your gums.
You can enjoy a cavity-free smile thanks to dental implants, but caring for your mouth is still important. A good hygiene routine and regular dental checkups will keep your grin looking and feeling great for many years to come.
About Us
At Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists, we have a strong focus on gum care and dental implants. If you’re wondering whether implants are the right tooth replacement method for you, we’d be happy to talk with you about your options! Please contact us at 719-574-4867.