Are Dental Implants Vulnerable to Decay?

Natural teeth are beautiful when they’re healthy. Unfortunately, they can be vulnerable to decay. When left untreated, decay can cause cavities, pain, infection or tooth loss. Enter dental implants! Getting dental implants in Mesquite is an investment in your smile and your ability to chew, but many wonder how durable they are. Can they develop cavities? Do they require special care? Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions and learn the benefits of getting implants.

Can Dental Implants Develop Cavities?

The short answer to this question is no. Cavities form when plaque bacteria and tartar (hardened plaque) wear away at enamel and bore their way into a tooth’s surface. The crown that is placed on top of a dental implant is designed to look like natural teeth, but they are made from porcelain, ceramic, metals or resin and therefore not vulnerable to decay. 

Do Dental Implants Require Special Care?

For this question, there is another short answer: no. A healthy diet that is low in sugar, proper oral care and regular visits to your dentist are all you need to keep your dental implants looking and functioning properly. But while they usually have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, nicotine use, poor dental hygiene and an unbalanced diet can cause your implants to fail. If this happens, they won’t fuse to your jawbone, which is necessary for success, or you could develop an infection called peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is a site-specific infectious disease that causes swelling and bone loss around the implant. This condition cannot be reversed or treated.

What are the Benefits to Getting Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are one of the most popular dental restorations today. Why? They can be used to preserve your jawbone and stabilize your surrounding teeth after an extraction or tooth loss. They also look, feel and function like natural teeth, so they can easily blend into your smile and make it easier to chew. Dental implants are also very durable. With proper care, they can easily function past the 15-year expectancy.

Though you don’t have to worry about decay damaging your dental implants, they are not indestructible. Brushing your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes, flossing at least once daily and visiting your dentist at least twice a year will help keep both your natural teeth and dental implants in great shape. 

About the Author

Dr. Byron McKnight and his team of dental professionals are dedicated to providing patients with exceptional dental care. With more than 2,500 general continuing education hours, he has gained advanced training in many treatments including dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, complex restorative dentistry and more. If you are considering dental implants, contact the office at (or visit the website to schedule a visit with Dr. McKnight to find out if they’re right for you.