Is the dental implant prone to cavities or gum disease?

When a tooth is lost to disease or injury, it is important to replace it so that you can maintain oral function and preserve your oral health. In the past, the most common methods for addressing tooth loss were to fabricate prosthetic teeth that would ultimately rest on top of the gums and were either anchored to neighboring teeth or removable. Today, however, patients have more options for replacing teeth thanks to advancements in implant dentistry. Our skilled periodontist replaces teeth with dental implants.

Implant Dentistry and its Benefits

Compared to prosthetics such as bridges and dentures, implant dentistry offers numerous benefits. Patients with implants enjoy durability when eating, even foods difficult to chew like steak and jerky. Because implants are permanently fixed in place, patients do not have to worry about their prosthetic teeth moving throughout their mouths. Implants also promote jawbone and gum health because they replace tooth structure below the gum line.

An Overview of Dental Implants

Dental implants feature two parts—a titanium post with a texture that resembles a screw and a prosthetic crown. Some patients may receive slightly smaller implants, which can anchor an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. Bone mass will fuse to the implant over time because titanium is a biocompatible metal. Once the bone has fused to the implant, the titanium post is secured in place permanently.

Implants are Resistant to Dental Disease

Since implants are made from titanium and prosthetic teeth are made from metals and porcelain, dental implants do not develop disease like natural teeth. Unlike removable prosthetics, implants are cleaned with brushing and flossing. Although implants are extremely durable and can last a lifetime, patients should still exercise thorough oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay on natural teeth and gums can become infected near implants. While the implant itself is disease-resistant, living tissues in the mouth are not.

To schedule an implant dentistry consultation with our caring periodontist, contact Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at 214-949-1836 today.