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Is a Dental Implant Prone to Cavities or Gum Disease?

Is a Dental Implant Prone to Cavities or Gum Disease?

implant dentist ChicagoThe dental implant may very well be one of the most revolutionary and advantageous restorative solutions in modern dentistry. For patients who are missing even a single natural tooth, implant dentistry offers an opportunity to regain the ability to chew, bite, and smile with confidence once again.

Clinically, this tooth replacement solution has been held in highest regard because it eliminates involving adjacent teeth, it’s unparalleled success rate, and its tendency to prevent the adjacent teeth from drifting out of place while simultaneously preventing bone loss. Patients who have chosen implants appreciate the fact that their artificial tooth can be easily cared for just like a natural tooth.

Our implant dentist serving Chicago Illinois will tell you that, though these new teeth are impervious to cavities-tooth decay, your replacement teeth do not relieve you of certain responsibilities. You’ll want to care for your new teeth just as you would care for your natural teeth, taking steps to prevent damage, gum health and infection.

Dental implants are designed from an extremely durable and biocompatible titanium post, and then restored above the gumline with porcelain and noble metals. These materials are not compromised by the bacterial acids that cause cavities. In fact, these materials are highly resistant to stain or damage from the foods that you may eat or drink.

The risk of gum disease, however, will require that you pay close attention to plaque control around your implant as well as your natural teeth. The implant post is designed to mimic a real tooth root, meaning that it depends upon a secure relationship with the underlying jaw bone for support. Failure to protect this relationship can lead to the failure of the implant tooth.

In essence, gum disease is an infection that attacks not only the gingiva but also the bone and the microscopic fibers that hold natural teeth in place. Although the actual implant hardware will not be damaged, progressive gum disease can make it impossible for the implant to remain stable in the mouth. Therefore, just as a natural tooth can be lost due to lack of support, without proper plaque control, an implant can also be prone to the same fate.

Your replacement tooth is amazingly durable and strong, but certainly not indestructible. With help from our skilled Chicago implant dentistry team, you’ll have the support and knowledge to care for your implant for a lifetime. Learn more by calling 312-328-9000 for your appointment today.

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