Worried About Cavities in Implants? Put Your Gums First

Hello,

I am Director Yoon Tae-ho of Seoul Bardi Dental Clinic.

“Doctor, if I get an implant, that means I no longer have to worry about cavities, right?”

This is a misconception that many people have.

Among people who have lost teeth and received implants, many think, “It’s an artificial tooth now, so it won’t decay...”

In a way, that is true.

Implants are artificial teeth, so they do not get cavities.

But “Not getting cavities = no need to take care of it” is a big mistake!

Because it is an artificial tooth, it needs thorough care.

Worried About Cavities in Implants? Put Your Gums First

It can cause problems faster than a natural tooth.

I’ll explain why now.

Implants do not get cavities, but..

Cavities are caused by bacteria, which decay the tooth.

Implants are made of artificial materials, so there is nothing that can be decayed.

The implant itself is a structure free from cavities.

But... what is even more concerning is gum bacteria!

There are countless bacteria in the mouth, even though they are not visible.

The bacteria that cause cavities and the bacteria that cause gum disease are different types.

With implants, you should worry more about inflammatory diseases than about cavities.

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If brushing is not done well around the implant, peri-implantitis can occur.

This means there is a problem with the gum tissue around the implant.

Because it destroys the jawbone where the implant is placed,

it can cause the implant to loosen and become a reason it must be removed.

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What’s more, in the early stage there is often no pain, and the patient is highly likely not to notice it.

Because it is an artificial tooth, it needs to be managed very carefully.

Since bacteria can easily attach around implants, careful brushing is necessary.

Also, toothbrushes alone have limits when it comes to the spaces between teeth.

You need to rely on tools such as interdental brushes or Waterpik for additional care.

Even if nothing feels particularly uncomfortable, regular dental checkups every 6 months are necessary.

Oh, right... implant teeth do not get cavities, but the neighboring natural teeth can.

Another important fact!

Natural teeth around an implant can still develop cavities.

(This is because cavity-causing bacteria can still lead to decay.)

If food often gets stuck and is not removed well between the gums around the implant,

cavities can form in the natural teeth in front and behind it.

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Now you can see even more clearly why it is necessary to care for the spaces between teeth using a Waterpik or interdental brush, right?

After implant treatment, care becomes even more important.

Cavities do not develop, but peri-implantitis or cavities in nearby teeth can become a problem at any time.

“Since the implant doesn’t feel uncomfortable, I don’t need to go, right?”

N-o,

That’s not right.

Rather, this is where it starts!

#ImplantCavities #PeriImplantitis #ImplantGums