By replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, you can expect to enjoy an incredibly stable and lifelike tooth replacement that can even last a lifetime with proper care. That said, since these posts are constructed out of metal, some patients wonder if they can ever rust. Fortunately, the chance that this could ever occur is significantly low. Keep reading to learn why implants rarely rust and how you can avoid this problem altogether.
Why Dental Implants Hardly Rust
Since dental implants are made of metal material, there is a possibility that they can rust. However, your mouth does not provide an environment that’s conducive enough to allow this to ever happen. This is mainly due to the presence of your saliva, which typically acts as a natural protectant against corrosion. Furthermore, the manufacturers who design and construct dental implants utilize materials of the highest quality and that follow strict standards. These two aspects combined make it challenging for these metal posts to ever decay.
Can You Keep Dental Implants from Rusting?
Even with a significantly low chance of rusting, some patients choose to receive treatment that guarantees this won’t happen with their dental implants. For this reason, some dentists offer tooth-replacement options that use alternative materials, such as zirconia. By using ceramic-based implants, your results can be immune to electrical conductivity as well as corrosion. Still, these options can also come with downsides, so you’ll need to consult your dentist that way they can help determine which kind of solution would be best for you.
Ways to Avoid Rusty Dental Implants
Other than worrying about your dental implants rusting, there are other issues that you’ll want to prevent to ensure your new teeth remain as healthy as possible for many years to come. To avoid corrosion and other complications, such as peri-implantitis, make sure to practice the following tips:
- Keep good oral hygiene: Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash every day is essential for preserving both your natural teeth and dental implants. Even something as simple as gum disease and nearby tooth decay can increase the risk of treatment failure.
- Implement a healthier diet: With an improved bite, you should be able to enjoy most of your favorite meals, including more nutritional foods like fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and lean proteins. This can help promote stronger bone tissue and healthier gums, along with better overall health.
- Routine dental visits: By scheduling dental checkups and teeth cleanings with your dentist every six months, you’ll be able to receive a deep cleaning and thorough examination of your mouth and implants. Your doctor will monitor their progress and address any underlying/developing issues they might detect before they can lead to complications.
While the chances of dental implants becoming rusted are slim, you’ll want to continue practicing proper care of your pearly whites. Speak with your dentist if you notice any changes or issues, and they can help you return to enjoying a healthy smile in no time!
About the Practice
At South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we have four board-certified oral surgeons who can offer high-quality treatments under one roof. We utilize advanced technology like our CBCT Scanner for precision as well as modern techniques like PRP therapy for optimal recovery. If you have any concerns about your dental implants or wish to schedule an appointment, feel free to visit our website or contact us at 561-529-9261.