If you’ve gotten dental implants from Selbyville dentists, you’re probably happy with the results. Where you previously saw tooth gaps that threatened your remaining teeth, now you see a full, white smile that anyone would love. Still, you’d be wise to consider whether your implants could suffer future setbacks. In particular, is it possible for them to stain like natural teeth?
The short answer is “yes.” For a more in-depth response, read this summary of the reasons behind dental implant stains and ways to prevent them.
Reasons for Dental Implant Stains
Dental implants are usually made from stain-resistant ceramic porcelain. However, they’ll stain when their protective coating or glaze gets damaged.
This damage can occur from a variety of factors. Polishing implants with abrasive materials or acidic fluoride treatment is known to cause stains. Similarly, acidic foods can wear away at the glaze as well. Poor oral care and chewing on hard items also lead to stains.
It’s even possible for implants’ bonding material to discolor over time. A patient may notice staining around the treatment’s edges when this happens.
How to Avoid Dental Implant Stains
To prevent implants from staining, treat them with the necessary care. Some suggestions include:
Don’t Use Abrasive Toothpaste
While abrasive toothpaste can clean and whiten natural teeth, it will stain your artificial teeth. Specifically, it’ll create openings in implants’ surfaces that can get stained by other materials.
Use non-abrasive, gel-based toothpaste instead of whitening toothpaste. Your dentist could recommend approved kinds.
Don’t Smoke or Chew Tobacco
Tobacco has tar and nicotine, chemicals that discolor natural teeth and implants with a brownish, yellow look.
Worse, tobacco products result in implant failure. As items like cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco narrow blood vessels in your gums, less blood flows to said tissues to keep them alive and healed. If that were to happen, you would need to get new dental implants.
Clean Your Teeth After Meals
Remember to brush and floss your teeth after eating. Otherwise, harmful substances from your meal can erode your implants and make them vulnerable to stains.
At the same time, try not to brush and floss your teeth immediately after eating. You’ll only spread leftover acid onto your teeth if you do. Wait for at least half an hour before any cleaning.
Don’t assume that stain resistance means stain immunity. Keep your implants free of non-white coloring by remembering the above tips!
About the Author
Dr. James K. Kramer is a dentist based in Selbyville, DE, having graduated from the Temple University School of Dentistry. He has expertise in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. His work has earned him a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor achieved by less than 5% of US dentists. He attended advanced restoration training at the Dawson Academy and the Chesapeake Dental Education Center. Dr. Kramer currently practices at his self-titled clinic and can be reached at his website or by phone at (302)-436-5133.