You may know how dental implants work. Namely, they rely on their titanium makeup to fuse with your jawbone. Still, this setup can leave you wondering: Can dental implants rust? Metal often corrodes with age, so you might assume the restorations also do. Luckily, you can rest easy – implants hardly ever rust; they’re corrosion-resistant. Your Scarborough dentist can explain more if you’d like. So, here’s why implants rarely rust and how best to care for them.
Metal Implants Rarely Rust
True, implants are usually metallic – most take the form of titanium screws. That means it’s technically possible for them to erode. However, these prosthetic teeth are made to resist rust.
You see, titanium implants have an oxide layer. The latter keeps saliva from reaching the former’s metal surfaces. As a result, electrolytes in your spit don’t have a chance to cause rust.
Of course, an implant’s oxide layer isn’t invulnerable. There’s always a chance it won’t work well and let saliva reach the titanium post. Even so, the coating’s success rate is often quite high. Implants are thus trusted not to rust in most cases.
Non-Metallic Implants Exist
Though they’re already unlikely, you can further reduce the risk of rusty implants. A dentist could give you non-titanium versions of the restorations.
In particular, you might try zirconia implants – ones that use ceramic instead of metal. Their materials don’t conduct electrical currents and thus won’t rust. Remember, though, that lack of corrosion comes with zirconia’ other negatives.
Before you choose non-metal implants, consult your dentist. They’ll make sure you get tooth replacements that suit you.
How Best to Care for Implants
Honestly, implants don’t fail just because of rust. They can also stop working due to other factors. That being the case, care for them with the following tips:
- Practice Good Dental Hygiene – If you don’t keep your mouth clean, your implants might fail from gum disease or nearby tooth decay. So, remember to brush twice daily, floss once daily, and rinse often with mouthwash.
- Get Regular Checkups – Through regular checkups and cleanings, a dentist can fix minor oral issues before they worsen. As such, attend them often to prevent threats to your implants.
- Stick to Mouth-Healthy Foods – Too much sugar and starch can trigger gum disease, a major risk factor for implant failure. Given that fact, try following a diet of lean proteins, dairy products, and leafy greens.
While dental implants can rust, they hardly ever do. Therefore, go ahead and book a treatment with your dental provider soon!
About the Practice
Bal Dental Centre is based in Scarborough, Ontario. Led by Dr. Gus Bal, our practice strives to give every patient a wonderful smile. We thus offer great preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, all of which are tailored to your unique smile. Our team can also provide dental sedation and sleep apnea therapy as needed. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (416)-613-8390.
