Do Dental Implants Get Stains Like Natural Teeth?

When you’re missing teeth, it can be difficult to perform daily tasks that were once simple, like eating, speaking, and smiling. Fortunately, you don’t need to go the rest of your life with gaps in your smile. Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth, as they have so many unique benefits that you can’t get with any other treatment. Implants can easily last for over 30 years, but how does their appearance fare? Can dental implants become stained like your natural teeth? Read on to find out!

Do Dental Implants Become Stained?

Dental implants themselves are usually made from titanium. Titanium is biocompatible and therefore ideal when it comes to the osseointegration process (the process in which the implant fuses to the jawbone). The crown that is attached to the end of the implant is generally made from ceramic porcelain materials that are resistant to stains. This means that your replacement tooth will not easily stain as long as you maintain the glaze on the surface of the tooth. However, if you attempt to polish them with abrasive materials, the surface will become rough, and your replacement teeth will be more likely to become discolored.

How Do You Prevent Dental Implants from Becoming Discolored?

Dental implants are made to act just like your natural teeth, so they need to be cared for in the same way. To minimize your chances of discoloration, here are some tips to help:

• Don’t Smoke: Now is a great time for you to give up smoking if you’re getting dental implants. Tobacco products contain tar and nicotine. Both of these discolor teeth. Additionally, smoking and chewing tobacco can cause your implant to fail.
• Stay Away from Tannins: Some food and drinks, like coffee, berries, red wine, and tea, contain tannins. This substance can leave behind dark stains that are very difficult to remove.
• Avoid Whitening Toothpastes: Toothpastes that are used for whitening can be too abrasive for dental implants.
• Brush After Every Meal: When food is left behind, the bacteria in the mouth feed on it and release a weak acid as a byproduct. This can mean cavities on your natural teeth and staining throughout your smile. By brushing after meals, you can limit these negative effects.

Dental implants are a great way to restore the function and appearance of your smile. With proper care, staining shouldn’t be a problem!

About the Author

Dr. Reza Jafari is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over 15 years. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine and graduated with honors. He is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation at his office in Queen Creek, visit his website or call (480) 722-1200.