Can Tartar Build Up on My Dental Implants?

A person can lose a tooth for any number of reasons, whether it’s due to sudden blunt trauma or gradual decay. Once you replace it with a dental implant, though, it’s important to know whether you’re still susceptible to decay. Here, we’ll look at whether tartar can build up on an artificial tooth, and what that means for your overall oral health.

Tartar and Dental Implants

Tartar refers to plaque after it has hardened into an irremovable layer. Plaque can be removed with brushing and flossing because it’s soft  and pliable enough to be scrubbed or flossed away. However, only a dentist can remove tartar with specialized tools.

Your artificial teeth will not decay, meaning that even when tartar builds up on your implant, it won’t impact the dental apparatus. However, that tartar is extremely unlikely to stay put on your artificial tooth, meaning that it’s extremely likely to affect the gum tissues that surround your implant.

How to Fight Tartar

The best way to fight tartar is to step up your hygiene. This means not only brushing and flossing, but also seeing a dentist in St. Louis at least twice a year (if not three times a year). While your individual dental needs are different than anyone else’s, the truth is that it’s impossible to remove all plaque at home, and it doesn’t take more than a day or two for that plaque to turn into tartar.

If you have questions about dental implants in St. Louis, MO and whether they may be a better choice than, say dentures or bridges, contact Smile Now STL to learn more about how we can help, and how our tactics can help you fill in your smile — both literally and figuratively!