Do You Have to Worry About Your Dental Implants Rusting?

If you’ve heard about the advantages of dental implants, you may be considering getting them to replace any teeth that are missing from your smile. But when you hear that dental implant posts are made of metal, you might start to worry. Will your metal implants eventually rust? And is there anything you can do to protect them? The answers to these vital questions can be found below.

Is It Possible for Dental Implants to Rust?

Most of the time, dental implant posts are made out of titanium. This particular metal is used because it is highly biocompatible and unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

Thanks to its properties, titanium is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, which means your dental implants will be as well. However, it’s important to remember that being resistant is not the same as being immune.

Over time, small pulses of electricity may occur due to the interactions of the implant posts, your jawbone, and your saliva. Said pulses can eventually lead to corrosion.

It should be noted that dental implants can last a very long time as long as they receive the right maintenance, and the risk of them becoming corroded or rusted is considered to be low. Nevertheless, it’s a possibility that you should always keep in mind.

How Can You Protect Your Dental Implants?

While rusting and corrosion don’t necessarily need to be large concerns for people with dental implants, it’s always important to make sure that the posts are well cared for. One of the most important steps you can take is to brush and floss thoroughly every day to get rid of the bacteria that can potentially cause problems for your replacement teeth. It may also be a good idea to pick up some antibacterial mouthwash at the store and start using it as part of your everyday dental routine.

You should also make time at least twice a year to visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning. They can take a close look at your dental implants and make sure that they’re still in good shape. If they find any signs of corrosion or rust (or any other problem that you should be worried about), they’ll let you know what solutions are available for protecting your smile.

It’s important to remember that while dental implants are not completely without risk, they are still a trustworthy method of tooth replacement that can last for decades. During your initial consultation, don’t hesitate to let your dental team know if there’s anything you’re concerned about; they’ll be happy to put your worries to rest.

About the Author

Dr. David M. Fisher earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He’s been improving smiles in Greensboro for over 20 years now. His in-practice services include the placement and restoration of high-quality, long-lasting dental implants. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Fisher, visit his website or call (336) 288-1242.