Are My Dental Implants Safe from Cavities?

June 9, 2025

Woman rubbing her chin in a questioning pose

You might’ve heard that dental implants can enable you to eat all of your favorite foods, chew more effectively, prevent jawbone loss – and more! But did you know they’re also cavity-proof? That’s right; dental implants technically can’t suffer from tooth decay and are therefore safe from cavities. There are still plenty of good reasons to brush and floss, though. Keep reading for more details.

Cavity Bacteria Target Enamel

What causes cavities isn’t necessarily sugar itself. It’s the bacteria that feed on it. The main type of bacteria that’s responsible for tooth decay is streptococcus mutans, and it produces a type of lactic acid that’s particularly good at eroding natural enamel. When enough streptococcus mutans bacteria build up in your mouth, the lactic acid content can become so severe that it essentially eats a hole through your tooth, creating a cavity.

Dental Implants Materials

Dental implants have two parts: the posts that are hidden beneath your gumline, and the visible crown that helps you chew your food. Implant posts have to be made from biocompatible materials like titanium, otherwise they won’t properly fuse with the jawbone. Porcelain is the go-to choice for the implant crowns because it looks and feels almost exactly like natural enamel.

Despite how well they mimic real teeth, dental implant materials and enamel are ultimately two very different substances. Because of this, the acid produced by streptococcus mutans simply doesn’t affect dental implants.

Your Smile and Oral Hygiene

Make no mistake, it’s really cool how dental implants are immune to one of the most common oral conditions. But if some of the teeth in your smile are natural, regular oral hygiene is still important for mitigating bacteria build up. Even if you have a full implant denture, you’ll need to brush and floss regularly to avoid the bacteria that cause gum disease! Plus, a good cleaning will help your restorations last longer and look brighter.

With all this in mind, don’t forget to book your next dental checkup and cleaning at your dentist’s office!

About the Author

Dr. David M. Fisher, Jr. has been caring for dental patients in Greensboro for over 20 years. During his undergraduate education, he completed rotations in oral surgery, which provided him with experience that’s incredibly valuable for dental implant treatments. If you’d like to know more about this advanced restoration or cavities, contact his office at 336-288-1242 or request an appointment online.