The dental implant process requires a significant investment of time and money. Once your treatment is complete, the last thing you want is for your beautiful new smile to lose its luster. Therefore, it is only natural to wonder, “Do dental implants stain like natural teeth?” Let’s talk about the answer to this important question.
Dental Implants Resist Stains
Natural teeth become discolored when pigments seep into the enamel or when thin enamel makes the underlying yellow dentin more visible. Dental implants and their restorations do not have enamel or dentin, so they cannot become discolored in exactly the same manner as natural teeth. In fact, their restorations are usually made out of high-quality porcelain, which is nonporous, meaning that it cannot absorb pigments.
How Dental Implants Become Discolored
Does the above information mean that implants are impervious to discoloration? Unfortunately, no. There are a few things that can cause them to become discolored:
- The glaze on the restorations can become damaged or scratched, causing them to look dull and stained. Pigments can even collect in scratches, leading to an unsightly appearance.
- If your restoration is cemented into place (rather than screwed into place), the cement might become discolored over time, adversely affecting the restoration’s appearance.
- The dark color of the dental implants might show through the gum tissue. In most cases, this can be avoided by partnering with a highly qualified oral surgeon for your initial implant placement procedure.
Preventing Dental Implant Discoloration
Here are a few things you can do to reduce the risk that your dental implant restorations will become discolored:
- Stay away from abrasive toothpastes. These products can easily scratch your restorations, so it is best to use a gentle toothpaste instead.
- Limit your intake of staining foods and beverages. You can also drink dark beverages through a straw to minimize their contact with your teeth.
- Care well for your mouth. Avoiding tobacco, keeping up with a thorough oral hygiene routine, and regularly visiting your dentist for preventive care can both do much to lower the risk of stains on both your natural teeth and replacement teeth.
Correcting Dental Implant Discoloration
If your implant restorations have already become discolored, do not try to whiten them with bleaching products; you will not see good results because porcelain does not respond to the same whitening methods as natural enamel. Instead, visit your dentist. They might be able to improve your smile’s appearance by reglazing your restorations, replacing discolored cement, or perhaps designing new restorations for you altogether.
Dental implants can retain their original beauty for many years if they receive proper care, but they aren’t impervious to stains. Taking great care of your smile can help your new teeth to stay healthy and attractive!
Meet the Practice
The three oral surgeons at Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery work together to provide a range of services, including dental implant placement. If you have questions about what to expect with this treatment, they would be happy to speak with you. Contact our office at 713-783-5560.