Can My Dental Implants Become Stained?

You’ve finally received dental implants and are in love with your brand-new, dazzling-white smile! However, you might also be wondering if your awesome new implants are capable of becoming stained, just like your natural teeth. Even though they might not be as vulnerable as your real teeth are to staining, you should still take good care of them to prevent it from happening! Keep reading to learn more about how dental implants can become stained along with some tips for preserving their sheen.

Can My Dental Implants Become Stained Like My Natural Teeth?

Your dental implants are made from a couple of different materials; the bottom portion that is surgically implanted into your jaw, the post, is made from biocompatible titanium. The upper portion that is visible and resembles your tooth, the crown, is made from a special ceramic material that is incredibly resistant to staining. That said, if you maintain the surface glaze of your implants, they shouldn’t become discolored.

However, if you attempt to polish your implants with abrasive materials or treat them with acidic fluoride treatments, their surface will roughen which can compromise their color. It’s also not uncommon for patients to experience staining around the edges of their implants. But a dentist can usually polish this away and restore the natural-looking beauty of the implant.

Tips for Preventing Dental Implant Staining

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to preserve the beauty of your smile and keep your implants from becoming stained. Consider the following:

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco – Tobacco is notorious for causing all sorts of health problems, including several that affect your teeth! Smoking won’t just stain your teeth—it can also result in implant failure.
• Avoid toothpaste that’s highly abrasive – Some toothpastes are abrasive and can actually damage your implants. Ask your dentist about nonabrasive toothpastes and gels.
• Avoid foods and drinks with staining agents – Some items like coffee, tea, berries, and more contain tannins, which can stain your implants if they’re repeatedly exposed to them.
• Maintain your oral hygiene – Brush and floss after every meal but wait at least half an hour to do so. This will help remove lingering particles and acids that could potentially damage or discolor your implants.
• Visit your dentist regularly – This should go without saying but visiting your dentist for biannual checkups is also a great way to ensure that your implants remain intact and sparkling-white.

Your dental implants might be tougher than your natural teeth, but they can still become stained! Knowing how to properly care for them will ensure they last and keep your smile looking white and bright for the foreseeable future.

About the Practice

The team at Blue Coast Dental is proud to serve the dental needs of the Torrance, CA area under the leadership of Dr. Sanaz Hamzehpour and her awesome team. The practice is pleased to offer a wide range of available services including dental implants. If you have any questions about the article or would like to set up an appointment, feel free to contact the practice through their website or by phone: (424) 271-0156.