Dental implants are an excellent way to replace missing teeth. They’re durable, lifelike, and allow you to continue eating most of your favorite foods. As many benefits as dental implants offer, you may be wondering if they can accumulate stains the same way as natural teeth. Read on to learn everything you need to know about whether dental implants can stain as well as what you can do to prevent or correct it to keep your new teeth as bright as possible.
Can Dental Implants Stain?
When pigments seep into the enamel of our natural teeth, this can cause them to stain and become discolored. If the tooth enamel is thinning, this may also make the dentin more visible. Dentin is the core of the tooth and is naturally yellow, so this can make your teeth appear to be discolored. Since the crowns or other restorations attached to dental implants don’t have tooth enamel or dentin, they can’t become stained or discolored in the same way as your natural teeth.
What Can Cause Implant Staining?
The restorations placed on top of dental implants are usually made from dental-grade porcelain. Even though it’s nonporous and highly stain-resistant, there are still a few things that can stain or discolor dental implants, including:
- Cement discoloration – If your dental restorations are held in place by cement rather than screwed onto the implants, the cement may begin to discolor over time.
- Titanium showing through the gums – Though this can generally be avoided with a highly qualified oral surgeon, the dark color of the titanium that dental implants are usually made from may show through the gum tissue.
- Scratched glaze –If the glaze on the outside of your restorations becomes damaged or scratched, this can make them look stained or dull.
How to Avoid Dental Implant Staining
To make your dental implant restorations less likely to become discolored, use non-abrasive toothpaste that won’t scratch them. Avoid smoking and using other tobacco products, as these may also lead to discoloration. Limit your intake of stain-causing foods and drinks or consume dark beverages through a straw to lessen the amount of contact they have with your teeth and restorations. Brush for two minutes twice, floss once per day, and visit your dentist biannually for checkups and cleanings to remove food particles and anything else that can lead to staining.
How to Correct Dental Implant Staining
If the restorations on your implants become discolored, don’t try to whiten them at home. Since porcelain doesn’t respond to whitening in the same way as natural teeth, this won’t yield good results. Instead, visit your dentist so they can improve your smile’s appearance. If the restorations are cemented in place, they may be able to replace them. They may also be able to replace scratched glaze. If they can’t remove discoloration from the restorations, your dentist may design new ones.
If your dental implant restorations become stained, fear not! By visiting your dentist, they will be able to remove the discoloration or replace the restorations so your smile can regain its lovely glow.
About the Practice
Located in McMinnville, Oregon, Evans Street Dental serves people of all ages in their comfortable, inviting office. They aim to make patients feel comfortable throughout treatment and administer a range of cosmetic, restorative, and preventive services. If you’re missing one or more teeth, they offer a range of replacement options, including high-quality, stable, and stain-resistant dental implants. Are you ready to get started on your journey towards a healthier, happier smile? If so, call Evans Street Dental at (503) 472-1402 or visit their website for more information on dental implants or to set up an appointment.