Can Dental Implants Get Stains?

Dental implants have the amazing ability to permanently replace missing teeth, restoring their appearance, function, and biteforce. In fact, these prosthetics are so secure and durable they may actually be stronger than your real teeth. But while they certainly are powerful, they aren’t indestructible, and although rare, can still break, fail, or become stained. Here’s how you can prevent discoloration, and what you can do if it happens.

How Dental Implants Get Stained

Unfortunately, it’s pretty easy to stain your real teeth. That’s because their protective outer layer, the enamel, is full of tiny holes through which things like tobacco and darkly pigmented foods and beverages can penetrate, changing their color. But dental implant crowns are usually made of porcelain, which doesn’t have those tiny pores. This makes it much harder for them to become discolored, which is certainly a plus.

Unfortunately, however, while it is rare to stain dental implants, it isn’t impossible. You see, these restorations are sealed with a protective glaze that helps preserve their color and make them look just like real teeth. While this topcoat is designed to last a lifetime, it can become worn down over time due to diet and improper cleaning materials. Once compromised, stains can penetrate the porcelain, leaving behind permanent discoloration.

Correcting Dental Implant Discoloration

The good news is that if your dental implants have changed shade, there are ways to correct this. In some cases, they can be sent back to the dental lab to be reglazed, restoring their original luster. In more severe situations, you may need to have them replaced completely, but this should be much less involved than your original procedure, as you’ll likely only need the tooth portion remade.

Thankfully, there are many ways to ensure that your prosthetics remain in pristine condition, so you never need to worry about embarrassing discoloration:

• Limit your consumption of acidic foods or beverages.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
• Never use your dental implants for anything but food; don’t use them to bite fingernails, chew pen caps, or tear open packaging.
• Avoid crunching anything too hard or sticky, like ice cubes or hard candies.
• Visit your dentist for your preventive cleanings and exams every six months.

Should your crowns begin to discolor, contact your dentist to arrange a deep cleaning, reglaze, or replacement to get your smile back to looking its best.

Remember, while your dental implants were designed to permanently replace your missing adult teeth, they need your help to last as long as possible. Thus, be sure to take excellent care of them, and they’ll be sure to provide a lifetime of smiles!

About Our Practice

At Marble Dental McKinney, Dr. Hegazin and Dr. Koro want to see you smile! That’s why they’re proud to offer durable, beautiful dental implants. If you’re missing one or more teeth and would like to permanently replace them with these incredible prosthetics, schedule a consultation today to see if you qualify. To book your appointment for dental implants, visit our website or call 214-592-0441.