Can Dental Implants Become Stained?

One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is how lifelike they look and feel. You can show off your newly restored smile with confidence knowing that your replacement teeth are virtually indistinguishable from your natural ones. However, with dental implants being so similar to natural teeth, you may find yourself worrying whether they can become stained just as easily. If you want to keep your smile looking its best, here’s what you need to know about dental implants and discoloration.

Dental Implants and Stains

The replacement teeth that your dental implants will support will likely be made out of porcelain. This material is known for its ability to closely match the appearance of your tooth enamel, but it also has one other important feature: it is stain-resistant. As such, your dental implants are less likely to become discolored than the rest of your smile.

That being said, if your dental implant restorations are regularly exposed to dark-colored foods and beverages, they may eventually end up becoming stained. This is especially the case if the glazing protecting the restoration is somehow compromised.

Protecting Your Dental Implants from Stains

If you’re worried about your dental implants becoming discolored, you should think carefully about the type of care you’re giving them. You can keep your risk for dental implant stains to a minimum if you follow these tips:

• Stay away from dark-colored foods and beverages that are known to cause discoloration, such as blueberries and coffee. If you do occasionally indulge in a staining beverage, use a straw to reduce the amount of contact the liquid has with your teeth.
• Do not use tobacco products of any kind, as the tar and nicotine they contain are infamous for creating stains. (On top of that, they can also significantly increase your risk of dental implant failure.)
• Double-check your toothpaste to make sure that it isn’t too abrasive. If it’s excessively harsh on your dental implant restorations, it can cause damage that makes stains more likely to occur. Talk to your dentist about what type of toothpaste they recommend for your dental implants.
• Keep your dental implants (and the rest of your smile) as clean as possible by brushing after every meal. It’s also a good idea to floss regularly, and you may want to think about using mouthwash on a daily basis.

Dental implants make it possible to enjoy a beautiful, complete smile again. By following the tips above, you can keep your new grin looking its best. Remember that you can always talk to your dentist to see what additional tips they have for avoiding dental implant stains.

About the Author

Dr. Steve W. Cobb earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at Baylor School of Dentistry. He previously served as a Captain in the United States Air Force, but today he’s putting his decades of dental experience to good use helping Odessa patients protect their oral health. He works with local specialists in order to rebuild his patients’ smiles with dental implants. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cobb, visit his website or call (432) 367-4774.