Many people who get dental implants understandably worry that their implants are going to end up becoming a source of tooth decay, and eventually, cavities, like a natural tooth would. This is a perfectly understandable concern. You are investing money in a dental implant, and the thought of having the exact same problem with it as you would with a natural tooth can be both frustrating and worrisome.
When your teeth are constantly exposed to acid, for instance, if you eat and drink acidic foods on a regular basis, and even more so when they are exposed to foods that contain high amounts of sugar and starches, acid is continuously attacking your enamel and your teeth are losing minerals. As your enamel is destroyed over time, a cavity is formed, which your dentist then has to repair using a filling.
Dental implants cannot get cavities because the implant restored crown is an artificial tooth. This is really the main thing to understand. Since it is not a natural tooth, it is not prone to the same enamel attacks that a natural tooth would be. That being said, it is still important to have regular gum care and cleanings around the implant site just as you would do for a natural tooth. If you properly care for your dental implants, they should be able to last many decades, hopefully an entire lifetime. Many patients have had the same dental implants for over 40 years.
The bottom line is that, no, you are not going to get a cavity in your dental implant, but yes, you could end up with gum disease and other periodontal problems if you do not take care of them. While they are designed to last a long time, they are not invincible, and they are not an excuse to ignore your oral care and hygiene. If you are thinking about getting dental implants, but are worried that getting implants does not do enough to minimize your risk of future cavities, then keep the above information in mind, and rest easy knowing that once an implant is in, you are never going to get another cavity in that tooth.