Top Tips for Caring for Dental Implants and Crowns

Dental implants and crowns are fantastic investments in your smile and oral health. They restore function and enhance appearance, but to keep them looking and working their best, a solid care routine is essential. With consistent maintenance, your implants and crowns can last many years — even decades

Clean Your Implants and Crowns Daily

Treat your dental implants and crowns as you would your natural teeth. Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This helps prevent plaque build up, keeps them looking their best, and reduces the risk of gum disease. Proper brushing is key to keeping your dental work intact for as long as possible. Regular cleaning also prevents plaque from forming along the gum line. If plaque causes inflammation around implants, it may lead to peri-implantitis, an infection similar to gum disease that can threaten the stability of your implants. Using a non-abrasive toothpaste can also help reduce scratches on crowns, keeping them smooth and shiny

Floss with Care

Dental implants and crowns need as much flossing as natural teeth. Food and plaque can easily get trapped in the small spaces around these restorations, so make it a habit to floss daily, focusing on these tight areas to keep bacteria away. Certain specialized tools can make flossing around implants and crowns easier. Floss threaders work well if you have multiple implants or crowns, and interdental brushes help maintain cleanliness between teeth. Water flossers are another excellent option, using a gentle water stream to clean interdental spaces, which helps protect your gums and keeps your mouth feeling fresh and healthy

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

With crowns or implants, regular follow-up visits are essential. Aim to see your dentist every six months for a thorough examination. During these checkups, your dentist will look for signs of wear, damage, or infection. They may also take X-rays to ensure the implant is securely fused with the jawbone.

Professional cleanings during these visits are invaluable, as hygienists have specialized tools to clean around implants and crowns, reaching areas regular brushing and flossing might miss. These checkups allow your dentist to catch any issues early, helping to extend the life of your restorations

Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods

While crowns and implants are durable, they’re not indestructible. Hard foods like ice, hard candies, and bones can crack or chip them, while sticky foods like caramel and gum can loosen crowns over time. To protect your dental work, avoid these items when possible. Choose softer foods, or cut hard items into smaller pieces. If you tend to chew on pens, fingernails, or other objects, work on breaking these habits. Small precautions, such as opting for whole fruits instead of hard candies or eating popcorn with care, can make a big difference in preserving your smile.

Protect Your Implants and Crowns at Night

If you grind your teeth, wearing a nightguard is essential. Bruxism (teeth grinding) exerts excessive pressure, which can wear down or crack crowns and even damage implants. A nightguard provides a protective barrier that redistributes this force, minimizing potential damage. Even if you don’t grind your teeth, a nightguard can still be beneficial. Active sleepers may unconsciously clench their jaw, and a nightguard keeps implants and crowns protected, extending their lifespan.

Conclusion

Taking care of your implants and crowns doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple steps, you can protect your investment and enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years. A little extra attention goes a long way to keep your dental work strong, clean, and looking its best. At Rivery Dental, we’re committed to providing excellent care for our patients. We use the latest techniques and technologies to enhance your oral health and appearance with a wide range of services, from affordable root canals and crowns to teeth straightening, reshaping, gap-filling, teeth whitening, and more. Our dedicated team is here to help you achieve a healthy smile, and we proudly offer low-cost root canal options without compromising quality. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule your appointment