Caring for Your Dental Implant Crown: Tips for Long-Term Success

Dental implant crowns need to be cared for as if they were natural teeth to preserve their lifespan. Depending on use and care, sometimes issues can arise with a dental implant that can lead to several complications, ranging from gum disease and implant failure to damaging the fitting crown. Here are a few helpful tips to ensure there are no issues with your dental implant crown and preserve it for the future. 

Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

The first step to caring for an implant crown is good oral hygiene. Thoroughly cleaning your mouth using a soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste every day is necessary to minimise the buildup of plaque and food particles around your implant. Keep in mind that if you are finding it difficult to an easy way to get to your implant, you may want to consider using non-abrasive toothpaste to help minimise scratching the crown surface. Good flossing habits also need to be accepted with equal importance, particularly around the gums, where plaque could lead to inflammation or infection. 

Avoid Hard Foods and Bad Habits

Dental implant crowns are durable but not ultimately strong. Normal biting and chewing on hard items such as ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy can break or crack an implant crown. Nail-biting and using your teeth as tools can increase pressure on the crown and implant, as can clenching and grinding. If you grind your teeth at night, consider a custom nightguard to protect the restoration from undue stress and wear.

Regular Dental Visits Are a Must

Although you can provide good care at home, you still need to see your dentist for routine dental care. Schedule to see your dentist at least twice a year for a dental cleaning and an oral exam. Your dentist will evaluate the health of your gums, the stability of your implant, and conditions of your crown that would show failed or failing wear, such as fractures or loss of material. 

With your continued commitment to care, you can expect to enjoy the benefits of your dental implants for a lifetime.

By implementing great home care, not using your teeth limitlessly, and seeing your dentist regularly, you can have a functional, attractive dental implant crown in Dallas, Texas, and smile for years to come.