Crowns don’t decay and implants don’t decay. But the tissue underneath and around them is alive, and neglected tissue causes problems. The good news: the routine required is not complicated.
Interdental cleaning matters more than brushing
Problems with crowns and implants almost always start between the teeth and at the gum margin, exactly where a brush cannot reach. Use an interdental brush or floss once a day, ideally in the evening.
- Interdental brush: more effective than floss around implants; ask your dentist for the right size
- Water flosser: the most practical way to clean under bridges and All-on-4 frameworks
- Soft-bristled brush: hard bristles recede the gum and expose the crown margin
- Non-abrasive paste: “whitening” pastes gradually dull the porcelain surface
A night guard is not optional
If you grind your teeth, the fracture risk for porcelain restorations rises sharply. A night guard is the cheapest insurance available on a several-thousand-euro investment. We recommend one to every guest with bruxism after veneer work.
Professional cleaning every six months
The area around an implant must be cleaned with instruments that won’t scratch the surface, not standard ultrasonic tips. That makes it worth having check-ups at a clinic experienced with implants. If you live abroad, ask your dentist for a treatment summary you can hand to a local colleague.
This content is for general information and does not replace an in-person examination. Treatment decisions should only follow a clinical assessment.
Edited by
Papatya Dental
This article draws on the clinical experience of the Papatya Dental team and is reviewed for accuracy before publication.
- Last updated:
- 2026-05-22
- Editorial contact:
- smile@papatyadental.com
