Crown Care 101: How to Clean Regular vs. Implant Crowns

Dental crowns are an important investment in your oral health, helping restore function, appearance, and durability to damaged or missing teeth. Whether you have a traditional dental crown on a natural tooth or an implant crown on a dental implant, proper cleaning is essential for keeping them in great shape for years to come. While both types of crowns share the same end goal—replacing or protecting a tooth—the way they’re attached and what’s underneath them are very different.

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This difference also affects how you should care for them at home.

In this guide, we’ll break down what sets a regular crown apart from an implant crown, how each should be cleaned, and how to protect your investment from avoidable problems like decay, gum disease, or implant failure.

Regular Crowns vs. Implant Crowns: The Basics

Before we get into cleaning techniques, it’s important to understand the differences between the two main types of crowns.

Regular Crown (Tooth-Supported Crown)

A regular crown—sometimes called a “cap”—is placed over a natural tooth that has been shaped down to make room for it. This tooth is still alive, with natural roots and nerves beneath the surface. Regular crowns are often used to:

• Reinforce a weak tooth after a root canal
• Restore a tooth with a large filling or fracture
• Improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth

Because there’s still natural tooth structure under a regular crown, you need to be vigilant about preventing decay at the edges (known as the margins). Plaque can build up at the gum line, leading to cavities or gum inflammation.

Implant Crown (Implant-Supported Crown)

An implant crown is placed over a dental implant, which is a small titanium screw surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. The crown is attached via an abutment that connects it to the implant. This setup is incredibly durable and can last decades with proper care.

Unlike a natural tooth, an implant crown doesn’t have a live root or nerve, so cavities aren’t a concern. However, gum health is critical—bacteria around the implant can lead to peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease, which can cause bone loss and implant failure.

Why Cleaning Matters for Both

Whether your crown is supported by a natural tooth or an implant, oral hygiene is non-negotiable. Plaque buildup can lead to:

• Decay (for regular crowns)
• Gum disease
• Bad breath
• Staining
• Implant failure (for implant crowns)

Neglecting daily cleaning habits can shorten the lifespan of your crown and compromise your overall oral health. Considering the financial investment crowns require, spending a few extra minutes each day on proper cleaning is worth it.

How to Clean Regular Crowns

Caring for a regular crown is similar to caring for a natural tooth, but with special attention to the margins where the crown meets your gum.

1. Brush Twice Daily with Proper Technique

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the crown surface or irritating your gums.
• Angle the bristles toward the gum line at about 45 degrees to sweep away plaque.
• Brush gently but thoroughly for at least two minutes.

2. Floss at Least Once a Day

• Slide the floss between the teeth and gently curve it around the crown.
• Avoid snapping floss up and down—this can damage the gum or crown edges.
• If floss feels tight or tends to shred, consider waxed floss for smoother movement.

Pro Tip: If floss gets stuck, pull it out from the side rather than upward to avoid loosening the crown.

3. Consider a Water Flosser

For those who struggle with traditional floss, a water flosser can be an excellent tool for cleaning around the crown margins and under the gum line.

4. Skip Floss Picks

Floss picks don’t contour well around crowns and may not remove plaque as effectively. They can also become stuck and difficult to remove if wedged near the margins.

5. Keep Up with Professional Cleanings

Regular check-ups (at least twice a year) allow your dentist to check for decay around the crown and ensure it’s still fitting well.

How to Clean Implant Crowns

Cleaning an implant crown shares many similarities with caring for a regular crown, but with one key difference—your goal is to protect the gum and bone supporting the implant.

1. Follow Your Dentist’s Specific Instructions

Every implant case is unique. Your dentist or oral surgeon may have customized cleaning recommendations based on the position of the implant, the shape of your gums, and how your teeth fit together.

2. Brush Twice a Day, Focusing on the Gum Line

• Use a soft-bristled brush or an electric toothbrush.
• Pay close attention to where the crown meets your gum tissue.
• Don’t forget to brush the inside surfaces of the implant crown as well.

3. Floss Carefully Around the Implant

• Use implant-safe floss (often unwaxed or special super floss with a tufted section).
• Wrap the floss in a C-shape around the implant and slide it up and down along the gum line.
• If there’s a larger space between the implant and adjacent tooth, consider an interdental brush.

4. Use Interdental Brushes or Tufted Floss for Wide Gaps

These tools can reach areas where regular floss can’t, especially if your implant crown has more open contact points.

5. Try a Water Flosser for Deep Cleaning

A water flosser can help flush out bacteria from the sulcus (the small pocket between your gum and implant). Aim the stream along the gum line and gently trace the edges of the implant crown.

6. Schedule Regular Dental Visits

Professional cleanings are crucial for implant health. Your dentist will use special tools to avoid scratching the implant surface while removing plaque and tartar.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Any Crown

Regardless of whether you have a regular crown or an implant crown, some habits can shorten their lifespan or compromise your oral health:

• Skipping flossing: Brushing alone misses the spaces between teeth where plaque thrives.
• Using abrasive toothpaste: Highly abrasive formulas can scratch crowns, making them more prone to staining.
• Chewing hard objects: Ice, pens, and hard candies can crack or loosen crowns.
• Ignoring discomfort: Pain, swelling, or looseness around a crown should be evaluated by a dentist immediately.
• Avoiding cleaning out of fear: Some people avoid flossing around crowns to “protect” them, but this actually increases the risk of problems.

Crown Care for the Long Haul

Crowns, whether regular or implant-supported, are designed to be long-lasting solutions—but their longevity depends heavily on your home care habits. By brushing and flossing daily, using the right tools, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can help ensure your crown stays functional and attractive for many years.

Quick Recap:

• Regular crowns: Focus on cavity prevention around the margins.
• Implant crowns: Focus on preventing gum disease and protecting the supporting bone.
• Use a soft brush, floss daily, and consider water flossers or interdental tools for harder-to-reach spots.
• Always follow personalized advice from your dental professional.

Closing Thoughts

A dental crown is more than just a cosmetic fix—it’s a functional part of your smile that needs consistent care. Understanding the differences between a regular crown and an implant crown will help you tailor your cleaning routine to keep your mouth healthy. With daily attention, the right tools, and professional guidance, you can safeguard your investment, maintain your oral health, and keep your smile looking its best.