A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Flossing with a crown is not only possible but is often a more important part of oral hygiene than with natural teeth alone. Proper maintenance is needed to ensure the longevity of the crown. Consistent flossing prevents issues that could compromise the crown and the underlying tooth structure.
The Necessity of Flossing Permanent Crowns
Flossing is necessary for maintaining a permanent crown due to the crown margin. This margin is the fine line where the edge of the restoration meets the natural tooth structure, typically near the gum line. Even a perfectly fitted crown has this microscopic interface, which is vulnerable to plaque accumulation.
The crown margin is the most common site for secondary decay (recurrent caries) on the underlying tooth. If plaque and bacteria are left to thrive in this area, the decay can progress beneath the crown, ultimately leading to crown failure. To clean this space, gently slide the floss down between the teeth, avoiding a snapping motion that can injure the gums.
Once the floss is at the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape, hugging the side of the crown. Slide it gently into the sulcus, the pocket just beneath the gum, and move it up and down the side of the crown to remove debris and plaque. When removing the floss, pull it out from between the teeth rather than snapping it back up. A correctly cemented permanent crown is highly unlikely to be dislodged by proper flossing.
Specialized Tools for Complex Dental Restorations
Standard string floss may not be sufficient or safe for all dental restorations, requiring specialized tools and techniques.
Temporary Crowns
For temporary crowns, avoid pulling the floss back up, as the temporary cement is designed to be easily removable. Instead, thread the floss through and pull it out laterally from between the teeth, near the gum line.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges replace missing teeth, presenting a unique challenge because the false tooth (pontic) rests directly over the gum line. Floss threaders, which are stiff nylon pieces with a loop, carry regular floss underneath the pontic for cleaning. Specialized products like Superfloss also have a stiff end for threading and a spongy section that cleans the space beneath the bridge.
Dental Implants
Specialized cleaning tools are important for maintaining gum health around dental implants. Water flossers use a pressurized stream of water to flush out plaque from hard-to-reach areas. Interdental brushes, which resemble tiny pipe cleaners, can also be used to clean the surfaces between the implant and adjacent teeth, or around the implant post.
Recognizing Problems When Flossing Around Crowns
Certain signs while flossing indicate an underlying issue with your crown or flossing technique that requires professional attention. If your floss consistently frays, shreds, or snags on the crown edge, it may signal a rough or defective crown margin. This rough edge traps plaque and bacteria, making the area impossible to clean effectively.
Persistent bleeding or pain when flossing around a crown may suggest gingivitis or gum inflammation, requiring professional treatment. If the restoration suddenly feels unstable or loose after flossing, the cement may have dissolved or decay may have formed underneath. Any noticeable change in the fit, feel, or integrity of the crown warrants an immediate dental examination to prevent further complications.