Crown
The dentist prepares the tooth, takes an impression or a scan, and then fixes the finished crown in place. It restores the tooth's shape and protects it from above.
Approaches
Approaches
Living with a denture or implant is a shared effort between dentist and patient. The dentist decides which restoration to use, makes and fits it, and then keeps an eye on it. Your part is daily care and noticing changes. Below we describe both sides in plain words, without comparing options or advising what to choose.
A well-made restoration and good care at home are two halves of one result. Neither can do the job on its own.
How this section works: we describe the kinds of restorations there are and the actions usually involved in caring for them. We do not rank methods by quality or advise which one suits you: those decisions are made by a dentist after an examination.
What your dentist does
Below are general descriptions of restorations you may come across. Only your dentist can decide which one is needed in your case.
Bridge
A fixed restoration that fills the gap left by a missing tooth and rests on the neighbouring teeth or on implants.
Inlay
A small piece made from an impression that restores part of a tooth. It usually comes up when not all of the visible part of the tooth is damaged.
Removable denture
A restoration the wearer takes out and puts back in themselves. There are different types, and choosing the type and adjusting the fit remain the dentist's job.
Implant
A support placed in the bone in place of a tooth root. Whether this route suits you is discussed with your dentist after an examination.
What you do
Much of how well a restoration lasts depends on what happens at home: regular cleaning, paying attention and being ready to tell your dentist about changes in good time.
Daily cleaning
Teeth, crowns and bridges are cleaned twice a day, and a removable denture every day. The full routine is in the care section.
Interdental cleaning
Floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser are used as your dentist recommends: they will tell you what suits your gaps and restorations.
Keeping an eye on yourself
Notice rubbing, bleeding, looseness or a change in how the denture fits. Short notes will help you describe these things more accurately at your appointment.
Regular visits
Routine check-ups are scheduled by your dentist. Even when you feel fine, they make it possible to spot changes around a restoration in good time.
Signs worth mentioning at your next visit
- Your denture doesn't stay in as well, or its fit has changed
- Plaque keeps building up under the bridge or at the edge of a crown
- An unpleasant taste or smell that doesn't go away after cleaning
- The gum around an implant looks different from before
- Chewing on one side has become harder
- You're not sure you are caring for your restoration correctly
Related sections
- Care
Step-by-step daily care for dentures and implants: cleaning, storage and checking yourself in the mirror.
- Ask your dentist
Questions for your dentist before treatment, after a restoration is fitted and about everyday care.
- Topics
Topics by group: fixed restorations, removable dentures, implants, gums and natural teeth. The article catalogue is here too.
- Research
How to read adverts for 'lifelong' implants and 'invisible' dentures, reviews and bold promises.
What we rely on
- Advice from your dentist and the instructions for your specific restoration
- WHO materials on oral health (general principles)
This page brings together generally accepted information about caring for dental restorations as it stood when the page was prepared. Details are refined over time, and how to care for your own denture or implant is decided by the dentist who fitted it or who looks after it.