Instruments Used for Cleaning Around Porcelain Crowns

Hand Tools

• Dentists and hygienists use a variety of different hand tools to gently scrape away plaque and tartar. Curettes, which are designed to move around teeth and crowns alike, assist in removing tartar buildup, as do universal scrapers. Dentists and hygienists have a wide range of tools to gently get between your crown and the teeth without leaving scratches behind.

Electrical Devices

• Your dental hygienist will use something called an ultrasonic scaler during a routine cleaning. This device uses vibrations and water to remove residual plaque and tartar. When the crown and surrounding teeth are clean, a slow speed polisher is used to finish smoothing out the teeth and make them shine.

Toothbrush

• Outside of your dentist’s office, taking care of your porcelain crown is no different than caring for the rest of your teeth. Brush them twice daily with a soft- to medium-bristled brush. This helps keep the surface clean by removing plaque before it has an opportunity to harden.

Dental Floss

• Though brushing around your crown helps to eliminate debris from the surface, toothbrushes aren’t all that effective at getting between the teeth. Flossing at least once daily is a key part of caring for your porcelain crown. If you find that it’s a tight fit between your teeth and your crown, opt for a floss that is flat rather than round to reach into the small space more comfortably.