Investing in your smile is one of the most powerful things you can do—not only for your appearance, but for your confidence and oral health. At RGC Dentistry in Surprise, AZ, we help patients achieve beautiful results with restorations like crowns, implants, bridges, and more. But once that work is complete, maintenance is key.

Whether you've had a crown placed to protect a damaged tooth or you've restored your smile with dental implants in Surprise, it's important to understand what it takes to protect that investment for the long haul.

Why Dental Work Needs Maintenance

Many people believe that once dental work is complete, they're set for life. But even the best materials can be compromised without proper care. Just like natural teeth, restorations can chip, loosen, or fail if not supported with good oral hygiene and healthy habits.

Dental implants, for example, are known for their durability—but that durability depends on healthy gums and bone. Similarly, a crown or bridge can fail prematurely if the surrounding teeth or tissue aren’t maintained.

Daily Habits That Help Your Dental Work Last

The most effective way to preserve your dental work starts at home. Your daily oral care routine matters more than you might think. Here’s how to keep your smile looking and functioning its best:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
• Floss at least once a day, making sure to clean around dental implants and under bridges.
• Use an antibacterial rinse if recommended by your dentist.
• Avoid abrasive toothpastes that can wear down porcelain surfaces.

Even if you’ve had a full-mouth restoration or tooth replacements, brushing and flossing is still essential. For patients with bridges or implants, water flossers and interdental brushes can also be helpful tools.

Be Mindful of These Risk Factors

Some habits can reduce the life of your dental work. If you grind your teeth at night or clench during the day, restorations are at risk of cracking or coming loose. At RGC Dentistry, we often recommend custom nightguards for patients who need added protection.

You should also avoid:

• Biting down on hard items like pens, fingernails, or ice
• Opening packages or bottles with your teeth
• Excessive consumption of staining agents like coffee or red wine (especially for veneers or crowns)
• Smoking or using tobacco products, which can increase the risk of implant failure

Don't Skip Your Dental Checkups

Your dentist plays a critical role in keeping your restorations in excellent shape. At RGC Dentistry, we recommend patients with implants, crowns, or other dental work visit us at least twice a year for exams and professional cleanings.

These appointments give us a chance to:

• Check the integrity of your dental work
• Ensure your bite remains properly aligned
• Screen for issues with your gums or jawbone
• Provide deep cleaning around implants and bridgework

If you’re looking for a dentist near Surprise who can help you maintain your smile for life, our experienced team is here to help.

How Long Should Dental Work Last?

Dental restorations can last a long time with proper care. On average:

• Crowns last 10 to 15 years or more
• Bridges last 7 to 10 years
• Dental implants can last several decades or even a lifetime

However, those timelines depend heavily on individual factors like oral hygiene, dietary choices, and overall health.

What to Do If Something Feels Off

Don’t wait until you’re in pain. If you feel a crown is loose, notice bleeding around an implant, or sense something isn’t right, call your dentist right away. Catching problems early can help avoid more extensive and expensive repairs later.

At RGC Dentistry, we’re known as one of the best dental offices in Surprise, AZ for both cosmetic and restorative work. And we’re here to help you protect the smile you’ve worked so hard to achieve.