The Seoul
Dental Clinic더서울치과English-Speaking Dentist in Korea for Expats & International Patients

Dr. Hyeonjoon Park and Dr. Hyun Sung Park discuss what patients often do not hear before implant treatment. They explain that when several implants sit side by side, the crowns are sometimes joined (splinted) to share chewing forces, so regular floss may not pass between them and this alone does not mean the treatment went wrong. They note that implants restore chewing function but are not identical to natural teeth, so food trapping or a different chewing sensation can occur. Finally, they stress that care starts after placement: an implant's lifespan depends on hygiene and regular check-ups, and recurring discomfort, pain, swelling or looseness should be checked at the clinic.

• Joined (splinted) implant crowns spread sideways forces but need different cleaning methods than regular floss
• Implants restore chewing function but are not the same as natural teeth; food trapping can occur
• Lifespan depends on home care and check-ups, generally about every six months, more often if gums are weak

The two dentists explain why a full crown requires trimming the tooth all the way around, including healthy structure, which brings the preparation closer to the nerve and can raise the chance of later root canal treatment. They describe how improved bonding adhesives now allow partial restorations such as inlays, onlays and overlays that cover only the damaged area. They add that a root-canal-treated tooth does not always need a crown if enough tooth remains, and that with digital CAD/CAM milling an overlay can sometimes be made and bonded on the same day. Crowns are still needed when a tooth is cracked, when decay is extensive, or in some patients with very strong bite forces or heavy grinding.

• A crown removes tooth structure all around; an overlay or onlay covers only the damaged part
• Root-canal-treated teeth can sometimes be sealed and reinforced with an overlay instead of a crown
• Cracked teeth, extensive decay or very strong bite forces usually call for a crown

The dentists explain that food suddenly starting to catch between teeth usually signals a change: loosening teeth from gum disease, a chipped or decayed contact point, or receding gums that open triangular gaps near the gumline. They describe why food can begin catching next to an implant over time, since natural teeth tend to drift forward while an implant stays fixed, and how a crown attached with a screw-access opening can be removed and reshaped to close the gap. Their suggested approach is prompt cleaning with interdental brushes, floss or a water flosser, dental treatment for broken or decayed areas, and ongoing gum care when periodontal disease is the cause. They advise against wooden or starch toothpicks, which can injure the gums, wear the teeth and widen the gaps.

• New food trapping often points to loose teeth, a broken contact, decay or gum recession
• Natural teeth drift over time while implants stay put, which can open a gap next to an implant
• Use interdental brushes, floss or a water flosser instead of wooden toothpicks