How to take care of your dental crowns

Dental crowns are more than a fix – they are investments in your smile’s future. With proper care, your crown will keep you smiling for years.

Here’s your simple guide to help care for a new dental crown.

How long do dental crowns last?

A dental crown can last 5 to 15 years with proper care. Yet, the lifespan of your dental crown depends on many factors.

These include the type of crown, your oral hygiene habits, and your lifestyle.

Ceramic crowns (Porcelain and all-porcelain crowns) are more robust than resin crowns. But metal crowns last the longest.

Taking care of good oral hygiene

Show your crown some love! Good oral hygiene is key to a healthy, radiant smile. Here’s how to care for your crown:

Brush

Twice daily, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Focus on where your crown meets your gums.

Floss daily

Floss daily removes food and plaque. This keeps your crown and natural teeth healthy. Thread the floss around your crown base.

Use a gentle back-and-forth motion, and avoid snapping or forcing the floss, which can damage it or the surrounding gum tissue.

Choose a fluoride toothpaste.

It will strengthen your natural tooth under the crown. A soft-bristled brush (manual or electric) keeps your crown pristine.

Bonus: An alcohol-free mouthwash can freshen your breath and reduce bacteria.

Taking care of dietary

Taking care of your dental crowns healthy also requires watching what you eat.

Many foods are still enjoyable for you. But it’s best to avoid those that might harm your crowns.

This includes hard foods like ice, candy, and popcorn kernels. They could cause chips or fractures.

Avoid chewy bread, chewy candies, and sticky foods. They could dislodge or pull on the crown.

Instead, focus on a balanced diet, including options such as cooked vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and soft bread…

Taking care of lifestyle habits

Protecting your crown during sports

Enjoy sports without worry! A custom mouthguard acts as a cushion for your teeth.

It also protects your crown, preventing damage during active sports moments.

Grinding and clenching

Nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism) can wear down crowns.

Talk to your dentist about a custom night guard to protect your smile while you sleep.

Avoiding bad habits

Don’t use your teeth as tools or bite your nails. This will protect your crowns and keep your smile healthy longer.

Taking professional dental care

Regular checkups and cleanings

It would be best to have routine dental visits for exams and cleanings. This is key to keeping your crowns in good shape.

This is true even if you take good care of them at home.

Our experience has shown that attending the dental every six months is essential.

This lets them check on your crown’s health. They can spot problems early and give you deep cleanings to remove plaque and tartar.

Addressing concerns promptly

Tell your dentist now if you notice any changes in your dental crowns. This could be chipping, cracks, loosening, or more sensitivity or pain.

Early intervention can help save more harm to the dental crown and increase its lifespan.

Ignoring these tooth issues could cause more involved and expensive repairs.

Understanding the dental crown procedure

First Visit

Examination and preparation

We examine the area to ensure it is suitable for a crown. Dentists may take X-rays to check for decay or damage to the root.

Local anesthesia numbs the area and removes any decay.

Tooth shaping

The area is filed down to create space for the crown. The amount of structure removed depends on the crown material used.

Impressions

We take impressions of the prepared area and the surrounding teeth.

These impressions are used to create a model of your teeth and then to fabricate the custom crown.

Temporary crown placement

A temporary crown is placed over the prepared area to protect it while the permanent crown is being made.

Second Visit

Temporary crown removal

The temporary crown is removed. The dentist checks the fit and color of the permanent crown during placement.

The dentist makes the adjustments and then cements or bonds the crown to the prepared area.

Same-day crowns (CEREC)

Some dental offices offer same-day crowns using CEREC technology. This involves taking digital impressions of the prepared area.

The office designs and mills the crown. This allows for a single-visit completion of the entire process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I whiten my dental crown?

Traditional whitening treatments won’t affect the color of your crown.

It’s a good idea to discuss whitening your teeth before getting a ceramic or porcelain crown.

Do this if you’re worried about color matching.

How can I determine if my crown is damaged?

Look for chips, cracks, or a rough texture on your dental crown. Contact your dentist right away if you feel pain or sensitivity.

Also, contact us if you see the crown moving. This will prevent further damage to your dental crown.

Can I get cavities under a dental crown?

The natural tooth structure beneath the crown is still susceptible to tooth decay.

Meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits prevent decay around the dental crown.

Does its insurance cover dental crowns?

Coverage varies by your insurance plan and the reason for the crown.

For example, restorative versus cosmetic. Check with your provider for details about the benefits of your dental crowns.

What’s the difference between a crown and a veneer?

A dental crown covers the whole tooth. A veneer is a thin shell bonded to the front for cosmetic improvement.

Your dentist can recommend the best option based on your specific issues.

Can you repair a crown with a slight chip?

Your dentist can sometimes repair minor chips or cracks in a dental crown.

More severe damage usually needs a new crown. It’s going to restore the tooth’s look and function.

Can I get a dental crown on a front tooth?

Yes, dentists can place crowns on any tooth, including front teeth.

Dentists often use materials like porcelain and ceramic for a natural look. This is so your dental crown looks its best.

Is there an alternative to a dental crown?

Options include fillings, inlays, onlays, or veneers. The choice depends on the extent of the damage and the tooth’s location.

Your dentist can recommend the best option for your specific dental issues.

What signs indicate that I need a root canal before getting a crown?

You may need root canal treatment if you have severe tooth decay, an infection, or damage to the tooth’s pulp.

The pulp is the inner part containing nerves and blood vessels. It’s best to have a root canal before placing a crown to restore the tooth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you may have gotten a new crown or had one for years. The keys to healthy teeth are brushing and flossing. Also, it would be best if you had regular dental check-ups.

This routine ensures your Crowns endure as long as possible. Also, it’s essential to watch what you eat. This can also help protect your investment.

Remember, caring for your crowns now can cut the need for complex and costly procedures later.