Taking Care of Your Dental Crowns for Long-Lasting Success
Dental crowns are a widely used and effective solution for addressing various dental issues, offering strength, protection, and aesthetic enhancement to damaged or compromised teeth. However, ensuring the long-term success of your treatment requires diligent aftercare.
Discover the essential steps you need to follow to maintain the longevity and optimal performance of your dental crown with the guidance of our dentists at our Tacoma, WA, dental office. Contact us at (253) 761-5422 for more information about our dental crown procedure.
Why Taking Care of Your Dental Crown Matters
Proper care of your dental crown ensures a durable and attractive smile. Key considerations include:
- Healing and Recovery: After your dental crown is placed, it’s important to allow the gums and surrounding tissues time to heal. Adhering to the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist can aid in proper healing, ease discomfort, and minimize the risk of complications.
- Oral Hygiene Maintenance: Practicing good oral hygiene is vital for the health of your natural teeth and the durability of a dental crown. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily, focusing on the area where the crown meets the gum line. This helps prevent plaque buildup and lowers the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
- Regular Dental Checkups: It’s essential to schedule and attend regular dental checkups and cleanings as recommended by your dentist. These appointments allow your dentist to assess the condition of your dental crown, identify any potential issues early, and provide necessary treatment if required.
- Longevity of Crowns: With appropriate aftercare, dental crowns can last many years, even up to a decade or more. By following the suggested aftercare practices and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can extend the lifespan of your dental crown and avoid premature replacement.
How to Care for Your Dental Crown
The Basics
Caring for your dental crown resembles maintaining your natural teeth but with a few extra precautions. By adhering to these essential aftercare practices, you can greatly extend the lifespan and functionality of your dental restoration:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to floss daily and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to eliminate plaque and food particles surrounding the dental crowns.
- Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: While dental crowns are durable, they can still be vulnerable to damage. Steer clear of biting on hard objects like ice, pens, or nuts, and avoid sticky candies that might tug at the crowns.
- Minimize Consumption of Staining Substances: Although dental crowns resist staining, the discoloration can still develop over time. To preserve the natural brightness of your dental crowns, limit your intake of coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco.
Oral Hygiene Practices
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for preserving the health and appearance of your dental crowns. Here are some aftercare tips related to oral health and hygiene practices for dental crowns:
- Brushing Techniques: Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean your dental crowns. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and use small circular motions to cover all surfaces of the crowns. Pay special attention to the gum line to prevent gum disease.
- Flossing: Flossing is vital for removing plaque and food particles from the spaces between your teeth and dental crowns. Utilize a floss threader or a water flosser to effectively clean the areas surrounding the crown.
- Using Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash after brushing and flossing. This helps eliminate bacteria and prevent plaque buildup, reducing the risk of gum disease and decay around the dental crowns.
Lifestyle Considerations
Certain lifestyle habits can affect the durability and effectiveness of your dental crown. Consider these tips:
- Avoid Teeth Grinding and Clenching: Bruxism, or the habit of grinding your teeth, can put undue stress on dental crowns, potentially causing them to crack or become dislodged. If you tend to grind or clench your teeth, talk to your dentist about using a night guard to safeguard your crowns during sleep.
- Protect Dental Crowns During Physical Activities: If you engage in contact sports or activities that could lead to dental injuries, wearing a mouthguard is advisable. A custom-fitted mouthguard offers an additional layer of protection for your dental crown.
- Limit Exposure to Acidic and Sugary Foods: Acidic and sugary foods can wear down the enamel around your dental crown, heightening the risk of decay and damage. Try to reduce your intake of acidic drinks like citrus juices and sodas, as well as sugary snacks and desserts.
Caring for a Temporary Dental Crown
Before receiving your permanent crown, you’ll likely be fitted with a temporary crown. To ensure it remains intact and functional, consider these care tips:
- Steer clear of sticky foods
- Handle hard foods with caution
- Avoid consuming hot foods
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth
- Refrain from direct flossing
- Maintain proper oral hygiene
- Rinse with salt water regularly
- Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth
- Be aware of any looseness
- Watch for swelling or allergic reactions
- Attend your scheduled follow-up appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I brush and floss around dental crowns like natural teeth?
Certainly! You should brush and floss your dental crowns just as you would your natural teeth. It’s crucial to clean the area where the crown meets the gumline to prevent plaque accumulation and gum disease.
What should I do if my dental crown feels loose?
If your dental crown feels loose or seems to be coming off, it’s important to contact your dentist immediately. They will assess the situation and decide on the best course of action, which may include re-cementing the crown or replacing it with a new one, if necessary.
Can dental crowns develop cavities?
Although dental crowns themselves can’t form cavities, the natural tooth and structure beneath the crown remain vulnerable to decay. It’s essential to practice good oral hygiene and attend regular dental check-ups to identify and address any signs of decay promptly.
Follow These Tips for Effective Crown Maintenance
Ensuring the long-term success and durability of your dental crowns hinges on proper aftercare. By adhering to recommended dental care practices and maintaining excellent oral hygiene, you can maximize the lifespan and benefits of your dental crowns.
Contact our Tacoma dental office at (253) 761-5422 to book an appointment with our dentist and discover more about your dental crown treatment options. We proudly serve patients in Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place.
