How to Care for Your Dental Crown
Dental crowns are a standard treatment to protect damaged teeth and restore winning smiles. It’s estimated that millions of people in America have at least one dental crown. Dental crown treatments are popular for many reasons. They are less invasive than extractions and can help you avoid dental anxiety. Knowing how to care for your crowns properly is essential to prevent complications. Learn more about how to take care of your dental crowns below.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a specialized cap that fits over your tooth to restore its appearance and function. It is shaped and bonded to the tooth, giving your mouth a natural look while preserving as much of the tooth and its root as possible. Dental crowns may also cover dental implants and root canals.
This type of treatment may be used for a single tooth or multiple teeth, adjacent or not. Some of the goals of receiving a crown may include:
- Covering discolorations and stains
- Keeping a dental bridge fixed in place
- Offering protection for a cracked tooth
- Protecting a dental implant or root canal treatment
- Providing strength to a weakened tooth
Dental crowns may be made from metal, resin, or porcelain. They are attached over the tooth using a special cement, which prevents sliding. Meanwhile, it is commonplace to have a temporary crown fitted for 2-3 weeks while a permanent crown is created in a lab.
With proper care, the best-quality dental crowns can last up to 15 years before needing replacement.
Post-Placement Care
After receiving a dental crown, it’s crucial to have a strategy for both long- and short-term care.
Temporary pain and sensitivity may last up to two weeks. Over-the-counter pain relief can help manage your discomfort, but it is important to remember that healing takes time. Be patient with the recovery process.
Long-term care mainly includes practicing good oral hygiene and getting regular dental cleanings. In other words, you need to treat the dental crown with the same level of attention as your natural teeth. This precaution can prevent future damage and discomfort while protecting the crown for long-term results.
Dietary Recommendations
Dietary habits are key to protecting dental crowns. Do your best to adhere to the restrictions throughout all stages, including the temporary dental crown phase.
Our dentists here in Blackfoot, Idaho, will provide guidance and answer any questions about potential food choices. Listening to your dentist can help you avoid any setbacks certain foods may cause. Foods to avoid may include:
- Chewing gum that could stick to the crown
- Dried and hard fruits or raisins
- Fizzy drinks that cause crown erosion
- Hard candies that could break the dental crown
- Ice
- Popcorn kernels
- Sticky candies
A diet that protects your dental crown will simultaneously support your natural teeth. It can help prevent cavities, discoloration, and other issues that may require you to receive dental treatment later on.
Handling Potential Issues
Even with the proper post-placement care, you may experience some issues with your dental crown. Some of the challenges you may face include:
- Bad breath and taste stemming from the treated tooth
- Canker sores and ulcers caused by sharp edges
- Dislodgment or movement of the crown
- Pain to your tongue or gums due to sharp edges
- Sensitivity and toothaches
- Visible chips in the crown
If you encounter problems, seek professional intervention as soon as possible. Emergency treatment options may include fitting a new temporary crown before a replacement is made or repositioning a dislodged crown.
Additional Tips for Caring for Your Dental Crowns
Dental crowns may be designed to protect damaged teeth, but they still do not match the strength of a natural tooth. After all, tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. Therefore, you must follow daily care.
Some of the steps to ensure that your dental crown is suitably protected at all times include, but are not limited to:
- Implementing better oral hygiene, especially at night, to prevent bacteria from attacking the crown
- Opting for dental sticks or other interdental cleaners to gain a more thorough clean around the crown
- Quitting bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking, which will also enhance your overall health
- Wearing a mouth guard to prevent potential physical trauma when playing sports or completing similar activities
- Avoiding nail biting and teeth grinding, which could chip the crown and leave you needing repairs
These tips should prevent discoloration, chips, and other costly damage that could compromise the appearance or function of the dental crown. Moreover, it can help prevent damage to the adjacent teeth.
Dental Crown Treatment Near You
Dental crowns offer a fantastic way to restore your appearance and confidence when a damaged or discolored tooth compromises your smile. However, knowing how to care for your dental crown is vital if you want the results to last. Implementing simple habits into your routine can greatly impact your long-term oral health.
Contact Grove City Dental today to learn more about dental crown treatments and aftercare in Blackfoot, Idaho.