28
Nov
Wondering How To Best Care For Your New Dental Crown? Here Are Some Easy Tips You Can Follow!
When restoring your smile, a dental crown is an incredibly versatile option that can help protect your tooth from further damage or conceal a number of cosmetic imperfections. If your tooth has been weakened due to extensive decay or other damage, a dental crown will allow you to save and protect that tooth from further harm. Positive Image Dental’s team of doctors not only want to inform you about the benefits of dental crown services but also emphasizes their long-lasting durability and how you can take care of them to ensure they are as durable as they should be. Whether you have one or multiple crowns, here are some simple tips you can follow to ensure your crown endures.
Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods
Your new dental crown is strong and durable but not impervious to damage. Your natural teeth are made from enamel, which, according to the Mohs Hardness Scale, is as hard as steel. If your teeth can chip, crack, or break, so can your dental crown. This is why you should avoid chewing on excessively hard items like ice or hard candies (ex. jawbreakers). Chewing on these hard foods can chip, crack, or break your dental crown.
Chewy and sticky foods can also lead to issues with your crown, so it is best to limit these foods. Another thing to remember is that the porcelain used to make your crown is stain-resistant. This means it cannot be whitened like your natural teeth. So, if you want to have your teeth whitened, make sure to do so before getting a crown so that your crown will match the shade of your teeth.
Maintain Regular Brushing and Flossing
While the crown may be artificial, the tooth underneath still requires oral care to remain healthy. While your crown does extend down to the gum line, covering the entirety of the tooth’s surface, brushing the crown to remove plaque and bacteria will ensure it remains clean and healthy. Flossing is also very important to ensure bacteria and leftover food particles do not get trapped between the crown and your gum or adjacent tooth.
Eliminate Bad Habits
Do you habitually bite your fingernails? Without even thinking about it, do you chew on hard objects like the tip of a pen or pencil, ice, and other hard objects that easily fit into your mouth? When you get stressed, do you grind your teeth? If you do these things, you need to make an effort to stop. These habits can result in your crown breaking. It can also result in your breaking your other teeth as well. With pencils, they could splinter, and tiny pieces of wood could lodge into your gums.
As you can see, these habits may not seem like a big deal, but they can result in actual damage. If you haven’t attempted to break these habits, now is the ideal time to do so. Your teeth and gums will be the beneficiary of this decision, and you will be protecting the investment of your new crown, too.
What are some tips for maintaining the longevity of dental crowns?
Dental crowns are one of the most versatile solutions for strengthening and beautifying teeth damaged by decay or wear. Crowns can protect weakened teeth and enhance your smile, restoring both function and appearance. However, while crowns are durable, they still need proper care to ensure they last for many years.
Which foods should I avoid with a dental crown?
Although dental crowns are designed to be strong, they are not immune to damage. Avoid chewing on hard items like ice, hard candies, and unpopped popcorn kernels, as these can chip or crack the crown. Sticky foods, such as caramels or gummy candies, can also be problematic, as they may loosen the crown over time. Additionally, crowns are stain-resistant but cannot be whitened like natural teeth. If you’re considering teeth whitening, it’s best to do so before getting a crown so it matches your newly brightened smile.
How does regular brushing and flossing help maintain a dental crown?
Just because your crown is artificial doesn’t mean it doesn’t need daily care. The tooth beneath the crown is still vulnerable to decay, so brushing and flossing daily is important. Brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria that can accumulate around the crown’s edges, while flossing prevents food particles and bacteria from getting trapped between your crown and the adjacent teeth. A gentle flossing technique will protect the crown and your surrounding gum tissue.
Are there any habits I should avoid to protect my dental crown?
Certain habits can put your crown at risk. Avoid biting your fingernails, chewing on pens or pencils, or using your teeth to open packaging. These actions put extra pressure on your crown, increasing the risk of cracking or loosening it. If you grind your teeth, especially at night, ask your dentist about a nightguard to protect your crown and other teeth from damage caused by grinding.
How long can a dental crown last, and what care is needed to ensure it remains in good condition?
A dental crown can last between 5 to 15 years, depending on factors such as the material used, its location in the mouth, and the patient’s oral hygiene practices. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are crucial to ensure your crown remains in good condition. Consider using a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or participate in contact sports. Following these care tips can help extend your dental crown’s lifespan and support your oral health.
Can dental crowns be replaced, and what is the process like?
Dental crowns can be replaced if they become loose or damaged or if the underlying tooth has developed decay. The process typically involves a consultation with your dentist, who will evaluate the condition of the crown and tooth. If replacement is necessary, the dentist will remove the old crown, treat any underlying problems, and then take impressions to create a new crown. Depending on the situation, a temporary crown may be placed while the permanent one is made. Once ready, the new crown will be fitted and permanently bonded to restore function and appearance.
How can I tell if something is wrong with my dental crown?
If you notice any of the following signs, it may indicate a problem with your dental crown:
- Sensitivity or pain: Sensitivity or pain around the crown or the underlying tooth may suggest decay, infection, or a loose crown.
- Loosening: If you can feel the crown moving or feel less secure, it could indicate that the crown is loosening.
- Visible damage: Look for cracks, chips, or discoloration on the crown. Any noticeable damage should be evaluated by your dentist.
- Gum issues: Swelling, redness, or bleeding around the crown can signify gum disease or issues with the crown’s fit.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your dentist promptly for an evaluation.
These are just a few ways to help your crown remain in great shape as long as it should. For many, dental crowns can last 10-15 years or longer with proper care. If you are ready to learn more about dental crowns, please contact our team at Positive Image Dental by calling (441) 292-2312.
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The Positive Image Dental team comprises three doctors:
Ian Campbell, DMD graduated
from Saltus Grammar School, Mount Allison University, and McGill University Dental School. He has
over 40 years of experience in dentistry and is reputed for providing high-quality dental care in
Bermuda. Dr. Campbell is passionate about lifelong learning and staying abreast of the latest trends
in dentistry.
Christopher Allington, DMD is
an alumnus of the University of Queens, McGill Dental School, and University of Connecticut. He has
been practicing in Bermuda for over 12 years and is a member, past president, and chair of the
Bermuda Dental Association and Bermuda Dental Board. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General
Dentistry and International Congress of Oral Implantology and is registered for fellowship in the
International Association of Orthodontics.
Dr. Lara Loescher BDS, MFDS
RCSEd is a graduate of Bermuda High School and University of Bristol, a member of the Royal
College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and is completing a Masters in Aesthetic and Restorative
dentistry. She has been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry, including Invisalign, for over 13
years and is interested in diabetes management.
Dr. Faraz, BSc, BDS, MA, is
passionate about all aspects of high-quality dentistry, especially endodontics and cosmetic
dentistry. His enthusiasm for cutting-edge technologies and techniques keeps him grounded in
minimally invasive dentistry.
Dr. Faraz earned his doctorate in dentistry from King’s College London in 2011 after earning a bachelor’s degree in Human Sciences. He worked in Oxfordshire for ten years before moving to London to work full-time at his family practice. Dr. Faraz routinely pursues additional training to improve his skill in rebuilding exceptionally natural-looking teeth.
He gains tremendous satisfaction from supporting anxious patients in overcoming their dental phobias via his passion and patience, restoring confidence in their oral health. Dr. Faraz looks forward to serving you with all your needs while ensuring your trust is always in safe hands.