How to Care for Your Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, sometimes called caps, are tooth-shaped restorations covering a damaged, weakened, or severely discolored tooth. The Grand Family Dental team is committed to providing exceptional dental care, and this blog post will explain everything you need to know about caring for your dental crowns, ensuring their longevity and optimal function.

What are Dental Crowns?

Stop searching for Dental Crowns near me! First, let’s understand what dental crowns are. Dental crowns are custom-made caps typically made from porcelain or metal alloys. They are permanently cemented onto the remaining tooth structure, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance.

Why Are Dental Crowns Used?

Dental crowns offer a multifaceted solution for various dental concerns, including:

• Severely decayed or fractured teeth: When If a tooth is badly broken or decayed, a crown can cover it and stop further damage from happening.
• Weak teeth: A crown provides added reinforcement and stability if a tooth is weakened due to extensive fillings or root canal treatment.
• Cosmetically compromised teeth: Crowns can improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or chipped teeth, restoring a natural and aesthetically pleasing smile.
• Supporting Dental Implants: In some implant procedures, a dental crown is placed on top to create a functional and natural-looking tooth replacement.

Daily Oral Hygiene for Dental Crowns

Taking good care of your mouth every day is vital for both your natural teeth and your dental crowns. Here are some key practices to follow:

• Brushing Techniques for Crowns: Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth two times a day. Use gentle side-to-side strokes to clean the gum line around the crown and surrounding teeth.
• The Importance of Flossing: Don’t forget to floss daily! It diminishe plaque and food particles that can build up between your teeth and under the crown’s gumline.
• You can use floss threaders or interdental brushes specifically designed for cleaning around dental restorations.
• Using Mouthwash: Consider using an antibacterial mouthwash as part of your routine to rinse away dislodged plaque and freshen your breath. Opt for an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid irritating your gums.

Diet and Lifestyle Tips

Certain habits can affect the longevity and integrity of your dental crowns. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Foods to Avoid: Steer clear of hard, chewy, or sticky foods like nuts, hard candy, or chewy candies. Chewing on very hard, chewy, or sticky foods can put too much stress on your crown, increasing the chance of it cracking or breaking.
• Best Practices for Eating and Chewing: Avoid using your crowned tooth to bite into complex objects like ice cubes or fingernails. When chewing, try to distribute the chewing forces evenly throughout your mouth.
• Avoiding Harmful Habits: If you grind or clench your teeth at night, discuss getting a protective nightguard with your dentist. This can help prevent damage to both your crowns and natural teeth.

Routine Dental Visits

Follow-up regular dental checkups and cleanings is key to keeping your mouth healthy and your dental crowns lasting longer

• Importance of Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings with The Grand Family Dental team, typically every six months. These appointments help your dentist to examine your crowns for any indications of wear, damage, or loose fitting and address any concerns promptly.
• What to Expect During a Crown Examination: During your checkup, our dentist in Pflugerville, TX, will visually inspect your crowns and check for any signs of chipping, cracking, or loose fitting. They might also use X-rays to assess the underlying tooth’s and surrounding bone’s health.
• Professional Cleanings: Professional cleanings pull off plaque and tartar that your daily and frequent brushing and flossing might leave behind. This helps prevent gum disease and decay around the crowned tooth.

Dealing with Common Issues and Repairs

While dental crowns are durable, specific issues can arise over time. Here’s what to know:

• Signs of Crown Problems: Be mindful of any sensitivity or pain around the crowned tooth, difficulty chewing, or a loose-feeling crown. These could indicate problems like chipped crowns, loose fitting, or underlying decay.
• What to Do if Your Crown Becomes Loose or Falls Out: If your crown feels loose or comes out, contact The Grand Family Dental team immediately. Try to save the crown and bring it with you to your appointment. In the meantime, avoid using the crowned tooth and cover the exposed area with gauze to protect your tongue and cheek.
• Repair and Replacement Options: If your crown has a chip or crack, your dentist will assess the damage and see if it can be fixed. In some cases, a complete crown replacement might be necessary. They will discuss the best course of action based on your specific situation.

Long-term Maintenance and Care

Sticking to these daily habits and regular dental care will go a long way in keeping your dental crowns strong and functional for years to come. Here are some additional points to consider for long-term care:

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains gives your body the building blocks it needs for healthy teeth and gums.
• Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools: Skip using your teeth as tools! Opening bottles, packages, or cracking nuts can strain your crowns and natural teeth, risking breakage.
• Break Bad Habits: If you smoke or use tobacco products, quitting is essential for your overall health and well-being. Smoking can stain your crowns and contribute to gum disease.
• Manage Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like diabetes can affect oral health. Be sure to manage any chronic health conditions under your doctor’s supervision, as this can indirectly contribute to the health of your teeth and crowns.

Conclusion

At the Grand Family Dental, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy smile. Our experienced dentists near you and hygienists are dedicated to providing exceptional dental care, including comprehensive crown placement and aftercare. To address any inquiries or apprehensions about your dental crowns or to explore the possibility of restorative dentistry procedures, contact us today!