Dental crowns are a great treatment to fix badly damaged teeth. They can help your teeth work and look better, too. With proper care, a dental crown can last for many years to give you a healthy bite and beautiful teeth. Learning how to take care of your crown after treatment in our Lansdale, PA, office can help it last longer and keep working well.
Immediate Care After Crown Placement
After you get a new dental crown, you need to follow care instructions so it sets and works properly. Avoid eating hard, sticky, or chewy foods for at least 24 hours. You need time for the dental cement to set properly and secure the crown in place. Also avoid foods like caramels, nuts, and popcorn because they can dislodge or damage the crown during this period.
You may feel some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after crown placement. This sensitivity should decrease over time. To manage discomfort, use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. If you feel tooth sensitivity beyond a few days, contact our dentist for further evaluation.
Daily Care Routine
You need to maintain a consistent daily oral hygiene routine so your dental crown lasts. Brush your teeth at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush. A soft brush helps prevent damage to the crown’s surface and the surrounding gum tissue. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the enamel of your natural teeth and provide another layer of protection against decay.
Floss with care to avoid dislodging the crown. Use a gentle sawing motion to clean between your teeth. Consider using a water flosser, which can be more effective at cleaning around the crown and reaching areas that traditional floss may miss. Regular flossing helps remove plaque and food particles that can lead to decay and gum disease.
Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups help maintain your dental crown and overall oral health. Schedule visits to your dentist every six months, or as recommended. During these visits, your dentist will examine your crown for any signs of wear, damage, or decay. Early detection of potential issues could prevent more serious problems and extend the life of your crown.
Professional dental cleanings during these checkups are also important. They remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing may not eliminate. This helps protect both your crown and natural teeth from decay and gum disease. Our dentist can also provide personalized advice to help you maintain your crown based on your specific oral health needs.
Dietary Considerations
Your diet plays a large role in the health and longevity of your dental crown. We recommend that you avoid hard foods such as ice, hard candies, and nuts at first because these can crack or damage the crown. Sticky foods, like caramel and chewing gum, can pull the crown off its base. You should eat these foods sparingly or avoid them altogether.
Also limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages. Sugar contributes to tooth decay, which can affect the teeth surrounding the crown and lead to complications. Opt for water instead of sugary drinks. Rinse your mouth with water after meals to help wash away food particles and reduce the risk of decay.
Addressing Potential Problems
If you notice your crown feels loose or unstable, contact our office immediately. A loose crown can lead to further damage or even fall off. We can assess the situation and determine the best course of action, whether it involves re-cementing the crown or replacing it.
Cracks or chips in the crown also need immediate attention. Minor damage can often be repaired, but you may need a replacement crown if you have severe damage. Ignoring such issues can lead to discomfort and can damage the underlying tooth.
Pay close attention to any discomfort or pain around the crowned tooth. Pain could indicate an underlying issue, such as decay or an ill-fitting crown. Prompt attention to these symptoms can prevent more serious complications and ensure the longevity of your crown.
Get a Strong Dental Crown Today
Do you have a worn, weakened, or broken tooth? Call us for dental crown treatment in Lansdale, PA. We welcome you to schedule a consultation and see if this treatment could be right for you.