Dental Crown Care: Tips to Ensure Your Crown Lasts for Years to Come

Your smile is one of your most powerful assets, and a dental crown can help you maintain it. Dental crowns are custom-made caps that are placed over damaged or decayed teeth, restoring their shape, strength, and functionality. They can also improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth, boosting your confidence and self-esteem. However, getting a dental crown is just the first step; you also need to take good care of it to ensure that it lasts for years to come.

Caring for your dental crown is crucial to its longevity and your oral health. Proper maintenance can prevent damage, decay, and infection, and save you from costly and painful treatments down the road. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and tricks on how to care for your dental crown and keep your smile shining bright.

Types of Crown

There are several types of dental crowns available, including:

• Ceramic crowns: These are made from porcelain or ceramic materials that closely resemble the color and clarity of natural teeth. They are a good choice for front teeth because of their aesthetic appeal.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: They consist of a metal shell with a layer of porcelain fused to the outside. They are solid and durable, making them suitable for front and back teeth.
• Gold alloy crowns: These are made from a combination of gold, copper, and other metals.
• Base metal alloy crowns: These are made from non-noble metals that are resistant to corrosion and strong enough to withstand heavy biting forces.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

To ensure that your dental crown stays in place and remains functional, it’s essential to take proper care of it. Here are some instructions on how to take care of your dental crown:

• Brush and floss regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss at least once daily to remove plaque and food particles that can cause decay and damage to your crown.
• Avoid hard and sticky foods: Avoid eating hard or sticky foods that can damage or dislodge your crown. These include hard candies, nuts, ice, and chewing gum.
• Wear a mouthguard: If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, wear a mouthguard to protect your crown from damage.
• Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups and cleaning will help ensure the health of your teeth and gums, and your dentist can monitor your crown for any signs of damage or wear.
• Avoid biting hard objects: Do not use your teeth to bite or chew on hard objects such as pens, pencils, or bottle caps. Doing so can damage your crown.
• Don’t neglect oral hygiene: Ensure good oral hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.
• Address any problems promptly: If you experience any pain or discomfort around your crown or notice any chips or cracks in the crown, contact your dentist immediately.

What to do and not do if your crown has come out?

Have you ever experienced the shock of feeling your dental crown come out while having your favorite food? It’s a common problem many people face, and it can be painful and embarrassing. Your dentist will be able to advise you on what to do next and schedule an appointment for you to come in and have the crown replaced.

In the meantime, here are some things you should do and avoid:

Do’s:

• Retrieve the crown: If it falls out, try to retrieve it if possible. Make sure to handle it carefully and avoid touching the inside of the crown, which has been fitted to your tooth.
• Examine the tooth: After retrieving the crown, examine the tooth to ensure it is intact and has no damage. If the tooth is damaged, contact your dentist immediately.
• Clean the crown: If it is dirty or has debris, clean it carefully with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water. Make sure not to use any harsh chemicals or cleaners.
• Keep the area clean: While waiting for your appointment, keep the site clean and avoid eating hard, sticky, or crunchy foods. Maintaining proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly is also crucial.
• Visit your dentist: During your appointment, your dentist will examine the tooth and crown to ensure it fits correctly and is not damaged. If necessary, your dentist may need to replace the crown.
• If the tooth is sensitive or painful, you can take over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen, as directed on the label.

Don’ts:

• Don’t try to reattach the crown yourself using glue or other materials, as this can damage the crown or harm your tooth.
• Avoid eating hard or sticky foods that could dislodge the crown or damage the tooth underneath.
• Don’t neglect to see your dentist promptly, as delaying treatment could lead to further problems.

Remember, a lost crown should be treated as a dental emergency, so don’t hesitate to seek professional help immediately.