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Aftercare Tips for a Dental Crown

Dental crowns are a popular and often effective way to restore damaged teeth, offering both functional support and cosmetic enhancement. You may need a crown due to decay, a root canal, or a fractured tooth. Regardless of the reason, proper aftercare is essential to ensure its longevity and maintain your overall oral health. Taking the time to care for your new crown can help improve your bite for years to come.

Taking the time to care for your new dental crown can help improve your smile, bite, and oral health for years to come.

Understanding Your New Crown

Once your crown is placed, it may feel slightly different from your natural teeth at first. It’s common to experience mild discomfort or sensitivity, especially to hot or cold foods and beverages. This sensitivity typically subsides within a few days as your mouth adjusts. However, if discomfort persists or the bite feels off, contact your dentist promptly for an adjustment. Getting the fit just right is important to avoid long-term issues with jaw alignment or uneven wear.

Mindful Eating Habits

In the days immediately following your crown placement, stick to soft foods and avoid anything sticky or hard. Foods like nuts, hard candies, or ice can crack or loosen the crown, particularly if it’s made of porcelain or ceramic. While crowns are designed to be durable, they aren’t invincible. Chewing on hard objects like pens or fingernails should also be avoided to prevent damage. Gradually reintroduce more solid foods as comfort allows, but continue to be cautious with particularly tough or chewy items.

Oral Hygiene is Still Crucial

Even though a crown covers the visible part of a tooth, decay can still develop at the margin where the crown meets the natural tooth structure. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is key. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Pay special attention to the area around the crown, gently cleaning along the gumline to remove any plaque buildup.

Flossing is just as important, though it may require a slightly different technique. Instead of snapping the floss up and down, slide it gently in and out of the space between the crown and adjacent teeth. Some patients find that interdental brushes or water flossers make cleaning around crowns easier and more effective.

Be Cautious with Grinding and Clenching

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can significantly shorten the lifespan of a dental crown. The excessive pressure can wear down the crown or even cause it to fracture. If you’re aware that you grind your teeth at night, or if your dentist observes signs of wear, it’s worth discussing a custom night guard. Wearing a night guard could not only protect your crown but also reduce stress on your natural teeth and jaw joints.

Regular Dental Checkups Matter

Routine dental visits are vital to ensure your crown stays in good shape. During your checkups, your dentist will examine the crown for signs of wear, damage, or decay at the edges. They’ll also check your bite and clean hard-to-reach areas around the crown. If any issues are detected early, they’re typically easier and less costly to fix. Your dentist may also recommend professional fluoride treatments or sealants to further protect the tooth underneath the crown.

What to Watch Out For

While most crowns function well for many years, it’s important to monitor for signs that something might be wrong. These can include persistent pain, a loose crown, swelling in the gums, or a noticeable change in your bite. If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Seek dental care as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications and may save your crown from needing replacement.

Dental Crown Care in Los Altos, CA

If you have decay or damage, Dr. Ken Schweifler and his team are here to help. They offer a range of restorative dentistry treatments, including dental crowns. Contact his office today to schedule a consultation and see which option may be right for you.