You’ve Received Your Crown—Now, What?

When teeth are badly decayed or damaged, and a filling is not enough to restore the tooth, dentists often place a crown, or “cap” over the tooth. As a widely used restoration, crowns can hold together parts of a tooth that are cracked, or completely cover a tooth that is discolored. Thus, they sustain the shape and size of teeth, while also enhancing their appearance. Fabricated from a variety of materials, the type of crown suitable for you will depend on the damage to your tooth as well as personal preferences and expertise from your dentist. Even so, let’s imagine that you’ve received your crown—now, what?

How Do I Care For My Crown?

Once your new crown has been placed, you may brush and floss normally. Yet, it’s common to experience some sensitivity around the gum line. Even so, do not neglect flossing. As a rule, pull the floss through teeth, instead of up. In addition, if you are at risk for developing cavities, ask your dentist about a fluoride agent to add to your oral care regimen. Finally, if you have not had a root canal treatment prior to getting your crown, remember that because the nerve is still present, there may be some sensitivity to cold.

When it comes to eating with your new crown, it’s best to treat your crown as your would a natural tooth. This means staying away from hard or sticky foods, and chewing ice. As with natural teeth, crowns may chip, crack, or loosen. If you feel that your crown may be damaged or loose, call your dentist immediately!

Commit To Regular Dental Care

Perhaps the most important step your can take to extend the life of your crown is to commit to regular dental care. Daily, it’s important to brush, floss, and rinse with a fluoride-based solution. Also, do not skip regular dental examinations! During your routine checkup, the dentist will check for early stage tooth decay, as well as ensuring that your crown is stable. While most crowns last from 10-15 years, this greatly depends on wear and tear.

With a commitment to dental excellence, Dr. Patel and the staff at Lawrenceville Family Dental Care welcome you to experience comfortable and calm dentistry in a relaxing atmosphere. Highly trained in restoration dentistry, Dr. Patel uses crowns that are constructed of high-quality, durable materials. That’s because the life of your smile is important to us. Do you have questions regarding crowns? We are ready to speak with you today. 

Posted on behalf of Lawrenceville Family Dental Care