A dental crown is just a tooth-shaped cap placed over a broken or decayed tooth to displace its shape, size, strength, and appearance. While dental crowns are designed to last for many years, they are not indestructible. Proper care and maintenance can make your crown last longer and avoid costly replacements.
Effective ways to make your dental crown last longer
Here are some excellent ways to make your dental crown last a lifetime.
Brush and floss regularly
Brushing and flossing regularly is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Brush your teeth twice daily for 2 minutes, and floss at least one time daily.
Getting a same-day dental crown is convenient for people who need one but want to avoid multiple appointments and waiting times. With same-day crowns, the dentist uses advanced technology such as Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to create a custom crown in the dental office. The dentist can prepare your tooth and place the crown in a single appointment.
While same-day crowns can be a time-saving option, it’s still essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits to ensure the longevity of the crown and the health of your teeth and gums. Brush and floss regularly, and follow your dentist’s additional care instructions.
Use a mouthguard
A mouthguard can protect crowns, including same-day dental crowns, from damage or wear. A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth, providing protection and support to the tooth structure.
While dental crowns are durable, they can still be susceptible to damage from certain activities, such as grinding or clenching your teeth or participating in contact sports. A mouthguard can help protect your crown from these activities and prevent the need for costly repairs or replacements.
If you have a crown, you must talk to your dentist about the best type of mouthguard. Your dentist can recommend a custom-fit mouthguard to provide your height the best protection and comfort.
By wearing a mouthguard, you can help extend the life of your dental crown and maintain your oral health.
Avoid hard and sticky foods
Hard and sticky foods can damage your dental crown by causing cracks, chips, or fractures. Sticky foods, such as caramel or chewing gum, can cause the height to become loose or even pull it off entirely. If you have received a same-day dental crown, properly caring for it is essential to ensure longevity. One way to do this is to avoid hard and sticky foods for a few days after the procedure.
Instead, choose soft and easy-to-chew foods like soups, cooked vegetables, and scrambled eggs. Good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing is essential to prevent bacteria or plaque buildup around the crown.
Limit alcohol and tobacco use
Limiting alcohol and tobacco use can be beneficial for the success of a crown, particularly a same-day dental crown. Alcohol and tobacco use can negatively affect oral health, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
Additionally, smoking can affect the color and appearance of dental crowns, causing them to become discolored over time. It can be particularly problematic for same-day dental crowns, which are often made of materials more prone to discoloration than traditional crowns.
Therefore, limit alcohol and tobacco use, and maintain good oral hygiene practices to help ensure a crown’s long-term success and appearance, including same-day dental crowns.
Visit your dentist regularly
Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health and prolonging the life of your dental crown. During your dental visits, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums, clean your teeth, and check the condition of your dental crown. If any problems are detected, your dentist can address them before they become more severe and require more extensive treatment.
Follow your dentist’s instructions for care
If you have received a same-day dental crown, following your dentist’s instructions for care is essential to ensure the crown’s longevity and maintain good oral health. Below are a few general guidelines to check out:
- Avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after placing the crown.
- Avoid chewing hard, crunchy, or sticky foods on the side of your mouth with the crown for at least 24 hours after placement.
- If you experience any sensitivity or discomfort, avoid eating or drinking hot or cold foods and drinks until the sensitivity subsides.
- Attend all recommended follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure the crown is functioning correctly and to address any issues that may arise.
By following these guidelines and any additional instructions your dentist provides, you can help ensure the longevity and function of your same-day dental crown.
Identify Issues like Teeth Grinding
Teeth-grinding, also known as bruxism, can lead to dental problems, including worn-down teeth, tooth sensitivity, and dental crowns that become loose or damaged. Here are some tips for addressing teeth-grinding:
- Wear a nightguard: A night guard is a custom-made dental appliance that fits over your teeth and protects them from the pressure of grinding. Your dentist can create a nightguard for you that is comfortable to wear and provides adequate protection.
- Manage stress: Stress is a common cause of teeth-grinding. Finding ways to manage your stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and engaging in enjoyable hobbies, can help reduce your risk of grinding your teeth.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can both increase your risk of teeth-grinding. Try to restrict the amount of these things you consume, especially at night.
- Treat underlying dental problems: If you have a dental condition such as a misaligned bite or missing teeth, it can increase your risk of teeth-grinding. Treating these underlying problems can help reduce the risk of grinding teeth and damaging crowns.
- Consider replacing damaged dental crowns: If crowns have become damaged due to teeth-grinding, your dentist may recommend replacing them with new heights. New crowns can help protect your teeth from further damage and restore your smile to its full function and beauty.
Addressing teeth-grinding requires dental care, stress management, and lifestyle changes. By working closely with your dentist to reduce stress and protect your teeth, you can avoid problems like loose or damaged dental crowns.
Get a same-day dental crown
If you need a crown, consider getting a same-day dental crown custom-made in the dentist’s office using computer-aided design and manufacturing technology, eliminating the need for temporary crowns and multiple appointments. Same-day dental crowns are made from high-quality, long-lasting materials and match the color and shape of your natural teeth, improving your smile and restoring your oral health.
Wrapping Up
Taking care of your dental crown requires good oral hygiene, avoiding habits that can damage your teeth, and seeking regular dental care. Following these tips can make your crown last longer and avoid costly replacements. If you are looking for same-day crown services or the best dentist in Roswell and want to book an appointment, we serve patients of all ages who live in Roswell, GA, or nearby surroundings such as Sandy Springs, Milton, Marietta, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, or Woodstock. For questions about your dental crown or how to care for it, schedule an appointment by calling TruCare Dentistry at (678) 321-7575.