A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that can help protect a damaged or decayed tooth, while also improving its appearance.
A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that can help protect a damaged or decayed tooth, while also improving its appearance. After getting a dental crown, it’s important to take proper care of it to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. In this article, we’ll provide tips and recommendations on how to care for your dental crown.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth. The crown restores the tooth to its normal shape, size, and function. Crowns are made from different materials, such as porcelain, metal, or ceramic. There are several types of dental crowns, including complete (full) crowns, three-quarter crowns, and half (partial) crowns. Complete crowns cover the entire tooth, while three-quarter and half crowns only cover part of the tooth.
Crowns are used to treat a variety of dental problems, such as cracked teeth, misshapen teeth, and heavily stained teeth. Crowns can also be used to support a dental bridge or to protect a weak tooth from breaking. In some cases, a dental implant is used to support a dental crown.
Dental crowns are not permanent and will need to be replaced every 5 to 15 years depending on the type of material used. Porcelain and ceramic crowns usually last longer than metal crowns. Good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily, will help prolong the life of your dental crown.
Benefits of Having a Dental Crown
A dental crown is a great way to protect your tooth from further damage and decay. It can also help improve the appearance of your smile. Here are some other benefits of having a dental crown:
1. A dental crown can help to prevent further tooth decay. When a tooth is damaged, it is more likely to develop cavities. A dental crown covers the damaged tooth and helps to protect it from further decay.
2. A dental crown can help to restore a tooth to its original shape and size. If a tooth is chipped or broken, a dental crown can help to restore it to its original shape and size.
3. A dental crown can help to improve the appearance of your smile. If you have a discolored or misshapen tooth, a dental crown can help to improve the appearance of your smile.
4. A dental crown can help to strengthen a weak tooth. If you have a weak or brittle tooth, a dental crown can help to support and strengthen the tooth.
How to Properly Care for Your Dental Crown
Your dental crown is an important part of your smile, and it’s important to take care of it! Here are some tips on how to properly care for your dental crown:
1. Brush twice a day and floss once a day – just like you would with your natural teeth! Be gentle when brushing around the gum line.
2. Avoid hard and chewy foods – these can damage your dental crown. Stick to soft foods and cut up hard foods into small pieces.
3. See your dentist regularly – at least every six months. This will help ensure that your dental crown is still in good shape and that any problems are caught early on.
4. Avoid using your teeth as tools – don’t use them to open bottles or packages, for example. This can damage your dental crown or even cause it to come off completely.
5. Quit smoking – tobacco use is bad for your oral health in general, but it’s especially harmful to dental crowns. If you need help quitting, talk to your dentist about smoking cessation aids such as nicotine gum or patches.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Your dental crown is an important part of your smile, so it’s important to take care of it! Here are some tips on how to clean and maintain your dental crown:
-Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
-Floss once a day using properly fitted floss or an interdental brush.
-Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
-Avoid chewing on hard foods or using your teeth as tools.
-Wear a mouthguard if you play sports or participate in any activities that could put your dental crown at risk.
Visiting the Dentist After Getting a Dental Crown
You’ve finally gotten your dental crown! Whether it’s your first or your tenth, it’s an exciting moment. Your newly crowned tooth looks and feels great. But wait—now what? Just like with your natural teeth, you need to take care of your dental crowns to ensure that they last. Here are a few tips on how to care for your new dental crown:
-Brush and floss regularly: This one should be a no-brainer. You need to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day, regardless of whether you have dental crowns or not. This helps remove plaque and bacteria that can cause decay.
-Use caution when eating hard foods: Dental crowns are strong, but they’re not invincible. Biting into hard foods like candy can cause them to crack or break. So use caution when eating hard foods, and avoid chewing on ice or other hard objects.
-See your dentist regularly: Even if you take good care of your teeth at home, you should still see your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup. This will help ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy and that there are no problems with your dental crowns.
Other Treatment Options for Damaged Teeth
If you have a dental crown that is damaged, there are several treatment options available to you. Depending on the severity of the damage, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following:
– Dental bonding: This is a quick and easy procedure in which composite resin is used to repair small chips or cracks.
– Dental veneers: Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of your tooth. They can be used to repair larger chips or cracks, as well as to improve the appearance of stained or discolored teeth.
– Dental implants: Implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. A titanium rod is surgically placed into your jawbone, and a artificial tooth (or crown) is then attached to the rod.
If you have a dental crown that is damaged, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible so that they can advise you on the best course of treatment.
Taking care of your dental crown is an important part of maintaining good oral health. With proper care and maintenance, your crown can last for many years and provide long-lasting protection for your tooth. Remember to brush and floss regularly, avoid biting down on hard or sticky foods, and visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. If you notice any issues with your dental crown, such as pain or sensitivity, be sure to contact your dentist right away. By following these tips and recommendations, you can keep your dental crown looking and feeling great for years to come.