Keeping Your Dental Crowns Maintained

Dental crowns can help restore damaged or weakened teeth, but maintaining them is invaluable to ensure they last as long as possible. Proper care not only protects your investment but also safeguards your overall oral health.

Daily Maintenance Tips for Dental Crowns

1. Practice Regular Brushing and Flossing
   Although crowns themselves cannot decay, the tooth underneath is still vulnerable. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles around the crown’s edges. Pay special attention to the gumline to prevent gum disease, which can compromise the stability of your crown.
2. Use Gentle Tools
   Consider using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the crown’s surface. Dental picks or water flossers can be effective tools for cleaning around crowns and other dental work without damaging them.
3. Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
   Biting into hard foods like ice or nuts, or chewing sticky foods like caramel, can damage or dislodge your crown. Try to cut these foods into smaller pieces or avoid them altogether.

Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups

Seeing your dentist every six months is crucial for maintaining dental crowns. During these visits, your dentist will:

• Examine the crown for any signs of wear, chips, or looseness.
• Check the underlying tooth and surrounding gums for signs of decay
• Schedule exams and professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar that can lead to oral health issues.

Address Issues Promptly

If you notice any of the following problems with your crown, contact your dentist immediately:

• Sensitivity or Pain: This could indicate decay, gum recession, or an ill-fitting crown.
• Chips or Cracks: Even minor damage can compromise the crown’s function and aesthetics.
• Loose or Wobbly Crown: This may indicate the cement is failing or the tooth structure underneath is weakening.

Preventing Additional Damage

If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, wearing a custom mouthguard at night can prevent damage to your crowns. Additionally, always wear a protective mouthguard when participating in contact sports to avoid injuries to your teeth and crowns.

Dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on the material used and how well they are cared for. Porcelain and ceramic crowns offer a natural look and are highly durable, while gold or metal crowns are even more resistant to wear. Regardless of the material, proper care can significantly extend the lifespan of your crown. At Pacific Dental Care, serving Glendale and Burbank, we’re here to ensure your crowns stay in great shape for years to come. If you have concerns about your crowns or need professional advice, schedule an appointment with us today!