How to Take Care of Your New Dental Crowns

A dental crown covers the entire tooth and is bonded in place using dental cement. It can restore a tooth that is broken, worn down, or misshapen due to cavities, grinding or disease. It can also cover unsightly metal fillings. Most crowns are made from porcelain, but some are made from resin composite materials that are colored to look like your natural teeth. These crowns are typically used when they are placed over teeth in the back of the mouth, such as the molars. Metal crowns made of gold are sometimes used in areas of the mouth that undergo heavy chewing, such as molars for back teeth.

When receiving a dental crown, you will be numbed using a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the procedure. If decay is present, we will also need to remove the diseased area before placing your new restoration. The abutment is then prepared to accept the new crown. We then take an impression that will be used to create your custom-made restoration. In the meantime, we will give you a temporary crown to wear until your next appointment. On your second visit, we will check the fit of the permanent one. After any necessary adjustments are made, the restoration will be cemented into place. We will also teach you how to care for your crown to keep it looking and feeling great for years to come!

Caring For Your Dental Crowns

You should continue to brush and floss your natural teeth as normal but also brush and clean the dental crowns. Brush both the crowns and the natural teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Floss carefully around the crown to remove any food particles or plaque buildup that can result in decay. You should also rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash daily to further prevent gum disease and to keep your mouth fresh, clean, and healthy. There are some things you should avoid with your new restoration. Don’t bite hard objects with your front teeth, such as ice, fingernails, pens, pencils, or your fingernails. These can chip the porcelain or damage it permanently, which will require replacement. It’s also best to avoid sticky or tough foods that might dislodge your crowns, such as chewing gum, caramels, candy, popcorn kernels, and hard candies. If you’ve received a dental implant with a dental crown, then refrain from smoking or using other tobacco products that can irritate your gums and cause infection.

Contact Vasquez & Associates Dental Office if you have any questions about dental crowns. You can schedule a consultation by calling (760) 529-5339 or visiting us at 3601 Vista Way Ste 105, Oceanside, CA 92056.