Caring for Dental Crowns in Centuria, WI

Taking Care of Your Dental Crowns for Long-Lasting Success

Dental crowns are a widely used and effective solution for various dental issues, offering strength, protection, and aesthetic enhancement to damaged or compromised teeth. However, ensuring the long-term success of your treatment depends on proper aftercare.

Discover the key steps necessary to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your dental crown with our dentists at our Centuria, WI dental office. Call (715) 646-2161 for more information.

Why Taking Care of Your Dental Crown Matters

Proper care for your dental crown can result in a lasting solution that enhances your smile. Other significant factors include:

• Healing and Recovery: After a dental crown is placed, the gums and surrounding tissues require time to heal. Adhering to the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist will aid in promoting proper healing, minimizing discomfort, and reducing the risk of complications.
• Oral Hygiene Maintenance: Practicing good oral hygiene is vital for maintaining the health of your natural teeth and the longevity of a dental crown. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss daily, focusing on the area where the crown meets the gum line. This helps prevent plaque buildup and reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule and attend regular dental checkups and cleanings as advised by our dentist. These visits allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your dental crown, identify any potential issues early on, and provide appropriate treatment if needed.
• Longevity of Crowns: With proper aftercare, dental crowns can last many years, even up to a decade or longer. By following the recommended aftercare practices and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can maximize the lifespan of your dental crown and avoid the need for premature replacement.

How to Care for Your Dental Crown

The Basics

Caring for your dental crown is similar to maintaining natural teeth but with a few extra considerations. By following these fundamental dental crown aftercare practices, you can significantly prolong the lifespan and functionality of your restoration:

• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to remove plaque and food particles around the dental crowns.
• Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: While dental crowns are strong, they can still be vulnerable to damage. Avoid biting on objects such as ice, pens, or nuts, as well as sticky candies that can pull on the crowns.
• Minimize Consumption of Staining Substances: Although dental crowns are resistant to staining, they can still accumulate discoloration over time. Limit your intake of coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco to maintain the natural brightness of your dental crowns.

Oral Hygiene Practices

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial to preserve the health and appearance of your dental crowns. Here are some dental crowns aftercare tips related to oral health and hygiene practices:

• Brushing Techniques: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean your dental crowns. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and use small circular motions to reach all surfaces of the crowns. Pay close attention to the gum line to prevent gum disease.
• Flossing: Flossing is essential to remove plaque and food particles from the spaces between your teeth and dental crown. Use a floss threader or a water flosser to clean the areas around the crown effectively.
• Using Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash after brushing and flossing. This helps kill bacteria and prevent plaque buildup, reducing the risk of gum disease and decay around the dental crowns.

Lifestyle Considerations

Certain lifestyle habits can impact the longevity and performance of your dental crown. Here are some tips to consider:

• Avoid Teeth Grinding and Clenching: Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can exert excessive force on dental crowns, leading to fractures or dislodgement. If you grind or clench your teeth, discuss with your dentist about wearing a nightguard to protect your crowns during sleep.
• Protect Dental Crowns During Physical Activities: If you participate in contact sports or activities that pose a risk of dental trauma, consider wearing a mouthguard. A custom-fitted mouthguard can provide an extra layer of protection for your dental crown.
• Minimize Exposure to Acidic and Sugary Foods: Acidic and sugary foods can erode the enamel surrounding your dental crown, increasing the risk of decay and damage. Limit your consumption of acidic beverages like citrus juices and carbonated sodas, as well as sugary snacks and desserts.

Caring for a Temporary Dental Crown

Before receiving a permanent crown, most patients will receive a temporary crown until the permanent one is complete. To care for a temporary crown, do the following:

• Avoid Sticky Foods
• Be Careful With Hard Foods
• Avoid Hot Foods
• Chew on the Opposite Side
• Avoid Direct Flossing
• Maintain Oral Hygiene
• Rinse with Salt Water
• Avoid Grinding or Clenching
• Be Mindful of Loose Feeling
• Monitor for Swelling or Allergic Reactions
• Keep Your Follow-Up Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions