How to Maintain Your Dental Crown

A dental crown is an excellent solution for restoring damaged, weakened, or aesthetically compromised teeth. While crowns are designed to be durable and long-lasting, their longevity largely depends on how well you care for them. Whether you’ve just received a new crown or want to extend the life of an existing one, adopting the right maintenance routine is essential.

Understand the Role of Your Crown

First, it’s important to understand what a dental crown does. Essentially, a crown acts like a protective cap that covers the visible part of a tooth. It can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials, each offering different benefits in terms of strength and appearance. While crowns are strong, they are not indestructible. Just like natural teeth, they can chip, crack, or become dislodged if not properly cared for.

Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene

The foundation of crown maintenance is good oral hygiene. Even though the crown itself is not susceptible to decay, the tooth underneath and the surrounding gum tissue still are. Brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque and food particles that can contribute to gum disease or decay at the crown’s margins. Don’t forget to floss daily. Many people avoid flossing around crowns out of fear of dislodging them, but proper flossing actually helps keep the area clean and secure. Simply slide the floss gently instead of snapping it in and out, and you’ll avoid putting undue pressure on the crown.

Watch What You Eat

Your diet plays a significant role in the longevity of your dental crown. Sticky, chewy, or hard foods can loosen or damage a crown over time. Caramel, taffy, and hard candies are some of the biggest culprits. If you tend to chew on ice or bite your nails, you might want to kick those habits, as they can put unnecessary strain on your crown. Instead, opt for a tooth-friendly diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and plenty of water.

Address Teeth Grinding

If you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night, your crown may be at risk. Bruxism (the medical term for grinding) can put excessive pressure on both natural teeth and restorations like crowns. Over time, this can lead to cracks or wear. If you suspect you grind your teeth, or if your dentist notices signs of it, ask about a night guard. Wearing a custom-fitted night guard can help protect your crown and the rest of your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding.

Keep Up with Regular Dental Visits

Routine dental checkups are essential for maintaining your crown’s health. During these visits, your dentist will examine the crown for signs of wear, decay at the margins, or gum issues. Early detection of problems can often save you from more extensive and costly repairs down the road. Professional cleanings also help remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing can miss, especially around the edges of the crown.

Be Alert to Changes

If your crown feels loose, becomes sensitive to temperature, or causes discomfort while chewing, don’t ignore it. These symptoms could indicate that the cement has worn away, there’s decay under the crown, or that it’s become damaged. Prompt attention from your dentist can prevent further complications, including the need to replace the crown prematurely.

Invest in Long-Term Care

Ultimately, maintaining your dental crown is about investing in your overall oral health. A well-maintained crown can last 10 to 15 years, or even longer, depending on the material and how well you care for it. Taking small steps every day, such as brushing, flossing, avoiding damaging habits, and seeing your dentist, can make a big difference in the lifespan of your dental work.

Dental Crown Care in Nashua, NH

At Levesque Dentistry, we are dedicated to helping you preserve your oral health. If you have deep decay or extensive damage, a dental crown could prevent the need for extraction. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your restorative dentistry treatment options.