With the right kind of care and attention, a dental crown could last you up to fifteen years before it needs to be replaced. Crowns are one of the most durable and protective treatment options available. They’re often used to help restore your teeth after decay, damage, or a root canal.
They’re also the most common restoration option for a single dental implant. When you get a dental crown in Port Charlotte, FL, it’s crucial that you pay attention to your dentist’s aftercare tips. While the first 48 hours are the most important, you still need to clean and maintain your crown properly for a longer lifetime.
How to Care for a Dental Crown in Port Charlotte, FL
Caring for a dental crown isn’t that much different than caring for your natural tooth. You still need to brush and floss and see your dentist for regular checkups. But there are a few things you should be wary of when you have a crown. Proper cleaning and chewing methods can often help extend the life of your crown for years of protection and bite strength.
Chewing Habits
Generally speaking, with a dental crown, you don’t have to change your diet all that much. Once the crown is fully settled, you can usually enjoy the same foods and drinks that you used to. But it’s especially important in the first day or two to avoid particularly hard or chewy foods.
These can sometimes cause damage to your crown while it’s still setting. Overall, it’s also a good idea to not chew on hard surfaces, crown or not. Biting on ice or the end of a pen can often cause excessive force on your teeth or crown that could lead to damage.
Brushing and Flossing
The ceramic material of the dental crown isn’t as affected by plaque as your tooth enamel is. However, with the exception of a dental implant, you still have a natural tooth structure under your crown that could suffer from bacteria. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day is one of the best ways to avoid plaque buildup.
When brushing, be sure to use a soft bristle toothbrush and don’t press too hard. With floss, you want to be careful not to pull up when flossing around your crown. This can sometimes loosen the crown or even cause it to fall off. Instead, thread the floss through your teeth and pull it out rather than up.
If a Dental Crown Falls Out
If your crown falls out, don’t panic. In many cases, your dentist can reset your crown without needing to make a new one. As long as your crown isn’t broken, you may be able to fix the problem with a quick visit to your dentist. Carefully pick the crown up and put it in a safe container. Then, call your dentist right away for an appointment.
At Sun Smile Dentistry, we’re committed to helping our patients restore their smiles and improve their bites. Call us today at 941-271-0721 to schedule a consultation and see if a dental crown may be right for you.