How Do I Take Care of My Dental Crown

 By: Dr. Abbas Eftekhari D.D.S

Dental crowns can last for 5 to 15 years. However, despite their durability, they are not invincible. Over time, they can wear down and become damaged if not properly cared for.

The good news is that you can extend the longevity of your crowns and even make them last for up to 20 years with proper care.

This article will discuss the importance of proper crown maintenance. It will also provide effective care tips that can help you extend the life of your dental crown to ensure that your smile remains healthy and vibrant for many years.

Taking Care of Your Crown Matters

Taking care of your dental crown is essential for several reasons, each of which impacts both your dental health and your wallet.

• A well-maintained crown can endure up to 20 years or longer, much more than the average lifespan. When taken care of properly, a crown's functional and aesthetic longevity is improved and the eventual need for replacement is reduced.
• The state of your crown is closely associated with the health of your surrounding teeth and gums. A damaged crown can result in gum disease, decay below the crown, or even tooth loss. These may have more serious effects on your overall oral health.
• Dental crown replacement can be expensive. You can save on dental crown cost over time by avoiding the need for early replacement or other dental surgery. Neglecting the care of your dental crown can lead to a host of problems that may not only shorten the life of the crown but also have serious consequences for your oral health.
• If you fail to maintain proper oral hygiene can lead to plaque buildup around the crown, increasing the risk of decay under the crown and gum disease.
• If you grind your teeth or experience an injury, it can damage the crown. This damage can range from small chips to complete dislodgement. This will require repairs or even replacement. 
• Smoking or using other tobacco products can stain the crown, but more importantly, it can contribute to gum disease and decay. Tobacco use reduces blood flow to the gums, weakening their ability to heal and stay healthy.

Effective Ways to Care for Your Crowns

The simplest and most effective way to maintain the integrity of your dental crowns is through daily care - brushing and flossing. 

Daily care through consistent brushing and flossing is essential for maintaining the longevity and health of your dental crowns. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the crown or irritating your gums. Be gentle when flossing around the crown to avoid dislodging it. Incorporating mouthwash into your routine is also beneficial, as it helps to reduce bacteria and freshen your breath

Proper Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments

Dietary and lifestyle adjustments can further protect your crowns and enhance your overall oral health.

Foods like caramels and hard foods like nuts or ice can damage or dislodge your crowns. It is recommended to avoid these types of foods to protect your crown. Instead, opt for foods that are beneficial for oral health, such as soft fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Additionally, minimizing the intake of sugary and acidic foods is important. These can damage the enamel surrounding your dental crown, leading to potential issues like decay or sensitivity.

Tobacco can stain your crowns too, making them less aesthetically pleasing, and it weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections. Tobacco also contributes to gum disease and increases the risk of decay around the crown.

If you engage in physical activities, wearing a mouth guard is essential to protect your crowns from trauma. Mouth guards help absorb shocks and prevent damage to your dental work. Additionally, people with bruxism (teeth grinding) should consult their dentist about getting a night guard to protect their crowns from excessive pressure and wear. These protective measures are important for both permanent and temporary crowns.

Consistent Dental Visits

Routine visits to the dentist play a significant role in ensuring the longevity and integrity of your dental crowns.

Seeing your dentist twice or thrice a year for regular crown inspections and professional cleanings helps detect any potential issues early on. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that you might miss during daily brushing and flossing. This will further protect your crowns and overall oral health

Dealing with Common Crown Issues

Sometimes brushing and flossing are not enough to manage plaque and prevent cavities. Plaque can harden into tartar, leading to gum disease and decay in the tooth structure beneath the crown. Cavities that form under a crown can compromise the stability of the crown and may require additional dental work (root canal or even the removal of the affected tooth) Plaque buildup and cavities pose significant risks to the integrity of dental crowns. It is crucial to visit your dentist in Culver City for professional cleaning. 

Here are signs to watch for that indicate that it’s time to visit your dentist for an evaluation of your dental crown: 

• If you notice any cracks or chips in your crown, it’s important to see your dentist immediately. Even small cracks can worsen over time, compromising the crown's structure and effectiveness.
• A crown that feels loose or shifts, when you chew, needs to be addressed quickly. A loose crown can allow bacteria to enter the space between the crown and the tooth, leading to decay or infection.
• If your crown has developed sharp edges that irritate your tongue or other parts of your mouth, it’s time to visit your dentist. These sharp edges can be uncomfortable and may indicate that the crown is wearing down or has been damaged.

If you just got a tooth crown, it’s essential to keep in mind the best advice from dental experts for faster recovery. 

Consult a Culver City Dentist

Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene, scheduling regular dental consultations, and dietary and lifestyle changes are crucial for the longevity of your crowns.

As with any dental treatment, it’s crucial to consult with our dentist at United Dental Care for personalized advice and to address any specific concerns you may have about your dental crowns.