Do’s And Don’ts After Getting Dental Crowns
May 26, 2023
Dental Crowns
Are you planning to get dental crowns but not sure what to expect after the procedure? Dental crowns are essential for restoring your teeth’s function and appearance, but taking care of them is equally important. After getting dental crowns, there are specific do’s and don’ts that you should follow to ensure their longevity. In this blog post, we will guide you through everything you need to know about taking care of your dental crowns so that they stay in excellent condition for years to come!
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are one of the most common restorative dental procedures used to fix damaged or decayed teeth. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Crowns can be made from different materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, resin, or metal alloys. The type of material chosen depends on various factors, such as location in the mouth, budget, and personal preference.
To prepare for a dental crown placement procedure, your dentist will first numb the area around the affected tooth before shaping it down to make room for the crown. An impression of your reshaped tooth will then be taken and sent to a lab, where your custom-made crown will be created using high-quality materials.
Once ready, your dentist will cement the crown onto your prepared tooth permanently. Proper care and maintenance, such as regular brushing and flossing habits coupled with routine check-ups with your dentist every six months after getting them placed, can help you keep them looking great for years to come!
Do’s after getting a dental crown
After getting dental crowns, it is important to take proper care of them in order to maintain their longevity and keep your oral health in check. Here are the do’s after getting a dental crown:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily can help prevent decay and gum disease that may affect the crowned teeth.
- Eat soft foods initially: For the first few days after receiving the crown, stick to soft foods such as soups, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, etc., since hard or sticky foods can damage or dislodge the crown.
- Use a mouth guard while sleeping: If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a custom-made mouth guard will protect both your natural teeth and crowns from damage.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups allow dentists to detect any potential issues early on and provide necessary treatment before they become more severe problems.
By following these simple do’s after receiving dental crowns, you can ensure their longevity and continue enjoying great oral health for years to come!
Don’ts after getting a dental crown
After getting dental crowns, there are certain things that you should avoid doing to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your new restorations. Here are some don’ts to keep in mind:
Firstly, don’t eat hard or sticky foods for at least 24 hours after getting a dental crown placed. Hard foods such as nuts and candies can cause damage to the crown, while sticky foods like caramel can dislodge it from its position.
Secondly, avoid using your teeth as tools for opening bottles or tearing packages open. Using excessive force on the crown can cause it to crack or break.
Thirdly, if you grind your teeth at night, be sure to wear a mouth guard when sleeping. The pressure from grinding can put stress on the crowns, causing them to loosen or break off.
Fourthly, do not skip regular brushing and flossing, even though they may feel strange initially due to the presence of new hardware in your mouth. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for preventing decay around the crown area.
Avoid skipping follow-up appointments with your dentist after getting dental crowns placed. Your dentist will check how well they have integrated with surrounding tissues and perform any necessary adjustments needed for optimal fit and function.
Aftercare tips for dental crowns
After getting dental crowns, proper aftercare is essential to maintain their longevity and ensure good oral health. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Practice good oral hygiene: brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash daily to reduce bacteria.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods: hard candies, ice cubes, popcorn kernels, and other hard or chewy foods can damage the crown or dislodge it from its position.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools: Don’t use your teeth to open bottles or rip packages open, as this can cause damage to the crown.
- Wear a mouth guard while playing sports: If you play contact sports like football, basketball, or boxing, then wearing a properly fitted mouth guard will protect both your natural teeth and your dental crowns from harm.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Regular check-ups help identify any issues early on before they become bigger problems that might require the replacement of the crown.
By following these simple aftercare tips for dental crowns, one can ensure long-lasting results and avoid costly replacements down the line!
Final Thoughts
In summary, dental crowns can be a great solution for various dental problems. They provide both functional and aesthetic benefits to people with damaged or decayed teeth. However, it is important to follow the dos and don’ts after getting a dental crown to ensure that it lasts for many years.
Remember to avoid sticky foods, chewing on hard objects, grinding your teeth, and smoking. On the other hand, you should brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist as recommended.