When you experience an oral health problem that leaves your tooth fractured, weak, or damaged, a dental crown can help restore its health and function. Of course, once a dental crown has been placed in your mouth, it’s essential to properly care for it to ensure that your dental restoration stays in great shape for years to come. At Indian Trail Dental Studio, our trusted team is proud to offer a variety of restorative dental treatments that can help you maintain a healthy smile for life, including dental crowns. Here’s what you need to know about taking proper care of a dental crown before scheduling your next appointment.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a “cap” that fits snugly over a damaged tooth to strengthen and protect it from experiencing further trauma. Dental crowns also improve the appearance of misplacedor discolored teeth. Your dentist may recommend placing a dental crown if you experience trauma to a tooth, the tooth is severely worn down after a large filling or root canal treatment, or to complete dental implants. The life expectancy of your dental crown will depend on how well you care for it; with good oral hygiene habits and routine dental exams, crowns have been known to last around ten years without needing to be replaced.
Dental Crown Procedure Post-Op Care
Placing a dental crown is a routine procedure that usually takes around one hour (depending on where the tooth is located and its overall condition) and is virtually painless. After your dental crown has been placed, it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions to keep it in tip-top shape. It’s normal to experience mild discomfort and sensitivity in the first 48 hours after your procedure, especially around the gum tissue. This will go away independently and can be managed by taking over-the-counter pain medications as needed and eating soft foods. In the first few hours after the dental crown placement, avoiding eating and drinking, especially hard or sticky foods, is also best. When cleaning your teeth, be sure to brush thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste around your new crown, focusing primarily on the gum line. Likewise, it’s important to floss daily to prevent bacteria and food particles from building up around the crown and causing other problems, including gum disease. Lastly, continue visiting your dentist every six months for regular dental visits.
Can You Get Cavities Under Dental Crowns?
Because dental crowns cover natural teeth, you may think they prevent tooth decay. How can a tooth get a cavity if it’s not exposed? Even though dental crowns are used to cover and protect your natural teeth, it’s still possible for bacteria to sneak beneath and affect the restored tooth, which is why you should keep up with good oral hygiene habits even after treatment.
Schedule Your Dental Crown Consultation at Indian Trail Dental Studio
While caring for your new restoration may sound complicated, it doesn’t have to be. By practicing good oral health habits regularly, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a strong dental crown and a healthy smile for the long haul. For more information on how a permanent crown could benefit you, the experienced team at Indian Trail Dental Studio is here to help.
Contact our Indian Trail, NC, dental office today to schedule your appointment and see how easy getting and taking care of your crown can be. We look forward to giving you a reason to smile!
