How Can I Protect My Tooth After Getting a Crown?

When one or more of your teeth suffer from damage or tooth decay, dental crowns offer a great path forward. A dental crown covers your tooth with artificial material. If you have a tooth with multiple fillings, extensive decay, excessive wear, or chips and cracks, a crown holds it together and restores full functionality. 

In many cases, without the option of a dental crown, tooth loss would be much more of a risk. Crowns also help with cosmetic issues. Discoloration, irregular shape, and mismatched teeth can all be addressed with a gleaming new dental crown.

Sabrina E. Mickel DDS & Associates provides crowns to new and existing patients from a convenient location in Beachwood, Ohio. Once your crown is in, you want it to last, and stay in as good of shape as possible.

How should you care for your new crown going forward? Dr. Mickel informs you about the dos and don’ts of tooth care after a dental crown.

Dental crowns: Long-lasting restoration

One of the reasons why dental crowns are such a good option for dental restoration is that, once the repair is complete, the new crown can last for as long as 30 years. With the right care, the dental crown and the natural tooth beneath it stay strong and healthy. You enjoy renewed confidence in your bite, and in the appearance of your smile, as well.

If a crown does break, or the tooth experiences additional decay, it may be possible for Dr. Mickel to place another crown on that tooth. When crowns stop being a good option, it may be necessary to extract the remaining tooth material and put a dental implant in that location. You should know that crowns are also used to anchor dental bridges and cap dental implants.

Steps to care for crowned teeth

There are several steps you can take to protect your new crown and the crowned tooth. With the right approach, you can get the most out of your new crown.

The crown covers most of the visible natural material of your tooth, but a small line of tooth tissue remains exposed around your gumline. That means your crowned tooth is still vulnerable to decay, and needs the right care to stay healthy.

Your dental hygiene routine for caring for your crowned tooth, like your other teeth, should involve brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Brushing and flossing dislodges food particles and bacteria from the outer surfaces of your teeth, preventing the buildup of harmful plaque.

Your crown may be made of porcelain or resin. Under the right stress, a crown can crack or chip, or be pulled loose. Watch out for sticky foods and treats like hard candy or toffee, which can damage or dislodge your crown. Popcorn, which can contain unpopped kernels, can damage crowns too. In order to keep your crown as good as new, avoid chewing on ice, and don’t open packages with your teeth.

Finally, make sure to stay up-to-date on your dental care. Schedule and keep appointments with Dr. Mickel for regular cleanings, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need a checkup or if problems arise. Call Sabrina E. Mickel DDS & Associates at 216-510-9974 or request an appointment online today.