Getting a dental crown is one of the most effective ways to restore a damaged or decayed tooth, improving both functionality and appearance. However, once your dental crown is in place, proper care is essential to ensure its longevity and maintain overall oral health. This blog will guide you through the best practices to take care of your dental crown, ensuring it stays intact and looks great for years to come.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its strength, shape, size, and appearance. Crowns are commonly made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials. They are designed to look and function like natural teeth.

Dental crowns are commonly recommended for:

• Protecting a weak tooth from breaking.
• Restoring a broken or severely worn-down tooth.
• Covering a dental implant or a large filling.
• Enhancing the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth.

Since dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or longer with proper care, it’s essential to adopt good oral hygiene habits and protect your crown from damage.

Why Is Dental Crown Care Important?

While dental crowns are designed to be durable, they are not invincible. Poor care can lead to:

• Crown loosening or falling off.
• Decay developing underneath the crown.
• Damage to the crown from excessive pressure.
• Gum inflammation or infection.

Proper maintenance ensures the crown remains intact and protects the underlying tooth from potential damage.

How to Take Care of Your Dental Crown?

Here are practical and expert-recommended tips to care for your dental crown:

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

One of the most important ways to extend the lifespan of your dental crown is by maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Here’s how:

• Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean around the crown and natural teeth.
• Floss Daily: Flossing is crucial to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and around the crown. Use gentle, sliding motions to avoid pulling the crown.
• Rinse with Mouthwash: Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce the risk of plaque buildup and gum disease.

By keeping your teeth and gums healthy, you reduce the chances of decay forming underneath the crown or developing gum disease.

2. Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods

While dental crowns are strong, they are not indestructible. Avoid eating foods that can damage or dislodge the crown, such as:

• Hard foods: Ice, hard candies, nuts, and popcorn kernels can crack or chip the crown.
• Sticky foods: Caramel, chewing gum, and sticky candies may pull the crown loose.
• Acidic foods: Excessive consumption of acidic foods and drinks (sodas, citrus fruits) can weaken the cement holding your crown.

Opt for softer foods, especially in the first few days after getting your crown.

3. Avoid Using Teeth as Tools

Many people have a habit of using their teeth to open packages, bottles, or tear tags off items. This habit can put excessive pressure on your crown, causing it to crack, loosen, or dislodge.

Instead, always use scissors, bottle openers, or appropriate tools for these tasks to protect your crown from damage.

4. Protect Your Crown from Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

If you have a habit of grinding your teeth at night (bruxism), it can significantly shorten the lifespan of your dental crown. Grinding can cause:

• Cracks or chips in the crown.
• Loosening of the crown.
• Damage to neighboring teeth.

To protect your crown, consider:

• Wearing a nightguard: A custom-made nightguard can protect your teeth from the pressure of grinding.
• Stress management: Reducing stress can help minimize unconscious teeth grinding.
• Regular dental visits: Inform your dentist if you notice jaw soreness or teeth clenching.

5. Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups

Routine dental visits every six months are crucial for monitoring the condition of your dental crown and overall oral health. During these visits, your dentist will:

• Check for any damage or looseness in the crown.
• Examine the health of your gums.
• Remove plaque or tartar buildup around the crown.
• Perform professional cleanings to maintain crown longevity.

Early detection of issues can prevent costly repairs or replacements.

6. Address Any Discomfort Immediately

If you experience any discomfort, sensitivity, or pain around your crown, contact your dentist immediately. Common issues may include:

• Tooth sensitivity: Occurs when the crown is newly placed. Using toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help.
• Crown loosening: If you feel your crown shifting or moving, seek dental care immediately.
• Pain or swelling: This may indicate an infection or damage underneath the crown.

Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further complications.

7. Avoid Smoking or Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the cement holding your crown in place, increasing the risk of dislodgement. Additionally, smoking increases the chances of gum disease, which may affect the foundation of your dental crown.

For the longevity of your dental crown, it’s best to avoid or significantly reduce smoking and alcohol consumption.

What to Do If Your Crown Falls Off?

If your crown becomes loose or falls off, follow these steps:

1. Keep the crown: If possible, save the crown and avoid damaging it.
2. Contact your dentist immediately: Schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
3. Avoid chewing on that side: Prevent further damage by avoiding chewing on the affected side.
4. Use dental cement (if needed): Temporary dental cement, available at most pharmacies, can hold the crown in place temporarily.

Avoid using super glue or any household adhesive to fix your crown.

How Long Can a Dental Crown Last?

The lifespan of a dental crown largely depends on how well you care for it. On average:

• Porcelain or ceramic crowns: 10-15 years with proper care.
• Metal or gold crowns: 15-20 years or longer.
• Zirconia crowns: Over 15 years with excellent care.

By practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding damaging foods, and attending regular dental visits, you can significantly extend the life of your crown.

Conclusion

Taking care of your dental crown is crucial to maintaining a healthy, long-lasting smile. By following these practical tips—such as maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding hard foods, protecting against teeth grinding, and attending regular dental check-ups—you can ensure that your dental crown remains intact for many years. If you ever experience any issues with your dental crown, don’t hesitate to consult your dentist. Proper care and attention will ensure your dental crown serves you well for years to come.