Getting a dental crown is a common procedure that could help restore the strength, function, and appearance of a damaged or decayed tooth. The care you give your crown afterward plays a vital role in its longevity and your overall oral health. Whether you’ve just received a temporary or permanent crown, understanding how to take care of it can help prevent complications and ensure your smile stays healthy and pain-free.
Understanding the Healing Period
After receiving a dental crown, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity or discomfort for a few days. This is typically due to the reshaping of the natural tooth or irritation of the surrounding tissues. If a temporary crown was used, you might feel it sits differently or feels more fragile. Give your mouth a few days to adjust, but contact your dentist if the pain is intense or lasts longer than expected. You may also experience a slight change in your bite. This should be minor, but if it persists, your dentist might need to make small adjustments.
Eating and Drinking with a New Crown
One of the most immediate concerns after getting a dental crown is how it affects your ability to eat and drink. If you’ve had a temporary crown placed, avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that could dislodge or crack it. Temporary crowns aren’t as durable as permanent ones, so they require extra caution. Once your permanent crown is in place and fully set, you can often return to a more normal diet. However, it’s still wise to limit very hard foods like nuts, ice, or hard candy, which could potentially damage the crown over time. When it comes to temperature sensitivity, you might notice a heightened reaction to hot or cold foods in the first few weeks. Using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth could help reduce this discomfort.
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Even though dental crowns are made from durable materials like porcelain or ceramic, they still require excellent oral hygiene. The crown itself cannot decay, but the tooth underneath and the surrounding gum tissue are still susceptible to infection and decay if not properly cared for. Continue brushing your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily, taking extra care around the crown to remove plaque and prevent gum disease. You might consider using a floss threader or water flosser to make cleaning around the crown easier and more effective.
Regular Dental Checkups Are Essential
After receiving a dental crown, keeping up with routine dental checkups becomes even more important. These visits allow your dentist to monitor the condition of the crown and the surrounding tooth structure. Early signs of wear, loosening, or gum irritation can be addressed before they become major problems. Professional cleanings also help remove plaque and tartar buildup that you might miss at home.
Avoiding Harmful Habits
Habits like teeth grinding (bruxism), biting nails, or using your teeth as tools can put undue stress on a dental crown and cause it to crack or become loose. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend a night guard to protect your crown and natural teeth. Staying mindful of these habits and making a conscious effort to avoid them can significantly extend the life of your crown.
When to Call Your Dentist
If your crown feels loose, painful, or becomes dislodged, don’t wait to call your dentist. Prompt treatment could prevent further damage and discomfort. Also, if you notice a persistent bad taste or swelling around the crown, it may be a sign of infection or decay beneath the crown and should be evaluated right away.
Dental Crown Care in Nashville, TN
At 615 Smile Design, we understand how daunting new dental work can be. We work hard to help ensure you understand how to properly care for an maintain your new smile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how you can extend the life of your dental crown.