A dental crown restores your natural tooth’s ability to withstand chewing pressure so you can comfortably and effectively masticate your food. Crowns can also protect a tooth from further decay, infection, and bacteria that can cause additional harm. Since the crown completely encases a tooth down to the gumline, outside substances cannot easily affect the tooth as before.
Dr. Chris Wigley at Jensen Beach Dental can save and strengthen your natural tooth using custom-made dental crowns. Our sturdy dental crowns are designed to last from five to fifteen years, but one must maintain proper dental hygiene and certain oral habits to sustain their longevity and function.
Here are five tips for caring for your new dental crown.
#1 Don’t use your teeth as tools.
Whether you have a crown or not, you should never use your teeth to tear open packages, crunch ice, or open bottles. Doing so can break the crown and hurt the tooth beneath it. It can also injure the gums and other oral tissues, resulting in a possible dental emergency.
#2 Brush and floss every day.
To maintain your oral health and the condition of your dental crown, you must brush and floss your teeth daily to remove plaque and tartar.
#3 Wear a custom-fitted nightguard if you grind your teeth.
A nightguard looks like a retainer that fits on the upper and lower teeth. With a night guard, your teeth do not touch, preventing wear or breakage from teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism). A custom nightguard is comfortable, fits well, and ensures your teeth and gums remain protected.
#4 Repair any crown damage as soon as possible.
If your dental crown breaks or cracks, it must be repaired as soon as possible to avoid additional damage or pressure on the surrounding teeth. A broken or chipped crown can continue to break, harm the tooth beneath, or affect nearby teeth.
#5 Visit your dentist regularly.
Skipping dental appointments is not recommended, even if you have a dental crown or implants. Your dentist will be able to keep your teeth and gums healthy, identify any concerns, and quickly remedy any issues that arise before they get worse.
If you need a dental crown placed or repaired, please contact our dental office in Jensen Beach, FL.