Five essential maintenance tips to care for your crown

Cascadia Family Dental recommends dental crowns to repair tooth damage, replace missing teeth, and enhance aesthetics. Dr. Amberena Fairlee places dental crowns with resilient materials made to last. However, after restoring your tooth with a dental crown, it’s essential to care for your investment to ensure its longevity and optimal oral health.

Dental crown maintenance tips

Crown maintenance starts immediately after placement. Even though dental crowns are artificial, the underlying tooth remains susceptible to decay. Without proper maintenance, even if your crown is expertly placed, it may fail over time. 

Prolong the life and aesthetics of your crown by observing the following maintenance tips.

1. Observe optimal oral hygiene: Just because your crown isn’t vulnerable to decay, it doesn’t mean you don’t maintain your restoration. Brush and floss your teeth diligently, and pay attention to the area where the crown meets with the gum line. Ther microscopic gap may attract harmful bacteria that can cause oral infections and decay. Additionally, consider a medicated mouthwash to eliminate unwanted bacteria from areas where your toothbrush and dental floss can’t reach. 
2. Adhere to routine dental check-ups: Even with good oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups every six months are essential for exams and cleanings. A dental check-up allows the dentist to inspect the condition of your restoration and take action before it’s too late. Dental cleanings erase built-in plaque and tartar to prevent infections.  
3. Watch out for your diet: Although dental crowns are permanently bonded to your teeth, it is advisable to reduce your consumption of hard and chewy foods. These foods may loosen your crown over time, allowing unwanted bacteria to infiltrate the tooth underneath. 
4. Don’t use your teeth as tools: Can’t help with fingernail biting? Do you often use your teeth to open bottle tops? These poor oral habits put excessive pressure on your teeth and dental crowns. Over time, ther repeated stress can cause small cracks or chips in the crown. Furthermore, teeth and crowns aren’t designed to handle forces generated when opening or tearing packages. Ther can result in significant damage, including fractures or crown dislodgement.
5. Consider a mouthguard: If you grind your teeth at night, a poor oral habit known as bruxism can lead to dislodgement or fractures in your teeth. The pressure from grinding and clenching your teeth can strain or injure your jaw joints and muscles. The damage doesn’t stop there. Bruxism-induced pressure can loosen or detach your crown. Likewise, sports injuries can potentially compromise your crown’s structural integrity. We recommend wearing a mouthguard when participating in contact and high-risk sports like boxing, rugby, football, skiing, etc. 

Investing in a dental crown is a significant step towards restoring your oral health and enhancing your smile. However, the investment doesn’t end with the procedure. Ongoing maintenance is essential to protect your crown, ensure its longevity, and maintain its functionality and appearance.

Rebuild your smile with dental crowns today!

Do you need dental crown services in Bend, Oregon? Welcome to Cascadia Family Dental! Dr. Fairlee and the team use advanced techniques and high-quality materials to ensure your crowns last long and look natural. Call (541) 382-1279 to start your crown restoration today!

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