Do These 4 Things For A Good Dental Crown Experience

Dental crowns protect teeth that are at risk for damage or decay. Patients are often given dental crowns following root canal therapy, but dental crowns can also protect teeth that have had extensive filling work done on them. Doing these four things will help you have a great experience wearing dental crowns:

1. Treat your dental crown with care.

You can keep your dental crown in good condition by treating it with care. Dental crowns are made from porcelain that is hard enough to allow patients to bite and chew normally. Some crowns are even reinforced with a metal core. However, crowns can still be cracked and chipped if you bite down on something that is harder than your crown. Avoid chewing very hard objects and foods to keep your dental crown from premature breakage.

2. Clean your dental crown using floss and toothpaste.

Dental crowns are designed to protect the teeth beneath them. Since they're made from inorganic materials, crowns cannot become decayed. However, it's important to keep your dental crown clean because it can still attract plaque that can affect your gums and surrounding teeth. You can clean your dental crowns using the same techniques you use to clean the rest of your teeth. Floss around the base of your crown using a gentle sawing motion to loosen plaque and brush your dental crown twice a day.

3. Have your dental crown periodically checked by a dentist.

Dental crowns can last for over 15 years in ideal conditions. However, you should still have your dental crowns examined regularly. Your dentist will check on your dental crowns when conducting oral exams. They will ensure that your crowns are still intact and still forming a good seal around your teeth. Dental x-rays can allow your dentist to see beneath your crowns to ensure that they aren't leaking and allowing bacteria in.

4. Alert your dentist to any unusual sights or sensations related to your dental crown.

If your dental crown becomes damaged, you'll probably be the first to know. If you feel any pain or strange sensations in your dental crown, you should call your dentist to let them know. Likewise, you should call your dentist if you notice that your dental crown is visibly damaged. Prompt treatment can prevent further complications. Your dentist can replace your dental crown with a new crown if necessary. This can help you avoid getting a tooth extraction.