Dental crowns are often recommended for maximum protection and preservation of your natural tooth. They are also the most common restoration for single dental implants. With the right care and maintenance, your crown could last up to fifteen years before needing to be replaced. Caring for a dental crown in Woodbridge, VA, is a lot like caring for your natural teeth, with a few special considerations. By following your dentist’s aftercare tips and hygiene routine, you can help extend the life of your new dental crown.
Caring for a Dental Crown in Woodbridge, VA
After you complete treatment, your dentist will likely give you a list of aftercare instructions for the first 24-48 hours. This often includes instructions such as avoiding chewing on the area to help the crown settle properly. While the first few days after treatment are crucial, you still need to make sure you take care of your crown every day. Here are some tips to help you care for your new restoration.
Floss Carefully
With a dental crown, it’s still important to brush and floss your teeth properly. While the crown itself is more resistant to plaque, there’s still the natural tooth underneath and the gums around it to care for. When flossing, it’s important to make sure you don’t try to pull the floss straight up between your teeth. This can sometimes cause the thread to pull on your crown, which could cause it to loosen or even fall off. If you struggle to floss around your crown, call your dentist to schedule an appointment. There could be some minor adjustments they need to make to help improve your oral hygiene routine.
Chew Properly
Dental crowns are designed to be durable and withstand normal biting pressure. However, they can still suffer damage like normal teeth. It’s important that you pay attention to what you eat and how you chew. Hard foods could lead to cracks or fractures. Gummy or chewy foods could cause your crown to loosen. And crunchy foods could end up getting stuck between your teeth, damaging your gums. In the first few days, it’s especially crucial to avoid these foods and try not to chew directly on your crown.
Maintain Routine Dental Appointments
Seeing a dentist at least twice a year is one of the best ways to help maintain your oral health. And it’s especially crucial for maintaining your dental crown. A professional cleaning can help remove plaque buildup to ensure your crown and natural tooth are healthy. And your dentist can often identify early warning signs of damage to your crown and provide treatment before it develops.
With the right care and maintenance, your dental crown could last you up to fifteen years. Call our office today at 571-520-9306 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how a dental crown can help protect and preserve your oral health.