Getting a dental crown is a major investment in your oral health, and you want to make sure it lasts as long as possible. Whether you just got your first crown or you’re looking to better care for existing ones, understanding how to properly maintain these dental restorations will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your smile looking great for years to come. Read on to learn everything you need to know to take care of your dental crowns, from daily maintenance routines to handling unexpected issues. 

Why Dental Crowns Are Necessary 

Dental crowns serve as protective caps that cover damaged or weakened teeth. Your dentist places these custom-made restorations over most or all of the visible portion of your tooth, extending from the gum line to the chewing surface. The crown essentially becomes your tooth’s new protective outer shell, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. 

Dentists recommend crowns for several reasons, each addressing specific dental problems that regular fillings cannot adequately solve. Large cavities that have destroyed significant portions of your tooth structure require crowns because fillings alone cannot provide sufficient support and the remaining tooth structure often does not have enough strength leaving the tooth vulnerable to fracturing. Posterior teeth that have undergone root canal therapy most always need crowns since some of the coronal integrity is lost.

Severely worn teeth from grinding or clenching benefit from crowns that restore proper height and chewing function. Cracked or fractured teeth receive protection from crowns that hold the remaining tooth structure together and prevent further damage. Cosmetic concerns also drive crown placement when teeth have severe discoloration, unusual shapes, or large gaps that other treatments cannot address effectively. 

Brushing and Flossing With Crowns 

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is a critical part of taking care of your dental crowns. You need to clean around crowns just as thoroughly as you clean your natural teeth, paying special attention to the area where the crown meets your gum line. Bacteria can accumulate in this area leading to decay in the underlying tooth structure or gum disease. 

Brush your crowned teeth using non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Apply gentle pressure and use circular motions to clean all surfaces thoroughly. Spend adequate time cleaning these areas without being overly aggressive, as excessive force can damage your gums or dislodge the crown. 

Flossing around crowns requires extra care and attention. Use regular dental floss or specialized floss designed for dental work. Gently guide the floss between your teeth and crown, taking care not to pull upward forcefully when removing it, as this could snag on the edges of the crown. Water flossers can provide an excellent alternative or supplement to traditional flossing, effectively removing bacteria and food particles from hard-to-reach areas around crowns. 

What You Can and Can’t Eat 

Your dietary choices significantly impact the longevity of your dental crowns. While crowns often restore much of your tooth’s original strength, you still need to take care to keep them clean and in place, especially when they’re new. 

Avoid extremely hard foods that could crack or chip your crowns. These include ice, hard candies, nuts in shells, and popcorn. Sticky foods such as caramel, taffy, and chewing gum can potentially pull crowns loose, especially if the cement has begun to weaken over time. Very chewy foods require excessive force that can stress the crown and underlying tooth structure in the same manner those foods would stress your natural tooth. 

You can eat most normal foods without concern, including cooked vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and properly prepared meats. Cut hard foods such as apples and carrots into smaller pieces rather than biting into them directly with your anterior crowned teeth. This approach reduces the force applied to your crowns while still allowing you to enjoy a varied diet. 

Temperature extremes can cause discomfort if you have sensitivity around your crowned teeth. Very hot or cold foods and beverages may cause temporary sensitivity, especially during the first few weeks after crown placement. This sensitivity typically decreases over time as your tooth adjusts to the new restoration, and this sensitivity can last for a year. Over time, sensitivity tends to decrease.

The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups 

Regular dental visits become even more crucial when you have dental crowns. Your dentist can detect problems early before they become serious issues requiring extensive treatment. Professional examinations allow your dentist to check the integrity of your crowns, assess the health of surrounding gum tissue, and identify any developing problems. 

During these visits, your dental hygienist will professionally clean your crowns and natural teeth, removing plaque and calculus buildup that regular brushing and flossing cannot eliminate. This professional cleaning helps prevent gum disease and decay around your crowns. Your dentist will also check the fit and stability of your crowns, ensuring they remain properly seated and functional. 

Schedule dental checkups every six months, or more frequently if your dentist recommends it. Some patients with crowns may need more frequent visits, especially if they have a history of dental problems or risk factors for gum disease. Your dentist can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation and oral health needs. 

Dealing With Sensitivity and Discomfort 

Some sensitivity and discomfort after crown placement is normal and typically resolves within a few days to weeks. However, persistent or severe sensitivity may indicate underlying problems that require professional attention. 

Mild sensitivity to temperature changes often occurs as your tooth adjusts to the new crown. This sensitivity usually diminishes gradually as the tooth adapts to the restoration. Over-the-counter pain relievers and desensitizing toothpaste can help manage mild discomfort during this adjustment period. 

Severe or persistent pain may indicate problems such as an improper bite, nerve irritation, or other complications. Contact your dentist if you experience severe pain, prolonged sensitivity, or discomfort that interferes with eating or sleeping. These symptoms may require adjustments to your crown or additional treatment to address underlying issues. 

What To Do With Chipped or Cracked Crowns 

Chipped or cracked crowns require prompt professional attention to prevent further damage and potential complications. Even small chips can create rough edges that irritate your tongue and cheeks, while larger fractures can compromise the crown’s ability to protect the underlying tooth. 

If you notice a chip or crack in your crown, contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an examination. Avoid chewing on the affected side and be extra careful when cleaning around the damaged crown. Small chips might be repairable with dental bonding, while larger fractures typically require crown replacement. 

In the meantime, avoid foods and activities that could worsen the damage. Stick to soft foods and avoid temperature extremes that might cause additional stress to the compromised crown. If sharp edges cause irritation, dental wax can provide temporary relief until you can see your dentist. 

Restore Your Smile With Commonwealth Endodontics 

Commonwealth Endodontics offers root canal treatment to help patients restore their teeth and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable, and more beautiful smile. Visit us today to learn more about our treatments and take your next step toward better overall health.