Making Your Dental Crown Last Longer
The condition of just one tooth can ruin your self-esteem as well as compromise your ability to eat and speak properly. Dental crowns are one of the most time-tested solutions to restore a damaged and unsightly tooth. Crowns are made of strong, natural-looking materials that encase or cover all visible sides of an affected tooth.
Dental crowns, however, are not invincible. They are a restorative dentistry investment that needs to be taken care of. Crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years – depending on how you care for it. Here are five tips to help your dental crown retain its maximum lifespan:
#1 Maintain Good Hygiene
Just like your natural teeth, your dental crown needs daily cleaning and maintenance. It is important to brush, floss and rinse your teeth regularly. An antibacterial mouthwash can be very beneficial in the area around your crown.
#2 Use a Night Guard if You Grind Your Teeth
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can be one of the most harmful habits to your new crown. Since this is a habit that is often performed during nighttime sleep, it is important to talk to your dentist about getting fitted for a custom night guard to buffer your crown from the consistent forces of grinding or clenching.
#3 Get Rid of Bad Habits
If you want to protect your dental crown investment, now is a great time to kick bad habits like chewing your nails, chomping ice or opening packages with your teeth.
#4 Deal with a Damaged or Ill-Fitting Crown Promptly
Chipping can happen with dental crowns. If addressed quickly, the crown can likely be repaired with composite resin instead of replacing the entire crown. However, a damaged or recently repaired crown can be more susceptible to further damage. Likewise, if you experience a change in the way your crown feels when you bite down, it is time to let your dentist investigate!
#5 Keep up With Dental Visits
It is crucial that you not skip your regular visits with your dentist, especially when you have crowns and implants. A dentist can often identify and treat problems with the crown before you notice at home. This can be a big savings in potential repairs or replacement.
At Carolina Commons Dentistry, we proudly offer state-of-the-art treatments in restorative dentistry, which include our high-quality dental crowns. To learn more about how you can help your dental crown last as long as possible, call our Indian Land office today.
Posted on behalf of Carolina Commons Dentistry