Dental crowns are a great solution to help protect damaged teeth and restore your smile.
Yet the surface of crown teeth will wear from normal use, so you’ll need to learn how to protect crown teeth. Proper care for crown teeth includes brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups, and forgoing hard foods. You may need to consider wearing a mouth guard if you play sports and if you grind your teeth. In instances where the crown shows extensive degradation, the occlusal surface of the crown can be repaired with a direct restorative such as amalgam or composite.
At Susquehanna Dental Arts, we provide our customers with zirconia crowns, which rank among the most durable crowns available. Read further to learn how you can better protect crown teeth, so they last.
Teeth Grinding and Dental Crowns
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can prematurely wear down a crown. Even with the best intentions to avoid grinding your teeth, you might not even be aware you’re doing so.
Bruxism often occurs during the night while you’re sleeping.
Ask your dentist about a mouth guard to wear to protect crown teeth, and all others, from bruxism.
Avoid Decay with Dental Crowns
Because a crown is not a wholly natural tooth, crowned teeth are more susceptible to gum disease. While your dentist will customize a dental crown to fit your damaged tooth, changes in your mouth over time could cause microscopic gaps.
And just as natural teeth are at risk for plaque and cavities, so are crowned teeth.
You can avoid decay with dental crowns through regular brushing and flossing. Yes, you can floss around a permanent crown. However, you’ll need to use precaution when flossing near a temporary crown. Your dentist can demonstrate how to properly floss around dental crowns.
Bacteria builds up in places where it’s hard to brush or floss, so regular visits to the dentist will play a large role in the durability of crowned teeth.
Omit Crunchy Foods
So many of us in Lancaster County love our hard pretzels. After all, Lititz is home to the first commercial pretzel bakery built in 1861. But hard pretzels and similarly hard edibles can cause cracks in dental crowns. Even a small chip in a crown can leave it susceptible to harmful bacteria.
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no need to avoid apples if you have a dental crown; just slice them instead of chomping into them whole. Do, however, avoid chewing on ice regardless of size. It isn’t worth the risk.
If you believe you’ve chipped or cracked a crown, request an appointment as soon as possible.
Are Crowned Teeth More Sensitive?
A crowned tooth is prone to the same issues as your natural teeth. The tooth beneath the crown is still very much alive with nerves to signal any concerns. If you experience sensitivity or pain in any of your teeth, schedule a visit with our dental office.