After having a severe toothache, you’re more than ready to be done with treatment and get back to normal life. Your dentist has put a crown on your tooth, but that’s not necessarily the end of the story! It doesn’t mean you can do anything with that crown right away. To learn more about the aftercare for dental crowns, keep reading the information below.
After You Get a Temporary Crown
As the name suggests, this type of crown is meant to be on your tooth for a limited time, which means it isn’t as durable or strong as your custom crown will be. As a result, when your dentist attaches a temporary crown, you should avoid eating sticky or excessively hard foods to chew because it could come loose prematurely.
If you’re the bond holding your temporary crown in place fails before your permanent one is ready, contact your dentist immediately. Without this temporary crown, the tooth could succumb to decay, feel pain or sensitivity, or suffer damage before the custom crown is positioned to protect it.
After You Get a Permanent Crown
Compared to a temporary restoration, your permanent crown should be much more durable. However, just like street cement, it can take a bit of time for the bonding cement to completely set. In fact, you should avoid using that area of your mouth to chew for a couple of days, so you don’t disrupt this process.
Also, be extra careful when flossing. For upper crowns, floss in an upward motion only, and for lower crowns, downward. That way, you don’t accidentally pry the crown off the tooth before the bond is fully solid.
Making Your Crown Last as Long as Possible
When the cement has finally set up, your dental crown can be treated just like any other tooth. In other words, you need to maintain your crown through daily brushing and flossing and regular checkups with your dentist. These essential habits keep your crowns and teeth in excellent shape year after year.
For even better protection from damage or decay, you should take sips of water throughout the day, limit your sugar intake, and reduce your snacking.
If you mistreat your crown, it could come off sooner than expected or break, or the tooth underneath could experience further decay or injury. On the other hand, with the proper care both immediately after getting your crown and in the long run, you can easily make it last for more than a decade.
About the Practice
In Lincoln, Williamsburg Dental has six locations that are conveniently placed throughout the city. We offer a full menu of restorations, including fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants. Our caring team takes the time to explain aftercare to set patients up for long-term success. If you have questions about dental crowns, you can reach out to any of our offices by visiting our Contact Us page here.