Dental Cap Care: Your Complete FAQ for a Healthy Smile

What Should You Know About Dental Caps?

How long does a dental cap last?

Most dental crowns can last about five to fifteen years, with some lasting far longer with the right care. How long your crown lasts depends on the type of material it’s made from plus your general habits. For instance grinding your teeth at night or chewing ice can put a strain on your crown.

Can you floss a capped tooth normally?

Yes. Brushing twice per day with a soft bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste helps keep crowned teeth clean. Pay special attention to brushing the sides of the crowns since plaque can build up along the edges where the cap meets your tooth.

Flossing a capped tooth is also important. Do it every day sliding the floss in between your teeth gently rather than snapping it up against the gum line. Don’t forget to clean beneath the gum line where plaque can accumulate.

Daily Dental Cap Care Questions

Many people wrongly believe that you can’t get cavities on capped teeth. The truth is though that the natural teeth surrounding a crown can still develop cavities and decay along the edges where the crowns meet them. Your gums also require cleaning in order to be kept healthy.

Make sure to incorporate these cap care basics into your daily hygiene:

• Brush gently. Brushing with more pressure doesn’t clean teeth more thoroughly. It can actually irritate your gums so be sure to use controlled motions.

• Be mindful of what you chew. Chewing on hard items like ice or hard candy can fracture a crown especially if you bite down on something with force without thinking.

• If you grind your teeth at night ask your dentist about getting a night guard. You may benefit from one if you wake up with sore jaws or are aware of grinding or clenching during sleep.

• Get regular dental check-ups. These are important because they allow your dentist to check for cracks or decay along the edge of a crown before it becomes painful.

Problems With Dental Caps: What Is Normal?

Sensitivity to cold foods and drinks is normal for a while after getting a crown. This is due to the fact that your tooth has been filed to accommodate the new crown. The tissues surrounding the crown will need a little time to adjust.

However, pain that radiates from the crowned tooth or that gets worse should be brought up with your dentist. The same goes for a crown which is too high; this should be adjusted so that it doesn’t put unnecessary pressure on the opposing teeth.

You should contact your dentist if you spot any of the following problems:

• A crowned tooth that feels loose.

• Painful chewing or new swelling or sensitivity.

Eating, Cleaning and Long-Term Crown Care

You can generally go back to eating all of your favorite foods as long as your dentist hasn’t told you otherwise and the numbness from your anesthetic has worn off.

If you have a temporary crown though be sure to follow any specific instructions provided since these kinds of crowns are more likely to come loose.

Avoiding very sticky sweets is advisable as is staying away from using your teeth as tools. It may seem like a convenience but opening things with your teeth is a bad habit that can cause damage even if you’ve done it for years.

Lastly, dentists want patients to know that crowns can’t be bleached like natural teeth can. So if you’re considering getting your teeth professionally whitened discuss this with your dentist first so that he or she can make sure your natural teeth as well as the crown whiten evenly.

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