The first step to proper crown care is the same as it is for the rest of your teeth: a soft-bristled brush and two cleanings per day. However, when cleaning the crowned tooth, be gentle in order to avoid damaging the crown.
Think along the lines of a light touch, as though you were attempting to scrub away a kitchen grease stain, rather than attacking the problem with vigor.<\/p>\r\n
You should also be careful to clean along the gumline, as plaque can accumulate there and around the edge of the crown. This is a particularly vulnerable spot, as it is partially hidden, making it easier to miss when cleaning.<\/p>\r\n
In general, a soft-bristled brush is all you need to clean the crowned area, and it will be sufficient in most cases.<\/p>\r\n
However, you should make sure to floss the area around the crown on a daily basis, paying particular attention to the edge.<\/p>\r\n
Although crowns are strong, they can still crack under the wrong sort of pressure. In most cases, this means avoiding using the crowned tooth to bite into particularly hard substances. Thus, ice should be avoided, as should pen-clicking and opening stubborn packages.<\/p>\r\n
In addition, you should be wary of eating particularly chewy foods that might place undue stress on the crown. It is usually safer to cut such foods into smaller pieces and eat them with more caution than usual, in order to avoid damaging the crown.
The alternative is spending the rest of the day wondering if the crown will stay in place.<\/p>\r\n
Crowns made of porcelain tend to resist staining, although the teeth directly next to the crown may discolor over time.<\/p>\r\n
This is yet another reason why it is important to continue to see the dentist on a regular basis, even with a crown in place. In addition, many whitening agents are ineffective against crowns, since they are designed to whiten natural teeth.<\/p>\r\n
If you have a habit of grinding your teeth at night, make sure to notify your dentist, as a night guard might be necessary. In addition, if you participate in contact sports, make sure to wear a properly fitted mouth guard, in order to prevent the crown from cracking or breaking due to impact.<\/p>\r\n
Most importantly, make sure to keep all of your regular dental appointments.<\/p>\r\n
During these check-ups, the dentist will be able to ensure that the crown is still in good condition and has not become unsecured or loosened in any way.<\/p>\r\n
Most people who get crowns report that they were quite comfortable right away. However, there may be some minor adjustments, which means that it is best to keep your mouth open to new sensations for a little while longer. That being said, it is important to remember that persistent pain is never normal.<\/p>\r\n
If it continues, or if the crown becomes unsecured, uncomfortable to eat with or develops a sharp edge, make sure to bring it to the dentist’s attention right away, rather than attempting to adjust it yourself.
In addition, if the crown were to fall out completely, make sure to save it and notify your dentist as soon as possible.<\/p>\r\n