How to Take Care of Dental Crowns in Sarasota

If you have a severely decayed or damaged tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental crown in Sarasota. This is a common restorative procedure — so common that most adults probably have one or more crowns already. Taken care of properly, a crown can last for decades. A dental crown maintenance routine takes excellent cleaning and a few other considerations. Keep reading to find out what they are and how to make sure that your smile stays healthy for the long haul.

Dental Crowns: The Basics

A dental crown is a thin, tooth-shaped restoration that fits over a problematic tooth. It is customized to fit the exact dimensions of the tooth and cannot be removed except with special tools. Dental crowns can be used to fix decay, damage, injury, and other issues affecting the form or function of a tooth.

Placing a dental crown usually requires two visits to the dentist with about a week in between. First, your dentist will clean and reshape the tooth to make room for the new restoration to be affixed on top. Then, a temporary crown will be placed. You will need to wear this for one to two weeks while the permanent restoration is created in a separate lab. A second appointment will be scheduled for the final placement of the crown.

Proper Maintenance for Crowns

Taking care of your crown is key for making sure it looks, fits, and feels just like it should for as long as possible. Proper maintenance begins right after the first appointment, when you will be eating with a temporary crown for a week or two. Take extra care with this restoration, as it is not meant to withstand much pressure or force. Try to chew on the other side of your mouth and avoid hard, sticky, and excessively crunchy foods altogether. Notify your dentist if the crown breaks, comes off, or shifts.

After you have received the permanent restoration, you can resume normal eating habits. However, you should still bear a few things in mind to protect it from damage as the years pass by.

To keep your crown healthy, remember to:

1. Brush and floss gently around the crown, concentrating on its base to prevent the buildup of plaque and food particles.
2. Use a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay under the crown or on the root.
3. Avoid biting directly into hard or sticky foods if the crown is on a front tooth.
4. Do not chew on ice, pens, or bite your nails.
5. Attend regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist.

These tips can help a dental crown last for as long as possible. But, if you ever experience damage, discomfort, or something that just doesn’t feel quite right with your dental crown, do not hesitate to let your dentist in North Sarasota know. Getting treatment right away is important for your healthy smile!

Meet the Practice

Parkway Ridge Dental is a dental practice offering full-service dental care to families and friends in and around Sarasota, FL. Dr. Warren G. Hoffman and his team provide excellence in restorative, general, and cosmetic dentistry for patients of all ages. If you have a question about dental crown maintenance, do not hesitate to get in touch by calling (941) 358-8830.