How to Take Care of Your New Dental Crowns

The dentists at Bahia Dental Group in Pittsburg, California, want their patients to have beautiful smiles and great oral health. That’s why they use dental crowns to restore teeth that are damaged, broken, discolored, and decayed. If you have dental crowns or are thinking about getting them, read on to learn how you can take care of them so they can last for years to come.

Not just for looks

While dental crowns can be used to improve smiles by covering discolored or misshapen teeth, they can also protect vulnerable teeth. For example, teeth can be weakened by tooth decay, large fillings, cracks, or chips.

Dental crowns can also be used on teeth that have undergone root canals as well as on dental implants.

What are crowns made of?

Crowns can be made of a number of materials, including:

• Metal alloys, such as gold, platinum, chromium, and nickel
• Ceramic
• Porcelain 

Metal crowns are best used for back teeth. They’re not a good option for people who are allergic to metals, though. Ceramic and porcelain crowns can be used for back or front teeth. Furthermore, the color of ceramic and porcelain crowns can be matched to your natural teeth for a seamless look.

Temporary crowns

Temporary crowns are used to protect your teeth while your permanent crowns are being made. Use these tips to keep your temporary crowns in place:

• Use the other side of your mouth to chew hard foods
• When flossing your teeth, slide the dental floss out at an angle instead of pulling up
• Don’t chew gum, caramel, or other sticky foods
  

If your temporary crown comes off, call Bahia Dental Group right away so the problem can be fixed. It’s essential to keep your tooth covered so food and bacteria don’t cause damage.

Permanent crowns

Permanent crowns are held in place with special medical-grade cement. Dental crowns can last from 5-15 years, depending on your oral health, hygiene, wear and tear, and habits. For example, grinding your teeth can weaken crowns and cause them to break. Follow these tips to protect your permanent crowns:

• Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day
• Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash daily
• Consider using an oral irrigation system, such as a Waterpik®
• Avoid chewing on ice and hard candy
• Be careful with nuts, raw vegetables, and other hard foods
• Don’t use your teeth to open packages
• Try not to grind or clench your teeth
• Visit Bahia Dental Group at least twice a year for cleanings
  
  

Food can get stuck where the crown meets the gumline, so pay extra attention to this area when you brush and floss. Otherwise, bacteria can grow and cause decay underneath your crown. If your crown breaks or gets dislodged, call Bahia Dental Group right away to get help.

When it comes to dental crowns, trust the restorative dental specialists at Bahia Dental Group. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone today.