Aftercare After Getting a Dental Crown
A dental crown will help restore the appearance of your teeth. The crowns can also help to protect teeth that have decay. However, dental crowns do require some care. This will help your crown to last as long as possible.
Temporary dental crowns
A patient will receive a temporary crown while the first one is being made. The dentist will make an impression of the tooth to have the permanent crown made. It will take about two to three weeks for the permanent one to come in. Before that, the patient will receive a temporary crown. There are several steps a patient can take to maintain the temporary crown, including:
- Using dental floss carefully; sliding instead of lifting is better
- Avoiding hard foods, which can break the crown
- Avoiding chewy foods, which can pull the crown out
- Cleaning the gums regularly
- Chewing on the opposite side of the mouth as the crown
If the dental crown breaks, patients should contact the dentist. That way, the patient can get it repaired quickly. If the crown comes off completely, the patient should avoid wearing it while sleeping. This can cause the patient to accidentally swallow the crown.
Aftercare for permanent crowns
When a patient has a permanent crown in place, it is a good idea to follow the tips mentioned above. These should be followed during the first couple of days. A dentist will encourage the patient to avoid hard or sticky foods. The patient should use a warm saltwater rinse in the first week after getting a crown.
Right after getting a crown, a patient should avoid eating or drinking. The local anesthetic will still be in place, so it is better to wait until it wears off. This will prevent the patient from accidentally biting themselves. If the patient feels sensitive or uncomfortable, they can take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Oral hygiene for a dental crown
A crown is usually made from ceramic or metal. The materials do not stain as teeth do. However, the crown may have an edge where it meets the tooth. It is not possible to completely smooth the edge. The patient will need to take care to clean this area well. The area is more susceptible to gum disease or cavities.
Using fluoride toothpaste twice a day or more is a good idea. Patients can use a type of floss that has a stiff tip to clean between the teeth. An interdental cleaner can be used to remove the plaque. Patients may receive a high-fluoride gel to help prevent decay.
Visit a dentist today for a dental crown
The life span of your dental crown will depend on how well you take care of it. But with the right oral hygiene, you can expect your dental crown to last for many years. You can easily make your crowns last a lifetime with the right care. Your dentist can give you more tips for caring for your dental crowns.
Request an appointment here: https://smilowfamilydentistry.com or call Smilow Family Dentistry, P.C. at (973) 379-2202 for an appointment in our Springfield Township office.
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