With any dental procedure, it’s important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to help your mouth heal. But even after the first few days are over, you still need to take care of your new restorations. A dental crown in Lititz, PA, can last you up to 15 or even 20 years if you take care of it properly. Your dentist will provide you with a full list of care tips to help you get the most out of your dental crown.
Care Tips for a Dental Crown in Lititz
Dental crowns are designed to be a permanent solution for excessive decay or damage to your teeth. They are often made out of a durable porcelain material that can be color-matched to the rest of your smile. While the porcelain is less affected by common dental issues such as plaque buildup, they aren’t immune to damage. Failure to properly clean and care for your crown could result in a fracture or the crown falling out.
Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day is crucial when you have any kind of restoration. While plaque and tartar won’t develop into decay on a crown, they can still affect the natural tooth under the crown, as well as the gum line and neighboring teeth. If you develop decay or disease in your mouth, it can quickly spread. And if the tooth under your crown becomes infected, then you may need to have it extracted altogether. Brushing and flossing work in tandem with your crown to help preserve your natural teeth.
Routine Check-Ups
For most patients, seeing your dentist at least every six months is crucial to maintaining proper oral hygiene. A professional cleaning twice a year can help remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup that brushing alone can’t get. And while you’re at your appointment, your dentist will often examine your smile and bite for any early signs of trouble. This exam is doubly important if you have any restorations. Your dentist could identify any problems before they turn into more serious issues. And they are often equipped to treat the problem right away.
Chewing Habits
While dental crowns are designed to be strong and durable, they can still stuffer fractures like a normal tooth. Chewing on hard surfaces, such as the tip of a pen or a piece of ice, can cause your crown to chip. Eating particularly gummy or chewy foods could loosen the bond, potentially leading to your crown falling out. Having the right diet and chewing habits can help you keep your crown strong and stable for the long run.
If you have a problem with your new dental crown, we can help. Give us a call at 717-627-6980 to schedule an appointment. After examining your restoration, your dentist can determine the issue and suggest a personalized treatment plan to help restore your bite back to full strength.