Attention all crown wearers, are you tired of experiencing dental emergencies due to poor crown maintenance? Look no further, because we’ve got the ultimate guide on how to prolong the lifespan and avoid any potential problems with your dental crowns. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned wearer, our tips and tricks will help keep your smile shining bright for years to come. Read on for valuable information that will save you time, money, and discomfort in the long run!
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a protective covering that fits over the natural tooth. They are usually made of porcelain or ceramic and are used to strengthen the tooth or improve its appearance. While dental crowns are a great way to improve your smile, they can also cause problems if they are not made properly or do not fit well.
5 Common Dental Crown Problems
1. Dental crowns can crack: If you have a dental crown, it’s important to avoid biting or chewing on hard objects (ice, hard candy, etc.), as this can cause the crown to crack. If your crown does crack, it will likely need to be replaced.
2. Dental crowns can come loose: If your dental crown is not properly fitted, it may come loose over time. In some cases, the underlying tooth may also decay, which can cause the crown to become loose. If your crown becomes loose, it will need to be re-cemented or replaced.
3. Dental crowns can fall out: In rare cases, a dental crown may fall out completely. This usually happens if the underlying tooth decays or the fit of the crown is poor. If your dental crown falls out, it will need to be replaced.
4. Dental Crowns Might Not Match Your Teeth: It’s possible that your new dental crown might not match the color of your other teeth exactly. However, this usually isn’t a big problem and most people don’t even notice it.
5. Allergies to Materials in Dental Crowns: In rare cases, people may be allergic to the materials used in dental crowns (such as metals). This can cause problems such as itching, swelling, and redness around the gums.
7 Tips to Avoid Dental Crown Problems
If you’re about to get a dental crown or have already had one placed, it’s important to take care of it properly to avoid any problems. Here are 9 tips to help avoid any issues with your dental crown:
1. Avoid chewing hard foods: While your dental crown is strong, it’s not indestructible. Chewing on hard foods like candy can cause cracks or other damage.
2. Don’t chew ice: Just like hard candy, chewing on ice can also crack or chip your dental crown.
3. Be careful with teeth grinding: If you grind your teeth at night, be sure to wear a mouthguard so you don’t damage your dental crown.
4. Use the opposite side of your mouth: When possible, try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the side that has the dental crown.
5. Floss carefully: When flossing around your dental crown, be careful not to pull up too hard on the floss as this could loosen the crown.
6. Visit your dentist regularly: Be sure to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings so they can check on the condition of your dental crown and make sure it’s still securely in place.
7. Brush twice a day: Good oral hygiene is important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, and this includes taking care of your dental crown. Be sure to brush at least twice a day.
3 Strategies for Longer-Lasting Dental Crowns
1. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are key to maintaining your dental crown and avoiding problems. Be sure to keep up with your regular appointments and brush and floss daily.
2. Avoid hard foods and chewing on ice or other hard objects that can damage your dental crown.
3. If you do have a problem with your dental crown, such as a loose or broken crown, be sure to see your dentist right away so they can fix the problem before it becomes worse.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are a great way to strengthen one’s teeth and improve their overall appearance. However, dental crowns can also cause problems if not properly cared for and maintained. Fortunately, avoiding dental crown problems is relatively easy with regular visits to the dentist and proper at-home care. With these helpful tips, you should be able to enjoy the benefits of your new smile without any issues or complications from your dental crowns in the future.
FAQs
Why do I need a dental crown?
Dental crowns are used to protect weak or damaged teeth from further injury. They can also be used to improve the appearance of teeth that are misshapen or discolored.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, most dental crowns will last for 5 to 15 years. However, some may need to be replaced sooner if they become loose or damaged.