Effective Dental Crown Maintenance

At Tarheel Family Dentistry in Chapel Hill, NC, we prioritize your oral health and well-being. Dental crowns, though durable, require consistent care to ensure longevity and functionality. This comprehensive guide to dental crown maintenance outlines essential practices for maintaining your dental restorations.

Proper dental crown maintenance can help prevent damage and extend the life of your new dental restoration.

Regular Oral Hygiene Practices

Brushing Techniques for Crowns

Proper brushing techniques significantly impact the longevity of your dental crowns. Our experienced dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and gently brush in circular motions. Pay extra attention to the crown’s base where it meets your gums. Avoid vigorous brushing, which can damage the crown’s surface and surrounding gum tissue.

Flossing Around Crowns

Flossing around dental crowns is equally crucial. Use a waxed dental floss to prevent snagging on the crown’s edges. Gently slide the floss between your teeth and curve it around the side of the crown, making a C-shape. Move the floss up and down, cleaning the sides of the crown and adjacent teeth. This technique removes plaque and food particles, reducing the risk of gum disease and decay around the crown.

Dietary Recommendations

Your diet plays a significant role in maintaining dental crowns. Avoid hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candies, which can damage or dislodge crowns. Sticky foods such as caramels and chewing gum may pull the crown off the tooth. Acidic foods and beverages could erode the crown’s material, compromising its strength and appearance.

Signs of Potential Issues

Sensitivity or Pain

Monitor your crowns for any signs of sensitivity or pain. If you experience discomfort when biting or chewing, your crown may need adjustment or further evaluation. Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures can indicate underlying issues such as tooth decay or nerve problems beneath the crown. Promptly addressing these symptoms with the professionals at Tarheel Family Dentistry could prevent more serious complications.

Changes in Crown Appearance

Regularly inspect your crowns for changes in appearance. Any visible damage or discoloration merits a visit to Tarheel Family Dentistry. Addressing these issues early helps ensure the crown’s functionality and aesthetics. Additionally, if your crown feels loose or you notice a gap between the crown and your gum line, seek immediate dental consultation.

Professional Care

Regular Check-ups

Routine dental check-ups at Tarheel Family Dentistry play a pivotal role in crown maintenance. Our skilled dentists thoroughly examine your crowns during each visit, identifying potential problems early. Regular check-ups enable us to provide timely interventions, ensuring your crowns remain in optimal condition.

Professional Cleanings

In addition to home care, professional cleanings significantly extend the life of your dental crowns. During cleanings, our dental hygienists meticulously remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease and decay. Professional cleanings also allow for the application of fluoride treatments, which strengthen both natural teeth and crowns. Maintaining a schedule of biannual cleanings ensures comprehensive oral health care.

Encouragement for Proper Dental Crown Maintenance

We encourage you to adopt these practices to ensure the durability and effectiveness of your dental crowns. Schedule an appointment with Tarheel Family Dentistry in Chapel Hill, NC, to discuss your specific needs and receive personalized care.