Summary:
Dental crowns have become the go-to option for individuals looking to restore the functionality of their damaged teeth.
Nearly 15 million Americans wear oral crowns to strengthen weaker teeth and enhance their smile. They opt for crowns as a more permanent option to restore their overall oral health.
Sadly, however, most of these individuals overlook the importance of aftercare for their prosthetics, resulting in compromised oral health over time. Most people don’t understand that crowns are more than a cap; once they are inside the jaw, they look and act like a part of your teeth.
Keeping the same in mind, this guide closely examines the importance of following a dental crown aftercare procedure.
In this guide, we will look into topics like:
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An Overview of Dental Crown Procedure
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Initial Recovery: What to Expect During this Phase?
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Immediate Aftercare: The First 24 Hours
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Long-Term Care: Tips to Ensure Longevity of Your Crown
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Benefits of Proper Aftercare
Continue reading as we learn more about effective hygiene practices and proper dietary choices to give your dental crown a long life!
Overview of the Dental Crown Procedure
A dental crown, often called a cap, is a covering made of porcelain, ceramic, metal, and resin. It is applied to a tooth to restore its size, strength, form, and appearance.
Here’s an overview of the crown procedure:
Stage 1: Initial Consultation
Your journey to getting a dental crown starts with a visit to your dentist in Irving, TX. The procedure begins with an initial consultation, during which your professional examines your tooth and assesses the extent of damage or decay.
Your professional will screen your cavity accurately and take X-rays to assess your oral condition. Depending on the extent of the decay, a root canal treatment procedure might be necessary.
Stage 2: Preparing Your Cavity
Once everything is determined, your tooth is prepared. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area. A portion of the teeth might need to be removed to allow space for the crown. If a portion of your tooth is missing due to damage or decay, it is restored using a filling material to provide enough structure support for the crown.
Stage 3: Preparing Your Oral Impression
Your dental impression is prepared using a putty-like material or a digital scan, and a temporary acrylic crown is put on until the permanent crown is ready. After using the temporary crown for two weeks, you will receive a custom-made crown. It is crafted to match your natural teeth’ color, shape, and size.
Stage 4: Switching to Permanent Crowns
The temporary crown will be removed on your next visit to the dentist’s office. Your dentist will then place the permanent crown over your tooth to check its fit and color. Once satisfactory, the permanent crown will be cemented using special dental cement.
Initial Recovery: What to Expect During this Phase?
A dental crown in Irving, TX, can significantly enhance your oral health and confidence, but after the procedure, you might face some issues like
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Sensitivity:
The teeth are expected to experience initial sensitivity to hot and cold. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help.
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Loose Crown:
If your crown becomes loose or falls out, make an emergency dental visit. Remember, do not try to reattach it yourself! Visit your nearest dentist during such instances.
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Chipped Crown:
Porcelain crowns are usually vulnerable to chipping. However, your dentist can quickly fix these small chips using dental glue if it does.
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Pain or Swelling:
While initial discomfort is normal, persistent pain or swelling might indicate an infection or a problem with the crown’s fit.
Immediate Aftercare: The First 24 Hours
Dental crowns are a common and effective solution for various dental issues. The dental crown will cover it all, whether it is a broken or discolored tooth. But once you get the procedure done, you have to keep some tips in mind-
1. Avoid Hard Foods
Once you have had the procedure, you must avoid hard, crunchy food for the initial days. Soft food puts less pressure on your new crown and allows your mouth to get accustomed to the new restorations.
Hard foods might dislodge or damage your crown before it has fully set. Sticky and chewy food is your dental nemesis. Food like caramel or toffee could get stuck to your crown, causing discomfort.
2. Manage Discomfort
As we mentioned before, initial discomfort and sensitivity are common. You can alleviate those symptoms using over-the-counter pain relievers, salt water rinse, cold compress, and desensitizing toothpaste.
Additionally, you must continue brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the crowned tooth and avoid disturbing it.
Long-Term Care: Tips to Ensure Longevity of Your Crown
1. Oral Hygiene Practices
Brush your teeth twice gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Pay extra attention to the area around the crown to prevent plaque buildup and gum infection. Daily flossing is just as important. It is vital to floss the base of the crown where the gum meets the tooth. This prevents gum disease and allows your restorations to remain clean.
2. Regular Dental Checkups
At-home maintenance practices and professional dental care go hand in hand to ensure long-term results. Make regular visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings. These visits can help your dentist monitor your crown and address any issues early.
3. Avoid Bleaching Your Teeth
If you have undergone a dental crown procedure, we advise you to evaluate any teeth-whitening cosmetic procedure. The whitening treatment might not be more satisfactory, as there can be a mismatch in appearance. This is because the color of the implant is customized according to the shade of your natural teeth, and it may be incompatible with your whitened teeth.
4. Wear a Mouthguard
If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist for a customized mouthguard to protect your crown and natural teeth from damage.
5. Dietary Changes
We recommend keeping sweet foods to a minimum, as this prevents bacterial infections that can lead to cavities. Include nutritious foods containing calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin D. These keep your gums healthy and promote oral health.
Longevity of a Dental Crown
A dental crown procedure can last 5 to 15 years, depending on the material of the crown. Studies have shown that monolithic zirconia crowns are least likely to split or crack. Gold crowns and porcelain fused metal crowns last the longest, while all-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are not long-lasting despite their natural appearance.
Resin crowns, too, tend to wear down. Gold or porcelain crowns, on the other hand, tend to last longer than other alternatives. However, no matter the material, most crowns last over a decade if cared for adequately.
Benefits of Proper Dental Crown Aftercare
A dental crown procedure can be an excellent long-term investment if you make proper efforts. Here are a few long-term benefits of the ideal aftercare:
- Proper oral hygiene practices prevent the wear and tear of the crown. They also prevent decay in the tooth under the crown and surrounding teeth.
- When you properly care for your crown, its functionality is enhanced as it maintains its fit. You can chew comfortably and effectively. Sensitivity is also minimized, allowing you to enjoy your favorite hot and cold beverages.
- One prominent benefit is the upliftment of confidence. A dental crown can contribute to a perfect smile and improved aesthetic appearance.
Takeaway
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Dental crown placement is a painless procedure in which an artificial crown fits over your tooth like a snug hat.
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The procedure involves reshaping the dental enamel to allow the crown to snug.
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Post-treatment issues include initial sensitivity and slight pain or swelling.
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While diligent at-home care is crucial, professional dental care plays a vital role in ensuring the proper well-being of your crown.
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Although dental crown procedures are expensive, they are often covered by insurance, and proper maintenance increases their lifespan.
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Looking to revamp your smile with dental crowns? Look no further than the Gentle Dentistry of Las Colinas.