Restorative dentistry is a great way to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible after suffering decay or damage. A dental crown in Wayne, PA, can help restore your bite after a variety of dental problems. With proper care and maintenance, your new dental crown could potentially last you up to fifteen years before needing to be replaced. By paying attention to your oral health, you can get the most out of your dental crown for years to come.
Tips for Maintaining a Dental Crown in Wayne, PA
When you get a new dental crown, your dentist will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions to help your mouth heal properly after treatment. While these first steps are crucial, you also need to keep up on the care and maintenance of your crown long after it’s set. The following tips can help you ensure a longer life for your new dental crown.
Brush and Floss Regularly
While the material used to make a dental crown is naturally resistant to plaque and tartar, you still need to keep up with your oral hygiene routine. If the neighboring teeth develop decay, your dental crown could suffer damage or even fall out. And if your gums develop disease, the tooth supporting your crown could become unstable, causing issues with your restoration. You should aim to brush and floss at least twice a day to help keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong. And with good oral health, your crown has a better chance of lasting you a long time.
Schedule Routine Dental Cleanings and Exams
If you brush and floss regularly, you can remove a majority of the plaque in your mouth. However, it’s nearly impossible to remove all the plaque with at-home methods alone. Most patients will need to see their dentist at least every six months to get a professional cleaning that helps keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy. During your visit, your dentist will also examine your mouth to identify any early warning signs of damage or decay. This exam is especially important if you have a dental crown. The sooner you get diagnosed and treated, the less likely your crown is to be affected by the problem.
Monitoring Chewing Habits
Dental crowns are designed to be durable and withstand the natural pressure of your bite. However, they aren’t immune to damage. When you have a dental crown, you should pay more attention to your chewing habits. This often includes avoiding chewing on hard foods or surfaces (such as the end of a pen or pencil) to prevent fractures in your crown. You will also want to avoid sticky and gummy foods. These can put excess pressure on your crown, which could cause it to fall out.
If you need a dental crown, call Wayne Family Dentistry at 610-347-5133 to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll help preserve your natural tooth when possible and can help you maintain and care for your new restoration.