A dental crown is essentially a cover, or cap, that fits over your natural tooth. It’s made from a very strong material, sometimes even metal. Our Mesa, AZ dentist may recommend that you get a crown if you have a tooth that is weak and vulnerable to breaking. Usually, this will be when your tooth has been worn, chipped or broken, developed a significant amount of decay, or has had root canal therapy.
Getting a dental crown is an investment that has the potential to last for many years. In order for it to do so, there are a few tips for cleaning, and taking care of your restoration.
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Brushing
Since there is natural anatomy underneath your restoration, there’s still a probability for decay to form. Once a cavity develops under a crown, it’s almost impossible to clean it out without taking off the crown itself. The only way to take remove your restoration is to cut it off, rendering it useless. Meaning you’ll have to prematurely invest in a new one.
To prevent decay from taking over your tooth, you should practice the proper brushing technique around your teeth and crowns. To do so, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and tilt it to a 45-degree angle so that the tips of the bristles brush against the base of the crown, where it meets the natural tooth. When brushing, do so gently to avoid becoming victim to gum loss.
Flossing
Flossing is also important and will help prevent a cavity from developing around your crown.
Since your crown sticks to your tooth with cement, there is the off chance that the seal can come undone, causing your crown to pop off. Therefore, it’s not recommended that you use rigid flossing picks when you have a crown. Rather, stick with using traditional flossing string. Slide it between your teeth and maneuver it around the curves of each tooth. When you go to remove the floss, never force it out if you feel it catching on something. Instead, gently slide the string out at the gum line.
Water flossers are a great alternative to traditional floss and a convenient tool when you have crowns. With this handheld device, all you have to do is aim the nozzle between your teeth and press a button to release a pressurized stream of water. Instantly, all the debris is flushed away, leaving your teeth feeling fresh and clean.
Dental Cleanings and Check-Ups
While brushing and flossing regularly will help prevent problems with your teeth and crowns, seeing a dentist in Mesa, AZ at least twice a year will remove the plaque and buildup that daily hygiene habits leave behind.
During your cleanings, we’ll examine all your teeth and crowns carefully, ensuring that everything is intact and healthy. If we see a problem, early intervention could possibly prevent you from having a significant problem with your restoration.
Foods You Eat
Crowns and especially veneers can chip and break. To prevent this from happening you may want to be cautious when eating hard foods like big pieces of ice, nuts, and certain hard or raw vegetables.
As we mentioned earlier, you’ll want to try to avoid breaking the seal between the crown and your tooth. For this reason, it’s also recommended that you avoid sticky foods.
Avoid Grinding
Grinding and clenching cause a lot of trauma to your teeth and jaw bone. Aggressive wear can create a hole in your crown. It can even cause your tooth the become loose.
If you’re a habitual grinder or clincher you need get this problem under control. For most people with this condition, our Mesa, AZ dentist will recommend wearing a night-guard while you sleep. The durable appliance will relax your jaw and prevent you from grinding down your tooth enamel and restorations.
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Years ago, it was standard practice for a dental crown procedure to consist of two appointments that were often weeks apart. During the wait for the second visit, you would wear a temporary crown that you’d have to be extra cautious not to break or pop off.
Thanks to newer technology and advanced training, our Mesa, AZ dentist offers same day crowns at Eastport Dental. When you get state-of-the-art treatment with us, you’ll see why our patients come back time and time again for their customized care!
If you’re looking for an Eastport dentist and need a same-day crown, then give us a call. We would love to take care of your smile!
