A common joke is that crowns got their name because only a king can afford them. The average cost of a crown is $800 to $1700, but it’s a worthwhile investment because a crown can save a tooth from extraction or restore function to a damaged tooth. Make your investment last with these four tips to maintain a royal smile after receiving a crown.
Brush and Floss Carefully
Oral hygiene is important, but brushing or flossing too roughly after getting a new crown can dislodge the cement and cause it to come loose. For the first few weeks, slide floss between the teeth around your crown instead of pulling it upward to prevent snagging your crown. Use a gentle circular motion when brushing or use an electric toothbrush. Consider using a high-fluoride toothpaste or rinse to prevent root decay beneath the crown. Time yourself and be thorough, but gentle, and you’ll be doing the work to prevent damage to your crown.
Pay Attention to Your Bite
Dental crowns often require some adjusting after placement. Your dentist will check your bite immediately after, but it can be difficult to assess when your mouth is still numb from the anesthetic. Monitor how your bite feels in the weeks after getting your crown and call your dentist if anything feels strange. A bite that doesn’t line up can lead to serious problems like broken crowns, chipped teeth and TMJ disorder.
Keep Gums Healthy
Gum health is especially important after getting a crown because the area between the crown and the gum line is vulnerable to bacteria and inflammation. Floss once or twice a day to keep food particles from collecting beneath your crown. Use a gum stimulator to deep clean your gums and remove trapped debris. Don’t forget to schedule a dental cleaning once every six months or as recommended by your dentist.
Use Sensitivity Toothpaste
Heat or cold may cause temporary pain in a crowned tooth because the cement that bonds the crown changes temperature more easily than natural tooth pulp. Try using a sensitivity-relief toothpaste to protect your tooth or avoid very hot or cold food and drinks. If the sensitivity persists or does not respond to treatment, see your dentist.
What If It Still Breaks?
Sometimes a crown may loosen, come off or break despite your best care efforts. If you lose a crown, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible to have it replaced. Most dentists will fix a crown free of charge within a certain period of time, especially if the failure is due to the crown being manufactured improperly. Talk to your dentist ahead of time so you know what to do if you crown breaks.
A crown can be a major procedure and cause some inconvenience and adjustment. You’ll need to floss and brush more carefully as well as pay attention to your diet until the few weeks of recovery are over. However, this investment in time and money will pay off when your dental health improves and you are able to eat as normal. Follow the above tips to make sure that things go as smoothly as possible.
