Tooth Crowns: Aftercare Tips

Dental crowns are tooth-colored, gold, silver or metal caps that fit over damaged teeth to restore their natural function and shape. Tooth crowns consist of materials such as metals like stainless steel alloy along with ceramics for a strong but colorless option.

Porcelain is the most durable material used in dental crowns because it resists corrosion by bacteria in your mouth longer than other composites on the market today. Tooth crowns are a popular way to protect an injured tooth. They can also be used as part of the post-root canal or dental implant procedure recovery process.

When Dental Crown is Needed

Typically, dental crowns are used to restore:

• Weak teeth. Crowns protect weak teeth caused by severe decay
• Cracked teeth. Crowns are used to hold together parts of cracked teeth and help restore its function, look, and natural shape
• Large fillings. Crowns are used to support and cover teeth with large fillings and have little tooth structure left
• Worn down teeth. Crowns can restore severely worn down or broken teeth that are caused by dental erosion and teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Tooth discoloration. Tooth-colored crowns are typically used to cover severe discoloration. Other options can include teeth whitening or veneers

To determine if a dental crown would be a good option for you, the dentist will consider the following key factors:

• Function and location of the tooth
• Position of the gum line and the gum tissue
• How much of the tooth is visible when smiling
• The shades and colors of the surrounding teeth
• Signs of teeth grinding or clenching (this helps determine the crown material used)

Potential Dental Crown Complications

Some of the likely complications that can occur after crown replacement can include:

• Possible allergic reaction to the crown material used during the procedure
• Discomfort and sensitivity
• Poor-fitted crown
• Tooth decay at the margin where the tooth and the crown meet
• Dark line at the gum line
• Mouth injury
• Nerve problems
• Fractured or loose crown

Dental Crowns Aftercare Tips

When you wake up from surgery, your jaw may be sore for a few days. Gum and tooth sensitivity are also common. Dentists recommend simple analgesic medications, such as ibuprofen, to manage the pain during this time. These help reduce discomfort while you are in recovery mode.

If you develop symptoms that are severe and last longer than a few weeks, it’s important to visit your dentist for professional help. A more serious condition may be lurking just beneath the surface.

While the permanent crown is made, a temporary crown will be placed to protect the abutment tooth. During the transition period, it is recommended that you avoid eating foods that can break or dislodge the temporary crown, including:

• Sticky or chewy foods like gum and candy
• Hard foods lips nuts, bagels, and chips

You can resume your normal eating habits once the positioning of the permanent crown has been completed. However, it is also important to remember that eating sticky and hard foods should be avoided at least within 24 hours following the procedure.

The average person’s teeth will need to be replaced at least once in their lifetime. With the help of a dentist, you can have your original tooth structure restored by having it capped with same day crowns high point nc. Depending on what type of crown is used and how well they are taken care of, there’s potential for them to last up to 30 years.

A dental crown can give your smile some life again if you’re looking tired from deep cavities or cracked enamel. It takes two visits, one consultation visit (usually just an hour) when options are discussed and options are discussed.

The second appointment usually takes two weeks later where the dentist will make sure everything fits perfectly before the crown is cemented in place.