Whenever you get any kind of restorative dental treatment, you’ll need to adjust some of your habits. Changing what/how you eat, improving your oral hygiene routine, and seeing your dentist regularly can all help your restoration stay strong for years to come. Dental crowns in Hampton Roads, VA, may be some of the least invasive dental procedures, but they still need care to remain durable for their lifetime. Following your dentist’s aftercare tips can help you maintain your dental crown and avoid future treatment needs.
Aftercare for Dental Crowns in Hampton Roads, VA
A new dental crown can help protect your tooth from decay or further damage. Although designed to last most patients an average of fifteen years, dental crowns can still fall out or suffer damage if not taken care of properly. Follow these tips to help protect your new dental crown and ensure it lasts you as long as possible.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Dental crowns themselves are more durable when it comes to withstanding plaque and tartar. However, the tooth under a crown and the neighboring teeth can still suffer from decay and disease. It’s important that you brush and floss at least twice a day to remove food particles and help prevent the buildup of plaque. Patients may also benefit from the use of an antibacterial mouthwash to help further improve their oral hygiene and protect their crowns.
Avoid Hard and Chewy Foods
While dental crowns are strong enough to support your bite, they can succumb to certain foods. Chewing on hard foods or surfaces could cause your dental crown to crack or fracture. And eating chewy substances could cause your dental crown to come loose or even fall out altogether. After your appointment, your dentist can provide you with a list of foods you should avoid to help keep your dental crown in good condition.
Get a Nightguard
For patients who suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding, at night, their dental crowns could become damaged due to the increased pressure. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, your doctor could be able to help with a nightguard. A custom nightguard provides a cushion between your teeth, helping to relieve excess tension and prevent damage. A night guard can also help fix a variety of other dental issues, such as TMJ disorder.
Set up Routine Dental Appointments
You should be seeing your dentist at least every six months. If you aren’t, it’s more crucial than ever after getting a dental crown. Going to your dentist regularly can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, preventing further damage to your teeth and gums. Your dentist can also catch early signs of trouble with your dental crown and recommend treatment to avoid a disaster in the future.
If you have extensive tooth decay or an implant that needs restoration, contact First Light Dental of Coastal Virginia today at 757.414.7227 to schedule an appointment. Your dentist will examine your bite to see if a dental crown is the right treatment for you.