Dental crowns can be used to fix various cosmetic and structural issues that affect the teeth. Also known as caps, dental crowns are some of the most versatile restorations used in dentistry, and they can last up to 25 years when properly maintained.
Getting a dental crown attached to a tooth typically requires the dentist to remove enamel so the restoration bonds better with the tooth. The procedure cannot be reversed, so the tooth will always need a restoration to protect it moving forward.
Dental crowns do not require any special care, but there are simple things that patients can do to protect these restorations and get the most out of them. Here are the answers to questions that patients might have about taking care of dental crowns:
Yes, it can. A crown cannot be directly damaged by bacteria and acids in the mouth, but the base where the patient’s tooth and the crown meet remains vulnerable to decay. Poor oral hygiene can lead to decay occurring at the base of the crown and from there, to other parts of the tooth. Dentists recommend brushing twice daily and flossing once each day to maintain good oral health.
No, teeth whitening treatments work on real teeth, but they have no effect on restorations like crowns or veneers. Dentists typically recommend getting any whitening treatments before getting a crown placed. That way, the crown can be color-matched with the real teeth.
Crowns pick up stains and discoloration over time, but good oral hygiene helps prevent this. Porcelain crowns are more resistant to stains than real teeth, so they are easier to keep white than real teeth.
For the most part, yes, crowns are designed to be able to withstand bite forces, so patients can enjoy all their favorite dishes if they have crowns on some of their teeth. They should avoid sticky or chewy foods for the first few days after getting crowns, however, since these can lead to the crown becoming loose or falling out. Dentists also recommend avoiding hard foods like ice and hard candies because the bite forces needed to break these down can damage real teeth and crowns.
Absolutely not, a crown becoming loose or defective in some way leaves the tooth that it is covering exposed to acids and bacteria in the mouth. It requires immediate treatment from a dentist to protect the tooth and restore the crown. In some cases, a new crown might be recommended.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges in Fort Lee, NJ
Are you dealing with a damaged or decayed tooth? A crown might be the right solution for that problem. Give us a call or stop by our Fort Lee clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment or call Fort Lee Family Dental at 201-620-9772 for an appointment in our Fort Lee office.
Dental crowns are a great way to restore the health and appearance of your smile after oral health issues develop. Dental crowns work by surrounding a vulnerable or damaged tooth and offering protection from further damage. Crowns may also be used for teeth replacement purposes as well.Several of the more common oral health issues that…
In most cases, the process of fitting dental crowns takes multiple sessions in the dentist’s chair. This implies an investment of time, effort, and money on your part. It then follows that you want the best out of your investment. So how do you keep the dental crowns in your mouth in excellent condition for…
Dental crowns are a type of restoration that can last between 5 and 15 years depending on the material chosen and the quality of care they receive. However, crowns may not provide the long-term durability patients desire if they are not cared for properly through good oral hygiene and protecting them from damage.You can protect…
When you visit your dentist, preventative dental care should be at the forefront of your mind. Nobody enjoys getting extra work done because of the cost and time and because it can result in some uncomfortable procedures. Cavities, gingivitis, and other diseases are preventable with the correct oral hygiene. X-rays and cleanings done at your…
Implant supported dentures combine traditional dentures with permanent dental implants to provide a stable and secure tooth restoration option. Unlike traditional removable dentures, this option is supported by two or more dental implants rather than your gum tissues. The additional stability of dental implants may make it simpler to bite and chew meals, particularly with…