A Guide To Caring for Dental Crowns

Whether you have a cracked, chipped, or decayed tooth, a dental crown can restore it to its original shape. With proper care, these restorations can last about 15 years. The good news is that caring for crowns is straightforward, with most patients not needing to change their oral hygiene routine.

About dental crowns

Dental crowns are essentially caps that fit over a damaged tooth. They may contain various materials, such as pressed ceramic, porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), and amalgam (metal alloy). Ceramic and porcelain crowns resemble natural teeth, while amalgam crowns are silver in color. Patients can request a tooth-colored crown or a more cost-effective amalgam crown. Each may restore:

• Weakened teeth
• Stained teeth
• Decayed teeth
• Root canal-treated teeth
• Cracked or chipped teeth

The dentist will place the crown in two separate appointments. During the first, they will clean up the problem tooth (such as by removing an infection) to prepare it for crown placement. The dentist will take an impression of the tooth to send to the lab, where technicians will create the crowns. The patient will need to return to have their permanent crown placed once it is ready. The average time between the first and second appointments is two to three weeks.

What to do in between appointments

The dentist will place a temporary dental crown while the dental lab constructs the permanent crown. Temporary crowns contain resin or acrylic, making them less durable. Therefore, exercising caution when flossing and brushing around the crown is important to avoid dislodging it. Forgoing extreme temperatures, including hot, cold, and overly sweet foods, can also help maintain a temporary crown. Do not chew tough, sticky, or hard foods with the temporary crown, as they could easily break it.

How to care for a permanent crown

A permanent crown is much sturdier than a temporary one, requiring fewer lifestyle changes. It is still recommended to avoid chewing hard or sticky foods with the crown. However, the only other care guideline from here is to practice good oral hygiene. Floss and brush regularly with fluoridated toothpaste, and visit the dentist twice yearly for a dental cleaning and checkup. During these appointments, the dentist will also examine the crown to ensure it is in good condition.

If the patient plays sports, they should wear a mouthguard during practice and games, as the crown could break from trauma. Patients who clench their jaws or grind their teeth (bruxism) at night should consider wearing a nightguard for extra protection. The excess force from these habits can break or wear away at the crown's surface.