How to Care for Dental Crowns

What is a dental crown?

Dental crowns are one of the most popular types of dental services. Teeth are always subject to damage. Decay, fracture, or aging are all factors that cause damage to teeth.

Dental crowns should be used for teeth that cannot be restored or for teeth decay that is so high that it cannot be filled.

These veneers, also called dental frames, crowns, or dental caps, are a kind of dental prosthesis that replaces the damaged crown of the tooth, covers the entire tooth like a cap, and restores the appearance and strength of damaged teeth. 

Types of dental crown for beauty

Dental crowns are of different types depending on the materials they are made of, which include:

• Full ceramic coating
• Metal-ceramic coating
• Full metal finish

How long is the durability of a dental crown?

The durability of dental crowns is about 10 to 15 years. Of course, it is subject to following the dentist’s care instructions and remembering oral hygiene.

How to Care for Dental Crowns?

Like the installation of dental laminates and dental implants, which require secondary care, dental crowns also require care:

• Use a toothbrush with a soft brush
• Avoiding nuts and hard foods that may break the coating.
• Brush immediately after drinking colored drinks such as tea and coffee.
• Regular use of dental floss
• Annual dentist visit

What causes tooth enamel to break?

A hard object hitting a ceramic dental crown will break it.

Complications and risks of dental crown

Dental crown installation does not have serious side effects, but sometimes they may be seen in some people:

• Allergic reaction
• Buildup of plaque between the crown and the tooth
• Decay and decay of the tooth under the veneer
• Incorrect formatting
• Gingivitis

Rot under the dental crown

Neglecting oral and dental care causes tooth decay under the veneer, which is difficult to detect. The patient is diagnosed with a visit to the dentist and radiographs, according to symptoms such as gum pain, bad breath, and toothache.

Tooth pain and sensitivity after dental crown

Usually, one to two weeks after the dental crown, you may feel pain and sensitivity. For this reason, it is better to avoid eating icy, hot, or hard foods. Of course, sensitivity after a dental crown is temporary and will be resolved quickly. Flossing and brushing can reduce pain and sensitivity.

Blackening of the gingiva of the coated tooth

There are several reasons for the darkening of the gums of a coated tooth:

• The tooth itself is black under the veneer.
• The edge of the veneer is placed above the gum.
• The metal edge is the cover, which is defined below.
• The large volume of the coating causes vision errors and blackening of the coating.

Treatment of gingivitis after dental crown

The dentist may recommend mouthwash and antibiotics to treat gingivitis. Other treatment methods include:

• Gum surgery
• Home care such as toothbrushes and topical mouthwash
• Diet

Benefits of dental crown

The benefits of dental crowns are wide and varied and can significantly improve the appearance and function of teeth. In the following, we have examined more advantages of this method:

1. Beautiful and natural appearance:

Dental crowns make teeth look natural and beautiful, which increases self-confidence and improves social relationships.

2. Gum tissue tolerance:

Porcelain veneers conform well to the gingival tissue, making them well tolerated.

3. Stain resistance:

Porcelain veneers are very resistant to stains and make the teeth stay beautiful and clear for a long time.

4. Color change:

The color of ceramic veneers can be chosen to whiten darker teeth, helping people with naturally dark teeth to achieve a whiter and more attractive smile.

5. Changing the shape and color of teeth:

Using a dental crown, you can easily change the shape and color of your teeth. This method uses a conservative method for changes in tooth color and shape without the need for complex and time-consuming procedures that may be required in traditional dental procedures.

In general, dental crowns are an effective and lasting solution to correct and improve the appearance of teeth and can help improve a person’s quality of life and self-confidence.

Disadvantages of dental crown

Like any other dental procedure, dental crowns also have disadvantages that should be considered before proceeding with this method. Below are the disadvantages and problems of veneers:

1. Irreversibility:

Once a dental crown is installed, it cannot be easily moved or removed. This is a constant process.

2. Cost:

Dental crowns, especially Porcelain veneers, are more expensive than composite resin veneers.

3. Sensitivity to temperature changes:

Losing tooth enamel can make teeth more sensitive to hot and cold foods.

4. Inaccuracy in color:

The color of the veneer may not precisely match the color of your teeth or may not change over time. So, if you want to whiten your teeth, do it before the crown is installed.

5. Risk of cracking or breaking:

Although this risk is small, it does exist. Activities such as chewing ice or consuming complex substances can damage the veneer.

6. Decay:

If the final crown is not installed correctly, the chance of tooth decay increases.

7. Incompatibility with certain dental conditions:

Crowns are unsuitable for teeth with decay, gum disease, or other problems.

8. Malicious activities:

People who grind their teeth or eat the most potent foods should avoid porcelain veneers, as these activities can lead to the veneer cracking or breaking.

Before deciding to install a dental crown, it is essential to consult with your dentist to be aware of all possible aspects and problems and make the best decision.

Our consultants at Beach Cities Dentistry in Manhattan Beach, CA, will answer your questions and doubts about dental crowns for free.