Damaged teeth can cause undue pain for your mouth and your self-confidence. Of the various options to repair a chipped or weakened tooth, many patients choose dental crowns for their relative efficiency, cost, and aesthetic value.
Since crowns effectively replace a patient’s teeth in function and appearance, it is important to care for them as one would care for their natural teeth. To help his patients make the most of this procedure, cosmetic dentist Richard Bucher and his staff in New Jersey would like to offer the following advice for dental crown aftercare.
What to Expect Immediately after the Procedure
Although dental crowns are less invasive than some other dental procedure, such as the placement of dental implants, they may cause mild tenderness and bleeding immediately after the procedure. These symptoms should fade within a few days. If, however, you experience significant pain or inflammation at any point, please call the dentist. Additionally, take the following precautions to ensure a smooth transition to your new dental crowns.
- • Avoid sticky, crunchy, or tough foods: Anything that puts pressure on the crown or grabs at it may interfere with the initial cementation process. It is advised to avoid foods that require excessive chewing for the first 24 hours after the procedure. As an added precaution, try to restrict chewing to the opposite side of your mouth.
- • Brush and floss carefully: When you brush and floss a dental crown for the first time, take extra to avoid accidentally pushing it away from the tooth. Brush softly around the area; when you floss, slide the floss out when finished, instead of lifting it upward. After the first day, the crown should be fixed in place and you should not have to worry.
- • Use saltwater to aid tenderness: Rinsing with warm saltwater may reduce tenderness of the teeth or gums. Add one teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and gently rinse up to three times daily.
Taking Care of Your Dental Crown
Cleaning and keeping an eye on your crown is vital to its lifespan. Dr. Bucher recommends the following tips for dental crown aftercare.
- • Maintain proper hygiene: Brush your crown along with your teeth at least twice a day, while also flossing daily. The best toothpaste is one that contains fluoride, as that will fight any plaque that accumulates on the crown and neighboring teeth. A dentist-recommended mouthwash will also keep the crown clean as possible.
- • Visit the dentist regularly: Set up a schedule to see your dentist on a consistent basis. Regular cleanings will remove the plaque and tartar that toothbrushes cannot, and the dentist can keep a professional eye on your dental crown.
- • Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol: Smoking and chewing tobacco can be detrimental to patients’ mouths, as well as their health in general. Abstinence from tobacco will keep a crown clean and undamaged. Likewise, alcohol may loosen a crown’s cement over time, especially for temporary crowns. Try to limit alcohol consumption.
Contact Us to Schedule an Appointment
For more information on dental crowns and how they can restore your teeth, contact our office today. Dr. Bucher and his team of professionals have been serving the northern New Jersey community for twenty years, providing high quality care with the latest laser technology. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you will all your dentistry needs!
