How Do I Care for My Implant-supported Crown?
Tooth loss can impair your ability to speak and chew with ease. Dental implants allow you to regain natural oral function and self-confidence. Dr. Burton Gooch uses guided implant surgery to ensure predictable and optimal results. Crowns are also placed following restorative treatment as a means of protecting your treated tooth from further decay.
Once your dental implants have healed, Dr. Gooch will place a durable dental crown during your appointment at his Birmingham, AL, dental practice. Whether you are receiving a traditional crown or an implant-retained crown, patients should take care to protect and maintain their restorations. Caring for your dental crown can add years to the life of your restoration.
Why Aftercare Matters
The average lifespan of a dental crown is 10 to 15 years. With proper care, the restorations can last longer. Conversely, failure to care for your crown can lead to premature wear and damage that can shorten the life of your crown or cause it to appear aesthetically unpleasing.
Minor damage can often be repaired, but extensive damage may require that your crown be completely replaced. To avoid a potentially costly replacement, follow these easy tips.
Be Mindful of What You Eat
Ceramic crowns are similar to enamel in terms of density. This physical property means that your crown is susceptible to damage if you bite a hard object. As a general rule of thumb, treat your crown like a real tooth. Avoid hard shells, bones, and other items that can chip or prematurely wear your crown.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Dental crowns are easy to clean and maintain. Simply brush and floss as you normally would. This will help keep your crown beautiful and free of decay. Flossing around the base of the crown will keep your gums healthy. Good oral hygiene habits can ensure that your dental implant lasts a lifetime. Advanced gum disease can eventually lead to jawbone loss, which can weaken the stability of your dental implant.
Schedule Regular Cleaning and Exams
Cleanings can remove calcified buildup on your crown that cannot be removed through brushing alone. Cleanings and exams also allow members of our Birmingham dental team to examine the strength and stability of your crown.
Minor problems like small chips may not be noticeable without the trained eyes of a dental professional. Fixing minor problems with your dental crown can prevent teeth alignment issues that can lead to jaw pain.
Take Steps to Avoid Damaging Your Crown
Accidents are sometimes unavoidable, but injury to your dental crown should be avoided at all costs. Tips that can help reduce your risk of dental crown injury include:
- Wearing a nightguard to treat bruxism
- Using a mouthguard when playing sports
- Letting our Birmingham dental office know about loose or damaged crowns
- Avoiding hard foods that can chip your crown
- Avoiding using your implant-supported crown to pry open objects
- Wearing proper headgear and protective equipment when needed
With proper care, you can extend the life of your dental crown by several years. Maintenance and aftercare also ensure that your crown remains attractive and white.
Contact Our Practice
If you have recently received a dental crown, proper care can ensure that your new restoration lasts as long as possible. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation at our Birmingham practice, call us at (205) 545-8001 or contact us online anytime.
