Dental Crowns Care And Cleaning

What Dental Crowns Do 

A dental crown is a minimally invasive and versatile solution to address tooth damage. Fitting a dental crown over a broken or decaying tooth restores its strength and appearance. Think of a dental crown as a hat you put on a bad tooth to make up for the latter’s loss in function. 

Dental crowns are not the same thing as dental implants; the former is added on top of the affected tooth, whereas the latter replaces the tooth altogether. In fact, dental crowns serve as covers for dental implants, giving the artificial teeth a natural appearance. 

Taking Care Of Your Dental Crowns 

A dental crown that is properly taken care of can last up to 15 years. Certain bad habits, such as biting your fingernails and using your teeth to tear open packaging, can shorten its life cycle. If your dental crown breaks or becomes discoloured, you will need to replace it. 

Other than trying not to misuse your teeth, a dental crown does not require any special care to keep it in good shape. However, keep in mind that a dental crown merely covers the damaged tooth and does not replace it. This means that the tooth underneath still requires good oral hygiene, and neglecting it can defeat the purpose of the dental crown. 

Keep your dental crown in tip-top shape by applying these basic oral hygiene practices: 

• Brush at least twice a day: Brushing removes plaque, the main culprit for tooth decay. 
• Floss at least once per day: Dental floss can clean the crevices between your teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach.  
• Eat fewer sugary and starchy foods: These kinds of food produce the most plaque-forming acid. Limit your consumption of candies, cookies, cake, bubble gum, chips, and dry fruits. 
• Visit your dentist once every 6 months: Regular check-ups and professional cleanings are essential for healthy teeth and gums. 

Basic Oral Hygiene Is Sufficient 

A dental crown not only allows a weakened tooth to do its job, it is also straightforward to take care of. Getting the most of your dental crown is simply a matter of not misusing your teeth, brushing and flossing often, limiting sugar and starch intake, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis. As long as you take all these precautions, your dental crown can protect your tooth for up to 15 years. 

Another way to ensure you receive a dental crown that will last is to get it at Dr. Korol Dental. Our strict adherence to biocompatible materials means that whatever goes into your mouth is 100% safe. Mercury, fluoride, and other potentially harmful substances have no place at Dr. Korol Dental. If you want the peace of mind that comes with a fully biocompatible dental crown, call 403-245-9099 or fill up the online contact form.

FAQs

Does it hurt to install a dental crown?
No. Your dentist will use an anesthetic to minimize discomfort prior to each procedure. 

What are dental crowns made of?
Dental crowns come in a variety of materials. These include metal alloys, metal-ceramic, porcelain, and composite resin. 

Are dental crowns safe? 
Dental crowns are generally safe. A common concern is a toxicity that comes with certain materials that make up the crown. However, this risk is nullified with the use of biocompatible materials.  

How much do dental crowns cost? 
The cost of a single dental crown varies between $500 to $2,500, depending on its material makeup.