A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped cap that completely covers a tooth damaged by decay, fracture, or severe wear. This restoration provides strength, restores function, and improves the appearance of the compromised tooth. Crowns can last from five to fifteen years or more, but maximizing their lifespan requires consistent care, especially during the initial weeks and through daily maintenance.
Managing the First Few Weeks After Crown Placement
Temporary crowns are often used while the permanent one is fabricated, and they use weaker cement. To avoid dislodging them, avoid sticky or chewy foods like gum and caramels, and chew primarily on the opposite side of the mouth. If a temporary crown comes off, contact the dental office immediately. The underlying tooth is vulnerable, and surrounding teeth can shift, preventing the permanent crown from fitting correctly.
After the permanent crown is cemented, caution is required to allow the bonding material to fully cure. Dental cement can take up to 24 hours to achieve maximum strength. Patients should delay heavy chewing on the new crown for at least a full day to allow for this hardening process.
Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures is common in the days or weeks following placement, as the procedure can temporarily irritate the tooth. This sensitivity usually subsides as the tooth adjusts. Over-the-counter pain relievers or sensitive toothpaste can help manage discomfort. If the crown feels “high” or if pain persists beyond a few weeks, it may indicate a misalignment requiring adjustment.
Essential Daily Hygiene for Crown Longevity
Daily hygiene is essential for maximizing the crown’s lifespan. While the crown material cannot decay, the margin where the crown meets the natural tooth and gum line remains susceptible to plaque. Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste is necessary to clean this vulnerable boundary effectively.
Use gentle, circular strokes when brushing, focusing on the area where the crown meets the gum tissue. Flossing is also necessary for removing debris between the teeth. To prevent pulling the crown loose, carefully insert traditional floss and pull it out through the side instead of snapping it back up.
Alternative tools like floss threaders, which guide floss under the crown margin, or a water flosser, which uses a pressurized stream of water, can aid thorough cleaning. These specialized tools ensure the entire circumference of the crown is cleaned. Consistent removal of plaque from the margin prevents secondary decay of the natural tooth structure, which is the most common reason for crown failure.
Avoiding Habits and Foods That Damage Crowns
Crowns are not impervious to physical forces or destructive habits. Biting or chewing on hard objects can cause the crown material to chip, crack, or fracture. These items include:
- Ice cubes
- Hard candies
- Popcorn kernels
- Pen caps or fingernails
Sticky or chewy foods also pose a risk to the bond holding the crown in place. Foods like caramel, taffy, and dense breads can grab the crown and displace it. Additionally, avoid using teeth as tools, such as tearing open plastic packaging or cutting thread, as these lateral forces can weaken the crown or its supporting tooth.
Bruxism threatens a crown’s longevity by placing excessive force on the material. Over time, this can lead to premature wear, chipping, fracturing, or loosening of the cement bond. For individuals with bruxism, a custom-fitted nightguard is recommended to cushion the bite and distribute forces evenly, protecting the crown and surrounding teeth.
Signs Your Crown Needs Professional Attention
Recognizing signs of trouble is important for preventing minor issues from becoming complex problems. Persistent pain or a throbbing sensation requires immediate dental examination, as this discomfort can indicate decay forming beneath the crown or an infection.
Any movement or feeling of looseness when biting or touching the crown signals that the cement seal has failed and needs re-cementation. A loose crown exposes the vulnerable tooth structure to bacteria, increasing the risk of decay. Visible physical damage, such as a chip, crack, or fracture in the crown material, should also be addressed promptly.
Changes in the surrounding gum tissue, such as redness, swelling, or bleeding around the crown margin, warrant attention. These signs, along with any movement or visible damage, require an evaluation from the dentist to prevent further complications.