Ways to Protect Your Dental Crowns

At our practice a dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Most commonly, crowns are used to treat teeth that are cracked, broken, misshapen, worn down, or severely decayed. They can also be used to anchor a bridge or cover an implant. In addition to strengthening a damaged tooth, a dental crown can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile, restoring a broken tooth so that it looks completely natural again. Once placed, a crown will look like one of your natural teeth.

The Procedure for Dental Crowns 

Traditionally, metal was the primary choice for making crowns due to its strength and malleability. However, modern dentists prefer porcelain or ceramic because it looks unnatural and can cause gum irritation and metal allergies. These materials are solid and durable and blend seamlessly into the patient’s smile for a natural look. When preparing your tooth for a dental crown, your dentist may remove some of the enamel to make room for the crown. Then they will take impressions of your teeth to send to the lab so that your permanent restoration can be custom-made. During this time, you will wear a temporary crown to protect your tooth and the prepared area until the permanent one is ready. Once your final restoration is ready, you will return to our office to have it placed. 

How to Protect Your Dental Crown? 

• Avoid chewing ice or hard candy. The biting force can crack the crown and even damage your tooth underneath. 
• Never use your teeth as a makeshift tool to open packages or remove bottle caps. Your teeth are not made to withstand stress, so avoid using them this way. 
• Be sure to talk to your dentist about bad habits that may damage your crown. For example, clenching or grinding your teeth can wear down your crown or even break it entirely. Your dentist can fit you with a nightguard to protect your teeth while you sleep. 
• Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams, and practice good hygiene at home. Brushing and flossing daily and using mouthwash can help remove plaque from your teeth and prevent it from accumulating on your crown. This plaque buildup can irritate your gums and lead to gum disease, weakening or damaging your teeth and crown. 

A dental crown strengthens the tooth and returns it to its standard form and function. To learn more about dental crowns, visit us at 5720 Stoneridge Mall Rd #200, Pleasanton, CA 94588, or call (925) 847-8790 to book an appointment.