Getting a dental crown is a big step toward a healthier, stronger smile. Whether you needed a crown to protect a tooth after a root canal, to fix a large cavity, or to repair a cracked tooth, it’s a great way to save your tooth. But just like a new pair of shoes, your crown needs a little time to break in and some specific care to make sure it lasts.
Taking care of your new crown is easy. By knowing what to expect and following a few simple steps, you can keep your smile looking and feeling great. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the first few days to long-term care.
Caring for Your New Dental Crown: A Simple Guide to a Long-Lasting Smile
What to Expect Right After You Get Your Crown
It’s completely normal to feel a little strange after you leave the dentist’s office. Your mouth has been through a procedure, and it needs time to adjust.
The tooth with the new crown might feel sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. You might also feel some tenderness when you bite down. This is temporary and should go away in a few days or weeks as your tooth adjusts to its new protector.
Your new crown might feel a bit bulky or different at first, especially if you had a temporary crown before. Your bite should feel even and natural. If it feels like the crown is the first thing to hit when you bite down, or if your bite feels “off,” please let us know. A quick and easy adjustment at our Beaverton dental office can fix this.
Think of this as an adjustment period. Your mouth is just getting familiar with the new addition.
The First 24-48 Hours: Taking It Easy
The first couple of days are the most important for helping your crown settle in securely. The cement that holds it in place needs time to fully set.
- Be Careful with What You Eat: Stick to softer foods for the first day. Think soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and pasta. This gives your tooth a rest and protects the new crown.
- Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods: Stay away from chewy candies (like caramel or taffy), hard bread, nuts, and ice. These can pull on the crown or put too much pressure on it before the cement is fully set.
- Chew on the Other Side: Try to chew your food on the side of your mouth opposite the crown. This is a simple habit that can prevent any accidental damage while you’re still getting used to it.
If your gums feel sore, you can rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (mix one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). This can soothe the tissue and help it heal. If you have any discomfort, an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help.
Keeping Your Crown Clean and Healthy
A dental crown can’t get a cavity, but the tooth underneath it absolutely can. The most important place to clean is where the crown meets your gum. If plaque builds up there, it can lead to decay and threaten the health of your crowned tooth.
Here’s how to keep it clean:
- Brushing: Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Be gentle but thorough around the crown and gumline.
- Flossing: This is super important! When you floss around the crown, don’t “snap” the floss out. Instead, slide the floss down one side of the tooth, then pull it out gently from the side. This prevents putting upward pressure on the crown that could, over time, loosen it.
- Mouthwash: Using an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and keep your gums healthy around the crown.
Your Long-Term Habits for a Lasting Crown
Once you’re past the first few days, you can generally eat whatever you like. However, being mindful of a few habits can help your crown last for a decade or even longer.
- Watch What You Chew: Even a strong crown can be damaged by chewing on really hard objects. Try to avoid habits like chewing on ice, pen caps, or hard candies.
- Protect Against Grinding: If you know you grind or clench your teeth at night, or have bruxism, talk to us. Grinding puts a huge amount of pressure on crowns and natural teeth. A simple custom-made night guard can protect your investment and prevent wear and tear.
- Sticky Foods are Still a Risk: Regularly eating very sticky foods like caramel or gummy candies can weaken the cement holding the crown. While an occasional sticky treat is okay, daily bad habits are a risk.
Why Your Regular Dental Check-Ups Are So Important
We recommend seeing us for a check-up every six months. This is your best defense for making sure your crown stays in perfect shape. During these visits, we’ll look closely at your crown to make sure the margins (where it meets your tooth) are still sealed tightly. A loose seal can let bacteria in.
Our team will check the health of your gums around the crown too. Sometimes, we need an X-ray to see the bone level and the root of the tooth underneath the crown, ensuring everything is healthy below the surface.
If you ever notice that your crown feels loose, makes a clicking sound, or you see swelling in the gums around it, don’t wait for your next check-up. Give us a call right away. Catching a small problem early can prevent a bigger one later.
We’re Here to Help Your Smile Last a Lifetime in Beaverton
At MH Dental in Beaverton, our goal is to keep your natural teeth healthy and strong for life. A dental crown is a fantastic tool that lets us save a damaged tooth and avoid an extraction. Dr. Hellickson, Dr. Mattson, and Dr. Daraee are committed to providing you with the knowledge and care you need to feel confident about your oral health.
Taking good care of your dental crown is a team effort. We do our part by providing a high-quality restoration, and you do your part with great daily care at home.
If you have any questions at all about your new crown, or if you’d like to schedule your next check-up, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us at [new_patient_phone] or request a consultation online. We’re always happy to help you!
