What Can You Not Do After a Permanent Crown?

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A dental crown is a versatile and valuable dental restoration used to repair damaged teeth, restore their functionality, and enhance their appearance. Once you’ve undergone the process of getting a permanent crown, you’ll want to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. In this article, we’ll explore what you should avoid doing after getting a permanent crown, with insights from professionals at Vega Dental, your trusted dentist near you specializing in dental crowns.

Understanding the Purpose of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are custom-made caps placed over a tooth to cover and protect it. They serve several essential functions:

1. Restoration: Crowns are used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay, trauma, or fractures.
2. Strength and Support: Crowns provide strength and support to weakened or structurally compromised teeth.
3. Aesthetics: They improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or poorly aligned teeth, enhancing your smile.
4. Protection: Crowns protect teeth that have undergone root canal therapy, ensuring their long-term health.

Given the significant role of dental crowns in maintaining oral health and enhancing your smile, it’s essential to take proper care of them after they’ve been placed.

What You Should Avoid After Getting a Permanent Crown 

1. Chewing Hard or Sticky Foods: To ensure the longevity of your permanent crown, avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candies. Foods with a sticky consistency, such as caramel and taffy, pose a risk to dental work. Their adhesive nature can cause the crown to come loose or even sustain damage.
2. Grinding or Clenching: The habit of bruxism, which involves the grinding and clenching of teeth, can exert undue stress on dental crowns, causing them to wear out quickly or even break. If you have this tendency, especially during sleep, think about using a nightguard. It acts as a protective barrier, ensuring the longevity and integrity of your crowns.
3. Using Your Teeth as Tools: It’s essential to refrain from using your teeth for non-dietary purposes like uncapping bottles or tearing open packages. Teeth are not meant for these functions, and subjecting them to such stresses, especially when you have a crown, can result in damages like chips or fractures.
4. Neglecting Oral Hygiene: Maintaining impeccable oral cleanliness is crucial for the well-being of both the tooth with the crown and the adjacent gum tissue. Overlooking regular dental care practices can give rise to conditions like gum ailments or tooth decay, which can compromise the foundation and longevity of the crown.
5. Skipping Dental Appointments: Regular dental check-ups are crucial for monitoring the condition of your crowns and catching any issues early on. Don’t skip your dental appointments, even if you feel your crown is in good shape.
6. Ignoring Discomfort or Sensitivity: If you experience discomfort, sensitivity, or notice any changes in your crowned tooth, contact your dentist in Burnaby, BC promptly. These could be signs of an issue that requires attention.
7. Not Wearing a Mouthguard: For those involved in physical sports or activities with potential dental hazards, using a mouthguard is crucial to shield both the crowned tooth and your other teeth from possible injuries.
8. Altering Your Crown: Avoid attempting to adjust or modify your crown on your own. If you feel that your crown doesn’t fit correctly or is causing discomfort, consult your dentist for professional evaluation and adjustment.

 Proper Care for Your Permanent Crown

To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your permanent crown, follow these care tips:

1. Prioritize Dental Care: Ensure you clean your teeth morning and night, use dental floss routinely, and incorporate a germ-fighting rinse to combat plaque and protect against gum issues.
2. Opt for Gentle Cleaning: Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and apply mild brushing techniques to safeguard the crown, along with neighboring teeth and gums.
3. Consistent Dental Appointments: Schedule visits to a local dentist for periodic assessments and expert tooth cleaning. This helps in keeping a check on your crown’s health and addressing potential issues.
4. Protection during Sleep: If nighttime teeth grinding is a concern, consider a protective nightguard. It helps in alleviating undue strain on both your crown and original teeth.
5. Mindful Eating Habits: Embrace a dental-friendly nutrition plan, minimizing intake of foods and beverages that are high in sugars or acidity.

 Conclusion

A permanent crown can be a valuable investment in your oral health and overall well-being. To ensure its durability and effectiveness, it’s crucial to avoid certain activities and behaviors that could compromise its integrity. By following proper care guidelines, seeking prompt, professional attention when needed, and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can enjoy the benefits of your crown for years to come. If you have any concerns about your permanent crown or need guidance on dental crowns in Burnaby, BC, consult with the experts at Vega Dental, your trusted partner in dental care.