Achieve Long-lasting Results with Professionally Supported Dental Crown Maintenance
At Glenwood Dental Associates in Smyrna, DE, we help patients maintain their dental crownsfor years to come. Proper dental crown care extends the life of your restoration and protects your overall oral health. Our team, led by Smyrna dentistDr. Brian Wisk, serves residents from Odessa, Clayton, Dover, and surrounding communities with dental crown treatments and professional aftercare guidance. Call (302) 653-5011today to schedule your appointment with our experienced dental team near you.
Meet Dr. Brian Wisk
Dr. Brian A. Wisk, DMD, is a native Delawarean and the longest-serving dentist in Smyrna. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Delaware and his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1998, followed by a residency at Christiana Care. Dr. Wisk is committed to staying current through active memberships in the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Kent-Sussex Dental Association, and Delaware State Dental Association. Known for his gentle, patient-centered approach, he prioritizes building trust and comfort with every visit.
What Are Dental Crowns and Why Do They Need Special Care?
Dental crownsare custom-made caps that cover damaged or weakened teeth. They restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. These restorations protect teeth that have undergone root canal therapy, severe decay, or fractures.
A permanent crown can last 10-15 years with proper care. Without adequate maintenance, they may fail prematurely. The natural tooth structure underneath remains vulnerable to decay and damage. Regular care prevents problems at the margin where the crown meets your natural tooth.
Immediate Aftercare for New Dental Crowns
The first few days after receiving your new dental crown require special attention:
- Manage sensitivity: Mild sensitivity to hot and cold is normal for the first few weeks. Use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth if needed.
- Be cautious with chewing: Avoid chewing on the crown side until any discomfort subsides.
- Watch for discomfort: Contact our Smyrna dental office at (302) 653-5011if you experience persistent pain or an uneven bite.
Temporary Crown Care
If you receive a temporary crown while your permanent one is being fabricated:
- Avoid sticky foods like caramel or gum that might pull off the temporary crown
- Stay away from hard foods that could damage the temporary restoration
- Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth
- Brush gently around the temporary crown
- When flossing, slide the floss out rather than lifting it to prevent dislodging the crown
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene Habits for Long-Term Crown Care
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene protects both your crown and the underlying tooth structure:
Brushing Techniques for Dental Crowns
Brush at least twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline. Use gentle, circular motions to clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the crowned tooth. Pay special attention to the area where the crown meets the gum.
Powered toothbrushes work well with dental crowns and may provide more thorough cleaning. Apply light pressure to avoid damaging the crown material or irritating your gums.
Effective Flossing Around Crowns
Daily flossing removes plaque and food particles from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. This prevents decay at the crown margins. To floss properly around crowns:
- Use about 18 inches of floss, wrapping most around the middle fingers
- Hold one to two inches between thumbs and forefingers
- Gently slide floss between teeth using a sawing motion
- Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth
- Slide floss gently under the gumline
- When flossing around crowns, slide the floss out sideways rather than snapping it up
Water flossers provide an excellent alternative for cleaning around dental crowns, especially for patients with dexterity issues.
Mouthwash Benefits
Antimicrobial mouthwash helps reduce bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease. Rinse daily to help maintain healthy gums around your crown. Fluoride mouthwash provides added protection against decay, especially important for the natural tooth structure beneath the crown.
Foods and Habits to Avoid with Dental Crowns
Certain foods and habits can damage or shorten the lifespan of your dental crowns:
Hard and Sticky Foods
Dental crowns are strong but not indestructible. Avoid or be careful with:
- Hard candies and ice
- Popcorn kernels
- Nuts and seeds
- Sticky caramels and taffy
- Hard crusty bread
These foods can crack, chip, or dislodge your crown. When enjoying crunchy foods, chew carefully and consider cutting them into smaller pieces.
Habits That Damage Crowns
Certain habits pose risks to your dental crowns:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): This applies excessive force on the crowns. If you grind your teeth, ask our Smyrna dentists about a custom nightguard for protection.
- Using teeth as tools: Never use your teeth to open packages, cut thread, or hold items.
- Nail biting: This habit puts unnatural pressure on the front teeth and crowns.
Breaking these habits helps extend the life of your dental restorations. For assistance with managing teeth grinding, contact our Smyrna office at (302) 653-5011.
Preventing Stains on Dental Crowns
While porcelain crowns resist staining better than natural teeth, they can still discolor over time. The margins where the crown meets your tooth remain susceptible to stains. Limit consumption of:
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Dark berries
- Tomato-based sauces
- Tobacco products
Rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining substances. Regular dental cleanings help remove surface stains before they become permanent.
Professional Dental Care for Crown Maintenance
Regular dental visits play a vital role in maintaining your crown’s condition and overall oral health.
Regular Check-ups and Cleanings
Visit Glenwood Dental Associates in Smyrna every six months for:
- Professional teeth cleaningsto remove plaque and tartar
- Examination of crown condition and fit
- Early detection of any issues with your crown or surrounding teeth
- Polishing to maintain the crown’s appearance
During these visits, our team evaluates how your crown functions and identifies any signs of wear, damage, or decay around the margins. Early intervention prevents more serious problems.
Signs Your Crown Needs Attention
Contact our office if you notice:
- Pain or sensitivity when biting
- A crack or chip in the crown
- Crown feels loose or moves slightly
- Gum inflammation around the crowned tooth
- Changes in how your teeth fit together
Prompt attention to these issues prevents further damage and extends your crown’s lifespan. Call (302) 653-5011if you experience any concerns with your dental crown.
Sports and Physical Activities with Dental Crowns
Active individuals should take extra precautions to protect their dental crowns:
- Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard during contact sports
- Choose professionally made guards over store-bought options
- Remove your mouthguard after use and clean it thoroughly
- Replace your mouthguard if it shows signs of wear
A properly fitted mouthguard absorbs impact and distributes forces evenly, protecting both natural teeth and dental restorations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some sensitivity to temperature changes and pressure is normal for the first few weeks after crown placement. The tooth has undergone significant preparation, and the surrounding tissues need time to adjust to the new restoration. Mild sensitivity typically resolves on its own within several weeks, but persistent or worsening pain may indicate an issue with the crown’s fit or an underlying problem with the tooth.
Contact your dentist if sensitivity persists beyond two weeks or if pain increases rather than gradually improving.
Unlike natural teeth, dental crowns cannot be whitened with bleaching products or professional whitening treatments. The materials used in crowns are color-stable and resistant to bleaching agents. If you’re planning to whiten your natural teeth, it’s best to do so before getting a crown so your dentist can match the crown to your whiter teeth. If your crown appears discolored compared to your natural teeth, discuss replacement options with your dentist for a better color match.
Cleaning under a dental bridge requires special tools and techniques. Use a floss threader or super floss to thread regular floss under the bridge, moving it back and forth to clean the undersurface and abutment teeth. Interdental brushes can also reach under and around bridges when space permits. Water flossers provide an excellent alternative, directing a stream of water to flush out debris from under the bridge and around crown margins.
Protect Your Smyrna Dental Crown Procedure Results
Your dental crowns represent an investment in your oral health and appearance. With proper care, they provide years of functional and aesthetic benefits. The team at Glenwood Dental Associates in Smyrna, DE, partners with you to maximize the lifespan of your dental restorations.
Don’t wait until problems develop with your dental crowns. Regular preventive care helps identify and address minor issues before they require costly treatments. If you’re in Odessa, Clayton, Dover, or neighboring areas and need guidance on crown care or are experiencing issues with existing crowns, call us today at (302) 653-5011to schedule your appointment.
Our comprehensive approach to dental crown care keeps your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come. Let Glenwood Dental Associates be your partner in maintaining your restored smile. Contact our Smyrna dental officetoday to learn more about our dental crown services for residents throughout Kent County, Delaware.