Jun
30
How to Extend the Life of Your Dental Crown
You have invested in your smile by choosing to repair or improve your teeth with dental crowns in our Midwest City dental office. Now, it’s natural for you to want to get the most out of your dentistry. You can extend the life of your dental crown with a few simple lifestyle adjustments.
Avoid Chewing Anything That Might Damage Your Crown
If you chew ice or enjoy jawbreakers, giving up those habits will support the longevity of your dentistry and your natural teeth. Anything that might damage a tooth can damage a crown and breaking a crown means replacing – not repairing. The purpose of a crown is to protect your tooth, and if the structure breaks, you will need a new one.
Be Diligent with Your Dental Hygiene
Skipping brushing, flossing, or regular dental cleanings gives bacteria a chance to run rampant. While dental crowns do not decay, the margins around the dental crown and the surrounding gum tissue are both susceptible to disease.
Dental decay that creeps under the protective cover of a dental crown is difficult to detect and can eventually lead to tooth loss or a root canal. Taking excellent care of your teeth with home hygiene and by keeping recommended dental check-ups and cleaning appointments will help you get the most out of your dentistry.
Wear a Nightguard
Even occasional nighttime teeth grinding can crack both your dental crown and natural teeth. Certain things increase the risk of developing bruxism – a teeth grinding habit. Alcohol, smoking, stress, and certain medications or drugs can cause you to grind your teeth at night. We create custom nightguards at Red Rock Dentistry.
For more information about the purpose of, or how to best care for your dental crowns, contact our Midwest City dental office to book an appointment with Dr. Lauren Huffaker-Allen.