Crowns Before and After – How To Care For Your New Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are custom restorations designed to strengthen and protect broken, misshapen, or discoloured teeth. Dental crowns not only help you to regain the functionality of your teeth, but they can also reinvigorate your smile, giving you a boost in confidence. 

Whether you’re experiencing molar decay or want to cover intrinsic stains on your front teeth, dental crowns are a versatile solution. Learn more about dental crowns before and after the procedure with Sydney Dental Group. 

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a shell or cap designed to fit over an existing tooth. While most dental crowns serve an aesthetic purpose, they are usually needed to cover and protect damaged, cracked, or decayed teeth. Once cemented into the gumline, a permanent dental crown covers the entire visible section of your tooth.  

Historically, dental crowns were made of metal alloys. Modern dental crowns are made of ceramic, porcelain, or zirconia. These materials have similar translucent properties to organic teeth, giving your crowns a more natural look. 

At Sydney Dental Group, we offer dental crowns made of ceramic, porcelain, and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). We also provide the latest in restorative technology: Zirconia dental crowns. Zirconia crowns are biocompatible and metal-free, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. 

When is a Dental Crown Necessary?

Dental crowns are an excellent restorative option used to treat numerous conditions.  Some of the reasons you might need a dental crown include: 

• Restore a broken or decayed tooth
• Protect a weak tooth
• Renew a misshapen tooth
• Mask a stained tooth
• Anchor a dental bridge 
• Cap a root canal
• When a filling is not an option
• As part of a dental implant restoration, for more information about the procedure, read here. 

Dental crowns are also used for cosmetic reasons. They are sometimes placed on front teeth to even out the shape of your smile or to disguise tooth discolouration. Dental crowns are an alternative to veneers and can offer photo-ready results when used cosmetically. 

Dental Crown Preparation and Procedure

Having a dental crown put on with Sydney Dental Group requires approximately two to three visits to our practice in Baulkham Hills. These visits cover an initial consultation, tooth preparation, and crown installation. While the procedure may vary a little based on the reasons you need a dental crown, the steps in most cases are: 

• Consultation

The first step in your dental crown procedure is to meet with your dentist. They perform an oral examination to determine whether you need a dental crown. Your dentist will also discuss the cost of receiving a dental crown and maintenance requirements so that you can make an informed choice. 

• Preparation

Next, your dentist prepares your teeth for the crown. This involves removing some of the outer enamel layers. They clean and sanitise your tooth and remove decay to prevent the tooth from eroding underneath the crown. 

Your Sydney Dental Group dentist then uses digital scanning technology to take an impression of your tooth. Once your scan is complete, your dentist sends it to the lab to create a custom-fitted dental crown. You may have a temporary dental crown placed at this time, allowing you to chew and speak normally while you wait for your permanent crown.  

• Procedure

On your final visit, your dentist affixes your permanent crown to your tooth with a special dental adhesive. They will ensure the proper fit and colour before bonding the crown to your tooth. 

Caring for Crowns Before and After the Procedure

One important aspect of caring for dental crowns before and after the procedure involves maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Once affixed, dental crowns require minimal maintenance outside of a regular oral health routine. 

Most dental crowns last around 15 years, but some can last up to 25 years, depending on the material used and the location in your mouth. Dental crowns on molars suffer more wear and tear than those toward the front of the mouth. 

• Immediate aftercare

Immediately following your dental crown procedure, avoid sticky or hard foods like nuts, seeds, popcorn, and lollies. You may experience gum sensitivity surrounding the crown, so it’s best to avoid these foods for around 24 hours after treatment. If necessary, over-the-counter pain medication may help relieve mild discomfort following the procedure. 

• Long-term aftercare

Long-term aftercare for dental crowns includes regular teeth cleaning, just as you do for your natural teeth. Your dental crown will not decay; however, the edge of the tooth underneath may decay if exposed to bacteria.

Practising good oral hygiene removes plaque and build-up and keeps the area clean. 

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste to keep your crown in good condition. Aim to brush for at least two minutes each time, and remember to floss near your dental crown to remove hard-to-reach plaque. 

To protect your crown from premature wear and tear or breakage, never use your teeth as tools to open packages, bite nails, or chew ice. The intense pressure can damage the crown and the supporting tooth. 

Finally, schedule regular dental check-ups twice per year. Visiting your dentist ensures that if there is a problem with your dental crown, your dentist can address it before it worsens. Visit this website. 

Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment

If you have a tooth that is cracked, misshapen, or discoloured, make an appointment with your dentist. They can perform an oral examination to determine if you need a dental crown to protect your tooth. They can also answer any questions you have about caring for your teeth and crowns before and after the procedure. 

Schedule your next dental check-up with Sydney Dental Group to stay on top of your oral health. Call us on (02) 9158 6135 or book your appointment online. 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

Dental crown procedure
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-crown-procedure

Everything you need to know about getting a dental crown
https://www.healthline.com/find-care/articles/dentists/dental-crown

Crowns
https://www.dentalhealth.org/crowns

Teeth cleaning
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/teeth-cleaning