Taking Care of Your Dental Crowns

Dental crowns not only restore your smile and your confidence, but they also strengthen your teeth, allowing you to chew and talk normally. Crowns are strong and durable, but you need to keep them in good condition to maximize their longevity. Dr. Jeffery A. Kendrick is a dentist at Heritage Dental Associates in Fayetteville, GA where he provides general and cosmetic dental services.

Tips for Taking Care of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can last up to 15 years. Fayetteville dental patients can maximize their lifespan by following these tips:

• Maintain good oral hygiene: You should brush your teeth at least twice each day and floss daily to keep your dental crowns clean and free from bacteria.
• Wear a nightguard: This type of retainer prevents your upper and lower teeth from touching while you sleep. It can protect your crowns, particularly if you tend to grind your teeth during the night. This will prevent excessive wear on your crowns.
• Eliminate bad habits: Avoid biting your nails, chewing ice, or using your teeth to open things. All these habits can damage crowns.

What to Do About a Damaged Crown

If you have a crown that is chipped, cracked, or has pooped of your tooth, you should talk to your dentist as soon as possible. In some cases, your dentist may be able to restore the crown by etching the porcelain with a special adhesive. If it cannot be repaired, the crown will need to be replaced with a new one. You should not attempt to repair the crown yourself.

You should always keep your regular six-month appointments with your dentist, even more so if you have dental crowns. That way your dentist can identify any problems with your crowns before they become severe and more costly to fix.

If you live in Fayetteville and you would like to find out more about taking care of your dental crowns, call Dr. Kendrick at (770) 460-9795 to request an appointment.