You should also check the color in natural sunlight. Sometimes the lighting in a dentist’s office can be bright and confusing. Check the color outside, too, to see what it will look like in everyday lighting.
If the cement has failed, you may look in your mouth and see that there is still some tooth and filling in your mouth. The crown itself will appear to be hollowed-out, and only crown material will be present within it.
Many problems with porcelain crowns cannot be avoided. The porcelain may have been fired incorrectly in the lab, or might not have been made thick enough. However, even porcelain-topped crowns have a risk of chipping, showing the metal underneath. [4] X Expert Source Alina Lane, DDSBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020. Besides crown breakage or failure, porcelain crowns can rapidly wear down opposing teeth if the porcelain surface becomes rough. Zirconia crowns are very strong, so they have a very low fracture rate. In addition, they can be matched very closely to the color of your natural teeth, and there’s no metal in a solid zirconia crown. [5] X Expert Source Alina Lane, DDSBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
Cold sensitivity should only last for about 6 weeks. Sensitivity to heat should last only about a week. If sensitivity to either persists beyond the expected time, you may require a follow-up visit with your dentist.
Chew with the side of your mouth opposite the side where your crown is whenever possible. Do not use toothpicks to scrape or force food bits from between your teeth; you may inadvertently loosen or remove the crown.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day. You are still at risk for plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease on and around the crowned tooth. However, you can still brush the crown the same way you would brush your natural teeth. [7] X Expert Source Alina Lane, DDSBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020. The major difference when practicing oral hygiene with a crowned tooth is the way you floss. Floss side to side, rather than up and down. In other words, thread the floss between your teeth as your normally would, but instead of lifting the floss back out the same way you inserted it between your teeth, pull it out laterally, through the gap in your teeth. This avoids the possibility of you lifting the crown out along with the floss. You can also use an oral irrigator when you floss, which can be great for massaging your gums. Regular dental visits ensure that your dental problems are detected at an early stage and treated instantly. The accumulation of plaque and tartar around a dental crown can cause irritation to the surrounding soft gums and cause gum inflammation. Prolonged gum inflammation can cause gingivitis or periodontitis, which is characterized by the loosening of teeth due to loss of attachment.
Stock mouth protectors can be bought off-the-shelf at local department stores. They offer limited adjustability and are not recommended for use by dentists. Boil and bite mouth protectors are available at sporting goods stores and can be adjusted to a greater degree than stock mouth protectors. They are placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth to form a semi-mold around the teeth. Custom mouth protectors are made individually by professional labs contracted by your dentist. By making an impression of your teeth, your dentist can create a mold that perfectly protects your mouth. A fourth kind of bite guard is also custom ordered from your dentist and meant for night use, in cases of teeth grinding during sleep. Called a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint, these will prevent potentially damaging jaw movements during sleep.
Selective modifications involve making changes to one part of the jaw which is causing pain or interference with your crown. A dentist may employ a dental drill to smooth areas where teeth are not coming together properly, just as you might use sandpaper to smooth away a piece of rough wood. This is the easiest and safest option to correct bit problems. Orthodontists can correct your bite with braces. Braces are affixed to your teeth to move them into proper alignment. Your dentist will be able to recommend an orthodontist to you if he or she believes you would benefit from braces. You can also get jaw surgery. This can be expensive and is recommended only in extreme cases of jaw damage such as dislocated or torn cartilage. If you know your bite is uneven before getting the crown, let your dentist know.
Spend no more than two to three minutes brushing. Do not use long horizontal scrubbing along the gums. Instead, use the roll method, in which you move the head of the brush in circles around your mouth from the top of the tooth to the base, where it meets the gum line. [10] X Research source Use mouthwash to avoid gum inflammation, which usually takes place where the gum and crown intersect, or between teeth.
Do not discard a crown that comes out. Remove loose debris from around the tooth and inside of the crown. [11] X Research source You can brush, scoop, or rinse the debris out of the inside of the crown. Figure out what the proper position of the crown is by placing it back in your mouth until it “clicks” into place over the tooth it was covering. Without applying pressure, close your mouth slowly to ensure that you have it in the correct position. “Glue” the loose crown back in place with dental adhesive. You can apply as much as you want; excess can be wiped away. Not wearing your crown for a long time after it has come out can cause your teeth to shift, but only a properly seated crown should be worn. If you cannot identify the correct position the crown was in before it fell out, do not wear it. Schedule an appointment with your dentist so he or she can assist you. [12] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
