If your dentist has recommended dental crowns, and you've never had them before, they may require some adjustment. There are certain steps you'll need to take to avoid damage to your new dental crowns and to ensure a complete recovery. Here is some information to help you through the process.
Go Slow on the Hot and Cold
If you're scheduled to receive dental crowns, you'll need to be prepared for possible tooth sensitivity. This is especially true if you already have existing tooth sensitivity. Many people don't realise that the sensitivity will continue once the dental crowns are in place. If you're in that group, now's the time to prepare yourself. The best way to avoid tooth sensitivity once you have your crowns is to go slow on the temperature changes. Try to avoid food and beverages that are too hot or too cold. If you experience an increase in tooth sensitivity following your dental crown placement, talk to your dentist as soon as possible.
Change Some of Your Habits
If you're going to have porcelain crowns placed on your teeth, you might need to change some of your habits. This is especially important if you bite your nails, chew on ice, or enjoy eating hard candies. These habits can actually damage your new porcelain crowns. It's important to note that you should avoid sticky foods such as taffy or candied apples, regardless of the type of crowns you receive. These foods can dislodge your crowns.
Protect Against Plaque Buildup
If your dentist has scheduled you for dental work, and part of that work includes crowns, be prepared to fight plaque. You might think that your dental crowns will be protected against plaque, but that's not the case. In fact, your dental crowns can develop plaque just like your natural teeth. To avoid plaque buildup, brush your teeth and crowns as usual. Also, use a dental rinse to get into the areas where your toothbrush can't fit. Don't forget to floss around your dental crowns as well.
Watch for Signs of Infection
If you're scheduled for dental crowns, familiarise yourself with the signs of infection. In most cases, your dental crowns will heal normally. However, infections can occur after any type of dental procedure, which is why you need to know the signs. If you experience increased pain or redness or notice a pus-like discharge from around the dental crown, contact your dentist right away. This could be a sign of a dental infection.
For more information, contact a local dental office, like Dentique Dental Solutions.
Share21 September 2021
As a retired dentist, I work with charities which visit developing countries and educate children about dental care. It gives me great satisfaction to revisit these communities and see how proud the children are of their efforts. I am acutely aware that good dental hygiene can help prevent a range of serious conditions when these children become older. I started this blog because it greatly distresses me that many people in Australia do not seem to care for their teeth as much as children in these poor communities. This is happening despite ready access to items like toothbrushes and toothpaste which are luxuries in the places I visit. It is my hope that this blog encourages you not to take dental health for granted. My greatest wish is that you can be as inspired as the children I see in my charity work. Please read on and enjoy.
