Caring for Dental Crowns: Making Your Restoration Last a Lifetime

Introduction

Dental crowns are a significant investment in your oral health, both financially and in terms of preserving your natural teeth. These tooth-shaped caps restore damaged teeth to full function and appearance, and with proper care, they can last 10-30 years or even a lifetime. However, crowns require specific care and attention to maximize their lifespan and prevent complications. Understanding how to care for your crowns, what to avoid, warning signs of problems, and when to see your dentist can help you protect your investment and maintain a healthy, functional smile. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about caring for dental crowns, from daily hygiene routines to long-term maintenance strategies.

Understanding Your Dental Crown

What Is a Dental Crown?

A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that completely covers a damaged or weakened tooth above the gum line, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance.

Types of Crowns

• Porcelain/ceramic: Most natural-looking, best for front teeth
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal: Strong with natural appearance
• Gold/metal alloy: Most durable, best for back molars
• Zirconia: Very strong and natural-looking

Why Crowns Are Placed

• After root canal treatment
• To restore severely decayed tooth
• To repair cracked or broken tooth
• To strengthen tooth with large filling
• To cover dental implant
• For cosmetic improvement

Daily Care for Crowns

Brushing

• Brush twice daily for 2 minutes
• Use soft-bristled toothbrush
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Pay special attention to gum line around crown
• Brush all surfaces gently but thoroughly
• Don't brush too hard (can damage gums)

Flossing

• Floss daily around crowned teeth
• Slide floss gently up and down
• Don't snap floss in and out (can dislodge crown)
• Pull floss out sideways rather than up
• Use floss threader if needed
• Water flosser is excellent alternative

Rinsing

• Use antibacterial mouthwash
• Rinse after meals when possible
• Helps remove food particles
• Reduces bacteria around crown margins

Foods and Habits to Avoid

Hard Foods

• Ice (never chew ice)
• Hard candies
• Nuts in shells
• Popcorn kernels
• Hard bread crusts
• Bones

Sticky Foods

• Caramel and taffy
• Gummy candies
• Sticky dried fruits
• Chewing gum (especially if crown is new)

Harmful Habits

• Don't use teeth as tools (opening packages, bottles)
• Don't bite fingernails
• Don't chew on pens or pencils
• Don't grind or clench teeth
• Don't chew tobacco

Protecting Your Crown

Nightguard for Grinding

• Essential if you grind teeth (bruxism)
• Protects crown from excessive force
• Prevents chipping and cracking
• Custom nightguard from dentist recommended
• Wear every night

Mouthguard for Sports

• Wear during contact sports
• Protects crown from impact
• Prevents costly damage
• Custom-fitted guard offers best protection

Regular Dental Care

Professional Cleanings

• Visit dentist every 6 months minimum
• Professional cleaning removes buildup
• Hygienist checks crown condition
• Early detection of problems
• May need more frequent visits if gum disease

Dental Examinations

• Dentist checks crown integrity
• X-rays monitor underlying tooth
• Assessment of gum health around crown
• Check for decay at crown margins
• Evaluate bite and crown fit

Warning Signs of Problems

Contact Your Dentist If You Notice:

• Sensitivity: Hot, cold, or sweet sensitivity around crown
• Pain: Discomfort when biting or chewing
• Looseness: Crown feels loose or moves
• Damage: Chips, cracks, or rough edges
• Gum issues: Swelling, redness, or bleeding around crown
• Bad taste or smell: May indicate decay or infection
• Dark line: Dark line at gum line (may be normal with PFM crowns)

Common Crown Problems

Crown Sensitivity

Causes:

• Nerve irritation from preparation
• High bite (crown too tall)
• Decay under crown
• Gum recession exposing root

Solutions:

• Usually resolves within few weeks
• Desensitizing toothpaste may help
• Dentist can adjust bite if too high
• May need treatment if decay present

Loose or Dislodged Crown

What to do:

• Save the crown
• Clean it gently
• Call dentist immediately
• Temporary dental cement available at pharmacy
• Don't use super glue or other adhesives
• Avoid chewing on that side

Chipped or Cracked Crown

Action needed:

• Small chips may be polished smooth
• Larger damage may require replacement
• Porcelain can sometimes be repaired
• Metal crowns rarely chip
• See dentist promptly

Decay Around Crown

Prevention:

• Excellent oral hygiene essential
• Decay can form at crown margins
• Regular dental visits catch early
• May require crown replacement if severe

Crown Lifespan

Expected Longevity

• Porcelain/ceramic: 10-15 years
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal: 10-15 years
• Gold/metal: 15-30+ years
• Zirconia: 10-15+ years

Factors Affecting Lifespan

Increase longevity:

• Excellent oral hygiene
• Regular dental visits
• Avoiding hard foods
• Wearing nightguard if needed
• Not using teeth as tools
• Quality of crown and placement

Decrease longevity:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Teeth grinding
• Chewing hard objects
• Gum disease
• Decay around crown
• Trauma or injury

When Crown Replacement Is Needed

Signs It's Time

• Crown is damaged beyond repair
• Decay has developed under crown
• Crown no longer fits properly
• Gum recession has exposed margins
• Aesthetic concerns (discoloration, poor appearance)
• Crown is very old and showing wear

The Replacement Process

• Similar to original crown placement
• Old crown removed
• Tooth re-prepared if needed
• New impressions taken
• Temporary crown placed
• New permanent crown cemented

Special Considerations

Crowns on Implants

• Care similar to natural tooth crowns
• Can't get cavities but gums still vulnerable
• Excellent hygiene essential
• May need special floss or tools
• Regular professional care crucial

Multiple Crowns or Bridges

• Extra attention to cleaning
• Floss threaders helpful
• Water flosser highly recommended
• More frequent dental visits may be needed

Temporary Crowns

• More fragile than permanent crowns
• Avoid sticky and hard foods
• Brush gently
• Floss carefully (pull out sideways)
• Call dentist if it comes off
• Usually worn 2-3 weeks

Cost of Crown Care vs. Replacement

Preventive Care Costs

• Toothbrush and toothpaste: $20-$40/year
• Floss: $10-$20/year
• Dental cleanings: $150-$400/year
• Nightguard (one-time): $300-$500

Replacement Costs

• New crown: $800-$3,000
• Root canal (if needed): $1,000-$2,000
• Extraction and implant: $3,000-$6,000

Proper care is far less expensive than replacement!

The Bottom Line

Dental crowns are durable restorations that can last many years with proper care. By maintaining excellent oral hygiene, avoiding harmful foods and habits, wearing protective guards when needed, and seeing your dentist regularly, you can maximize your crown's lifespan and protect your investment. Remember that the tooth under the crown is still vulnerable to decay and gum disease, so consistent care is essential. With the right approach, your crown can serve you well for decades, preserving your natural tooth and maintaining your smile.

Key takeaways:

• Brush and floss daily around crowned teeth
• Avoid hard, sticky foods that can damage crowns
• Wear nightguard if you grind teeth
• See dentist every 6 months for checkups
• Address problems promptly to prevent complications
• Crowns can last 10-30+ years with proper care
• Preventive care much less expensive than replacement