You’ve just invested in a dental crown to restore the strength and beauty of your smile. Whether it was to protect a weakened tooth, restore a dental implant, or complete a root canal treatment, a crown is one of the most effective ways to regain full function of your bite.
However, a crown isn’t as simple as “set it and forget it.” To ensure your investment stays secure and functional for as long as possible, proper dental crown aftercare is essential. At Janz Family Dental, we want to help you maintain your radiant smile for decades. Here is everything you need to know about caring for your new restoration.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
On average, a dental crown lasts between five and 15 years. However, with meticulous care and the right lifestyle habits, it’s not uncommon for high-quality porcelain or ceramic crowns to last 20 years or longer.
The lifespan of your crown depends on a few key factors:
- Material: Porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, and zirconia crowns all have different durability profiles
- Location: Crowns on molars endure more heavy lifting from chewing than those on front teeth
- Aftercare Habits: This is the most significant factor you can control when it comes to the lifespan of your crown
Immediate Aftercare: The First 24 to 48 Hours
If you received a traditional crown, you might have a temporary one while your permanent restoration is crafted. If you opted for our same-day dental crown service, your permanent crown will be placed immediately.
Regardless of the type, follow these steps in the first two days:
Wait for the Numbness to Fade
Avoid eating until your local anesthesia has completely worn off to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
Stick to Soft Foods
For the first 24 hours, enjoy smoothies, yogurt, or lukewarm soup to allow the dental cement to fully bond.
Be Gentle with Hygiene
You should still brush and floss, but be extra careful around the new crown. When flossing, slide the floss out sideways rather than snapping it upward, which could potentially dislodge a fresh restoration.
How to Avoid Damaging a Dental Crown
While dental crowns are incredibly durable, they are not indestructible. To avoid damaging a dental crown, keep these rules of thumb in mind:
1. Kick the “Teeth as Tools” Habit
Never use your teeth to tear open packaging, bite your fingernails, or crack nuts. These lateral pressures can cause the porcelain to chip or the bond to break.
2. Watch Out for Crown-Cracking Foods
Be mindful of extremely hard or sticky foods. Items like ice cubes, hard candies, and popcorn kernels can crack the crown material. Meanwhile, sticky treats like taffy or caramel can actually pull a crown loose over time.
3. Protect Against Grinding
If you wake up with a sore jaw or have been told you grind your teeth at night, you are putting immense pressure on your crown. At Janz Family Dental, we can create a custom night guard to provide a protective barrier, ensuring your crown doesn’t wear down prematurely.
4. Maintain the Foundation
It’s a common myth that a crowned tooth cannot get a cavity. While the crown itself won’t decay, the natural tooth structure beneath and at the gumline remains vulnerable. Dental crown aftercare must include twice-daily brushing and daily flossing to prevent plaque buildup at the crown-tooth interface.
When to Call Your Edmonton Dentist
Even with the best care, accidents happen. If you notice any of the following, contact Janz Family Dental right away:
- The crown feels loose or wiggles
- You notice a chip or a sharp edge
- Your bite feels high or uneven when you close your mouth
- Persistent sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn’t go away after a few days
Visit Janz Family Dental in Edmonton
Regular professional cleanings and check-ups are the final piece of the puzzle. During your exam, our team will assess the integrity of your crown and the health of the surrounding gums to identify any minor issues before they require replacement. With proper care and attention, you can avoid damaging your dental crown and keep your smile looking great for years to come.
Are you considering dental crowns? Contact Janz Family Dental to book a consultation and let us help keep your smile strong!
