Dental Crown Preparation and Aftercare Steps

Serving Patients in Vancouver WA

If one of your teeth has faced too much damage or decay, you might be wondering about the process of receiving a crown. Thankfully, there’s a lot of options to choose from, so you can work with a dentist to determine what will work best for you. Let’s take a look at some of the important steps of getting a crown.    

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Before receiving your permanent dental crown, you’ll likely have a first appointment for your doctor to get a better look at your teeth. This may involve x-rays, and potentially a root canal depending on the severity of the tooth decay. The doctor will then shape the tooth to support your crown and take a digital or physical impression of the tooth, which will later be used to create your final crown.

The process of manufacturing a crown can take several weeks, so in the meantime, you’ll receive a temporary acrylic crown, secured with temporary cement. To stay prepared for your second appointment, avoid sticky foods, grinding your teeth, or pulling up on the crown with floss to prevent it from falling off. 

Should Your Preparation Depend on the Type of Crown?

Yes, if you choose to get a Cerec Same Day Crown, then the process will not require two visits. For this process your dentist will take digital scans of your teeth to make a 3-D model, which is then used to create and sculpt your crown out of a strong ceramic material. 

As soon as this is done, within the same day, you’ll have the crown cemented onto the tooth. If you’re weary about how the process will make you feel, you can also prepare by requesting anesthesia from your dentist. 

How Long Do Crowns Typically Last?

Depending on the time you choose and how well you take care of it, dental crowns can last more than 30 years. However, the average dental crown lasts 15 years, due to the amount of care it takes to keep them in perfect condition.

How to Care for a Crown After the Appointment 

To maintain good condition for your crown, and help it last longer in the process, include the following tips in your routine: 

• Avoid sticky or hard foods such as ice cubes, popcorn kernels, hard nuts, gum, and sticky or hard candies.
• Brush your teeth twice a day, preferably with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss between your teeth once a day and use antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque and bacterial build up. Be sure to slide your floss out, instead of pulling up, to avoid lifting up the crown.

• Ask your doctor for a custom mouth guard if you struggle with grinding or clenching your teeth regularly. 

• Routinely attend dental exams so a professional can make sure everything still looks good.

Does Aftercare Depend on the Type of Crown?

Yes, the amount of care needed can vary depending on the type of crown you receive. 

• Metal crowns are quite sturdy but we have much better alternatives.

• Ceramic crowns are more natural looking, extremely durable, and often the material of choice.

• Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Crowns (PFMs) and Pressed Ceramic Crowns, which both have a strong core and ceramic cover to match the color of your teeth, can be as durable as metal crowns, but are likely to face issues with chipping. 
• Resin crowns are typically only used for temporary crowns. They’re less expensive, but they’re fragile and more likely to break, only lasting about 3-5 years.

Reach Out to Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry for Your Crown Needs

If you’re having a dental issue and you think a crown may be a good fit for you, contact our office and schedule an examination for your teeth. 

We’re happy to provide many crown options, including Cerec Same Day Crowns, so you can fit proper dental care into your life even with a busy schedule. 

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