Get A New Ceramic Crown? Know How You Should Care For It
If you have a damaged tooth in your mouth that is not yet ready to be removed, your dentist may recommend a ceramic crown to strengthen the tooth. It will give the tooth an extra layer of protection, which will help retain the natural tooth and its roots within your gums. If you are going to move forward with getting the ceramic crown, it's important to know the following three things about how you should care for them.
Avoid Items That May Stain The Crown
When a ceramic crown is created, it is designed to match the color of your existing teeth so it blends in seamlessly. However, you may not be aware that a ceramic crown is capable of becoming discolored or stained over time. Dark beverages, such as red wine or fruit juice, can cause your crown to become stained. Smoking cigarettes can also have a similar effect.
It is a good idea to be proactive about preventing stains, especially once you have a ceramic crown. Try drinking those beverages through straws, brushing your teeth after meals, or rinsing your mouth out with water to wash away anything that could leave a stain.
Use A Mouth Guard
Ceramic crowns are not impervious to damage, which is why you will want to have a dentist make a mouth guard for you if you play contact sports. Having that extra bit of protection can help prevent a potential dental emergency if you get hit in the wrong spot. While you can buy a generic mouth guard that you mold to your teeth, you'll be more likely to use it if it is custom made and feels comfortable.
The same applies if you have a problem with teeth grinding at night. Wearing a custom made mouth guard can help prevent any damage from happening to the crown while you sleep, and it can also protect your other teeth.
Visit A Dentist Regularly
It's important to keep up with your semi-annual dental visits for routine inspection and cleaning. X-rays can help your dentist see what is potentially happening underneath the crown, as well, and help catch potential problems before they get worse.
You'll also want to visit a dentist if you happen to notice any problems with the tooth the crown is on, which include swelling or redness around the tooth's base. If the crown ever comes loose, you'll need to have a dentist, like the one represented at http://www.brooksidedentalgroup.com, reattach the crown to protect the tooth underneath.