How to Get a Great Smile

Posted on: 19 March 2018

Dental crowns have the potential to transform your smile. Alongside evener teeth, you'll find that eating, forming words and feeling confident become easier. Whether you opt for one-step dental crowns or your procedure takes place over a handful of visits, it's essential to understand that some of the outcomes rely on your post-procedure care. Understanding more about what you can and cannot do will help you enjoy your new crowns for longer.

Avoiding certain foods is a must

Until your crowns have the chance to fuse with your teeth, avoiding certain foods is essential. Similarly, if your dentist uses a temporary fitting, you should avoid the following foods altogether:

• Anything sticky, such as toffee, which has the potential to pull your crown away
• Hard foods, such as raw carrots, which may dislodge the crown

When or if you can return to eating such foods will depend on your circumstances. After your fitting, ask your dentist for post-installation dietary advice.

Take it easy on the chewing front

Alongside avoiding certain foods, you should avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where new dental crowns are present until your dentist says it's okay to do otherwise. Reducing mastication gives the crown's sealant a chance to strengthen, reducing the risk of it dislodging.

Refine your flossing technique

While flossing is an essential activity that reduces the presence of bacteria-feeding foods between your teeth, it's not as gentle as you may think. When you floss, avoid pulling the material directly upwards or downwards. Although you may not do so with force, the effort is enough to disrupt new dental crowns. Instead, gently slide the floss outwards.

Watch out for signs of infection

Any dental procedure comes with a risk of infection. While crown installations aren't as invasive as extractions, there is a risk of introducing bacteria to the mucus membranes in your mouth. 

Common signs of dental infections include:

• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Throbbing sensations in your tooth and jaw
• A fever
• Pain when chewing
• Swelling in your jaw, neck or surrounding lymph nodes

If you do notice signs of infection, try to contact the dentist caring for your crowns. Alternatively, if this isn't possible, reach out to an emergency dentist who can provide an assessment and deliver appropriate treatment.

With just a little effort, you can increase the likelihood of your dental crowns lasting for longer. In most cases, you can eat and drink as you like after 24 hours. However, make sure you ask your dentist for specific advice before returning to your normal activities.