Congratulations on your new dental crowns from Cornerstone Dentistry! We are dedicated to providing you with exceptional dental care and are delighted to help restore your smile and oral health. To ensure the longevity and success of your dental crowns, it’s important to follow these post-operative instructions carefully.

Immediate Post-Op Care

After your dental crown procedure, it’s essential to take some precautions to promote healing and protect your new crowns:

  1. Temporary Sensitivity: It is normal to experience some temporary sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after getting dental crowns. This sensitivity should subside within a few days to a week.
  2. Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects: While dental crowns are durable, they are not indestructible. It is important to refrain from biting on hard objects such as ice, pencils, or hard candies because doing so can cause harm to your crowns.
  3. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly, taking care to be gentle around your new crowns. When brushing your teeth, make sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and also toothpastes that does not contain any abrasive ingredients.
  4. Limit Staining Foods and Drinks: If you want your crowns to look their best, you should limit the amount of staining foods and beverages that you consume. Some examples of these include coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. In the event that you do consume these things, make sure to promptly rinse your mouth with water.

Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is crucial for the health and appearance of your dental crowns. Here’s how to care for them:

  1. Regular Brushing and Flossing: Continue your regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once daily. Pay special attention to the area around your crowns.
  2. Use a Non-Abrasive Toothpaste: Choose a non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent scratching the surface of your crowns. Avoid toothpaste with baking soda or abrasive particles.
  3. Regular Dental Check-Ups: Attend your scheduled dental check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can monitor the condition of your crowns and address any concerns promptly.

Dietary Considerations

To protect your dental crowns and maintain their appearance, consider the following dietary recommendations:

  1. Limit Sugar and Acidic Foods: Sugary and acidic foods can contribute to tooth decay and erosion, potentially affecting the teeth surrounding your crowns. Minimize your consumption of these foods.
  2. Chew Mindfully: Be mindful when eating hard or crunchy foods. Cut them into smaller pieces or chew carefully to avoid excessive force on your crowns.
  3. Wear a Mouthguard: Wearing a mouthguard can be beneficial in protecting your dental crowns from damage, particularly if you grind your teeth while you sleep or if you participate in contact sports.

Avoid Bad Habits

Some habits can be detrimental to the longevity of your dental crowns. To ensure their durability, avoid:

  1. Chewing on Hard Objects: Refrain from nibbling your nails, using your teeth to pry open packages, or chewing on anything that is very uncomfortable.
  2. Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking and tobacco use can stain and discolor your crowns. Consider quitting or reducing your consumption to maintain their appearance.
  3. Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can weaken tooth enamel and lead to oral health issues. Consume alcohol in moderation to protect your natural teeth and crowns.

Signs of Concern

While dental crowns are strong and durable, it’s important to be vigilant for any signs of potential issues. Contact Cornerstone Dentistry if you experience any of the following:

  1. Sensitivity: If sensitivity to hot or cold persists for an extended period or worsens, contact us for evaluation.
  2. Chipping or Damage: If you notice any chipping, cracking, or damage to your crowns, schedule an appointment for a possible repair or replacement.
  3. Discoloration or Staining: If your crowns become discolored or stained beyond what can be addressed with professional cleaning, contact us for options.

At Cornerstone Dentistry, your satisfaction and oral health are our top priorities. If you have any questions or concerns about your dental crowns or the post-op care instructions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to support you in maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile with your new dental crowns.