How to Take Care of a Dental Crown? + A Complete Guide to Everything You Need to Know!

A dental crown is not the end of damage, but rather the beginning of careful and continuous maintenance. Many people, after receiving treatment, are unaware of the principles and limitations of eating after getting a dental crown, or they mistakenly believe that no special care is needed anymore.

However, properly following post-crown care instructions not only helps prevent decay, gum inflammation, or crown fracture, but also plays a crucial role in increasing the lifespan of the treated tooth.

Meanwhile, certain unhealthy habits, such as smoking after getting a dental crown, can jeopardize the healing process and the durability of the crown, potentially rendering the treatment efforts ineffective. In the following, you will learn all the key points about post-crown care.

 

Key Points for Post-Crown Dental Care

To maintain the durability and health of a crowned tooth, it is essential to follow the necessary care instructions. Post-crown care includes:

1. If the temporary crown falls off or becomes loose, visit your dentist immediately. Not using a temporary crown can cause the tooth to shift and interfere with the fitting of the permanent crown.
   
   
2. Even with a crown, tooth decay can still occur. Brushing at least twice a day and using dental floss daily, especially around the area where the crown meets the gum, are crucial.
   
   
3. Be gentle when flossing to avoid putting pressure on the crown. Carefully insert the floss and slide it out from the side instead of pulling it upward.
   
   
4. Experiencing sensitivity in the first few days is normal and usually decreases after a few months. If the sensitivity persists, consult your dentist.
   
   
5. To reduce gum inflammation and burning sensations, rinse your mouth several times a day with warm salt water.
   
   
6. After receiving a crown, your dentist will introduce you to special tools like toothbrushes and floss designed specifically for crowned areas. Regular use of these tools is part of post-crown care.
   
   
7. If you feel that food is getting trapped under the crown or notice a crack, you should see your dentist, as there may be damage or a gap between the teeth.
   
   

read: What is zirconia coating and what are its advantages and disadvantages

 

Post-Cementation Care for a Dental Crown

One of the key points in post-cementation care for a dental crown is avoiding pressure on the tooth and refraining from touching it on the first day after treatment. This is crucial because the cement bonding process continues during the first 24 hours after the procedure. During this time, the crown may not yet be fully attached to the tooth, and applying pressure could cause it to shift or fracture.

Additionally, the patient is usually instructed to firmly bite down on a cotton roll for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps keep the cement in place and ensures that the setting process is completed properly. Failure to follow these instructions correctly may lead to problems with the crown that could require adjustment or replacement.

Read: What Causes Pain in a Crowned Tooth? + Treatment Methods

 

 

Things You Should Know About Eating After Getting a Dental Crown

 One of the most important aspects of post-crown care is following dietary recommendations. Proper nutrition not only helps the crown last longer but also prevents issues such as loosening or discoloration. So, make sure to keep the following points in mind:

1. Avoid eating anything for at least 30 minutes after the crown is placed. This gives the crown adhesive enough time to bond properly with the tooth and gain sufficient strength.
   
   
2. In the first few days, avoid biting into hard foods such as ice, crispy rice, nuts, or hard candies. Such pressure can loosen or even crack the crown.
   
   
3. In the initial hours after placement, consuming stain-causing drinks and foods like dark chocolate, soda, coffee, or tea can discolor the surface of the crown. It’s best to avoid these for a few hours.
   
   
4. Excessive consumption of sugary foods can promote bacterial growth around the crown. When it comes to eating after a dental crown, it’s recommended to limit sugary snacks and instead opt for healthier options like fruits, fresh vegetables, and natural snacks.
   
   
5. If your tooth hasn’t undergone a root canal, it may be sensitive to hot or cold foods in the first few days. This sensitivity is usually temporary and tends to fade over time.
   
   
6. If you feel that the crown is too high or sharp and is causing unusual pressure while eating, see your dentist immediately to make the necessary adjustments.
   
   
7. When using dental floss around the crowned tooth, be gentle and careful. Pulling the floss out abruptly may damage the crown’s edge or loosen the adhesive.
   
   
8. Regular brushing, rinsing the mouth with water, and thoroughly cleaning the base of the tooth help prolong the crown’s lifespan. Keep in mind that proper post-crown care includes maintaining full oral hygiene in the areas surrounding the crown.
   
   
9. Smoking after getting a crown can cause discoloration, surface stains, and even weaken the structure. In addition, cigarette smoke endangers gum health and may lead to inflammation or infection around the crown.
   
   
10. Alcohol and drug use also significantly harm both natural teeth and crowns. These substances can cause gradual erosion of the tooth enamel, weaken the base under the crown, or even loosen the crown itself. To maintain the health and appearance of restored teeth, it’s best to avoid such substances.
    
    

Following professional recommendations regarding crowns and oral hygiene not only prevents infections and bad breath but also helps maintain the beauty and durability of your teeth.

read: Everything You Need to Know About What to Eat After a Root Canal

 

 

Long-Term Care for the Durability of a Permanent Dental Crown

 To help your dental crown last longer, there are several key tips to follow:

1. If you experience sensitivity to cold drinks or foods after the procedure, using a desensitizing toothpaste can greatly help reduce the discomfort.
   
   
2. Avoid biting ice, nuts, or other hard foods. These habits can cause the crown to crack or come loose.
   
   
3. Annual or biannual check-ups allow your dentist to address any potential crown issues before they become serious.
   
   
4. Professional scaling and cleaning at the dental office can clean areas of your teeth that are difficult to reach at home.
   
   

Read: Laminate and Composite Services at Dr. Ebadian Clinic

 

How to Brush After Getting a Dental Crown

 While dental crowns are resistant to decay, proper brushing is essential to maintain hygiene and prevent complications. As part of post-crown care, one important step is using your toothbrush correctly to clean the areas beneath the crown line.

To do this, it’s best to hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth surface so that the bristles point toward the root. Using a vibrating motion helps remove plaque from below the gumline. Additionally, using a circular brushing motion can also support oral hygiene.

Now, you might be wondering: How many hours after getting a dental crown can I brush my teeth? It’s best to wait at least 24 hours after treatment before brushing gently, giving the crown enough time to firmly set in place.

read: A Complete Guide to Proper Brushing Technique and Dental Care

 

Eating After Getting a Dental Crown

 A common question after dental procedures is: How many hours after getting a crown can I eat? The answer is that you should avoid eating any food for about 30 minutes after the crown is placed, giving the special adhesive enough time to fully set.

The longer you wait, the stronger the bond between the crown and the tooth will be. After 30 minutes, you can carefully consume soft foods, but you should still avoid hard foods that might dislodge or damage the crown. Typically, after 24 hours, you can return to your regular diet.

 

 

Food Trapping Around a Crowned Tooth

 One common issue some people face after receiving a dental crown is food getting trapped around the crowned tooth. This problem usually occurs when there is a very small gap between the crown and the adjacent tooth, or if the crown hasn't bonded properly with the underlying tooth.

These small spaces become ideal places for food particles to get stuck, leading to bacterial growth, gum inflammation, bad breath, and even tooth decay.

In some cases, an improperly adjusted crown height during installation may cause excessive pressure on the opposing teeth, leading to a gap between teeth that contributes to food trapping.

That’s why it’s important to visit a skilled dentist and use high-quality, precisely made crowns. If you are experiencing this issue, it’s best to consult your dentist. In many cases, a simple repair or replacement of the crown can completely resolve the problem.

 

The Importance of Post-Crown Care

 Taking care of your crown after placement not only improves and maintains oral health but also increases the crown's lifespan and reduces the risk of future complications.

 

Reducing Treatment Side Effects

 Immediately after placing a crown, your teeth may become sensitive to hot or cold foods. Following proper post-crown care—such as avoiding extremely hot or cold foods—can help prevent this sensitivity.

Maintaining oral hygiene and using specially formulated desensitizing toothpastes can also reduce such problems. If you follow your dentist’s instructions, the likelihood of complications such as infection, severe sensitivity, or even digestive issues will be significantly reduced.

 

Extending the Lifespan of a Dental Crown

 The durability of a crown heavily depends on maintaining good oral hygiene and following a proper diet. For instance, consuming hard foods or chewing on non-edible items like ice can cause the crown to crack or break.

Therefore, reducing the intake of hard and crunchy foods can prolong the life of your crown. Also, avoiding excessive consumption of sugary foods and sweets—which can cause decay in the natural tooth under the crown—plays a crucial role in keeping the crown healthy.

 

Reducing Costs

 By strictly following your dentist’s instructions and taking proper care of your dental crown, the chances of damage or breakage are minimized. This reduces the need for repeated visits to repair or replace the crown.

Moreover, by preventing oral health issues like decay in the tooth beneath the crown, you can avoid additional expenses for gum and dental treatments. These simple care steps can save you money in the long run and significantly extend the life of both your tooth and the crown.

 

 

Complications of Neglecting Post-Crown Care

 If you fail to take post-crown care seriously, you may encounter several problems. Ignoring oral hygiene and your dentist’s recommendations can lead to cracks or fractures in the tooth enamel. Additionally, the gums may become inflamed or infected, and the patient may experience ongoing pain and discomfort.

Another common sign is the exposure of the crown’s lower edge due to partial detachment, often visible at the adhesive junction between the crown and the tooth. These issues not only affect the appearance of the tooth but can also cause pain and bacterial plaque buildup.

Therefore, carefully following post-treatment instructions and maintaining good oral hygiene play a key role in the health and longevity of your crown.

 

Conclusion: Proper Care Ensures Crown Longevity

The necessary care after getting a dental crown isn’t limited to just the first few days; it represents a healthy and conscious lifestyle that maintains your dental health over the long term. If you have recently received a dental crown, avoid hard and sugary foods, pay attention to your body’s signals, and strictly follow your dentist’s advice.

To answer the common question:

• How many hours after getting a crown should I brush my teeth?

It’s best to wait 24 hours and then start brushing gently and carefully to avoid damaging the adhesive or gums. Similarly, eating after getting a crown should be done with caution to protect the new structure of the tooth. If you are looking for precise guidance and expert care, we recommend visiting Dr. Ebadian’s Dental Clinic.