A dental crown is one of the most common and effective ways to protect a damaged or decayed tooth. Whether you’ve had a crown placed after a root canal, to restore a cracked tooth, or for cosmetic reasons, it’s designed to be strong and durable. But crowns don’t last forever on their own. How you care for them matters.
With proper aftercare, a dental crown can last 10 to 15 years. And the good news is, taking care of a crown isn’t complicated.
At Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. James Furgurson and Dr. Nathan White have helped countless patients restore their smiles with high-quality crowns. With Dr. Furgurson’s Fellowships in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), you can trust that your crown was placed with skill and precision.
Here’s how to protect your investment and keep your crown in top shape.
Understanding the Initial Recovery Period
After your crown is placed, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity or discomfort. Your gums may feel tender, especially if the procedure involved reshaping the tooth. The anesthesia can also leave your mouth feeling numb or your jaw slightly sore.
What to do during the first few days:
- Stick to soft foods. Think yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, and smoothies.
- Avoid hard or chewy foods. Give your mouth time to adjust.
- Use lukewarm liquids. Extreme temperatures can increase sensitivity.
- Be gentle. Avoid chewing directly on the new crown until it feels settled.
If you’re wearing a temporary crown while waiting for your permanent one, be extra careful. Temporary crowns aren’t as secure and can easily come loose with sticky or crunchy foods.
Once your permanent crown is in place, you can return to a more normal diet. But even then, some care is still needed to ensure your crown lasts.
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
A dental crown protects the visible part of your tooth. But the underlying tooth and your gums still need attention.
The area where your crown meets your natural tooth is especially vulnerable. Plaque can build up there, leading to decay or gum disease. If decay develops under the crown, it can compromise the entire restoration.
How to keep it clean:
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. Focus on the gumline around the crown.
- Floss daily. This is critical. Slide the floss gently in and out—don’t snap it up and down, which could dislodge the crown.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and protect your gums.
Think of your crown as a beautiful new roof. The structure underneath still needs the same care it always did.
Protecting Your Crown from Damage
Crowns are strong, but they’re not indestructible. Avoid:
- Chewing ice. This is one of the fastest ways to crack a crown.
- Biting fingernails. A common habit that puts unnecessary stress on your teeth.
- Using your teeth as tools. No opening packages, tearing tags, or biting thread.
- Sticky or hard foods. Caramel, taffy, hard candy, and popcorn kernels can all cause problems.
If You Grind Your Teeth
Teeth grinding (bruxism) puts tremendous pressure on crowns. Over time, it can cause:
- Chips or cracks in the porcelain
- Loosening or debonding
- Wear on both the crown and natural teeth
If you grind your teeth at night, let Dr. Furgurson know. A custom-fitted night guard can protect your crown and your natural teeth from damage.
Monitoring for Sensitivity or Pain
Some sensitivity to hot or cold is normal right after getting a crown. But ongoing pain is not.
What to Watch For
- Persistent sensitivity that doesn’t improve after a few weeks
- Pain when biting or chewing (could indicate a bite misalignment)
- Throbbing or sharp pain (could signal an infection in the underlying tooth)
- Swelling or tenderness around the gumline
If you notice any of these signs, call your dentist in Chapel Hill, NC. Early intervention can often save the crown and the tooth underneath.
Routine Dental Visits Matter
Even with excellent home care, regular dental checkups are essential.
What Your Dentist Checks
- The integrity of your crown (no chips, cracks, or wear)
- The fit at the gumline (no gaps where bacteria could enter)
- Gum health around the crowned tooth
- Signs of decay at the base
Professional cleanings also help maintain the health of your entire mouth, which supports the longevity of your crown.
Aim to visit your dentist every six months, or as recommended based on your individual needs.
What If I Damage My Crown?
Accidents happen. If your crown chips, cracks, or feels loose, don’t wait:
- Call your dentist right away: The sooner you get treatment, the better the chance of saving the crown.
- Don’t try to repair it yourself: Super glue and over-the-counter repair kits can make the problem worse.
- If the crown falls out: Keep it in a safe place and bring it to your appointment. Your dentist may be able to re-cement it.
Common causes of crown damage include:
- Biting something unexpectedly hard
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Decay under the crown
- Trauma or injury
Prompt attention from your dentist could prevent the need for a complete replacement.
Protect Your Dental Crown for Years to Come
A dental crown is an investment in your smile. With the right care, you can make that investment last. At Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. James Furgurson and Dr. Nathan White are here to help you protect your smile.
Call our Chapel Hill dental practice at 919-736-6175 or request an appointment online anytime. We proudly serve patients from Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, and throughout the Triangle region.