Caring for Your New Same-Day Crown: Tips from White Center Smiles

Getting a new dental crown is a key step to restoring the health and function of your smile. Due to the convenience of same-day crowns, you can depart from your dentist’s office with a fully restored tooth in just a single visit. Modern dentistry saves you time and provides a natural, lasting solution. Once your new crown has been cemented, it’s important to learn how to care for it so that it will last a lifetime.

Your same-day crown is tailor-made to fit perfectly and blend with your own teeth. It is constructed from the strongest materials available and, unlike any other crown, is virtually unbreakable. However, like your own teeth, it requires good care. Your first few days after your procedure are especially important for a hassle-free readjustment and facilitating your getting used to your new crown.

The First 24 Hours: A Gentle Beginning

Your initial hours after your procedure are an important time for the new cementation bond between the crown and your tooth. Once the dental adhesive, or cement, is placed by your dentist to secure the crown, it needs time to fully harden. While the cement hardens, it’s advised to be careful. The first day is best spent avoiding hard or sticky foods using the new crown. Soft, easily chewable foods are what you should opt for. This is an easy trick that lets the bond become as strong as it could be, giving your crown a secure foundation. You might notice some brief sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures in the area of the new same-day crown. This is completely normal and should fade within a few days. If the sensitivity persists or worsens, don’t hesitate to let us know.

Long-Term Care: Making Your Crown Last

Once you’re past the initial 24 hours, maintaining your new crown is much like caring for your natural teeth. Consistent and gentle oral hygiene is the best way to protect your investment. Brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day is imperative. Be sure to focus on the spot where the crown touches your gum line because plaque tends to build up in this area. Flossing once a day is also important. Glide the floss between your teeth gently, making sure to clean both sides of the crowned tooth. This prevents decay and gum disease, which can compromise the health of the tooth beneath your crown.

A Few Care Tips for Same-Day Crown

• Watch What You Eat: Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods immediately after the treatment and limit them in the long run.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss daily to keep the area around the crown clean to prevent plaque accumulation.
• Tackle Grinding: If you grind your teeth while sleeping, use a custom night guard to preserve your crown and other teeth from excessive wear.
• Regular Dental Visits: Keep up with your routine check-ups at White Center Smiles. We’ll monitor your crown and the health of your surrounding teeth, ensuring everything is in top condition.

Your crown’s lifespan is mostly up to you with these simple steps and good same-day crown aftercare. Maintained in good condition, your crown will be with you for a decade or more, and the care you take today will pay dividends tomorrow in the form of a healthy, stunning smile.