Restorative dentistry procedures can help you regain your confidence, enhance your chewing ability, and improve your overall oral health. If you have fillings, crowns, dental implants, or any other dental work, you will need to be responsible for their at-home care. Lack of proper maintenance can often lead to the failure of these devices, necessitating replacement.
This blog provides a guide on how to care for several common varieties of restorative dental work at home to prevent damage, as well as warning signs that you should contact your dentist.
Crowns
Your dentist custom-designs crowns for a perfect fit and excellent chewing ability. However, when crowns become damaged, they can allow bacteria and food particles to come into contact with your existing tooth, potentially causing an infection. If a crowned tooth becomes infected, a root canal may be necessary.
Some methods to help you preserve your crowns include:
- Avoid sticky food in that area of your mouth to prevent pulling the crown off
- Always floss carefully around each crown, gently pulling the floss through at the gumline rather than sawing up and down
- If you notice any issues with your crown, tell your dentist immediately
Fillings
Caring for fillings is relatively easy but equally crucial. Maintain your dental health with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. Work carefully around your fillings and check them regularly for signs of chips or other damage. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings may also stain if you frequently drink coffee or other dark beverages.
Dental Implants
Implants are today's gold standard for tooth replacement. If you keep them in good shape, they require no more care than a healthy tooth. However, if your oral hygiene were to slip or if you experience an infrequent case of implant rejection, you may find yourself in considerable difficulty with an infection called peri-implantitis.
Peri-implantitis is similar to gum disease (periodontitis), but affects the tissues surrounding the implant. If you notice any symptoms, such as bleeding gums around the implant, contact your dentist quickly for help. This condition could cause the loss of the implant.
Bridges
Dental bridges are a good choice for patients missing multiple adjacent teeth; however, standard bridges can be somewhat challenging to keep clean and maintain. You must carefully clean around your bridge with interdental brushes to remove debris and floss under the bridge with a threader. Since standard bridges receive support from crowned natural teeth, patients must also follow our instructions to maintain the health of their dental crowns.
Dental Bonding
Bonding is a cosmetic procedure that also requires special care. Bonding can easily chip, crack, or stain if patients fail to take proper care of it. The most crucial tip is to avoid biting ice, pens, popcorn kernels, and other hard foods, and never try to use your teeth as tools.
Care for All Dental Work and Healthy Teeth
Proper home oral care can help you avoid many of these issues. If you pay close attention to oral hygiene, you may not need restorative procedures to save your teeth in the future. Brush in the morning and in the evening. Floss your teeth every day. Make regular visits to your family dentist, adhering to the schedule your dentist sets. Most patients aged one and up see the dentist every six months for cleanings and exams.
Avoid brushing too hard or using harsh toothpaste products, such as those containing activated charcoal. Always ask your dentist for recommendations on safe and effective oral care products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restorative Dentistry
What are the two main types of dental bridges?
Dental bridges have several varieties. Standard bridges receive support from a crowned tooth on either side of the gap, supporting artificial teeth called pontics. Implant-supported bridges sit between two dental implants that support the artificial teeth. They are sturdier, easier to care for, and feel more natural than traditional bridges.
Does a tooth with a root canal always need a crown?
Root canal-treated teeth tend to fare better with a crown than a filling. In certain situations, your dentist may opt for a filling, but a crown provides complete protection for your prepared tooth. The crown requires ongoing care to remain healthy.
Rosewood Dental is proud to serve the residents of Germantown, MD, and the surrounding communities. We offer comprehensive care in a friendly and welcoming environment. Please contact us to schedule an appointment today!