A dental crown can protect a tooth that was partially decayed or broken. It covers up the tooth and can be used to chew food as you normally would. However, we hope that you understand that this protection is not absolute, but there are some normal, everyday things you can do to keep the tooth and the crown safe.
The crown covers the tooth for the most part, but there is a small opening along the bottom. The bacteria that cause tooth decay are persistent, and they can slip in through this opening. They can then attack the decayed or broken tooth, having an advantage due to its weakened state. This can bring further decay to the tooth, which may cause the crown to fall off and may lead you to get more extensive dental work done on that tooth.
Fortunately, there is a way to add some protection to that tooth, and that is through brushing and flossing. Brushing can clean up bacteria, which would be in the form of plaque, from that opening. If you use a toothpaste that has fluoride in it, that can be even more helpful for you because fluoride can help strengthen natural teeth against decay. Flossing can snag plaque in places that your brush cannot reach, which are the gaps between each tooth.
If you continue to brush and floss, you can keep tooth decay at bay and preserve the crown for its full lifetime. If you have an issue with your crowns or would like to receive a crown, you can come to Johnson Ranch Dental in Roseville, California. You can rely on the services of our dentist, Dr. Oliver Wong, to maintain or restore your teeth. To schedule a visit, you can call us at 916-784-1700.