Do Dental Crowns Need Special Care?
Dental crowns do not require a complicated care routine — in most cases, you look after a crown the same way you care for your natural teeth. Brushing twice daily, flossing, and attending regular check-ups are the foundation of good crown care. A few simple precautions, however, can significantly extend the life of your crown and protect the tooth underneath.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over an entire tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are commonly used to:
- Protect a weakened, cracked, or heavily decayed tooth
- Cover a tooth following root canal treatment in Calgary NW
- Anchor a dental bridge
- Restore the appearance of a severely discoloured or misshapen tooth
At Expressions Dental in Calgary NW, crowns are carefully colour-matched and crafted to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth, giving you a result that looks and feels natural. Learn more about our dental crowns service in Calgary NW.
Day-to-Day Care for Your Dental Crown
The good news is that your daily oral hygiene routine barely needs to change after receiving a crown. Here is what our Calgary NW dental team recommends:
Brush Twice Daily
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay close attention to the gum line around the crown — this is where plaque and bacteria tend to accumulate, which can lead to gum irritation or decay in the underlying tooth structure.
Floss Every Day
Flossing around a crown is essential. Slide the floss gently down the sides of the crown rather than snapping it upward, which can loosen the crown over time. Your dentist or hygienist will demonstrate the correct technique at your next visit.
Use an Antibacterial Mouth Rinse
An alcohol-free antibacterial rinse helps reduce bacteria around the crown margin and supports overall gum health — particularly important if you have multiple crowns or existing gum concerns.
Attend Regular Professional Cleanings
Routine appointments with a dental hygienist allow your team to monitor the crown, check the surrounding gum tissue, and remove any buildup that brushing alone cannot address. We also offer Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) — a gentle, thorough cleaning method that is ideal for patients with crowns or restorations.
What to Avoid with a Dental Crown
While crowns are durable, a few habits can shorten their lifespan or cause damage:
- Avoid chewing hard foods such as ice, hard candies, or very crusty bread directly on the crown, especially in the first few weeks after placement.
- Do not use your teeth as tools — opening packages, biting fingernails, or tearing tape can chip or crack a crown.
- Limit sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum, which can pull at the crown and potentially dislodge it.
- Address teeth grinding (bruxism) — if you clench or grind your teeth at night, speak to your dentist about a custom night guard. Grinding places significant stress on crowns and can cause premature wear.
How Long Does a Dental Crown Last?
With proper care, most dental crowns last between 10 and 15 years, and many last considerably longer. The lifespan of your crown depends on the material used, where it is located in your mouth, and how well you maintain your oral hygiene routine. Porcelain and zirconia crowns are popular choices for their durability and natural appearance.
Signs Your Crown May Need Attention
Contact your dental clinic promptly if you notice any of the following:
- The crown feels loose or shifts when you bite
- Persistent sensitivity or pain around the crowned tooth
- A visible chip, crack, or rough edge on the crown
- Swelling or tenderness in the gum tissue surrounding the crown
If you experience a crown coming loose or breaking unexpectedly, our team is available for emergency dental care to help restore your smile quickly and comfortably.
Crown Care After a New Placement
If you have just had a crown placed, your dentist will give you specific aftercare instructions. In general, avoid very hot or cold foods for the first 24 to 48 hours, be gentle when chewing on the treated side, and allow any minor sensitivity to settle over the first week. If discomfort persists beyond two weeks, book a follow-up appointment.
Book Your Dental Crown Consultation in Calgary NW
Whether you are considering a crown, have recently had one placed, or simply want to ensure your existing restoration is in excellent shape, the team at Expressions Dental is here to help. We welcome new patients and families across Calgary NW and surrounding communities. Book your appointment today and let us help you keep your smile healthy for the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to care for a dental crown differently than my natural teeth?
For the most part, no — you brush, floss, and attend regular check-ups just as you would for your natural teeth. The key difference is being mindful of the gum line around the crown and avoiding habits like chewing ice or grinding your teeth, which can shorten the crown's lifespan.
Can I floss around a dental crown?
Yes, and you should — flossing is essential for keeping the area around a crown clean and free of plaque. The correct technique is to slide the floss gently along each side of the crown rather than snapping it upward, which could dislodge the crown over time. Your dental hygienist can show you the best method at your next visit.
How long will my dental crown last?
Most dental crowns last between 10 and 15 years with proper care, and many last even longer. The lifespan depends on the crown material, its location in your mouth, and how consistently you maintain your oral hygiene and attend professional cleanings.
What foods should I avoid with a dental crown?
It is best to avoid very hard foods like ice or hard candies, sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum, and any habit of using your teeth as tools. These can chip, crack, or dislodge a crown. After a new crown placement, also avoid extremely hot or cold foods for the first day or two.
What should I do if my dental crown feels loose or falls off?
Contact your dental clinic as soon as possible. A loose or dislodged crown can leave the underlying tooth vulnerable to damage or decay. If it happens unexpectedly outside of regular hours, Expressions Dental offers emergency dental care to address the situation promptly.
Can teeth grinding damage a dental crown?
Yes — bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) places significant stress on crowns and can cause premature wear, cracking, or loosening. If you grind your teeth, speak to your dentist about a custom night guard, which can protect both your crown and your natural teeth while you sleep.
Do dental crowns need to be replaced?
Crowns do not last forever, but with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits they can last many years before replacement is needed. Your dentist will monitor your crown at routine check-ups and advise you if wear, damage, or changes at the gum line suggest it is time for a replacement.