Recovering from a cavity or recent tooth loss means investing in dental crowns or bridges. This restorative option allows you to restore your bite and smile, but you may be worried about caring for this new investment. Just like your natural teeth, your crowns and bridges are prone to degradation without proper care. But where should you begin? 

At Mills River Family Dental, our team understands how daunting it can be to adjust to this new restorative device. However, with proper care and regular support from a reliable dental team, you can trust that they’ll last for years to come. Our team is here to provide the guidance you need to maintain your smile and keep your restorations in top condition for years to come.

In this blog, we’ll help you craft a comprehensive care plan to support your dental crowns and bridges for decades to come. 

Why Long-Term Care Matters for Dental Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns and bridges can be an incredibly costly investment to make, and the last thing you want to worry about is premature replacement. However, that is exactly what you’ll have to deal with if you don’t provide them with proper care. Much like any other dental device, a crown or bridge needs to be properly cleaned and examined by your dental team. 

Additionally, the devices cannot protect the underlying tooth structure from the damaging effects of oral bacteria. Without proper care, bacteria can get beneath the margins of the crown or supporting teeth of your bridge, leading to decay which can progress unnoticed until it compromises the viability of your teeth.

Additionally, you are still susceptible to gum health problems while wearing these restorative devices. Plaque and tartar buildup on your crown or bridge can still irritate your sensitive gum tissue. This can lead to the development of gingivitis or periodontal disease, and may compromise your underlying jawbone health. 

Daily Habits That Help Crowns and Bridges Last for Decades

While it is incredibly crucial that you protect your crowns and bridges, you may not know where to begin. Thankfully, caring for both is incredibly easy, and can keep you safe from tooth decay, gum disease, and potential tooth loss. If you want to keep these restorative devices safe, incorporate the following into your everyday routine: 

• Brush twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush, paying close attention to your gum line. 
• Use floss around your crown and use interdental floss, a water flosser, or floss threader to clean beneath your dental bridge.
• Avoid biting ice, hard candies, popcorn kernels, and sticky candies that can loosen the cement and fracture the porcelain. 
• Wear a custom-fit nightguard if you are dealing with bruxism, and avoid chewing on pens, fingernails, or pencils. 
• Incorporate an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash into your daily routine to eliminate excessive harmful oral bacteria. 

Common Signs Your Crown or Bridge May Need Professional Attention

Although you can do a lot to protect your crowns and bridges, there is always a chance that you may need to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Knowing what signs to look for can help you ensure a prompt visit with your dental team. If you are dealing with any of the following symptoms, it may be time to reach out to your dentist to schedule an appointment: 

• Slight shifting and movement when eating, drinking, or speaking
• Pain and discomfort when biting or chewing
• Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
• Irritation at the gum line or gum recession
• Chronic bad breath (halitosis) and unexplained odors
• Visible chips, cracks, and worn-down porcelain
• Gapping along the gum line that exposes the underlying tooth

How Regular Dental Checkups Protect Your Dental Restorations

It isn’t just important to take adequate care of your restorative devices at home. It is also incredibly crucial that you rely on your trusted dental team for support as well. Your dentist can catch signs of decay and problems with the supporting tooth in their earliest stages, helping you address it before the tooth is no longer viable. 

They can also remove hardened tartar that brushing may otherwise miss. Additionally, they will perform regular X-rays during your appointment to note any underlying bone loss and loose fittings, ensuring the long-term durability of your restorative device. Finally, they can address bite and wear problems and make adjustments to avoid further problems. 

Can Crowns and Bridges Last More Than 20 Years? What to Expect

The good news is that crowns and bridges can  last 20 years or longer. In fact, many patients keep their restorations for decades with consistent care and regular dental visits. That said, no dental restoration is designed to last forever. Everyday chewing, teeth grinding, changes in your bite, and normal wear can eventually affect how well a crown or bridge fits and functions.

If your restoration starts to feel loose, causes discomfort, or you notice changes around the gum line, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment. Sometimes a small issue can be addressed before it turns into a larger problem that requires replacement. With your dentist’s support, you can avoid losing a restorative device before the end of its lifetime. 

The best way to protect your investment is to stay proactive. Brushing, flossing, wearing a nightguard if recommended, and keeping up with routine cleanings all help extend the life of your crowns and bridges. With the right care, your smile can stay healthy, comfortable, and functional for many years to come.

Helping Your Protect Your Crowns and Bridges in Mills River

Whether you have a crown or bridge, our Mills River Family Dental team is here to offer you comprehensive support from initial consultation to decades down the road. We know how important it is for patients to keep this restorative device safe and strong. With our team on your side, you can trust that your restorative devices will remain in great condition for their full lifetime. If you’re in need of a replacement, we can also help you find the ideal solution.

Whether you need help caring for your crowns and bridges or support addressing missing teeth or significant decay, contact our team to schedule an appointment with us today.