When you have a dental crown procedure done, you end up with some dental crowns — either made of metal or a ceramic or porcelain variety — that will stay in your mouth until you lose the protected tooth or until they have to be replaced, whichever comes first. This means you need to take care of your dental crowns.

Luckily, there's not a lot of additional maintenance that goes into taking care of dental crowns beyond your basic brushing and daily flossing. If you notice your dental crowns are loose or they start to chip away, or if you feel pain in the area you had your dental crown procedure done long after the spot has healed, speak to your dentist right away. Since your dental crowns protect the underlying teeth, you need to have a dental crown repair done as soon as you notice a problem.

Here are reasons why it's important to take care of your dental crowns.

Your Dental Crowns Protect Your Teeth from Damage and Disease​

A dental crown has one main purpose: to protect the damaged tooth underneath. If your dental crown is placed over a dental implant, then it's important to keep your crown in great condition so it doesn't have to be removed, which will then expose the post and show where your tooth was originally missing.

If you want to keep your teeth preserved, you need to keep your dental crowns in great condition. Your dentist will examine your crowns and fillings when you have your cleanings done to ensure they're still in great condition and will make repairs or replacements as necessary.

Your Dental Crowns Can Be Expensive to Replace​

A single dental crown can cost up to $3,500, and even the less expensive metal crowns, as opposed to the porcelain/metal crowns, can be costly. Dental insurance may help with some of the costs, but you'll still have a deductible and you'll have already spent money on your original dental crowns. The costs add up when you need restorative dental care as opposed to preventative care, so take care of your dental crowns for a healthy smile and a happy budget.

If you haven't scheduled a recent dental procedure, then it's time to do so. Your dentist can fit you in for a cleaning and checkup and you can discuss your dental crown repair needs and other dental needs while you're there. Any dental crown issues you're having can be taken care of if you make an appointment for them when you schedule your cleaning. 

For more information about dental crowns, contact your local dentist.