Your new crown effectively replaces the enamel layer of your tooth with an artificial material like gold, base metals or porcelain. While these materials are not vulnerable to bacteria and tooth decay, your crown will still need inclusion in your daily oral hygiene routine.
Without twice daily brushing and flossing residual food particles and plaque can harden into tartar near the gum line. This introduces a continual bacterial presence to your gums, which greatly contributes to the development of gum disease. In time, this can pose a variety of threats to the long term integrity of your crown.
The deep infection and inflammation in the gum tissue allows bacteria access to the seam where your crown is cemented to the abutment. This could weaken the cement holding the crown in place, loosening it.
It also makes it possible for bacteria to attack the sensitive abutment that anchoring your crown. Chronic, advanced periodontal disease can even result in a loss of bone structure that anchor the abutments to your jaw.
The regular dental checkup performed by Dr. John F. Lann includes an extensive cleaning procedure. This will effectively remove any lingering tarter and monitor the health of your gums as well as the integrity of the crown.
If you have questions about how to adequately care for your crown, you can always call Dr. John F. Lann’s office in Round Rock, Texas at 512-255-1025 for a consultation.