Farmington Hills dentist works with you on caring for dental crowns so they last a lifetime

There is no better tooth than a natural one, so every effort will be made by Richard S. Bernstein D.D.S. to save natural teeth in partnership with you. Check-ups and professional cleanings at intervals recommended by Dr. Bernstein are vital to keep your teeth and gums healthy and to avoid the decay and disease that often results in the need for a dental crown.

Should a tooth be damaged, the doctor and his team will design a crown that looks, feels, and functions like a healthy natural tooth. Since the crown mimics natural structure it must be treated like a natural tooth with effective at-home care combined with regular visits to your trusted dental professionals in Farmington Hills. Specialized tools, for instance, are required to remove stubborn, hardened sticky plaque or tartar.

While durable and not susceptible to the same type of decay as a natural tooth, modern crowns are still connected to natural tooth structure. Corrosive bacteria and sugars in foods and drink can be harbored beneath and around the edges of your crown where decay can flourish.

Though crowns do not require special care, there are some factors that can assure your new tooth lasts. A member of the distinguished Crown Council and Michigan’s only American Society for Dental Aesthetics accredited dentist, Dr. Bernstein will assure the crown is designed and fitted to function as intended. He will also discuss habits or conditions that give rise to complications affecting a crown’s functionality. Factors that can shorten the lifespan of your restored tooth include:

• Excessive wear and tear
• Tooth grinding and clenching, which places pressure on the restoration
• Chewing fingernails and ice cubes

Dr. Bernstein may recommend preventive measures such as customized dental appliances to protect your crown should you grind your teeth at night. Conditions like bruxism are destructive to all of your teeth, not just the restored ones. If a crown-restored tooth is worn or damaged, bacteria can find a way into the tooth. You may end up with decay and an infection that affects surrounding teeth and gum tissue, and can even be serious to your overall health. An abscess can become a systemic infection that requires emergency care.

Caring for dental crowns in Farmington Hills is no different from caring for your natural teeth. Get ready to enjoy many years of smiling proudly, eating comfortably, and speaking freely with beautiful, pain-free teeth. Call 248.636.2100 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bernstein.