Caring for your teeth after receiving a composite teeth filling or dental crowns in Vancouver, BC, is an important part of keeping your smile healthy and comfortable. These restorations are designed to support your natural teeth, but they still depend on good home care and regular dental visits. At Crosstown Dental in Vancouver, we focus on helping patients understand what to expect after treatment and how to protect their dental work for many years.
This guide explains what composite fillings and crowns are, what you can expect after your appointment, and the best ways to care for them long term.
What Are Composite Fillings and Dental Crowns?
Composite fillings in Vancouver, BC, are tooth-coloured materials used to repair cavities, small fractures, or areas of wear. They bond securely to the tooth structure and blend in with your natural enamel. Composite resin is commonly chosen because it can be shaped precisely and provides a natural appearance.
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped coverings placed over teeth that are weakened, heavily filled, or structurally compromised. Crowns may be made of porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or metal-based materials. They are often recommended after large fillings, cracks, or root canal treatment. A crown acts like a protective shell that strengthens the tooth and helps maintain function.
Why Proper Aftercare Matters
While composite fillings and cosmetic dental crowns are durable, they are not permanent. With good home care, they may last many years, although longevity varies widely based on factors such as diet, oral hygiene, bite forces, and the location of the restoration. Proper cleaning and awareness of symptoms allow you to protect your restored tooth and maintain healthy gums around it.
Failing to care for these areas can lead to plaque buildup, recurrent decay, sensitivity, or issues such as chipping or loosening. Fortunately, most problems can be prevented with simple daily habits.
Daily Habits That Help Protect Your Fillings and Crowns
Brush Gently Twice per Day
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Gentle brushing helps prevent wear to the edges of your filling or crown and keeps the surrounding gum tissue healthy.
Floss Carefully Every Day
Flossing remains essential, even around new crowns. Slide the floss gently between your teeth and lift it out rather than snapping it through the contacts. This technique prevents tugging on the crown margins.
Use Fluoride for Added Protection
Fluoride toothpaste or optional fluoride rinses can help strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of new decay near your restoration. Follow our dentist’s recommendations for frequency and product type.
Avoid Sticky or Very Hard Foods Foods like caramels, taffy, and hard candies can place excessive force on fillings and crowns. Ice chewing can also cause cracks or chips. Choosing softer alternatives reduces stress on your dental work.
How Long Do Fillings and Crowns Last?
Restoration lifespan varies based on several factors, including placement location, bite forces, oral hygiene, and general health.
- White dental fillings may last many years with proper care.
- Dental crowns treatment can also last for 10 years or more, depending on materials and home care.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Reach out to our dentist in Vancouver, BC, if you notice any of the following:
- A sharp edge near your filling
- A crown that feels loose or shifts when chewing
- Sensitivity that increases or does not improve
- New discomfort when biting
- Gum swelling or tenderness around a crown
Prompt communication helps address concerns early and supports long-term restoration of health.
About Our Practice: At Crosstown Dental, we prioritize patient comfort and preventive care. Meet our team – we’re proud to serve Vancouver with modern, judgment-free dentistry.
Reviews From Around Vancouver
I visited this clinic for a teeth cleaning and filling. I was treated by Michelle, and she did an amazing job! I felt safe the whole time, and she was very knowledgeable about what needed to be done. I would highly recommend my friends and family to go here!” – Alex L.
Ready to protect your smile?
Whether you need a new dental crown or you’re due for a cleaning, give us a call at (236) 326-8068 or book online!
FAQ: Caring for Fillings and Crowns
Do crowns need special care after they are placed?
Dental crown treatment requires regular brushing and flossing just like natural teeth, with extra attention to the area where the crown meets the gumline. Keeping this margin clean reduces the risk of decay or inflammation. In the days after placement, it is normal to experience slight sensitivity as the tissues settle. Your dentist may recommend avoiding very hard or sticky foods for a short period while you adjust.
Are white (composite) fillings safe and durable?
Yes. If you’re searching for dental fillings near me and curious about composite restorations, you can trust this choice. A composite tooth filling is considered a trusted solution, and is both mercury- and BPA-free. They provide good durability for small to mid-size cavities and are quite durable. Check out our Crowns & Bridges page to learn more!
How do I know if a crown is failing?
Signs that your dental crowns may need attention include increasing sensitivity, a change in how your bite feels, visible cracks, or the sensation that the crown is shifting. You may also notice gum inflammation around the tooth or difficulty flossing if the crown’s margin has changed. These symptoms do not always indicate a serious issue, but they do warrant an examination. Call us if you’re concerned at (236) 326-8068!
Can fillings in Vancouver, BC, come out or crack?
Fillings can occasionally chip or come loose, especially if exposed to strong forces such as biting on hard objects or grinding teeth. Composite resin is durable, but it still requires protection from habits like chewing ice or using teeth as tools. Sensitivity or a rough feeling in the tooth may indicate that a filling needs repair. Regular dental visits allow our dentist to monitor the restoration and make adjustments if necessary.
How do costs compare between crowns and a cavity dental filling?
Costs vary widely between dental crowns in Vancouver, BC, and fillings based on several factors, including the materials used (e.g., composite, porcelain, metal), the level of customization required, the number of teeth involved, and your specific clinical needs. After a comprehensive and detailed dental exam, our dentist can outline your options and provide a detailed cost discussion. Schedule a visit through our Contact page to get started!