Abbey
Dear Abbey,
What great questions. While having a gentle dentist is always more pleasant for the patient, there is no risk to your dental crown from your average dentist as long as it is properly bonded. As for the ultra-sonic tip, that is a bit different to what you are using to brush your teeth.
Generally, sonic toothbrushes are working through vibrations in the tip. These are designed to help remove plaque and are not strong enough to do any damage to the post in your dental crown. When a dentist uses an ultra-sonic tip on a post, it is used directly on the post and is held there for quite some time.
Basic dental care, including home care, will only be a help to the longevity of your dental crown. Things to be aware of are mostly cosmetic issues. For example, you would not want your hygienist using a power prophy jet or acidulated fluoride because it can remove the glazing that protects the crown from picking up stains. If you want a whitening toothpaste, be sure to use one that is safe for your teeth as well as your dental crown.
Most over the counter toothpaste use abrasives. This damages the enamel. I would recommend you instead use Supersmile toothpaste, which safely removes any surface stains using an enzyme.
This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.
