Dental crowns are a pivotal component in the realm of restorative dentistry, as they play an integral role in safeguarding and fortifying teeth compromised by decay, cracks, or injury. A common concern that follows the placing of a crown is whether the tooth beneath the crown is still susceptible to decay. This is a fair question that most patients have regarding proper dental hygiene care after getting a crown. In this blog we will explore the possibility of tooth decay under a crown, what causes it, how to prevent it, and what you can do to ensure that your crown is healthy for years to come. Let’s take a deeper look.
Why Does Tooth Decay Occur Below a Crown?
Despite the protective nature of crowns, tooth decay under a crown can happen for a number of reasons. Main reasons include the lack of oral hygiene, improper sealing of the crowns, and the natural wear and tear of the dental crown. The main function of a dental crown is to shield the underlying tooth from additional damage, but it’s not indestructible.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you do not properly clean your teeth and gums, plaque and bacteria can accumulate at the edges of the crown. Over time, this plaque can cause tooth decay, particularly if it’s allowed to sit undisturbed for long periods. Failing to floss or to brush properly around the crown can create an ideal growth medium for cavities to develop below the restoration.
Inadequate Sealing
Dental crowns are typically sealed so food particles and bacteria do not enter under the crown. If the seal is not perfect, bacteria can get inside the tooth and begin to cause decay. Poorly fitting crowns or crowns that have open margins between tooth and crown increase the risk of decay.
Wear and Tear
Dental crowns do wear over time. Crowns are designed to endure the chewing forces, but if a crown became loose or damaged or if it wears down so that it can no longer protect the underlying tooth, it will need to be replaced. If this occurs, the tooth can become exposed to food and bacteria, making tooth decay more likely if the crown does not cover the tooth adequately.
Even Strong Crown Can Have Tooth Decay Underneath It
Yes, if good care is not taken, a tooth can decay under a strong crown. While the crown itself is generally composed of strong materials like porcelain, metal, or ceramic, they do not protect the underlying tooth from the influence of cavities. Although the crown guards the visible part of the tooth, it does not prevent decay entirely if the underlying tooth is not well cared for.
What Can You Do to Avoid Tooth Decay Beneath Your Crown?
How can you prevent decay under a crown? Here are some tips on how to minimize the likelihood of decay occurring beneath a dental crown:
- Brush and Floss Your Teeth Well
Daily brushing and flossing will help keep your crown and underlying tooth healthy. Be sure to clean along the edges of the crown, where plaque may accumulate leading to decay. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and try to floss at least once per day to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and around the crown.
- Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods
Sticky foods including caramel or hard candies can loosen the crown over time, while hard foods can chip or damage the crown. In both cases this leads to the tooth being exposed to bacteria and decay. So, avoid such kinds of foods for protecting both the crown and underlying tooth.
- Regular Dental Checkups
Regular visits to your dentist mean that your crown will be checked for signs of wear or damage. Your dentist will also be able to check for any initial signs of tooth decay beneath the crown and take action before it turns into a more serious situation.
- Consider Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a key mineral that helps reinforce enamel and prevent tooth decay. Ask your dentist to apply fluoride treatments to help protect the tooth underneath the crown. These therapies can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are susceptible to cavities or have experienced prior dental decay.
- Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash
Using an antimicrobial mouthwash may additionally help decrease bacteria in your mouth and keep plaque from forming, especially around your crown. This further minimizes the chance of decay forming under the crown.
- Use a Night Guard
If you are a grinder at night, a night guard can benefit both your crown and the underlying tooth by evenly spacing the teeth to reduce pressure that may lead to damage. Bruxism or teeth grinding may naturally wear and tear your dental restorations like crowns.
What Happens When a Tooth Decays Under a Crown?
Untreated decay beneath a crown can cause dental problems. As the decay continues, it can damage the tooth, making it more prone to breaking. However, if the decay goes to the root of the tooth, it can turn into an infection or abscess, which can be very painful and often requires root canal therapy.
More than this, if decay under a crown is left untreated, the patient may require a new crown entirely. Damage from decay to the underlying tooth may also have progressed to the point that the restoration is no longer a good fit, and a new crown will need to be installed.
How Can You Tell If You Have Tooth Decay Under Your Crown?
In the early stages, tooth decay below a crown may not always become symptomatic. But if you encounter any of these, it may indicate that there’s rot under the crown:
- Tooth sensitivity: If the tooth is sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks, it may be a sign that decay is underlying the tooth under the crown.
- Pain while doing so: Pain or discomfort that you notice whenever you are chewing or biting can be a sign of decay that may have compromised the underlying tooth.
- Unexplained bad taste or smell: If decay results from infection, it can give you a bad taste in your mouth or a bad smell.
- Gums around the crown are swollen: Inflammation or bleeding around the crown can indicate infection caused by decay.
How Can Albany Creek Dental Assist?
We’re dedicated to giving you everything you need in terms of dental care at Albany Creek Dental. If you have a feeling that there might be decay under your crown, you should contact the Emergency dentist immediately. Our experienced dentist will examine the crown and if required perform X-rays and inform you of recommended treatments in order to restore your oral health.
We have the tools and expertise necessary, whether it is a routine check-up or complex treatment for a rotting tooth beneath a crown. Our peace of mind is your reassurance for a healthy smile for decades.
Read More: Can a Crown Be Used as a Replacement for a Missing Tooth? Discover at Albany Creek Dental
References
Australian Dental Association – Tooth Decay
Oral Hygiene and Prevention — Australian Dental Association
Crown Care – National Health Service
FAQs
1. Can a crown get cavities under it?
Yes, if oral hygiene is not maintained, a crown can develop cavities under it. Plaque and bacteria can accumulate around the edges of the crown, causing decay in the tooth underneath.
2. What should I avoid to prevent decay under my crown?
Good oral hygiene, seeing your dentist for regular checkups, avoiding hard and sticky foods, and using fluoride treatments will all help to prevent decay from forming under your crown.
3. What are the signs of decay beneath a crown?
Symptoms can include tooth sensitivity, pain when you chew, an unpleasant taste in your mouth and swollen gums around the crown.
4. Severe tooth decay under a crown might well be treatable.
Yes, tooth decay beneath a crown can usually be dealt with by performing root canal therapy if they are needed, and the crown being replaced in the event it is damaged.
5. How does a crown do not work?
Yes, a crown can fail under certain conditions: if its margins are worn down, if the crown can detach due to lack of cement, etc. This can result in decay beneath the crown.
6. How frequently do I need to visit my dentist for checkups with a crown?
Your dentist should check your crown at least every six months, on average, to make sure that your crown is fine and that you don’t have decay underneath the crown.