Understanding Tooth Decay Under a Crown: Causes, Prevention, and Solutions
Dental crowns serve as a critical solution for restoring the function and appearance of damaged teeth. Despite their durability and effectiveness, tooth decay under a crown is a common issue that many individuals face. This comprehensive guide will delve into the root causes of this decay and provide valuable insights and solutions for prevention and treatment.
Tooth decay under a crown can be a confounding problem. Crowns are designed to protect your teeth, yet decay beneath them can still occur. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures is essential for maintaining good oral health and prolonging the life of your dental work.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are typically used for teeth that are severely decayed, broken, or worn down. Crowns can be made of various materials, including gold, porcelain, and metal-fused-to-porcelain.
Causes of Tooth Decay Under a Crown
Poor Oral Hygiene
One of the most common causes of tooth decay under a crown is poor oral hygiene. Irregular brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup around the crown, eventually causing decay.
Inadequate Sealing
If the crown is not properly sealed, bacteria can seep under the crown, leading to decay. This issue often arises from improper fitting during the crown placement.
A dental crown is designed to encapsulate and protect a damaged or decayed tooth. For it to be effective, the crown must be securely and precisely sealed to the tooth. The seal is pivotal in preventing bacteria from infiltrating the space between the crown and the natural tooth.
Causes of a Broken Seal include:
Poor Fit During Placement
Crowns must be custom-made to fit an individual’s tooth perfectly. If a crown is improperly fitted from the outset, gaps may exist between the crown and the tooth.
Wear and Tear
Over time, the materials in crowns can wear down, especially if the patient grinds their teeth (bruxism) or frequently chews on hard objects. This wear and tear can eventually compromise the seal.
Cement Degradation
Cement is used to bond the crown to the tooth. Over time, this dental cement can degrade, especially if exposed to extensive moisture or acidity, leading to a weakened seal.
Structural Damage
Any trauma to the mouth, such as a fall or accident, can damage the crown or the underlying tooth structure, compromising the seal.
More on broken seal causes, prevention and management
Symptoms of Tooth Decay Under a Crown
- Tooth Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks.
- Pain or Discomfort: Persistent pain or discomfort around the crowned tooth.
- Gum Inflammation: Red, swollen, or bleeding gums around the crowned tooth.
- Discoloration: Dark lines or spots around the edges of the crown.
Prevention Tactics
Regular Dental Check-ups
Frequent dental visits allow your dentist to examine your crowns and catch potential problems early.
Proper Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice a day and flossing daily can significantly reduce the risk of decay under crowns. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also be beneficial.
Avoiding Hard Foods
Avoid chewing on hard foods like ice or hard candies, which can damage the crown and expose underlying tooth material.
Using a Nightguard
If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard can prevent damage to your crowns.
Treatment Options
Crown Replacement
If decay is extensive, replacing the crown may be the best option. This involves removing the old crown, treating the decay, and placing a new crown.
Dental Fillings
In cases where decay is minimal, a dental filling might suffice to fix the problem. The dentist will clean out the decay and fill the cavity.
Root Canal Therapy
If the decay has reached the tooth’s pulp, a root canal may be necessary before a new crown can be placed.
Tooth decay under a crown is a preventable and treatable condition. By understanding the causes and adhering to good dental practices, you can maintain both the health of your crowned teeth and your overall oral hygiene.
FAQs
1. How long can a dental crown last?
With proper care, dental crowns can last between 5 and 15 years or even longer.
2. Can tooth decay occur under a temporary crown?
Yes, temporary crowns are more prone to decay due to their less durable material.
3. Is it painful to get a crown replaced?
The procedure is usually not painful as local anesthesia is used.
4. Can you get tooth decay under an all-porcelain crown?
Yes, all types of crowns, including all-porcelain ones, can suffer from decay if not properly cared for.
5. What are the signs that something is wrong with my crown?
Persistent pain, sensitivity, discoloration, and gum inflammation are common signs that necessitate a dental visit.
6. Can using mouthwash help prevent decay under crowns?
Yes, using an antibacterial mouthwash can help prevent plaque buildup and reduce the risk of decay.
7. Can a decayed tooth under a crown cause bad breath?
Yes, decay can lead to bad breath due to bacterial accumulation.
Maintain your dental health by acting promptly if you notice any symptoms of decay under your crown and keeping up with regular dental visits. Always consult with your dentist for personalized advice and treatment options.
