How to Detect Tooth Decay Under Dental Crown
A dental crown, also known as dental cap, is a type of restoration that completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. However, a badly placed crown may result in plaque being trapped underneath your crown or in the cracks of your teeth. The most common sign of dental decay under a crown is when there’s bleeding when brushing the area and gum swelling and inflammation.
How to Tell if You Have Dental Decay Under a Crown?
You can tell if you have dental decay under a crown when there’s bleeding when brushing or flossing around the area. Your gums will be swollen and inflamed and your tooth will start to feel sensitive and painful. There will also be visible grey or brown spots at the base of the tooth. You’ll need to undergo an x-ray to detect tooth decay under crowns.
The benefits of full mouth of dental crowns far outweigh the possibility of dental decay. Provided that it’s detected early, dental crowns help save your problematic tooth Instead of extracting it.
What Causes Decay Under Dental Crown?
- Neglecting your oral hygiene leads to bacteria build-up.
- Cracked or damaged crowns will allow the entry of bacteria and plaque to the roots of your tooth.
- When plaque is trapped underneath your crown or in the cracks of your teeth.
Now that you know the most common problems with dental crowns, it is important to do the necessary measures to prevent them from happening. It is equally important to be conscious of your oral hygiene, as well as to know if the crown feels loose.
What Factors Cause Tooth Decay Under Crowns in Seniors?
- Increased xerostomia-producing medication use.
- An increased gingival recession exposes root surfaces.
Possible Signs of Dental Crown Tooth Decay Under Crown
Here are a few signs or symptoms of tooth decay under a crown that you should look out for. Having these issues increases the likelihood of having tooth decay under your crown.
Discomfort and Sensitivity
Because the tooth beneath the dental crown is still functional, tooth decay or a brand-new cavity might develop at the tooth and crown’s border. This may cause the area to experience recurring pain and sensitivity. You might require a root canal if a tooth cavity gets big enough to harm the nerve.
Grey or Brown Spots in the Affected Area
A clear visible warning of a possible infection or tooth decay under a dental crown is the appearance of brown and grey spots. Spots that almost resemble mold can be seen around the crown.
Infection
The presence of further decay or an infection may be indicated by pain around the tooth with a crown. It’s possible that the tooth structure beneath is suffering from severe decay in the form of a cavity, or that the rot and infection have already begun to spread to the pulp and nerves.
Food Trap
A crown placed incorrectly may potentially leave a space where food may become caught. It will be difficult to maintain good oral health if there are food traps between your teeth, especially on your crown.
How to Treat Tooth Decay Under Dental Crown?
The treatment of a cavity under a crown may be challenging and need a root canal. Your dentist will likely advise having the affected tissue removed from your tooth if the cavity has become infected. You will require another crown to be put on your teeth after a root canal.
What Happens If a Tooth Decays Under a Crown?
Your oral health may be impacted if you have decay under a crown. If the decay progresses deeper into the tooth, it may cause dental infection and may eventually lead to the tooth being unsalvageable. This leads to problems including poor breath and sore gums.
How Do You Prevent Tooth Decay Under a Crown?
Make sure to clean your crown thoroughly after every meal to prevent cavities underneath and around the area at least twice per day if you have a ceramic crown. Pay extra attention to the margins and edges of the crown where it attaches to the tooth.
Contact us you are a candidate for dental crown treatment? Call
Dr. Rohan Toor at Rohan Toor Dental Care to schedule an appointment.
