When a natural tooth is damaged, we can often protect it and make it look good again by placing a dental crown. Because a dental crown restores these attributes, sometimes our patients continue eating and taking care of their teeth they way they always have, assuming the tooth is protected the way their other healthy teeth are. In reality, tooth decay can still cause cavities under the crown so it’s really important to not only follow good oral hygiene practices but also keep scheduled cleanings and checkup appointments here in our office.
How You Can Tell if There is Decay Under Your Crown
It’s not all that easy to know if there is decay underneath a crown because it can be a very small area when it begins. We routinely will use an x-ray to see if there is decay forming on the tooth under the crown. Our skilled dentist will look at the results of the x-ray and do a thorough oral exam. Read on for more information about this process.
Why Teeth Can Decay Under an Old Crown
The possibility of tooth decay forming underneath a dental crown is concerning for patients. It is essential to understand how it occurs and how to prevent it from happening. Tooth decay forms under dental crowns when:
- Not scheduling or keeping regular dental checkups. By missing a regular checkup you may not discover the decay until it has caused damage and pain. Regular checkups can prevent decay under a crown before it happens.
- Not brushing and flossing regularly. Plaque from bacteria starts to form which affects the tooth under the crown.
- The dental crown which is ill fitting can also cause a buildup of bacteria, affecting the tooth under the crown.
How does a dentist fix tooth decay under a porcelain crown?
It is possible to fix tooth decay under a porcelain crown, depending on the severity of the decay. In cases of mild decay, a dentist may be able to use a composite resin to fill in the decayed area and then place a crown on top of the tooth. This helps to protect the tooth from further damage and decay, while also restoring the tooth’s strength and appearance. However, more severe cases of decay may require a more extensive treatment, such as a root canal. This involves cleaning out the infected areas and then filling the space with a special material. After that, the crown is placed on top of the tooth to protect and strengthen it. In some cases, if the decay is too severe, the dentist may need to extract the tooth and place an implant or bridge in its place.
While tooth decay under a crown is a common complaint, it can be prevented. It is up to you to maintain good oral health to prevent this and other types of damage to your teeth. If you have any concerns, call us today and one of our skilled dentists in OC can see if there is decay present under your dental crown. Our skilled dentists and caring staff will provide you with the best possible experience and a great looking smile. We are located in Tustin in Orange County, California.