Most of the time, tooth discolorationTooth discoloration is abnormal tooth color, hue or translucency. External discoloration is accumulation of stains on the tooth surface. Internal discoloration is due to absorption of pigment particles into tooth structure. Sometimes there are several different co-existent factors responsible for discoloration.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Tooth_discoloration
Even though a dental crown is a long-lasting cosmetic restoration that will hold up to the daily wear and tear your teeth take, if not properly flossed or brushed daily, plaque and bacteria buildup can happen below the crown structure. Tooth decay under a crown causes it to fail, which can lead to other dental issues.
Brown and Grey Spots in the Affected Area
Brown and grey spot formations are a distinct visual indicator of a potential infection or tooth decay under a dental crown. Spots can be visible on the white portion of a veneer, almost appearing like mould.
If the crown is damaged, the tooth beneath may become infected or discolored due to anything leaked into and trapped beneath the crown. This is likely the case if a crown's yellowed or stained appearance is not solved by brushing.
Dental crowns that are fixed to a metal post, whether they are porcelain-fused-to-metal or composite, can have a gray tint in natural light. This is because the outer material doesn't obscure the dark metal beneath.
To prevent cavities underneath and around the edges of a ceramic crown, clean it properly after every meal (or at least twice per day). Since tooth decay can still affect the natural tooth, be sure to floss once daily to make sure bacteria does not reach underneath the crown.
Whitening a tooth crown
The porcelain used for making dental crowns can withstand the powerful whitening agents used in the dentist's office. Fortunately, this means that patients can undergo teeth whitening treatment without damaging the previous dental restoration.
In most cases, dental crowns do not stain easily. Dental crowns are made of porcelain, which is a very strong and durable material. Porcelain is also resistant to staining. However, there are a few things you can do to help keep your dental crowns looking their best.
Stains on crowns are best removed by a professional dentist, not by off-the-shelf whitening treatments. Your dentist will most likely use either a diamond paste or airflow technology to remove any stubborn surface stains.
While you may feel some pain under the crown, this may not occur until the decay is already at a late stage. With regular dental check-ups, your dentist will be able to perform an x-ray of your teeth to determine whether there is any damage or decay underneath your crown.
Usually there is metal underneath the porcelain or the crown is made entirely of metal. This metal makes it impossible for the tooth structure inside of the crown to be seen on a radiograph (x ray). When decay under a crown is small, it is often difficult to detect.
In most cases, a black line forms because the metal from the crown is showing through. Since older dental crowns are typically made of porcelain fused to metal, the metal will eventually become exposed as the gumline moves and recedes over time.
The average lifespan for a well-maintained dental crown is typically around 15 years. However, when taken care of properly, it is common to see them last upwards of 25-30 years.
Fixing a Cavity Under a Dental Crown
If a cavity is along the margin of a dental crown and does not go very deep into the tooth, it might be able to be fixed with normal dental filling material. In most other cases, the dental crown probably will need to be removed, the cavity filled, and a new crown placed on top.
Most crowns last between five and 15 years before needing to be replaced (or at least repaired). In some cases it is obvious that you need to replace a crown because it has fallen out or suffered extensive damage; in other circumstances, it is less obvious that there is a problem with a crown.
Damage to the underlying tooth is one of the main reasons crowns need to be replaced. Other than that, there is no specific type of toothpaste you have to use for dental crowns. Most general kinds of toothpaste are fine, with the possible exception of whitening toothpaste.
New dental crowns might turn yellow for several reasons, including they are not ceramic, damage to the surface when adjusting the crowns, and damage to the crowns during a dental cleaning. Damage when adjusting the crowns – If your dentist had to grind your crowns to adjust your bite, they might have damaged the glaze.
Baking soda isn't just bad for your teeth. If you have any porcelain veneers or crowns in place, the baking soda will wear down those materials as well.
Will teeth whiteners affect your crown? Most crowns are made from porcelain or composite porcelain. According to the American Dental Association, whitening treatments do not work on these types of materials. However, they will remain the color they were when your dentist put them in.
The Dental Damage of Whitening
Don't worry that whitening will harm your crowns or porcelain veneers. It's simply a cosmetic procedure. Your dental restorations are made of extremely strong materials and won't be affected by the bleach in the tooth whitening treatment.
You should brush regularly and floss carefully to keep your mouth clean. During the first 24 hours, brush along the gum line around the crown or bridge—and be sure to thread the floss through at the gumline, do not pull up as this can loosen the crown. The day after your procedure, you can floss normally.
Oral bacteria are tricky little rascals, and they can make their way underneath a crown, particularly if the person does not have good oral hygiene. When these bacteria get underneath the crown, they begin to convert any sugars that make their way into the crown to acids that eat away at enamel.
Signs of Tooth Decay or Infection Below a Crown
Pain around the tooth with a crown may indicate the presence of more decay or an infection. The tooth structure underneath could be experiencing excessive decay in the form of a cavity or the rot and infection may have started to spread to the pulp and nerves.
Thanks to their close, precise fit and the reliable dental cement that holds it in place, dental crowns can easily last 15 years or more. However, there are factors that can loosen or damage it after five years or less.