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
Symptoms of tooth decay under a crown
Inflamed, swollen gums. Increased tooth sensitivity. Toothaches or pain. Visible grey or brown spots at the base of the tooth.
If you get decay under a crown issues may occur that affect your oral health. Issues such as bad breath and sore gums may develop or the decay may extend deeper into the tooth, causing dental infection and may even mean the tooth cannot be saved!
It can be hard to spot a cavity under a crown, but there are a few tell-tale signs that indicate something might be wrong. These include: Pain or sensitivity in your crowned tooth, especially in response to hot or cold temperatures or sweet food and drink. Discolored tooth surfaces around the margins of the crown.
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.
Additionally, X-rays pass directly through porcelain, meaning that when patients receive X-rays on porcelain crowns, dentists can actually see what is occurring underneath the crown and diagnose potential problems before they destroy unnecessary tooth structure and potentially cause root canals.
Yes, You Can Get Cavities Under Your Dental Crown!
Moreover, the margin of the crown (the area where the crown attaches to your tooth) is very close to the gum line. That can be an entry point for bacteria if you don't maintain good oral hygiene.
Tooth decay under the crown
Because the tooth under the dental crown is still alive, tooth decay or a new cavity can form at the border of the tooth and the crown. This can lead to persistent pain in the area. If a tooth cavity grows large enough and affects the nerve, you might need a root canal procedure.
What causes tooth crown pain? Infection – patients who have dental crown procedures that have also not previously undergone a root canal, means that their tooth still has roots. If a crown is applied incorrectly or is the wrong size, it can put pressure on the nerve and roots of the tooth, which can lead to infection.
Crown removal is not a painful procedure, and it doesn't take long for your dentist to remove it. Your dentist will not even use an anesthetic to remove and add in the permanent crown.
Redness and tenderness around the crown. Swollen or sore gums surrounding the crown. A constant sensation of warmth on one side of your mouth. Yellow, clear or greenish discharge near the crown.
Redness at or around the site of the crown placement. Swelling of the gums or jaw around the area that now has the crown. Tenderness or pain around the crown. Unusual warmth that you only feel in one area of your mouth and is unrelated to any hot food or drink that you may have just had.
If your crowned tooth is in constant throbbing pain that affects your ability to eat or speak, stop what you are doing right now and make an appointment! A simple x-ray can tell us if your tooth has become infected and we can perform root canal therapy to save the tooth.
If you are experiencing pain under a crown, it is always best advised to contact your dentist as soon as possible. The cause of the pain may be from something as simple as an adjustment that needs to be made, or it could be a sign of a more severe problem like a fracture or an infection.
In some cases, the restorative material may need to be completely cut through with high-speed rotary instrument and then pried off with a narrow-ended tool. If the crown is made out of gold or metal, then removal becomes even more difficult because the material is harder to penetrate.
Is it normal for my tooth to look black under my crown? It's not supposed to darken. Most of the time, tooth discoloration is caused by bacteria getting in the dental crown. It can also be the result of an inadequate seal on the crown.
I probably get asked how a crown “gets decay” on it about 25% of the time. This is a very reasonable question if you are not familiar with the actual process and design of a crown cemented to a tooth. First, a crown does not get a cavity. The cavity starts on the root at the crown/tooth junction.
Keeping a dental crown clean
Patients with a dental crown as part of an implant should use a soft-bristled toothbrush no less than twice a day. As for the type of toothpaste, it is important to select a non-abrasive formula. The individual needs to brush around and under the dental crown as much as possible.
Dental X-rays can be taken to evaluate the teeth for decay under dental fillings or even between teeth. If a filling has failed or decay is detected on the X-rays, the fillings will have to be replaced. If the recurrent decay is extensive, a dentist may need to use a crown to replace the filling.
Nerve Problems
The resulting discomfort ranges from mild tenderness to excruciating pain, which may be caused by biting down or exposure to hot and cold temperatures. You might notice symptoms of nerve problems shortly after having the crown put on or even months after the procedure.
If you've been dealing with tooth pain under your crown that comes and goes, you just might be suffering from a dental infection, cavity, gum recession, or an improper fitting.
If your crown is failing, then you may notice a change in how your crowned tooth feels when you bite down, drink something, or run your tongue over your tooth. If you notice any movement, then you need to see a dentist right away, because crowns should not move at all.
A cracked or loose crown or tooth can cause sensitivity or pain, especially when exposed to extreme temperatures or biting down. It's best to consult your dentist immediately if your crown has cracked or feels loose.
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.