Tooth decay under a crown may be caused by bad oral hygiene. By neglecting good oral hygiene methods, such as brushing and flossing your teeth, you may put yourself at risk of developing decay. For this reason, it is important to have your teeth regularly monitored and cleaned by your dentist.
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.
Keep good oral habits
The best way to keep crowns in good condition is to keep the entire mouth clean and healthy. Brush twice a day and floss daily. Cleaning between the teeth with floss is extremely important if a person wants to keep plaque from damaging the crown and the teeth next to it.
The area where the crown attaches to the tooth - known as the margin - is usually near the gum line. When plaque builds up on the gum line and isn't removed, it can erode the protective layer of your tooth, causing it to weaken. This can also lead to the development of a cavity.
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.
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.
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.
Marginal decay is the more common of the types. Crowns cover the top and sides of a tooth, but they still have margins around their edges. Margins are often difficult to keep clean and can even leak bacteria into the space under the crown, making them vulnerable to decay.
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.
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. It could even be a cavity. If you are wondering why your tooth might appear dark underneath your crown, keep reading.
What Kind of Toothpaste Is Safe for Cosmetic Dental Work? Supersmile toothpaste is safe for cosmetic dental work. Most toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch the surface of porcelain veneers or ceramic crowns—but not Supersmile. It will help keep your dental restorations white.
If you're someone with dental implants or a dental crown, we generally recommend not using an electric toothbrush at first. The vibration of an electric toothbrush has been known to loosen people's crowns and the retightening process can be difficult.
You can replace the crown as many times as you want if there is nothing wrong with it. What we mean by that is that there is no tooth decay underneath the cap. In this case, your dentist can simply remove it and just remake a new one without harming the underlying tooth structure.
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.
Dental insurance usually will pay for a crown on the same tooth after 5 years, but some plans are changing to 7.
Receding gums occur when then gum margin moves away from the white enamel crown of the tooth thereby exposing the yellower root. The cause of receding gums is most often due to gum disease, but it can also be because of forceful toothbrushing on naturally thin healthy gums or because of orthodontic treatment.
Caring for Your Dental Crowns
During these routine visits, we will check your dental crowns and their condition. Use anti-bacterial and fluoride mouthwash to aid with plaque removal. Don't use mouthwash as a substitute for good oral hygiene practices, but in addition to them. Lastly, avoid damaging your dental crowns.
An over the counter fluoride rinse (ACT, Crest Complete Care, Listerine Total Care) is also recommended for daytime use. With effective, consistent care – your crown and surrounding tooth structure should remain healthy for a long time.
Replacement options
In some situations the original crown can be removed and re-cemented into place. New crowns might be required to meet your objectives for a healthy and beautiful smile. This new crowns are fabricated in the same way the as the original.
Yes, crowns can stain with time however their level of staining is usually less significant vs. natural teeth. Porcelain crowns may stain overtime when exposed to coffee, red wine or smoking. Zirconium crowns are resistant to stains.
Long Term Care of Your New Crown or Bridge
Initially, you may experience some sensitivity to cold because the tooth may be slightly irritated by the cement. Sensitivity toothpaste (Pronamel by Sensodyne or Crest for Sensitive teeth) generally helps.
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. This can shed years from the lifespan of this dental work.
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.
When a tooth that is not covered with a crown is exposed to acids, the time it gets to eat away at the tooth is limited, since it is washed away by saliva. That means a tooth under a crown is more susceptible to decay than one that is not if the prosthetic becomes compromised.