A cavity under a crown can be difficult to treat, and may require a root canal. Your dentist will likely recommend removing the infected tissue from your tooth if the cavity has become infected. After a root canal, you will need to have another crown placed on your tooth.
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.
A crown is connected to a natural tooth underneath it. Because of this, decay can form around the edges of a crown. The only way to permanently fix a crown with decay around the edges is to remove the old crown, remove the decay, and do a new crown.
It is not uncommon for tooth decay to develop beneath older crowns due to a breakdown in the bond or sealant after years of biting or chewing food. Dr. Knight will remove the existing crown to clean out the current tooth decay, replacing it with a new one once the tooth is fully healed and healthy again.
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.
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.
If you have an old filling that is more than 2/3 the width of your tooth, or a filling that is damaged or failing, it may be a good idea to replace it with a dental crown. Crowns provide better protection than fillings and can prevent cracking and other similar complications.
Decaying under a Crown can affect your oral health and cause issues like bad breath or sore gums. In addition, the decay can spread deep into the tooth, causing an infection that may require tooth removal.
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.
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.
When you are suffering from a tooth infection, you may want an easy solution, such as a course of antibiotics. However, antibiotics won't cure your tooth infection.
You may need to have a tooth extracted if: Periodontal disease has badly infected the tooth. The tooth is badly damaged and cannot be restored by a filling or a crown. You are suffering from pain even after a filling, crown, or treatment for a root canal.
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.
It then generally takes two to three weeks for the lab to make the permanent crown, and removal of the temporary crown and placement of the permanent crown usually takes an additional 30 minutes.
The short answer is no. Before either part of the procedure, the dentist will anesthetize (numb) the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. Once the crown is on and the anesthesia wears off, the patient will probably experience a certain level of discomfort or even sensitivity.
How is a root canal performed on a tooth with a crown? At Knight Dental Care, Dr. Knight can either remove the crown before drilling into the tooth to create an access hole or drill this access hole through the crown. If this happens, then the crown will need to be replaced as it will be weakened.
Your dentist recommends you rest for 48 to 72 hours to ensure the formation of the blood clot. You can return to your regular physical activity after the resting period. The soft tissue in your mouth heals entirely in about three to four weeks. The recovery after tooth extraction varies for every patient.
When should a tooth be extracted? When a tooth becomes infected, damaged or decayed beyond repair. If a tooth cannot be repaired with a crown or dental filling because of trauma caused by an accident or extensive decay, tooth extraction may be your only option.
The risks of Not Extracting a Tooth
If there's an infection present, it won't heal on its own and can damage your gums and bone. Infections also spread to other teeth, putting you at risk for sepsis. If the issue is crowding, not extracting a tooth on time can cause bite misalignment and tooth damage.
They can be damaged by trauma to the mouth or chewing on hard things. When a crown is damaged, it becomes easier for bacteria to get past it to the tooth underneath. If bacteria can get past the crown, so can the sugars they feed on.
Leaving an infection to spread to your facial bones may eventually necessitate surgical removal to stop it. Even in minor cases, a tooth infection can cause the bone structures of your jaw to weaken, making it hard to support your teeth.
The gum tissue may still be irritated
If you're experiencing discomfort in the first few days after a new crown is placed, it may simply be a result of normal gum irritation, tenderness, and sensitivity. Try taking over-the-counter pain medications containing ibuprofen as directed to address any pain and discomfort.
Sensitivity or discomfort
If a person notices pain or sensitivity when biting down, it could mean that the dental crown is too high. If this happens, a patient should contact the dentist. A dentist can easily fix this problem.