What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a cap that covers a tooth. It is usually used to restore a tooth to its original shape and size. A crown can also be used to protect a tooth from further damage.
There are two types of dental crowns: those made of porcelain and those made of metal. Porcelain crowns are more natural looking, but they can chip and break more easily than metal crowns. Metal crowns are less likely to break, but they can cause gum irritation.
If you have a dental crown, it is important to take good care of it. You should brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist for regular checkups. If you think there may be tooth decay under your dental crown, contact your dentist right away.
Dental crowns are a common and effective treatment for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. But even with crowns, it’s important to monitor your teeth for decay. Here’s what you need to know about decay under dental crowns.
When a tooth is damaged or decayed, a dental crown can be used to restore it. Crowns are made to match the natural color of your teeth and are placed over the top of the damaged tooth. In most cases, crowns will last for many years with proper care.
However, decay can still occur under dental crowns. That’s why it’s important to monitor your teeth closely and see your dentist regularly for checkups. If you notice any changes in your mouth, such as new or worsening tooth pain, sensitivity, or changes in the fit of your crown, be sure to see your dentist right away.
Why does tooth decay happen under dental crowns?
When a tooth is capped with a crown, there is still a small space between the edge of the crown and the tooth. This space is called an margin, and it’s where tooth decay can happen.
Tooth decay happens when plaque builds up on teeth and produces acids that eat away at the enamel. The acids can reach the dentin, which is the layer under the enamel, and cause cavities. If cavities aren’t treated, they can get bigger and eventually reach the pulp, which is the center of the tooth.
Crowns don’t completely seal off teeth, so plaque can still build up under them and cause decay. That’s why it’s important to brush and floss regularly even if you have crowns.
How can I tell if there’s tooth decay under my dental crown?
There are a few ways that you can tell if there is tooth decay under your dental crown.
One way is to simply look at the crown itself. If there are any cracks or chips in the crown, then this is a sign that there may be decay underneath.
Another way to tell if there is decay underneath a crown is by looking at your gums. If your gums are red and inflamed around the crown, then this is another sign that there may be decay present.
Finally, you can also feel for decay underneath a crown by lightly running your tongue over the crown. If you feel any roughness or unevenness, then this could be a sign of decay present.
If you are unsure whether or not there is tooth decay present under your dental crown, it is best to consult with your dentist.
What should I do if I think there’s tooth decay under my dental crown?
If you think there might be tooth decay under your dental crown, it’s important to see a dentist right away. Tooth decay can cause serious damage to your tooth, and it can also lead to an infection.
The dentist will be able to tell if there is tooth decay under the crown by doing an X-ray. If there is decay, the dentist will need to treat it. Treatment may involve removing the decay and then putting a new crown on the tooth.
In some cases, the tooth may be too damaged and will need to be extracted. If this happens, you may need to get a dental implant or a bridge to replace the missing tooth.
See a dentist as soon as possible if you think there is tooth decay under your dental crown. Early treatment can help prevent further damage to your tooth and help keep your smile healthy!
If you have a dental crown, it’s important to monitor for tooth decay beneath the crown. If tooth decay is left untreated, it can spread and damage the tooth. There are several signs that you may have tooth decay under your dental crown, including:
-Your gums are red or inflamed around the base of the crown.
-You have pain or sensitivity in the crowned tooth when eating or drinking hot or cold foods.
-The crowned tooth appears darker than your other teeth.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to see your dentist right away so they can treat the decay and prevent further damage to your tooth.
If you think you’ve got tooth decay under your dental crowns, give Newport Bay Dental a call today at (714) 434-7100 to schedule a dental checkup.