Getting a cavity under a crown may sound surprising, but the truth is that it does happen. If you suspect you have one, you may have questions that need answers; Namely: How does a cavity form under a crown? What happens if you have a cavity under your crown? And can a cavity under a crown be fixed?
In this article by Oasis Dental, we’ll give you answers to all these questions and more. Read on!
Ideally, since dental crowns are custom-made to fit over the entirety of your tooth, you would expect them to offer 100% protection against bacteria attacks. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. You see, a crown only covers the visible portion of the tooth and this leaves the area where the crown attaches to the gum line - known as the margin - vulnerable to bacterial attack and potentially susceptible to decay.
Generally, cavities form under crowns due to lack of proper dental care, damage or breakage caused by biting hard foods or objects, as well as an ill-fitting crown that does not properly seal the margin. To avert this kind of problem, it’s important for patients to visit their dentist regularly for regular checkups and receive professional dental cleaning whenever necessary.
The most common sign of a cavity under your crown is discomfort or sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold items. This could be anything from mild to severe pain, depending on the severity of the cavity. If you notice this kind of discomfort, it's important to see a dentist as soon as possible so they can check for any underlying issues.
If you notice that there are patches of white or yellow discoloration near where your crown meets your natural teeth, this could be an indication that something is wrong beneath the surface. When left untreated, these areas can become darker in color and more noticeable.
When decay sets in beneath the crown, bacteria will start to grow and produce odors that are difficult to ignore. If you notice foul odors coming from your mouth or specifically from your crowned tooth, visit the dentist right away!
Even if you spot some of the tell-tale signs of a cavity underneath your crown, it doesn't necessarily mean you're dealing with one. The only way to be sure is by making an appointment to see a dentist.
If your Mission Viejo dentist confirms you have a cavity under your crown, they’ll assess the severity of the decay and determine if additional treatments are necessary. Depending on how advanced the cavity is, you may only require tooth filling or the crown might need to be replaced.
If you think something isn't quite right with your dental crown in Mission Viejo, our experienced dentists at Oasis Dental are here to help! We will work with you to get your teeth back in tip-top shape in no time. Contact us today!
