If your tooth is damaged, cracked, or affected by decay, then a crown is usually the best way to restore and protect it.
Dental crowns are caps made from different materials, such as stainless steel, gold, porcelain, or composite resin that are placed over a tooth to protect it. While these materials are synthetic and can’t be damaged by decay, the same cannot be said about what happens underneath the crown.
So, if you’ve recently gotten a dental crown in Fairhope, don’t ignore your oral health. Here’s why.
Yes, You Can Get Cavities Under Your Dental Crown!
While the surface of the tooth may be protected by the crown, there is still a good chunk of it, including the root, that can be exposed to decay. 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.
What Happens If You Get a Cavity Under Your Dental Crown
It depends on the severity of the cavity. If it isn’t too bad, your Fairhope dentist will try to clean it without removing the crown. But, if the decay reaches the inner layers of the tooth, then your dentist may have to remove the crown to clean the tooth and then replace it with a new one.
Postponing getting the cavity treated can lead to even more complications and even tooth loss. So, contact your dentist and schedule an appointment whenever you think something may be wrong with your crown.
Signs You May Have a Cavity Under Your Dental Crown
It can be hard to tell if you have a cavity or tooth decay under a crown, especially if it’s in the early stages and doesn’t really hurt. The problem is that pain usually starts when the decay is already advanced.
That said, the best way to prevent a cavity under a crown is by going for regular examinations. Let your dentist know if you suspect something might be wrong and they will take an X-Ray of your tooth to determine if there’s a problem underneath.
Tips for Preventing Cavities When You Have a Dental Crown
Follow three simple tips if you want to prevent cavity formation:
- Brush your teeth daily, two times a day
- Go to regular dental check-ups. Because cavities under dental crowns can be hard to detect, your dentist will recommend regular X-Rays.
- Eat a nutritious and balanced diet.
Want to Learn How to Care for Your Dental Crowns? Call Us!
If you have a dental crown and aren’t sure what the best way to care for it is, then the team at Living Oaks Dental is here to assist you.
Book your appointment with us and we will examine your teeth and make sure your oral health is in great condition.
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