Dental Cavities Under Crowns
According to published estimates from studies such as the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017, oral diseases affect about 3.5 billion people worldwide, with dental caries being one of the most frequent diseases. In turn, this is also affirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO), considering it as one of the main conditions, together with periodontal disease and leading to the loss of our teeth.
A crown or dental cap in poor condition or without the proper care can lead to the development of dental caries
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What Are Dental Caries? Dental Cavities Under Crowns
The WHO defines dental caries as a disease that occurs when the bacterial plaque that forms on the surface of our teeth converts the free sugars (all the sugars added to food by manufacturers, cooks or consumers themselves, plus the sugars naturally present in honey, syrups and fruit juices) contained in food and beverages into acids that destroy the tooth over time.
Continued heavy intake of free sugars, insufficient exposure to fluoride, and poor plaque removal by brushing can lead to decay, pain, and sometimes tooth loss and infection.
What Is a Dental Crown? Dental Cavities Under Crowns
A dental crown, also known as a “dental cap,” is a type of fixed prosthesis placed on the outside of the tooth, covering the structure of the rest of the prosthesis elements. When it is placed on the tooth, it will be glued by means of a “cement,” which will make it fixed so that the patient will not be able to remove it.
Can I Have Cavities Under a Crown? Dental Cavities Under Crowns
Having a crown or dental cap (fixed prosthesis) does not mean that this is going to be for life, as any prosthesis has a time of use. As the years pass, changes will occur in our teeth, gums, and even in the crowns themselves regardless of the type of material that are made, these changes will be reflected in:
- Gingival Retraction: As the years go by, our gums usually suffer small retractions, either by the passage of time itself or by other added factors such as aggressive brushing, bruxism problems, or periodontal disease.
This gingival retraction will cause small spaces between the tooth and the gum in which it is easier for bacterial plaque to accumulate, which is a cause of the appearance of dental caries.
Caries produced in these areas are difficult to see, so it is recommended to have periodic check-ups accompanied by X-rays to detect any small deterioration.
● Mismatch Between Prosthesis And Tooth: There is a “critical zone” which includes the junction between the crown and the tooth, which over the years can lead the cement (material with which the crown is glued to the tooth) to disintegrate causing small spaces often difficult to see with the human eye, being this area in which caries can occur more easily and rapidly advancing. This type of caries is often called “caries leakage,” “recurrent caries,” or “secondary caries.”
What Can I Do If I Have Tooth Decay Under My Crown? Dental Cavities Under Crowns
The ideal is to visit the dentist for an early diagnosis, which can be aided by the use of x-rays. It may be necessary to remove the dental crown to clean and restore the tooth and then make a new crown that has a good fi
How Can I Prevent Caries If I Wear Crowns? Dental Cavities Under Crowns
- Oral Hygiene: One of the most straightforward measures to prevent tooth decay under a crown is to apply a proper oral hygiene routine.
– Tooth brushing should be done after every meal, that is, 2 to 3 times a day, to reduce the accumulation of bacterial plaque on our teeth.
– The use of dental floss is essential to remove food debris that has been packed in the spaces between teeth and teeth and thus maintain the “prosthesis” in good condition.
– The use of interproximal brushes between the crown and the gum line, which is where most plaque and food debris accumulates.
– The use of oral irrigators could also help reduce food debris and, therefore, the formation of bacterial plaque.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: It is advisable to visit the dentist 1 to 2 times a year, have regular dental cleanings, and a regular oral exam. These can help you prevent problems or detect them early. At Channel Island Family Dental where we can schedule an appointment with our dentists in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, New Bury Park, and Port Hueneme can guide you to the best treatment.
Contact Us Dental Cavities Under Crowns
If you have any questions about this topic or any other, feel free to contact or visit us at Channel Island Family Dental.
At Channel Island Family Dental, we will be attentive to your visit to make a timely diagnosis. In addition, our dentists in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, and Port Hueneme will be able to guide you to the best treatment to bring back your best smile.
