What Happens If Bacteria Gets Under a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns, often called "caps," are essential restorations that protect and strengthen damaged teeth. While they're designed to be durable, they're not entirely invincible. One common concern is the possibility of bacteria finding their way beneath the crown. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as improper fitting, decay at the crown margin, or a crack in the crown. When bacteria manage to seep under a dental crown, they can lead to a range of dental issues, from minor discomfort to more serious complications. In this article, we'll explore the potential consequences of bacteria infiltrating the area under a dental crown and how to prevent this from happening.

Understanding Dental Crowns

Before discussing the potential problems, let's briefly discuss dental crowns. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns typically cover teeth severely cracked, chipped, or weakened due to decay. They can also improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.

Bacteria Under a Crown: The Risks

When bacteria manage to seep under a dental crown, they can wreak havoc on the underlying tooth. Here's what can happen:

• Tooth Decay: Bacteria thrive on sugar, converting it into acid that attacks tooth enamel. Under a crown, the tooth is deprived of the protection saliva typically provides, making it more susceptible to decay.

• Infection: If the decay progresses, it can lead to an infection within the tooth's pulp, the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. This can cause severe pain and discomfort.

• Abscess: An untreated infection can result in an abscess, a pus-filled pocket that forms at the tooth's root. Abscesses can cause significant pain, swelling, and even fever.

• Tooth Loss: In severe cases, the infection may spread to the bone supporting the tooth, leading to bone loss and ultimately tooth loss.

Signs of Bacteria Under a Crown

It's crucial to recognize the signs of potential problems early on. Common symptoms include:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

• Pain or discomfort when biting or chewing

• Swelling or redness of the gums around the crown

• Bad breath

• A visible dark spot around the crown

If you experience any of these symptoms, remember that you're not alone. It's essential to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Seeking professional help is the best way to address any potential issues and ensure your dental health is in good hands.

Preventing Bacteria Under a Crown

While it's impossible to guarantee that bacteria will never find their way under a crown, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily, floss daily, and use mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and bacteria-free.

• Regular dental checkups: Schedule routine dental exams and cleanings to monitor the health of your teeth and gums.

• Avoid biting complex objects: Chewing on ice, hard candy, or pen caps can put excessive pressure on your crowns and create opportunities for bacteria to enter.

• Wear a mouthguard: If you participate in sports or grind your teeth, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and crowns from damage.

Treatment Options

If bacteria do manage to get under your crown, the treatment will depend on the severity of the problem. Options may include:

• Crown replacement: If the tooth decay is extensive, the dentist may need to remove the old crown and replace it with a new one after treating the underlying tooth.

• Root canal treatment: If the infection has reached the pulp, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.

• Tooth extraction: In severe cases, the tooth may be beyond saving and require extraction.

Dental Crowns in Southlake: Wright Smiles

At Wright Smiles in Southlake, we are committed to providing exceptional dental care, including the placement and maintenance of dental crowns. Our experienced dentists use the latest techniques and materials to ensure the longevity and functionality of your crowns. If you have concerns about a dental crown or are considering crown treatment, we encourage you to schedule a consultation.

Don't let bacteria ruin your smile. Contact Wright Smiles today for expert dental care.