The short answer is yes. Though a crown can provide protection against bacterial invasion and decay, sometimes bacteria can still find its way underneath the crown and cause an infection of the underlying tooth. If you have a persistent pain or swelling around your crowned tooth, it may be indicative of an infection that needs to be addressed by your dentist. Your dentist will likely take x-rays to determine the exact cause and may need to remove the crown in order to treat the infection. It is important that any signs of infection are treated as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage from occurring. Keeping up with good oral hygiene habits such as daily brushing and flossing is also essential for maintaining healthy teeth, even when you have a crown in place.
What are the causes of inflammation under the dental crown?
A dental crown is a completely enclosed dental prosthesis that fits neatly on top of the tooth (and also encloses it exactly)
So how can inflammation occur inside a closed metal object, of all things?
One possible cause of inflammation under the dental crown is a lack of cleaning of the affected area by the dentist (when inserting the crown).
If there are still bacteria or caries residues on the tooth, these are preserved under the crown, so to speak. There the inflammation can then spread and develop wonderfully.
Reason number 1 is lack of oral hygiene
The most common cause of inflammation under the tooth crown, however, has nothing to do with mistakes made by the dentist.
No matter how good your dentist is, when a crown is placed, there will always be a tiny open incision between the gum and the crown, simply because it is technically impossible to do otherwise. This is only a few micrometers small – but for bacteria or caries this is no obstacle.
Much more common than medical error is poor hygiene after the procedure.
The risk is especially high if you don’t take proper care of your teeth. Once too many caries bacteria thrive in your mouth, some of them are bound to get under the crown as well.
That’s why thorough oral hygiene is (almost) even more important with dentures than without. In such a case, electric appliances are recommended to help you with the correct brushing technique.
Tip: Here’s all the info on the most effective aid for healthy teeth: electric toothbrushes in test.
How do I recognize such an inflammation, what are the symptoms?
Inflammation under the tooth crown makes itself quite quickly and clearly noticeable. The following symptoms may occur:
In addition, pus blisters in the mouth can be signs of a bacterial infection.
What are the consequences if I delay treatment?
As with all ailments in the mouth, the same applies here: The longer the inflammation is left untreated, the worse it will get.
In fact, an untreated infection keeps spreading and attacking new areas as well. In the case of the tooth crown, this means that the bacteria will next attack the root of the tooth and infect it as well (tooth root inflammation).
- Then you may also be in for a painful root canal treatment. In some cases, your doctor may not be able to save it either and will have to pull the tooth.
- Once the infection begins to spread over a large area (and you do not take medical help) threatens in extreme cases sepsis (blood poisoning).
This is clearly a drastic and unlikely case, but should not go unmentioned because of the possible fatal danger.
What can I do about it?
Can you do anything about it yourself once your dental crown is infected? The answer is a very clear no.
Without the proper dental equipment and expertise, your only option is preventive care (preferably flossing, sonic toothbrushing & mouth rinsing).
Once the bacteria have taken root, then often only antibiotics & other remedies will help.
To avoid potentially serious consequences and long-term damage, you should therefore definitely consult a doctor in the event of an infection under the dental crown.
When should I see a doctor and what happens there?
If the inflammation is detected and treated in time, such an infection is usually not the end of the world (and can be treated well and without complications).
The exact course of treatment depends on the type of your dental crown.
Conventional dental crowns
If the crown is only placed on a single tooth, the dentist will first attempt to loosen it.
If this succeeds, he removes all inflamed tissue. He then cleans the tooth and surrounding areas completely, and then puts the crown back on.
Tip: Ask specific questions before treatment to learn more about the procedure.
Other dentures
With dental bridges or implants, the procedure is usually more difficult. This is because the neighboring teeth are often affected as well, so the effort (and cost) increases.
In addition to the immediate removal of the inflamed areas by the dentist, he usually administers antibiotics. These ensure that the infection permanently stops & not flare up again.
How can I effectively prevent?
Now for the good news: You can wonderfully prevent an inflammation under the tooth crown yourself. And you can do so simply by practicing proper oral hygiene.
If you have an artificial crown, you should brush your teeth plus tongue (with a tongue cleaner) at least 2 times a day. Optimally, you should brush after every meal.
In addition, you should use dental floss, interdental brushes or an oral irrigator. After all, even the best toothbrush often fails to reach the very areas that are particularly prone to inflammation.
Despite this, a good toothbrush is probably the greatest help for a radiant smile. Top-of-the-line devices like the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean offer everything important for healthy teeth.
However, you are welcome to read more about other models: Electric toothbrushes in comparison.
Conclusion
So, in summary, inflammation under the crown of your teeth is not too serious a medical emergency, and you can usually treat it well.
But if you suspect an infection, be sure to see a doctor in time to prevent secondary damage or a worse development.
Prevent you can with a comprehensive oral hygiene. Then it comes not at all to toothache & expensive treatments at the doctor.
Candidacy for dental crowns and other dental procedures
If you’re someone who’s considering getting dental crowns or other similar dental procedures, then you’re definitely in the right place! Dental crowns are basically a dental restoration that’s designed to cover or cap your damaged or decayed tooth. They offer an excellent way to restore your smile and regain your confidence.
The process of getting dental crowns usually involves a few appointments with your dentist. During the first appointment, your dentist will examine your tooth and determine whether you need a crown or not. Then, they will take a few impressions of your tooth to make sure that the crown fits perfectly. In most cases, you’ll need to wear a temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready.
Dental crowns are just one of the many dental procedures that can help restore your smile. Other dental procedures include dental implants, veneers, and braces. Dental implants are replacement tooth roots that are used to support a dental crown or bridge. Veneers, on the other hand, are thin pieces of porcelain that are designed to cover your front teeth to improve their appearance. And finally, braces are orthodontic devices that are used to straighten your teeth and improve your bite.
No matter which dental procedure you decide to get, it’s important to choose a reliable and experienced dentist. With the right dentist, you can be confident that you’re in safe hands and that you’ll get the best possible results. And remember, good oral hygiene is essential to maintaining your healthy smile so make sure you brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist for regular check-ups.
Candidacy for dental crowns and other dental procedures
If you’re someone who’s considering getting dental crowns or other similar dental procedures, then you’re definitely in the right place! Dental crowns are basically a dental restoration that’s designed to cover or cap your damaged or decayed tooth. They offer an excellent way to restore your smile and regain your confidence.
The process of getting dental crowns usually involves a few appointments with your dentist. During the first appointment, your dentist will examine your tooth and determine whether you need a crown or not. Then, they will take a few impressions of your tooth to make sure that the crown fits perfectly. In most cases, you’ll need to wear a temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready.
Dental crowns are just one of the many dental procedures that can help restore your smile. Other dental procedures include dental implants, veneers, and braces. Dental implants are replacement tooth roots that are used to support a dental crown or bridge. Veneers, on the other hand, are thin pieces of porcelain that are designed to cover your front teeth to improve their appearance. And finally, braces are orthodontic devices that are used to straighten your teeth and improve your bite.
No matter which dental procedure you decide to get, it’s important to choose a reliable and experienced dentist. With the right dentist, you can be confident that you’re in safe hands and that you’ll get the best possible results. And remember, good oral hygiene is essential to maintaining your healthy smile so make sure you brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist for regular check-ups.
Causes of tooth infections under a crown
There are various reasons that can cause tooth infections under a crown. When a crown is placed on a tooth, it covers the visible part of the tooth, protecting it from further decay. However, if the crown is not fitted correctly or if there is a gap or space between the crown and the tooth, bacteria can get in and cause infection. Inadequate cleaning around the crown, especially in the gum line and in between teeth, can lead to the buildup of plaque, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Another reason for infections under a crown is the presence of cracked or fractured teeth. When a tooth is cracked, it can expose the pulp, making it more prone to bacterial infection. Trauma or injury to the tooth, especially during the crown placement process, can cause cracks or fractures. The type of material used for the crown can also play a role in causing tooth infections. Metal crowns are less prone to accumulation of bacteria compared to porcelain or ceramic crowns.
Tooth infections under a crown can also occur due to untreated decay or cavities in the tooth. The decay can spread and reach the tooth’s pulp, causing an infection that can eventually spread to the bone and tissues surrounding the tooth. In such cases, the tooth may need to be treated with a root canal, followed by either a new crown or a filling.
It is essential to address any tooth infections under a crown as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the tooth or surrounding tissues. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene practices can help prevent tooth decay and infection. It is also important to get regular dental check-ups to ensure that the crown is fitting correctly and there are no signs of infection or decay.
How to maintain oral hygiene after receiving a crown
Congratulations on receiving your crown! It’s important to take good care of it to ensure its longevity and maintain good oral hygiene. Proper care will prevent decay and gum diseases, which can lead to costly and painful dental procedures. Here are some tips on how to maintain oral hygiene after receiving a crown.
Firstly, ensure that you brush and floss regularly. Brushing twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time can remove food particles and plaque from your teeth, including the crown. Floss at least once a day to clean between your teeth and remove any debris that can get stuck in the crown. If you find flossing difficult, consider trying interdental cleaners such as water flossers or interdental brushes to remove the debris.
Secondly, be gentle when brushing and flossing around the crown to avoid dislodging or damaging it. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the porcelain or composite material of the crown. Gently glide the floss up and down the sides of the tooth, avoiding any snapping or rubbing motions.
Lastly, avoid any hard or sticky foods that can potentially cause damage to the crown, such as hard candies, ice, or popcorn kernels. Be cautious when biting into foods and try to avoid putting too much pressure on the crown. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, consider wearing a nightguard to protect your crown while you sleep.
Remember, good oral hygiene is crucial to the longevity and health of your crown. By brushing and flossing regularly, being gentle around the crown, and avoiding hard or sticky foods, you can easily maintain your oral hygiene and keep your crown looking and feeling great for years to come. Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist any additional questions or concerns you may have about maintaining oral hygiene after receiving a crown.
