Brown and Grey Spots in the Affected Area Brown and grey spot formations are a distinct visual indicator of a potential infection or tooth decay under a dental crown. Spots can be visible on the white portion of a veneer, almost appearing like mould.
Symptoms of tooth decay under a crown
Bleeding when brushing or flossing around the area. Inflamed, swollen gums. Increased tooth sensitivity. Toothaches or pain.
If you get decay under a crown issues may occur that affect your oral health. Issues such as bad breath and sore gums may develop or the decay may extend deeper into the tooth, causing dental infection and may even mean the tooth cannot be saved! Tooth decay under a crown may be caused by bad oral hygiene.
Usually there is metal underneath the porcelain or the crown is made entirely of metal. This metal makes it impossible for the tooth structure inside of the crown to be seen on a radiograph (x ray). When decay under a crown is small, it is often difficult to detect.
If a cavity is along the margin of a dental crown and does not go very deep into the tooth, it might be able to be fixed with normal dental filling material. In most other cases, the dental crown probably will need to be removed, the cavity filled, and a new crown placed on top.
Is it normal for my tooth to look black under my crown? It's not supposed to darken. Most of the time, tooth discoloration is caused by bacteria getting in the dental crown. It can also be the result of an inadequate seal on the crown.
Only your dentist will be able to confirm whether or not your crown is infected, but common signs and symptoms include: Jaw pain and throbbing. Sensitivity to cold foods and drinks. Nerve pain in affected tooth or teeth.
The average lifespan for a well-maintained dental crown is typically around 15 years. However, when taken care of properly, it is common to see them last upwards of 25-30 years.
Sensitivity or discomfort
If a crowned tooth still has a nerve in it, a patient can experience some heat and cold sensitivity. If a person notices pain or sensitivity when biting down, it could mean that the dental crown is too high. If this happens, a patient should contact the dentist.
Since dental crowns are recommended in cases where about ¾ of the tooth is affected by damage or decay, they are designed to fit on minimal remaining tooth structure. Therefore, there needs to be something to cement the crown to and enough tooth to provide internal support.
Most crowns last between five and 15 years before needing to be replaced (or at least repaired). In some cases it is obvious that you need to replace a crown because it has fallen out or suffered extensive damage; in other circumstances, it is less obvious that there is a problem with a crown.
A properly fitted crown should completely hide your tooth, leaving no space between it and the gums. However, sometimes a gap can form beneath the crown, and this can lead to irritating and embarrassing situations where food becomes trapped in these areas and needs to be removed with your toothbrush.
You can replace the crown as many times as you want if there is nothing wrong with it. What we mean by that is that there is no tooth decay underneath the cap. In this case, your dentist can simply remove it and just remake a new one without harming the underlying tooth structure.
A common cause of cavities on teeth with crowns is food and plaque getting stuck beneath the crown, or along the gum-line. See your dentist if you notice any changes in the fit of your crown or if it starts to feel sensitive.
Replacement options
In some situations the original crown can be removed and re-cemented into place. New crowns might be required to meet your objectives for a healthy and beautiful smile. This new crowns are fabricated in the same way the as the original.
Oral bacteria are tricky little rascals, and they can make their way underneath a crown, particularly if the person does not have good oral hygiene. When these bacteria get underneath the crown, they begin to convert any sugars that make their way into the crown to acids that eat away at enamel.
Because the tooth under the dental crown is still alive, tooth decay or a new cavity can form at the border of the tooth and the crown. This can lead to persistent pain in the area. If a tooth cavity grows large enough and affects the nerve, you might need a root canal procedure.
Dental crowns that are fixed to a metal post, whether they are porcelain-fused-to-metal or composite, can have a gray tint in natural light. This is because the outer material doesn't obscure the dark metal beneath.
Visible holes or pits in your teeth: Cavities form tiny openings in teeth that gradually become larger. Discoloration: Teeth with cavities may appear yellow, brown, or black. Pain: Throbbing pain in your teeth is usually a sign of an infection, which means the cavity has reached your tooth's pulp (center).
In most cases, a black line forms because the metal from the crown is showing through. Since older dental crowns are typically made of porcelain fused to metal, the metal will eventually become exposed as the gumline moves and recedes over time.
Crown removal is not a painful procedure, and it doesn't take long for your dentist to remove it. Your dentist will not even use an anesthetic to remove and add in the permanent crown.
Dental insurance usually will pay for a crown on the same tooth after 5 years, but some plans are changing to 7.
Receding gums occur when then gum margin moves away from the white enamel crown of the tooth thereby exposing the yellower root. The cause of receding gums is most often due to gum disease, but it can also be because of forceful toothbrushing on naturally thin healthy gums or because of orthodontic treatment.