Crowns and Cavities | Can You Get a Cavity Under a Crown?

If you’ve been advised to get a dental crown fitted over a damaged tooth, you may be wondering whether cavities can develop under your crown. Read on to discover the truth about crowns, cavities and tooth decay.

Crowns and Cavities: Can you get a cavity under a crown?

A dental crown is a common treatment used for damaged teeth that are broken, cracked, or unable to accommodate any more fillings. As crowns are custom-made to match the shape and colour of your tooth (unless you opt for a gold crown), they’re a popular and natural-looking solution for damaged teeth.

If you’ve had a crown fitted, you may be wondering whether it’s possible for a cavity to develop in the crown itself or in the tooth under the crown. In this article, we’re answering your commonly-asked questions on cavities and crowns.

Can I get a cavity in my crown?

As your crown is made from a special synthetic material, it’s not possible to get a cavity in the crown itself. However, a cavity can develop in the tooth your crown is attached to.

How do cavities develop in the tooth around my crown?

When a crown is fitted to your tooth, the area of the remaining tooth is still vulnerable to cavities - in fact, your crown can harbour plaque and bacteria, so it’s very important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine.

The area where the crown attaches to the tooth - known as the margin - is usually near the gum line. When plaque builds up on the gum line and isn’t removed, it can erode the protective layer of your tooth, causing it to weaken. This can also lead to the development of a cavity.

What happens if I get a cavity under my crown?

If you get a cavity in the tooth your crown is attached to, the tooth will need to be treated by your dentist. Depending on the situation, you may need to have your crown replaced.

It’s important to get your cavity treated sooner rather than later to avoid the problem becoming worse, which could lead to severe pain and even tooth loss.

How do I know if I have tooth decay or a cavity under a dental crown?

It can be difficult to detect whether you have a cavity or decay in the tooth under your crown, particularly if the affected area is quite small. While you may feel some pain under the crown, this may not occur until the decay is already at a late stage.

With regular dental check-ups, your dentist will be able to perform an x-ray of your teeth to determine whether there is any damage or decay underneath your crown. In some cases, the dentist may need to conduct a more in-depth oral examination to identify whether there is a cavity.

Talk to your dentist if you have any concerns about tooth decay or a cavity under your crown, so they can assess your tooth and advise on the best course of action.

What is the process for getting a dental crown?

If your dentist has advised that you require a dental crown, you can rest assured this isn’t a complex treatment, with many National Dental Care dentists offering same-day crowns.

Your dentist will use specialist equipment to scan your teeth in order to create a 3D computer simulation. This simulation is used to custom-make your crown, which will then be fitted to your tooth.

If you’d like more information about dental crowns, make an appointment with your National Dental Care dentist online today.