Can My Teeth Rot Under a Crown or Veneer?
If you have a porcelain veneer, dental crown, or another type of dental restoration on your tooth, you may be wondering if your tooth can rot underneath the dental prosthetic. At Gooch Family Dental in Birmingham, AL, our dentist discusses if a tooth can decay under a veneer or crown. Read on to learn more about this important topic.
The Natural Tooth Structure Is Still Susceptible to Cavities and Other Infections
Although most of the natural tooth is covered by a crown or veneer, it is still vulnerable to decay if bacteria accumulate. With time, dental bacteria will cause cavities, root canal infection, and other dental damage.
With a veneer, the front of the tooth is covered. However, the entire back of the natural tooth is exposed to plaque and bacteria.
With a crown, the entire visible portion of the natural tooth is covered by the crown. However, it is still possible for dental bacteria to access the natural tooth in certain cases.
Whether you have a crown or veneer, it is still important to maintain good dental health to avoid damage to other teeth and prevent cavities or other problems from occurring under a dental prosthetic. At our dental office in Birmingham, we are happy to educate patients on how they can keep their smiles healthy and offer tips on how to prevent dental damage under tooth restorations.
Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay Under a Crown or Veneer
There are many ways to prevent tooth decay under a crown or veneer.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
To keep your teeth healthy, make sure to brush them twice a day, once in the morning and once before going to sleep at night. In addition, you should floss your teeth daily. Patients should also attend routine dental exams with their dentist at least once every six months. Following a good oral hygiene routine can reduce the risk of dental problems from occurring, including tooth decay under a crown or veneer.
Cracks, Damage, or Poor Fit
If your veneers or crowns fit poorly, have developed cracks, or sustained some other type of damage, your teeth become more vulnerable to tooth decay. This is because dental bacteria have more ways to access the natural tooth. To prevent tooth decay, it is important to replace your damaged veneer or crown as soon as possible.
Gum Recession
Gum recession often occurs as a result of gum disease or chronic grinding of the teeth. When gum recession occurs, it can create a gap between the veneer or crown and your gumline. This can make it easier for bacteria to damage the teeth along the gumline. If you have developed gum recession, the best way to reduce the risk of dental decay is to have your crown or veneer replaced with a new one that offers a better fit.
Contact Gooch Family Dental
Contact Gooch Family Dental in Birmingham today to schedule an appointment at our practice. We can conduct an oral exam to determine if you have developed tooth decay under a crown or veneer, or in any other area of the mouth. We look forward to seeing you!
