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CEREC crowns

Can You Get a Cavity Under a CEREC Crown?

I have a CEREC crown, and at my last check up I was told that I have some decay under the crown. I thought crowns couldn’t get cavities. How can I decay underneath it when it’s covered? I feel like he must have done something wrong. Or maybe there isn’t even a cavity there and he’s just making it up to get money. I didn’t feel anything to indicate a problem. When I needed this crown to begin with it was because I had a toothache. Now, I don’t feel any problem

Bill

Dear Bill,

CEREC Machine

CEREC crowns are made from dental ceramic, so they don’t decay the way natural tooth enamel does. However, there is still a natural tooth underneath your crown, and that tooth can develop decay. This is sometimes called recurrent or secondary decay. Usually, the problem starts around the edge (margin) where the crown meets your natural tooth.

How can a cavity get underneath a crown?

Even though a crown covers the visible portion of your tooth, it doesn’t make the tooth immune to bacteria. There is always a point near the gumline where the crown ends and your natural tooth begins.

Plaque can accumulate around this margin just as it does around your other uncrowned teeth. If plaque isn’t removed regularly, bacteria can produce acids that damage the exposed tooth structure and eventually cause a cavity.

Decay can also become a problem if a crown no longer fits properly. A damaged crown or compromised margin may create an area where bacteria and debris can collect and slip through.

One advantage of CEREC crowns is that your dentist can digitally scan your tooth and design your restoration with a precise fit. Your crown can then be milled and placed during the same appointment. These crowns are better fitting than many traditionally created crowns.

A well-fitting crown is important because the margin between the crown and your tooth should be as smooth and closely adapted as possible. However, even an excellent CEREC crown cannot prevent every future cavity. Your oral hygiene, gum health, regular dental care, and even your diet have an impact on how your tooth does.

Decay beneath a crown doesn’t always cause symptoms right away. That is one of the great things about check ups. You can catch things much earlier than if you wait until you’re in pain. The last thing you want is a dental emergency.

For those who might be wondering, here are some symptoms of a problem:

  • Sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Pain or tenderness when biting
  • A dark area near the edge of the crown
  • A pimple or gum irritation around the crown
  • A crown that feels loose or different than it used to

How to prevent cavities around a CEREC crown?

Treat your crowned tooth like you would a natural tooth. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss carefully around the crown once a day, and keep up with your dental visits. A CEREC crown can protect and strengthen a damaged tooth for many years, but the natural tooth underneath still needs your care.

This blog is brought to you by a friendly Gilbert dentist, Dr. Matt Roper.