Cavities between teeth are one of the most common dental issues that people experience. Still, patients want to know if fillings and crowns, as a remedy, eliminate cavities for good. The short answer is that fillings and crowns are effective treatments for tooth decay, but are not a preventative measure against new cavities forming.
The restorative dental care provided by our dentists in Weddington, near Waxhaw and Wesley Chapel, NC, includes dental crowns and fillings to enhance your smile’s appearance. However, learning about how these treatments work and what you can do to care for your teeth afterward is crucial to maintaining long-term oral health.
What Are Dental Fillings and Crowns?
A dental filling is used to restore a tooth after removing the decayed part of the tooth. Once the cavity has been cleaned, your dentist fills the area with composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain to restore strength and function.
A dental crown, on the other hand, is a cap over a tooth when damage is more extensive. Crowns are also a standard treatment after large cavities or root canal therapy. They are made especially for your tooth and cover it so that it can’t decay or chip again. A dental crown can serve its function for up to 15 years if properly managed.
Both fillings and crowns can prevent cavities from spreading by removing the affected part of the tooth, but you must take proper care to prevent new ones from forming.
What Do Cavities Look Like?
Teeth cavities often start small, and as the enamel weakens, they may develop into white specks. As the decay gets worse, they can present themselves as brown or black spots, small holes, or pits in the surface of the tooth.
During its initial phases, a tooth cavity can be challenging to detect without a dental examination, which is why a regular checkup visit to our dental office in Weddington, NC, is so valuable. Cavities will only worsen and require more complex procedures, such as crowns or even extractions, unless addressed.
Do Fillings Prevent Future Cavities?
While fillings are effective in reliably removing and sealing existing cavities, they don’t make teeth immune to further tooth decay. Dental fillings may wear down over time, crack, or create spaces where bacteria can enter.
Good oral hygiene (including brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits) is still necessary to prevent new cavities from forming around or near fillings. In other words, fillings repair the damage caused by cavities, but they cannot prevent new cavities from forming.
Can a Cavity Form Under a Dental Crown?
Yes, a cavity can develop underneath a crown. Biology Insights explains that although crowns are made out of hard materials such as porcelain or metal, they’re placed over the top of a natural tooth, which can still decay. Most often, this occurs because bacteria enter at the junction where the crown meets the tooth or when gingivitis occurs, causing recession of the gums and exposing the root surface.
How Can You Tell Tooth Decay Under a Metal Crown?
If you suspect tooth rot behind your metal crown, look for the following:
Discomfort and Sensitivity
Decay beneath a crown can be felt as pain or sensitivity to temperature.
Grey or Brown Spots in the Affected Area
Discoloration around the crown may be the first sign of decay.
Infection
Swelling, pus, or constant pain may indicate that bacteria have reached the pulp in the tooth.
Food Trap
If food often gets stuck between the crown and the surrounding teeth, there is a possibility that the crown is no longer sealing correctly.
Crown Pulling Away from the Tooth
By the time you notice a toothache, bacteria have likely already invaded the tooth and started decaying beneath your crown, which may also appear loose or detached from the gum line.
How To Prevent Cavities Under Fillings and Crowns
The best protection is prevention.
- Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
- Rinsing or flossing to remove plaque from between teeth and crowns
- Restricting sugary foods and beverages
- Visit for expert cleanings and exams at least twice a year.
Dentists can also use dental fluorides or dental sealants to make enamel stronger and less likely to form future cavities.
Preventive Dentistry in Weddington, NC
At Serene Dental Spa in Weddington, NC, our team provides comprehensive preventive dental care, from cleanings and exams to patient education, to help you avoid cavities altogether.
Whether you need a new dental filling in Weddington near Charlotte, NC, or a crown, we’re happy to provide you with advanced, compassionate care. Schedule an appointment today with our dental team to help safeguard your teeth for years to come.