How does an inflammation under the crown develop?

Inflammation under a crown is usually caused by the penetration of bacteria. Of course, the question arises how the bacteria can get under the crown, because after all, it is usually made of metal. The biggest weak point is the marginal area, i.e. the transition from the denture to the tooth stump.

It is usually not visible to the naked eye, because this gap only needs to be a few micrometers. Bacteria like to accumulate there, come into contact with the tooth stump and spread further under the crown. The result is caries under the crown and an inflammation that hurts, does not spread well visible and can lead to the loss of the crown. In addition, an inflamed tooth root can also be the cause of pain.

How to prevent inflammation under a crown?

Good oral hygiene should always be ensured, regardless of whether you wear a dental prosthesis in your mouth or not, because this reduces the risk of tooth decay. If a tooth has been fitted with a crown, it is advisable to brush the teeth and also the tongue at least twice a day, but preferably after each meal. Mouthwashes and dental floss should be used as a support, as they help to reach the rather fine crown margin area and remove the bacteria that have settled there. Marginal caries can thus be avoided.

Reasons for a crown restoration

Apart from the most common reason, namely the carious destruction of the tooth, where a new filling no longer seems sensible for static reasons, there are other indications for a crowning.

If a tooth is missing, for example, this gap must be closed by a bridge.In order to fix the bridge, the teeth that border the gap are crowned, as they serve as anchors to which the pontic that closes the gap is attached.
Crowning is also indicated for developmental disorders of the tooth structure, discoloration or to correct positional anomalies.
In many cases, crowns are applied even if the tooth is root-treated, because it is less elastic than a living tooth. Therefore the risk of fracture is higher and the tooth is crowned to ensure stability.
A crowning must be adapted to the individual situation of the treated tooth.
Many people grind their teeth at night due to stress, mental suffering or problems with the temporomandibular joint, which leads to abrasion of the teeth. If these are very pronounced, a crown may also be appropriate. The grinding must also be treated at this time, otherwise the new crown will be overloaded.
In addition to the factors just mentioned, a tooth can also be crowned if the static and dynamic occlusion, i.e. the correct interlocking when biting together and moving the teeth, is no longer given. Since this can cause serious long-term disruptions, a crown can be used to restore the correct static and dynamic occlusion.
Of course, aesthetics plays an important role, because a beautiful and healthy smile is an important attractiveness feature, which can also be reasons for a crown and must be taken into account during treatment. Phonetics and the chewing function also fall into this category.
Finally, traumatic tooth damage or multiple large-area fillings are also mentioned, which fall within the indication area for such a treatment.