What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are most commonly used to:
- Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
- Restore a broken or fractured tooth
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a discolored or misshapen tooth
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
Crowns are custom-made to precisely fit the tooth they are intended for. They are made from materials like porcelain fused to metal, ceramic, resin, or stainless steel. A crown procedure usually takes two dental visits – one to take impressions and fit a temporary crown, and a second to cement the permanent crown after it is fabricated. With proper oral hygiene, a good quality crown can last many years. However, crowns may become loose, crack, or leach over time.
What causes a crown to leak?
There are a few reasons why a dental crown may start to leak around the edges:
- Poor fit – If the crown does not properly fit the prepared tooth underneath, gaps can form where bacteria and fluids can seep beneath the crown edge.
- Cracked crown – Tiny cracks in the crown material itself can allow seepage underneath the crown.
- Loose crown – Normal chewing over years can cause dental crowns to become loose. Even slightly loose crowns allow more room for leakage.
- Receding gums – If gums recede around a crowned tooth, it can expose margins and create gaps for leakage.
- Improper cementing – Weak cement or improper cementing technique can lead to crowns not being fully sealed upon placement.
Can a leaking dental crown make you sick?
Yes, a leaking dental crown can potentially make you sick. Here’s why:
- Bacteria entry – Gaps between the crown and tooth allow bacteria, food debris, and other microbes to get trapped underneath the crown. This can lead to infections in the tooth and supporting structures.
- Inflammation – Leaking crowns commonly cause inflammation in the gums around the tooth, which can be painful and compromise the health of the gums.
- Abscesses – Severe infections under a leaking crown can form abscesses in the root and bone surrounding the tooth.
- Systemic infection – Harmful bacteria entering through a leaking crown can potentially travel through the body and cause infections elsewhere, such as in the heart, brain, or other organs.
Some common signs of a leaking dental crown causing illness include:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity to hot and cold under the crown
- Swollen, red, painful gums around the crowned tooth
- Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away
- Pus around the tooth
- Fever, chills, or fatigue if infection spreads through the body
How are leaking dental crowns fixed?
If a dental crown is found to be leaking, the crown will need to be replaced or recemented to prevent damage to the tooth and stop any infections. Here are common solutions:
Recement the existing crown
If the crown is in otherwise good condition but simply became loose over time, the dentist may be able to thoroughly clean under it and re-cement it tightly onto the prepared tooth. This requires no new crown preparation. However, the problem may recur if the crown fit or cement seal was poor to begin with.
Remake a new crown
If the source of the leak is due to poor fit or cracks in the existing crown, taking new impressions and fabricating a replacement crown is likely needed. This requires numbing the tooth, removing the problematic crown, taking impressions, and making and placing a brand new crown.
Address gum recession
If gum recession is causing crown margins to become exposed and allow leakage, gum grafting procedures may be performed to cover back up exposed root surfaces and re-establish a tight seal.
Extract the tooth
In cases of advanced infection, significant tooth decay under the leaking crown, or a tooth that is non-restorable, extraction may ultimately be required. This is often followed by implant placement to replace the missing tooth. Extensive infections may also need antibiotic treatment.
Prevention
To prevent dental crown problems like leakage, be sure to:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and having regular dental cleanings every 6 months.
- Avoid chewing hard foods like ice that can crack crowns.
- Get loose crowns recemented or replaced promptly to avoid extensive decay and infection.
- Quit smoking, as this causes gum recession and increases crown issues.
- Get regular dental exams to catch any problems early.
FAQs
How long does a crown last?
With proper care, the average dental crown lasts 5-15 years before needing replacement. However, poor oral hygiene or traumatic damage can shorten crown lifespan.
Can a crown fall off on its own?
In rare cases, dental crowns may fall off spontaneously due to an improper fit or weak cement. More commonly, crowns become loose and compromised over years of use before finally falling out.
Is it ok to leave a crown off temporarily?
No, you should not leave a crown off, even temporarily. The prepared tooth underneath is vulnerable to fractures, decay, and infections without the protection of the crown. Seek urgent dental treatment.
How much does it cost to replace a crown?
The cost to replace a dental crown typically ranges between $800 – $1900 per crown. However, costs can vary based on the materials used and dental fees in your area. Dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost.
Can I pull off a crown at home?
You should never attempt to remove a dental crown at home. This risks damaging the tooth, crown, or your gums. See your dentist to have crowns removed properly with instruments designed not to harm tooth structures.
Conclusion
A leaking dental crown compromises the seal around the restored tooth. This allows bacteria, food, and fluids to seep underneath the margins of the crown, leading to potential infections, decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. While concerning, leaking crowns can be repaired or replaced by your dentist to restore health and function. With prompt treatment and good at-home care of your crowns, complications can be avoided. Be sure to see your dentist at the first sign of any temperature sensitivity, pain, or other problems from a crown for evaluation and repair. With close monitoring, dental crowns can safely restore and protect your teeth for many years.