Tooth Decay Under a Dental Crown or Fixed Bridge

The indication for treatment with dental crowns or fixed dental bridges is determined when the natural tooth structure is badly damaged or when the absence of one or more teeth must be permanently replaced.

Many patients have the false belief that when the tooth is covered by a crown or fixed dental bridge it is protected from certain oral diseases such as dental caries, however this is not the case. It is true that fixed prosthetic structures cannot develop caries, however, between the fine union of the crown with the dental structure the bacteria that form dental caries can filter and irreversibly destroy the dental structure, putting the prosthetic restoration at risk.

When cavities are formed under the fixed prosthetic restoration, it cannot be restored by placing a resin (known as a shim), the dental crown or fixed bridge should be removed, the condition of the abutment piece should be checked to assess whether it is necessary to perform a nerve treatment and subsequent reconstruction by making a new crown, or if the damage is so advanced, the dental piece should be extracted.

The appearance of dental caries under prosthetic treatment is directly related to the patient's oral hygiene. For this reason it is so important that the patient brushes properly at least 3 times a day, using fluoride toothpastes, and flossing twice a day, the most important time being at night before going to sleep. The use of the waterpik is also recommended as an assistant to dental floss but not as a substitute for it. And also the use of fluoride mouthwashes.

With the same importance, it is necessary that the patient attends every 6 months to control appointments, where the necessary x-rays, clinical evaluation and cleaning are performed in order to diagnose in time any alteration and provide a solution before the fixed prosthetic treatment is compromised.

If you wish to schedule your control appointment or know your oral health status through an assessment appointment, you can request your appointment at the dental clinic Sonrisa para Todos by calling 4010-3333 or writing to WhatsApp 7031-7979. For us it is a pleasure to serve you.