I’ve had my three same-day crowns for 3 years. One of the three crowns has a cavity beneath it. I was very surprised when my dentist told me that I have a cavity beneath the crown. I thought the crown was going to protect my teeth from future decay. How could this happen? Will my insurance pay for this if I need a new crown? – Yasmin from Michigan
Yasmin – It is unusual to have a cavity beneath a crown after only four years. Dr. Reddy would need to examine your crown and tooth to determine why you have a cavity. But we can provide some basic information about a cavity beneath a crown.
How Can You Have a Cavity Beneath a Crown?
Same-day crown technology helps a trained dentist replace your crown
It is unusual to have a cavity beneath a crown. But in can occur. What some possible causes?
- Tooth decay not removed – If a dentist covers a tooth with a crown without removing decay thoroughly, you might develop a cavity.
- Gap at the margin – Your dentist must ensure that the marge where your tooth and crown meet is closed and smooth. Even a small gap allows bacteria to creep in. Plaque can build up and promote decay.
Check with your insurance company regarding benefits for replacing the crown. Many of them expect the crown to last at least five years. If replacement is needed sooner than that, the insurance company will ask for documentation from your dentist to determine if they will provide benefits. But whether you need a new crown depends on its condition. Your dentist may be able to remove the decay and keep the crown intact.
If your current dentist does not use same-day crown technology, a lab can make a new crown for you. Otherwise, you can look for a cosmetic dentist who makes crowns while you wait.
Dr. Rekha Reddy of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.
It seems that every time I get ready to see an orthodontist for braces that my dentist finds something wrong with my teeth. I am beginning to think that he doesn’t want me to see an orthodontist for braces. I have another delay now because an old root canal tooth is bothering me. I thought I just had some sensitivity in the tooth because my gums are receding, but my dentist did an x-ray and said I needed a repeat root canal. I never heard of a repeat root canal. Is this an actual procedure, or is my dentist making excuses again? – Thank you. Karin from OK
