Do teeth decay under crowns?
Emma Payne
Published Jan 22, 2026
Unfortunately, the teeth underneath the crown can still get damaged by bacteria, which causes cavities and tooth decay. That is why, even with a dental crown, it's still vital to maintain proper oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and checkups.
What happens if you get decay under a crown?
If you get decay under a crown issues may occur that affect your oral health. Issues such as bad breath and sore gums may develop or the decay may extend deeper into the tooth, causing dental infection and may even mean the tooth cannot be saved! Tooth decay under a crown may be caused by bad oral hygiene.
Can a tooth be rotting under a crown?
A crown is connected to a natural tooth underneath it. Because of this, decay can form around the edges of a crown. The only way to permanently fix a crown with decay around the edges is to remove the old crown, remove the decay, and do a new crown.
How do you know if you have decay under a crown?
Here are a few signs that may indicate you have decay underneath your crown:
- Increased tooth sensitivity.
- Pain or toothaches.
- Swollen, inflamed gums.
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing.
- Visible brown or grey spots on the tooth material around the crown.
How long do teeth last under a crown?
The average lifespan for a well-maintained dental crown is typically around 15 years. However, when taken care of properly, it is common to see them last upwards of 25-30 years.
15 related questions foundHow many times can you get a crown replaced?
All-porcelain and porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns typically last five to 15 years. A metal crown may last up to 20 years or longer. Zirconia crowns and gold crowns can endure a lifetime.
How often does a crown need to be replaced?
Most crowns last between five and 15 years before needing to be replaced (or at least repaired). In some cases it is obvious that you need to replace a crown because it has fallen out or suffered extensive damage; in other circumstances, it is less obvious that there is a problem with a crown.
Why is my tooth black under my crown?
Finally, a black line around a crown may indicate that the tooth underneath has begun to decay. Although a crown does protect natural tooth structure, decay is still possible—especially at the margin.
Can I get an infection under a crown?
Although dental crowns protect your tooth, problems can arise when the crown is damaged, loosened, or falls off. If a dental crown becomes compromised in any way, it may allow bacteria to become trapped underneath the crown which can lead to decay and another pulp infection.
Can a crown on a tooth get infected?
While tooth crowns are designed to protect a damaged tooth, they can still cause pain and become infected, just like normal teeth. However, while tooth crown pain is uncomfortable, it is usually simple to alleviate, either through medication or follow-up treatment from your dentist.
What does decay look like on teeth?
If the process of tooth decay is allowed to continue, enamel will break down further. You may notice that a white spot on a tooth darkens to a brownish color. As enamel is weakened, small holes in your teeth called cavities, or dental caries, can form. Cavities will need to be filled by your dentist.
How do you know if your crown is infected?
Infection
- Redness at or around the site of the crown placement.
- Swelling of the gums or jaw around the area that now has the crown.
- Tenderness or pain around the crown.
- Unusual warmth that you only feel in one area of your mouth and is unrelated to any hot food or drink that you may have just had.
Can a tooth decay after root canal?
Most first-time root canal treatments achieve their purpose in saving an internally decayed tooth and extending its life to match those of the patient's non-decayed teeth. Occasionally, though, a root canal-treated tooth may become re-infected by decay.
Can a crown be removed and put back on?
It is very rare that an old crown can be saved or reused since it will typically need to be cut into sections as it is removed from the tooth. For your comfort, the tooth and gum tissue will be numbed with a local anesthetic during this procedure.
Is decay a cavity?
Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well.
How do I know if my crown needs to be replaced?
Signs that Your Dental Crown Needs to be Replaced
- Your Gum Line Is Recedin.
- You Experience Pain or Swelling.
- You Notice Wear and Tear on Your Crown.
- Your Crown is Damaged.
- Your Crown is No Longer Aesthetically Pleasing.
- Your Crown Is Ten Years Old (or Older)
Why do gums recede around crowns?
Receding gums around the crown can indicate a bruxism habit, be a sign of gum disease, or an ill-fitting crown. Inflammation, pain, and odd smells can all be signs of tooth decay under the crown or gum disease. If your crown is loose, damaged, or has fallen out, you need to seek dental care as soon as possible.
What happens if you don't replace a crown?
When a lost crown is not replaced promptly, a crownless tooth will deteriorate quickly. Neglecting to get a dental crown back on a tooth also increases the risk of the tooth becoming loose, falling out, or crumbling into pieces.
Does replacing a crown hurt?
Many people are afraid of the dentist because they worry the process will hurt, and the same worry can be applied to getting a crown. Getting a crown should be a virtually painless process from the first visit to the last. Your mouth will be numbed before any filling or fitting is done by your dentist.
Is crown removal painful?
Not at all. Temporary crowns are intended to be removed, and they don't require a lot of force or effort to remove. You may feel a little bit of pressure on your tooth as Dr. Annese loosens the tooth, but you won't feel any pain or discomfort.
How many times can a tooth be root Canaled?
Can Root Canal Treatment Be Repeated? Although a dentist can do a second or third root canal treatment—or more—on a tooth, the results are unpredictable. Even the most skilled dentists can perform root canal treatment that fails. Studies show that root canal treatment has an 86 – 98% success rate.
Why does my crown hurt years later?
Your crown could be putting pressure on a traumatized nerve and if an infection occurs, it can be painful. One cause of infections could come from previous fillings that may have had leakages resulting in bacteria infecting the nerve root.
Why are my teeth suddenly deteriorating?
Tooth decay can occur when acid is produced from plaque, which builds up on your teeth. If plaque is allowed to build up, it can lead to further problems, such as dental caries (holes in the teeth), gum disease or dental abscesses, which are collections of pus at the end of the teeth or in the gums.
Why are my teeth rotting?
Dental plaque is formed as a result of the mixture of saliva, remnants of food in the mouth, and bacteria in the mouth. These dental plaques release acid that wears down the tooth enamel and leads to the rotting of the teeth known as tooth decay.
Why are my teeth decaying so fast?
Several factors contribute to a high cavity rate are as follows: Diet –Whether you sip, graze or snack something that's sugary throughout the day, there's a good deal more chance of cavities. Dry Mouth – Not only does the saliva wash away bacteria and plaque, it neutralizes acids that can attack your teeth.