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Dental Health Directory Library

FAQ: Leaking Crowns

Gum Tissue Diseases
Anatomy of Gum Recession

Bone and Gingival Tissue Grafting
Treatment - Prevention of Periodontal Disease

Question:
My dentist said I had leakage under the crown on tooth 12, 13 and 14. I'm not sure how long these have been in but they aren't causing problems.

What will happen if I do nothing? ... Visitor from KY

Answer:
The underlying tooth structure will continue to decay, eventually rotting to the point where the crowns are caused to fall off.

Whether or not the teeth can be saved will be directly related to how much you have "allowed" to happen.

The important point to remember about most dental crowns, regardless of type (PFM, Zirocnia, Nickel, etc) is that the most of the protective layer of enamel that Mother Nature provides to protect our teeth for a lifetime (assuming we take care of the enamel) is removed.

The resulting exposed dentin becomes "protected" by dental treatment. But, once that protective treatment fails and leakage ensues.. the decay process can become rapid since cementation materials underneath the crown will break down rapidly.

In contrast, tooth enamel still protects the bulk of a tooth when cavities occur.

Remember too that pain is NOT a reliable indicator of anything. Crown leakage should be treated quickly and completely, considering the costs already incured with placing the crown and the high risk of tooth structure damage that could lead to extraction and tooth replacement costs (bridge or implants).

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