Dental crowns can protect your damaged or weakened teeth. In Singapore, they’re commonly used to restore a tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance after procedures like root canals or to cover large fillings. Read more: https://andental.sg/crowns-and-veneers-singapore/.
Now, even though dental crowns are durable and can last for many years, they are not immune to potential problems like infections. Crown infections can be painful.
If left untreated, they can lead to more severe oral health complications. That said, if you’re going to get dental crown treatment in Singapore, you will also want to know how to recognize the signs of an infection, treat it effectively, or even better, prevent it from occurring in the first place.
So, How Do You Know if Your Crown Is Infected?
Being able to spot a crown infection early can help you prevent more serious dental issues. But, how can you know if your crown is infected?
The most straightforward way to tell if your crown is infected is by looking at the symptoms. The most noticeable sign is pain. This can range from mild discomfort to severe throbbing, especially when biting down or eating.
Pain might indicate that bacteria have penetrated beneath the crown and infected the tooth or surrounding gums. Apart from pain, you may also experience swelling.
If you notice puffiness or redness around the crown, this could signal that your gums are inflamed due to infection. Swelling may also be accompanied by tenderness or bleeding when brushing.
Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth can also be signs of an infection under a crown. Bacteria trapped beneath the crown can lead to the buildup of pus, which causes this smell or taste.
Not to forget, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks may indicate that the underlying tooth is infected or decayed. This heightened sensitivity often means the nerves in the tooth are exposed or inflamed.
Can a Crown Infection Go Away on Its Own?
Unfortunately, crown infections will not go away without professional treatment. Unlike minor gum irritations or mild tooth sensitivity, infections require professional treatment to fully resolve.
The infection is typically caused by bacteria that have made their way under the crown and reached the tooth or gum tissue. If left untreated, the infection can spread and cause more severe oral health issues like abscesses, bone loss, or even systemic infections.
You do not want to ignore the symptoms of a crown infection and hope it will go away on its own as this can result in the infection worsening. In extreme cases, this could lead to the need for tooth extraction or further complex treatments like a root canal or gum surgery.
That said, please seek immediate care if you suspect an infection. A dentist can assess the severity of the infection and provide appropriate treatment, such as cleaning the area, replacing the crown, or prescribing antibiotics.
While some home remedies can help manage discomfort temporarily, they won’t cure the infection. Professional treatment is the only way to eliminate the bacteria and restore the health of your teeth and gums.
How Do You Treat an Infected Crown?
The best way to treat an infected dental crown is by visiting a qualified dentist for thorough assessment and treatment. Here is a quick summary of what to expect at the dental clinic when consulting for treatment to fix an infected dental crown in Singapore:
● Assessment and Cleaning: The first step is for your dentist to assess the severity of the infection. They may order X-rays to determine if the infection has reached the tooth root or surrounding bone. If the infection is mild, your dentist may clean around the crown and gums to remove any plaque and bacteria causing the irritation.
● Antibiotics: In cases where the infection is more advanced, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to clear the bacterial infection. Antibiotics are typically used in conjunction with other treatments, as they alone cannot resolve the issue.
● Crown Replacement: If the infection has occurred due to a poorly fitted or damaged crown, the dentist may need to remove the existing crown and then clean the affected area thoroughly. They would then proceed to place a new, well-fitting crown.
● Root Canal Therapy: If the infection has spread to the pulp of the tooth, you may be recommended root canal therapy. This procedure involves removing the infected tissue from within the tooth and then sealing it to prevent further infection.
● Tooth Extraction: In severe cases where the tooth is too damaged to save, extraction may be the only option. The tooth can then be replaced with an implant or bridge.
Prevention is always better than cure. Luckily, there are several ways to reduce the risk of infection under a dental crown. Here are some suggestions you may want to try;
● Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Cleaning around the crown will help prevent bacteria from accumulating at the gum line and underneath the crown.
● Get Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental visits for professional cleanings and check-ups. Your dentist can identify any potential issues with your crown before they become problematic.
● Choose a Well-Fitted Crown: Ensure that your dentist fits your crown properly. A well-fitted crown is less likely to leave gaps where bacteria can enter and cause infection. If your crown feels loose or uncomfortable, consult your dentist immediately.
● Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: These can damage or dislodge your crown, and create opportunities for bacteria to enter. Stick to softer foods and avoid chewing ice or hard candies.
● Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay. It can also help reduce the risk of infection under a crown.
Closing Thoughts
Dental crowns can be effective in restoring and protecting damaged teeth. However, they too need proper care without which they can get infected.
If you’re in Singapore and suspect a crown infection, don’t hesitate to consult a dentist to keep your oral health in top shape. Schedule an appointment right now at;
An Dental – Orchard Dentist | Dental Implant | Wisdom Tooth Extraction | Kids Dentistry Singapore
360 Orchard Rd, #03-06/07 International Building,
Singapore 238869
+65 6513 9549