A few months ago, you had a couple of severely damaged teeth, so your dentist helped repair them with dental crowns in Harrisburg. Everything seemed great at first. You could eat and smile with complete confidence in the appearance and functionality of your newly restored teeth. Recently, however, you noticed a tiny gap between your crown and your gums. Why is it there? Do you need to get it treated? Keep reading to learn the answers.
Why Do These Gaps Occur?
More often than not, the reason that these spaces between crown and gum appear is because the crown either doesn’t fit or was not placed properly. Sometimes, though, the crown can come loose as a result of eating sticky foods like caramel and gummy candy. Whatever the case may be, it’s important that you see your dentist in Harrisburg to examine your mouth right away.
Why Do They Need to Be Treated?
Gaps between your gums and your crown can create a space for oral bacteria to gather and build up. If this were to happen, it would drastically increase your odds of developing a cavity underneath your crowned tooth, especially since food particles can get trapped in the space and attract bacteria. Then, your dentist would have to remove the crown, treat the cavity, and then replace the crown. That whole process can quickly rack up dental care costs, so you’ll want to avoid needing that treatment if you can.
How Can Your Dentist Help?
Your dentist will take a thorough look at your mouth, which may possibly include x-rays, to determine what exactly is wrong with the crown and the underlying tooth. Usually, the crown needs to be re-cemented. This involves removing the crown, replacing the dental cement underneath it, and bonding the crown to the tooth once again.
If you notice a gap between your crown and gum that feels or looks suspiciously large, it never hurts to call your dentist about it. Even if nothing is wrong, they can help set your mind at ease. If it turns out that there is a problem, you can get it treated before you get a cavity.
About the Author
Dr. Gary M. Klein graduated from the prestigious New York University with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. He was recently named one of the Top Dentists in American by Incisal Edge Magazine. Through his commitment to continuing education, he has proven his excellence in restoring teeth with dental crowns. If you think you may have a gap between your crown and gum, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Klein on his website or by calling (717) 652-6644.