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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
A crown is a modern and reliable way to restore a destroyed tooth, returning it to its functionality and aesthetic appearance. It is firmly fixed on the tooth and serves for decades. However, sometimes patients face such an unpleasant problem as the appearance of a specific smell from the area where the crown is installed. This is not just a drawback, because, as experts note, in particular in Solovei Dental Clinic, an unpleasant smell is always a signal of the presence of certain problems that require immediate attention. Let's figure out together why this smell occurs and how to eliminate it.
Why an unpleasant smell occurs: the main reasons
An unpleasant smell from under the dental crown is, in its essence, the smell of decomposition of organic substances and waste products of bacteria. It can indicate a number of problems:
- Insufficient hygiene in the area of the crown. Even with a perfectly installed crown, if food residues and plaque are poorly removed in this area, they begin to decompose. This is especially true of crown edges, where bacterial plaque can accumulate, causing an unpleasant smell.
- Unsealed fit of the crown. The crown should fit tightly to the surface of the tooth. If there is a microscopic gap between the crown and the tooth (even invisible to the naked eye), it becomes an ideal place for bacteria, food particles and saliva to accumulate. The residues rot to form volatile compounds with an unpleasant odor.
- Caries under the crown. This is one of the most serious reasons. Due to the leaky fit or leaching of cement, bacteria penetrate under the crown, causing secondary caries of the tooth itself. The process of rotting of dental tissues, which occurs under the crown, is accompanied by the release of a characteristic smelly smell. Often this happens without pain until the late stages.
- Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis or periodontitis) around the crown. An improperly made crown that injures the gums or insufficient hygiene can provoke inflammation of the gums around it. Inflammated gums bleed, swell, and the accumulation of bacteria in the periodontal pockets leads to an unpleasant smell, sometimes with impurities of pus.
- Improper treatment of root canals. If the tooth under the crown was depulped (the nerve was removed), but the root canals were treated poorly (not completely sealed, infections remained), this can lead to the development of an inflammatory process at the top of the root. This process is accompanied by the accumulation of pus, which can come out through the gums, causing an unpleasant smell.
- Destruction of cement. The cement material with which the crown is fixed on the tooth can break down or wash out over time. This creates cavities where food and bacteria are clogged, provoking odor and secondary caries.
- Fracture of the root or tooth wall under the crown. Although this is a rare cause, a crack or fracture in the tooth under the crown can create space for infection and tissue decomposition, causing unpleasant odors.
- Food residues under the bridge prosthesis. If a bridge prosthesis is installed, food residues may get stuck under its intermediate part (pontic), which replaces the missing teeth. This also leads to their rotting and smell.
Given the above possible causes of the appearance of an unpleasant smell from under the crown, it is not only undesirable, but also dangerous to ignore the symptom. Decisive action is needed.
How to deal with unpleasant odors at home
Use dental floss regularly, especially carefully cleaning the space between the crown and adjacent teeth. For bridge prostheses, superfloss or floss with a rigid end is recommended, which allow penetration under the crown. Do not neglect the advice to use interdental rugs, antiseptic rinses and an irrigator. Do not miss brushing your teeth twice a day for 2-3 minutes with a soft or medium stiff brush.
Do not hesitate to visit the dentist
It is usually impossible to eliminate the cause of the smell yourself. Only a doctor can perform an accurate diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment. The dentist will carry out professional teeth cleaning with crowns, remove plaque that could accumulate around the crown for a long time. With the help of an X-ray, the specialist will determine the presence of caries under the crown, inflammation in the roots of the tooth, the condition of the bone tissue and the accuracy of the fit of the crown.
If leakiness, caries under the crown or its damage is detected, the old crown must be removed. Caries is treated, if necessary, the canals are unsealed and then sealed. Then a new, perfectly fitting structure is made and installed, or the dental crown is re-fixed.
Treatment of gum inflammation is carried out with appropriate therapy, including curettage and drug treatment. Treatment of bruxism and bite correction may become an additional necessity if appropriate problems are identified.
An unpleasant smell from under the dental crown is not just aesthetic discomfort, but an alarm signal that indicates the presence of a dental problem. Ignoring this symptom can lead to serious complications, up to tooth loss. Timely application, consultation with a periodontist and compliance with hygiene recommendations are the key to solving the problem and preserving the health of your smile
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