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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
A crown is a modern and reliable way to restore a damaged tooth, returning its functionality and aesthetic appearance. It is securely fixed to the tooth and serves for decades. However, sometimes patients encounter the unpleasant problem of a specific odor coming from the area where the crown is installed. This is not just a flaw, as specialists note, particularly at Solovei Dental Clinic, that an unpleasant smell is always a signal of certain problems that require immediate attention. Let's figure out together why this smell occurs and how to eliminate it.
Why does an unpleasant smell occur: main reasons
An unpleasant smell from under the dental crown is essentially the smell of decomposing organic matter and bacterial waste. It can indicate a number of problems:
- Poor hygiene in the crown area. Even with a perfectly fitted crown, if food debris and plaque are not effectively removed from this area, they begin to decompose. This is especially true for the edges of the crown, where bacterial plaque can accumulate, causing an unpleasant odor.
- Non-airtight fit of the crown. The crown should fit snugly against the surface of the tooth. If there is a microscopic gap (even invisible to the naked eye) between the crown and the tooth, it becomes an ideal place for the accumulation of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. The residues decompose, forming volatile compounds with an unpleasant smell.
- Caries under the crown. This is one of the most serious causes. Due to non-airtight fitting or washing out of the cement, bacteria penetrate under the crown, causing secondary caries of the tooth itself. The process of decay of the tooth tissues occurring under the crown is accompanied by the release of a characteristic foul odor. Often this occurs without pain until late stages.
- Gum inflammation (gingivitis or periodontitis) around the crown. A poorly made crown that injures the gums or inadequate hygiene can provoke inflammation of the gums around it. Inflamed gums bleed, swell, and the accumulation of bacteria in periodontal pockets leads to an unpleasant smell, sometimes with pus.
- Poor root canal treatment. If the tooth under the crown has been depulped (nerve removed), but the root canals have been poorly treated (not completely filled, infections remain), this can lead to the development of an inflammatory process at the root apex. This process is accompanied by the accumulation of pus, which can exit through the gums, causing an unpleasant smell.
- Destruction of the cement. The cement material used to secure the crown to the tooth can deteriorate or wash out over time. This creates cavities where food and bacteria can get trapped, provoking odor and secondary caries.
- Fracture of the root or wall of the tooth under the crown. Although this is a rare cause, a crack or fracture of the tooth under the crown can create a space for infection and tissue decomposition, causing an unpleasant smell.
- Food residues under the bridge prosthesis. If a bridge prosthesis is installed, food residues can get stuck under its intermediate part (pontic), which replaces missing teeth. This also leads to their decomposition and odor.
Considering the above possible causes of an unpleasant smell from under the crown, ignoring the symptom is not only undesirable but also dangerous. Decisive actions are necessary.
How to combat unpleasant smell at home
Regularly use dental floss, especially thoroughly cleaning the space between the crown and neighboring teeth. For bridge prostheses, super floss or floss with a stiff end is recommended, allowing access under the crown. Do not neglect the advice to use interproximal brushes, antiseptic mouthwashes, and irrigators. Do not skip brushing your teeth twice a day for 2-3 minutes with a soft or medium-hard toothbrush.
Do not delay visiting the dentist
It is usually impossible to eliminate the cause of the smell on your own. Only a doctor can perform an accurate diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment. The dentist will conduct a professional cleaning of the teeth with crowns, removing plaque that may have accumulated around the crown for a long time. Using X-rays, the specialist will determine the presence of caries under the crown, inflammation in the tooth roots, the condition of the bone tissue, and the accuracy of the crown's fit.
If non-airtightness, caries under the crown, or its damage is detected, the old crown must be removed. Caries treatment is performed, and if necessary, the canals are unsealed and subsequently sealed. Then a new, perfectly fitting structure is manufactured and installed, or the dental crown is reattached.
Treatment of gum inflammation is carried out with appropriate therapy, including curettage and medication. Treatment of bruxism and correction of bite may become an additional necessity if relevant problems are identified.
An unpleasant smell from under the dental crown is not just an aesthetic discomfort but a warning signal indicating the presence of a dental problem. Ignoring this symptom can lead to serious complications, including tooth loss. Timely consultation, a periodontist's advice, and adherence to hygiene recommendations are the keys to solving the problem and maintaining the health of your smile.
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