A dental crown functions as a tooth-shaped cap, designed to fully encase a damaged or weakened tooth. Its primary purpose is to restore the tooth’s original shape, size, strength, and improve its appearance. Crowns are commonly used to protect a weak tooth from breaking, support a tooth with a large filling, or cover a tooth after a root canal procedure. These restorations can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits.
How a Tooth is Prepared for a Crown
Preparing a tooth for a crown involves reshaping its structure to create space for the crown. The dentist carefully removes a portion of the tooth’s outer enamel and sometimes dentin, filing down the chewing surface and sides. This process results in a smaller, often conical or cylindrical shape, commonly referred to as a “stump” or “abutment.” The specific reduction amount depends on the crown material, ensuring a snug and precise fit for the final restoration. Despite this reshaping, the underlying tooth structure remains, and unless a root canal has been performed, the tooth is still alive, containing its nerve and blood vessels.
What the Tooth Looks Like Under a Removed Crown
When a dental crown is removed, the tooth underneath will retain the “stump” shape from preparation. This prepared tooth surface might appear discolored or stained, often due to dental cement or the natural tooth. The removal can also reveal existing dental work, such as old fillings. If decay has developed beneath the crown, it may become visible as dark spots or discoloration on the tooth surface.
Signs of Problems Under a Crown
Several visual cues and symptoms can indicate issues under a crown. Discoloration, such as dark or gray spots, particularly at the crown’s margin where it meets the gumline, can suggest underlying decay or metal corrosion. Swelling, redness, or bleeding of the gums around the crowned tooth may signal an infection or inflammation, often due to improper crown fit or bacterial accumulation. A fractured tooth underneath a crown may appear as visible cracks on the crown or increased tooth mobility. Pain or sensitivity to temperature changes can also be a sign of decay or an infection beneath the crown.