Should I go back to the dentist to have him correct an issue where food gets stuck between two crowns or is this normal?

Question

I have two crowns on my lower back teeth where food (worse with steak/ chicken etc) always gets stuck between. When I floss, it's very hard to get the food out. The floss also catches on something on one of the crown's lower edges- like there is an overhang on the crown. Then, when I get the food out, the area is very sensitive to cold (like when I swish water around to clear the area). The dentist is aware of the part that catches on the floss, but did not seemed concerned enough to fix it.

Anthony Mobasser, DDS, DMD · Answer

Getting food stuck can cause periodontal breakdown of the bone and the gums, also can cause cavities on the roots of your teeth.You must address this as soon as possible with your dentist to avoid further breakdown!Most food can get stuck between teeth, due to pathologic migration, meaning tooth movements as the result of your bite and occlusion, in some instances bite adjustments can remedy the problem, however if food impaction continues , your dentist must close the contact between teeth, either via redoing the crown, or restoration, or in some cases orthodontic intervention,  (for patients who did finish teeth movement, had orthodontics, however they do not wear the retainers ), to prevent caries, and gum disease.

Daniel Rubinshtein, DDS · Answer

You are supposed to have a contact that helps prevent food impaction. The more you get food stuck between the teeth, it will cause your gums to start getting inflammed and become sensitive. Unless you can clean the area very well it would be best to close off the gap.

Good Luck,

Dr. Daniel Rubinshtein

Good Luck,

Dr. Daniel Rubinshtein

Gerrarda O'Beirne, BDS, MSD · Answer

The gum tissue around the tooth and the contours of the tooth/crown tends to deflect food away and prevents food from lodging there.  This is very beneficial to the long term health of both tooth and gums.  Food impaction, as its called can set up inflammation in the gum tissue possibly resulting in periodontal disease and bone loss.  The presence of food adjacent to the tooth/root surface for a prolonged period can also put the tooth at risk for decay and cavities.  In addition it is very tedious to have to keep cleaning the area out.  Let your dentist know your specific concerns and give him an opportunity to have them addressed.

Daniel B. Strader, DDS · Answer

If food gets caught between two crowns, the solution you seek is probably to replace one of the crowns.  If one or both crowns are new, the dentist should be willing to replace it at no cost to you.  If it has been a few years, then the teeth may have moved, and a partial or whole fee may apply.

Should I go back to the dentist to have him correct an issue where food gets stuck between two crowns or is this normal?

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