Is a filling the only way to protect the margin of a crowned-bridge-anchoring tooth from cavities?

Question

My dentist wants to put a filling on the margin of my tooth that is below the crown and to the gum to prevent cavities so the crown(and bridge) is not threatened. Must it be drilled and filled? Aren't there coating resolutions that would protect the tooth? The crown in question is the anchor on one side to a seven tooth bridge that replaces my front lower teeth after a car wreck. Unable to use my computer's camera for a photo. Sorry.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have gums shrink and expose roots of teeth beyond the margin of crowns and bridges, but often the situation is cleansable and won't decay.  If the gums cover the area currently, then the risk is very low (strep mutans, the bacteria involved in decay, is aerobic.  This means margins below the gums rarely decay).I would simply etch and bond the surface, but not drill/remove tooth structure, if I was trying to protect/prevent decay.  If decay is already present, I would remake the entire bridge and make the margin lower on the tooth.  The filling will eventually fail.

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:Without X-ray and photo it is difficult to give you a very accurate advice.  However, filling can be an inexpensive way of fixing a margin of a crown that is either slightly open or has very small cavity.  Best,Dr. Maddahi

Joseph H. Hidalgo, DDS · Answer

As a preventative measure placing a filling around a crown is at best "iffy". Esthetic fillings around crowns are  a compromise aesthetically. I would only place a filling around a crown if there was decay. If your dentist is finding erosion around your crown then he may feel that a filling to prevent food trapping and causing future decay is warranted. You could use a prescription strength fluoride gel around the root surface of your teeth to prevent decay instead of the filling. Discuss your concerns with your dentist and I am sure he will help you.

Vicki Borowski, DDS · Answer

It is difficult to answer your question without a photo. It is not typical to put a filling at the base of a crown just to seal it. The filling is usually done if there is decay present and your dentist is trying to buy you some time with your bridge. It sounds as if you need more information from your dentist about what is actually happening.

Is a filling the only way to protect the margin of a crowned-bridge-anchoring tooth from cavities?

Answers (4)

Answer: Filling below crown

Answer: Filling below crown

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Bridge

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is a filling the only way to protect the margin of a crowned-bridge-anchoring tooth from cavities?

Answers (4)

Answer: Filling below crown

Answer: Filling below crown

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Bridge

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.